Abstract Catheter tubes of elastomeric material having novel lumen shapes which prevent occlusion and accommodate continued liquid flow even when kinked. Also, catheter tube slit valves are disclosed, the walls of which are not chemically weakened. Symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of said slit valves are disclosed. Combinations of highly reliable slip valves and catheter tubes are disclosed. Independently operable multi-lumen catheter assemblies of synthetic material, such as silicone rubber are disclosed, wherein the distal end of each lumen is normally closed by a three-position slit valve formed in a catheter tube covering. Multi-lumen catheters, and related methods, are also disclosed wherein the lumens are internal at the proximal and distal ends of the catheter tube but comprise separate tubes in between whereby, following placement of the distal end of the catheter tube in the body cavity of a patient, the unified proximal end of the tube is manipulated, sometimes subcutaneously, with the ultimately exposed tubes being thereafter severed and each equipped with a hub at a convenient exposed body site for selective independent passage of influent and effluent liquid along each lumen.
A catheter tube comprising wall means defining at least one fluid flow accommodating lumen, the distal end of the lumen terminating in a normally closed transversely disposed slit valve located in the wall means, the wall means further comprising an exposed exterior surface, the lumen being transversely defined by an interior surface which comprises two spaced surface-interconnected corners each closely spaced from the exterior surface and a curvilinear surface disposed remote from the corners and at a greater distance from the exterior surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
A catheter tube comprising wall means defining at least one fluid flow accommodating lumen, the distal end of the lumen terminating in a normally closed transversely disposed slit valve located in the wall means, the wall means further comprising an exposed exterior surface, the lumen being transversely defined by an interior surface which comprises two spaced surface-interconnected corners each closely spaced from the exterior surface and a curvilinear surface disposed remote from the corners and at a greater distance from the exterior surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A catheter tube according to claim 1 wherein the corners are surface-connected by a single substantially linear surface disposed substantially away from the curvilinear surface whereby at least one corner is closer to the exterior surface than any other lumen surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A catheter tube according to claim 1 wherein the lumen comprises a plurality of linear surfaces extending in different directions away from each corner, two of said linear surfaces being joined by said curvilinear surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
A catheter tube comprising at least one lumen normally closed by a slit valve at the distal end of the lumen, the cross-sectional configuration of the lumen being D-shaped with the back of the D-shape being transversely oriented toward the exterior of the catheter tube and the front of the D-shaped being oppositely transversely oriented.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
A catheter tube comprising at least one lumen normally closed by a slit valve at the distal end of the lumen, the cross-sectional configuration of the lumen being D-shaped with the back of the D-shape being transversely oriented toward the exterior of the catheter tube and the front of the D-shaped being oppositely transversely oriented.