| abstract |
The invention concerns a novel catheter for placement in an artery, vein or fistula vessel of a patient, through which blood may be withdrawn or delivered to the patient, which comprises a catheter wall, the inside surface of which defines a lumen having a cross-sectional area in a proximal end region of the catheter which is larger than the cross-sectional area of the lumen defined in a distal end region of the catheter, at least one opening being provided in the wall of the catheter in the region of its distal end through which blood may be passed. n Various catheter assemblies employing a catheter such as described above are disclosed. |