Advanced dialysis catheter with pressure sensor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hemodialysis catheter that can monitor intravascular pressure using a MEMS sensor. The hemodialysis catheter comprises a venous lumen, an atrial lumen, and at least one MEMS system sensor. The hemodialysis catheter also comprises a data acquisition and processing system. The hemodialysis catheter can communicate with a monitor system to display pressure data.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hemodialysis catheter comprising:
 an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, a first tubular component and a second tubular component;   wherein the first tubular component and second tubular component extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the elongate member;   wherein the second tubular component extends a further distance at the distal end of the hemodialysis catheter than does the first tubular component;   a microelectricalmechanical system sensor disposed proximate to a distal end of the second tubular component and positionable, when the hemodialysis catheter is in use for hemodialysis, to continuously measure internal venous blood pressure;   a connector hub at the proximal end of the elongate member; and   at least one access line affixed to the connector hub in communication with at least a portion of the elongate member.   
     
     
         2 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the first tubular component and the second tubular component comprise two halves of a single extrusion. 
     
     
         3 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the first tubular component comprises at least one lumen for blood flow out of the patient. 
     
     
         4 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 3 , wherein second tubular member comprises at least a first lumen and a second lumen, wherein the first lumen is designated for blood returning to the patient and the second lumen is designated for the microelectricalmechanical system sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the microelectricalmechanical system sensor comprises a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 1 , further comprising radio opaque markers, wherein at least one radio opaque marker designates the location of the microelectricalmechanical system sensor on the elongate member. 
     
     
         7 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one lumen of the first tubular component and the first lumen of the second tubular component comprise an ovoid shape. 
     
     
         8 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the microelectricalmechanical system sensor comprises a wire that extends to an access line. 
     
     
         9 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 8 , further comprising a data acquisition, processing, and display system. 
     
     
         10 . The hemodialysis catheter of  claim 9 , wherein the data acquisition, processing, and display system are connected to and in communication with the microelectricalmechanical system sensor via the access line.