| abstract |
The invention provides a dual lumen vascular access catheter having a compact connection structure free of flexible tubing and including valves providing a visual indication of the status of the valves and hence of the catheter. The catheter includes a flexible main body defining first and second lumens and extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends, and a relatively rigid compact connection structure is coupled directly to the main body at the proximal end of the main body. The connection structure includes a housing defining the first and second channels which extend from the first and second lumens in communication with these lumens for providing flow between the lumens and external equipment. First and second valves in the housing are positioned in the respective first and second channels in fixed relationship one with the other. The valves include respective external operators for selectively opening and closing the channels as required and the operators are positioned to be clearly visible when the catheter is in use so that the catheter presents a compact external appearance when inserted in a patient and also provides ready inspection of the status of the valves and hence of the catheter for improved convenience and safety. |