| abstract |
The present invention relates to a catheter that minimizes or eliminates the recirculation of oxygenated blood. The catheter of the present invention can be used to drain blood from multiple points in the patient, namely the superior vena cava, right atrium, and the right ventricle, while returning blood to the patient's pulmonary artery. Further, the catheter of the present invention is less likely to be moved or dislodged than catheters currently available in the art, thus making the catheter particularly useful for portable lung assist devices. The present invention also relates to methods for inserting the catheter into the patient and using the catheter with a lung assist device. |