Multi-valve catheter for improved reliability

Abstract

A novel apparatus for a catheter for use in aspirating and/or infusing fluids into a patient. The catheter, having a proximal end and a distal end, comprises a plurality of valves in the walls of the catheter comprised of relatively soft material while maintaining a predetermined degree of structural integrity at the catheter tip. The plurality of valves are radially distributed in offset relation around the distal end of the catheter such that no two valves lie in any one radial plane. Similarly, the plurality of valves are longitudinally separated or offset in their placement at relatively short, but differentiated, distances from the distal end of the catheter such that no two valves lie in any one axial plane. The radial and longitudinal separation of the valves helps avoid structrual weakness in the catheter, particularly at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter may be a single-lumen catheter, or a multi-lumen catheter. The plurality of valves are comprised of a primary valve constructed to be preferably operable during infusion and/or aspiration, and at least one secondary valve which operates as a surrogate should the primary valve become partially or totally occluded. The catheter enables repeated infusion and/or aspiration over a period of time. The present invention also includes methods for using and manufacturing the catheter by following certain steps.