| abstract |
A multi-lumen catheter defined by at least two separate tip sections distal to a dividing point includes strategic placement of openings in the tip sections to facilitate fluid flow and minimize typical problems associated with catheters. In a multi-lumen catheter having tip sections with a releasably joined or splittable region, the bond strength between the tip sections is varied along their length such that an increasing separation force is required to separate the tip sections from one another distal to the dividing point. Delivery of a multi-lumen catheter is improved with respect to both sheathed and non-sheathed delivery methods, in which a friction reducing structure is provided on either the catheter, delivery sheath or both to provide a buffer for a sheathed delivery and in which a unique guidewire aperture or additional lumen is provided in at least one of the tip sections for a non-sheathed delivery. |