Double perfusion catheter

Claim 1

A double perfusion catheter for insertion, over its entire length, in the vena cava during isolated perfusion of the liver, said catheter comprising two individual tubes extending generally in parallel relationship and being solidly attached to each other, namely a first tube (1) in the form of a splint catheter tube, and a second tube (3) carried by, and having a shorter length and a smaller diameter than, said first tube (1), said first tube (1) having a rear opening, a shunt tube (2) laterally branching off from said first tube (1) at a point spaced forwardly from said rear opening, a tapered front opening (6), and at least one lateral opening (4) on the side of said first tube (1) generally opposite the side on which said second tube (3) is carried, said second tube (3) having a tapered front opening (5) at a point rearwardly of the front opening of said first tube (1), and having a rear portion which is open at its end and extends laterally away from the first-mentioned side of said first tube (1), and said lateral opening(s) (4) in said first tube (1) being located at a distance of from 40 to 60 mm from the center of the point of junction of said shunt tube (2) with said first tube (1), such that upon full insertion of said catheter into the vena cava during isolated perfusion of the liver, isolated withdrawal of blood from the liver through said second tube (3) in a rearward direction is made possible while, at the same time, circulation of blood, from said shunt tube (2) as well as from said lateral opening(s) (4), and thence through said first tube (1) in a forward direction remains insured.