Multi-lumen catheter

Abstract

This invention discloses devices and systems utilizing specially designed catheters. The catheter may include a tubular body having a first end and a second end. The tubular body may have an outer diameter not exceeding 9 Fr. The tubular body may define a plurality of lumens extending at least partially through the catheter (e.g., from the first end toward the second end). The first lumen may be configured to slidably receive a guidewire. The second lumen may be configured to inflate and / or deflate a first inflatable occlusion element. The third lumen may be configured to inflate and / or deflate a second inflatable occlusion element. The catheter may include a plurality of additional lumens.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 545,286, filed October 23, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to multi-lumen catheters, and more particularly to multi-lumen catheters used in devices for cardiovascular treatment. Background Technology

[0004] Devices used for circulatory support (e.g., cardiovascular therapy) can be complex, requiring multiple functionalities while also meeting the patient's biological or physical constraints, regulatory requirements, and manufacturability requirements.

[0005] If a patient's heart pumping function remains insufficient despite other medical treatments, various methods can be used to assist the circulatory system. In some cases, a flow-limiting device (which may include, for example, an inflatable balloon) can be implanted in the patient's superior vena cava (SVC) to help regulate the return of venous blood to the heart. By adjusting the flow-limiting device, the amount of blood flowing back to the heart can be controlled. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In various aspects, a catheter may be provided. The catheter may include a tubular body. The tubular body may have a first end and a second end. The tubular body may define a plurality of lumens. Each of the plurality of lumens may be separated by an inner wall. The plurality of lumens may extend partially through the catheter.

[0007] The plurality of lumens may include a first lumen. The first lumen may be configured to slidably receive a guidewire. The plurality of lumens may include a second lumen. The second lumen may be configured to inflate and / or deflate a first inflatable occlusion element. The plurality of lumens may include a third lumen. The third lumen may be configured to inflate and / or deflate a second inflatable occlusion element. The plurality of lumens may include a plurality of additional lumens.

[0008] In some implementations, the outer diameter of the tubular body may not exceed 9 Fr.

[0009] In some embodiments, each lumen may have a different cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, at least two lumens may have the same cross-sectional area.

[0010] In some implementations, the multiple lumens include five lumens. The multiple lumens may include a sixth lumen.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first lumen may have a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, only the first lumen may have a regularly shaped geometric cross-section. In some embodiments, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the material defining the tubular body may be less than 2.5 mm². 2 In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from adjacent lumens may be less than 0.2 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall may be less than 0.13 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of each inner wall may be between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of one inner wall may differ from the average thickness of at least one other inner wall. In some embodiments, the average thickness of one inner wall may be the same as the average thickness of at least one other inner wall.

[0012] In some implementations, the outer diameter of the tubular body may not exceed 7 Fr.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of additional lumens may be configured to terminate on the outer surface of the conduit at an intermediate position between a first end and a second end of the tubular body. At least one of the plurality of additional lumens may be configured to deliver fluid to the intermediate position. At least one of the plurality of additional lumens may be configured to aspirate fluid from the intermediate position.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one of a plurality of additional lumens may define a fluid-filled pressure transducer. In some embodiments, a second lumen may not be adjacent to any lumen defining a fluid-filled pressure transducer. In some embodiments, a third lumen may not be adjacent to any lumen coupled to or defining a fluid-filled pressure transducer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the catheter may not contain a lumen having a central axis coaxial with the catheter's central axis. In some embodiments, at least one of a plurality of additional lumens may define a vacuum lumen. This vacuum lumen may be operatively coupled to a first expandable occluder element or a second expandable occluder element. The vacuum lumen may not be adjacent to any lumen coupled to a fluid-filled pressure transducer or defining the fluid-filled pressure transducer.

[0016] A system may be provided in various aspects. The system may include a catheter as disclosed herein. The system may include a first expandable occlusion element operatively coupled to a second lumen. The system may also include a second expandable occlusion element operatively coupled to a third lumen.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first inflatable occlusion element may be a balloon. In some embodiments, the second inflatable occlusion element may be a balloon. The second inflatable occlusion element may have a maximum inflated diameter that may differ from the maximum inflated diameter of the first inflatable occlusion element. The first inflatable occlusion element may be attached to the outer surface of the catheter at a midpoint between the first and second ends of the catheter. The second inflatable occlusion element may be attached to the outer surface of the catheter at the second end of the catheter.

[0018] In some implementations, the system may also include a controller. The controller may be operatively coupled to the first end of the catheter. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a device with two expandable occlusive elements inside a patient.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the conduit of the device.

[0022] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a perspective view illustration of a portion of a different embodiment including a first expandable occluder element.

[0023] Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is a pressure curve over time for right atrial pressure and pressure of the occlusal element.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the system.

[0025] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the operational sequence disclosed herein, including, for example, the specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes of the various illustrated components, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and usage environment. Some features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or modified relative to other features for visualization and clear understanding. Specifically, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or for illustration. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate only the principles of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to design various arrangements that, while not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples set forth herein are explicitly intended for illustrative purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts proposed by the inventors to advance the prior art, and should be understood as not being limited to such specifically set forth examples and conditions. Additionally, unless otherwise specified (e.g., “otherwise” or “or alternatively”), the term “or” as used herein means non-exclusive or. Moreover, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments may be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0027] Many of the innovative teachings of this application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that such embodiments provide only a few examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, the statements made in the specification of this application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Furthermore, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not others. Those skilled in the art and those who have acquired knowledge through the teachings herein will recognize that the invention is also applicable to a variety of other technical fields or embodiments.

[0028] like Figure 1As seen in some cardiovascular treatments, device 100 may be at least partially deployed within the patient's body. Here, the device is shown inserted into the patient's heart 1, extending through the superior vena cava 2, right atrium 3, right ventricle 4, and into the pulmonary artery 5. The device is shown to include a catheter 105. The catheter may have a tubular body 110 having a first end 101 and a second end 102. The device is shown to have two expandable occlusive elements coupled to the catheter—a first expandable occlusive element 120 (shown here deployed in the superior vena cava at the midpoint between the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the catheter) and a second expandable occlusive element 122 (which is deployed here in the pulmonary artery at the distal end of the catheter). As will be understood, the first expandable occlusive element may be located anywhere within the patient's body. A portion 130 of the catheter extending outside the patient's body (e.g., at the entry site) may be present. As shown, multiple connectors 140 with the catheter may be required for control of the device. Here we see multiple connectors, which may include, for example, tubes 141, 142 (e.g., cannulas) for connecting a fluid source (not shown) to an expandable occlusive element; tube 143 (e.g., cannulas) for aspirating fluid from a patient via a catheter; guidewires 144, wires, or tubes 145, 146 (e.g., cannulas) for connecting to sensors in or on the device; and tube 147 (e.g., cannulas) for applying a vacuum to one or both expandable occlusive elements. As will be understood, any suitable number of connectors may be used to connect to the catheter.

[0029] Ensuring that all necessary connections can be made via catheter can be challenging, especially when the catheter diameter is small.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 It can be seen that based on Figure 1 The cross-section of the conduit is defined by the cutting plane A. The tubular body 110 may have an outer surface 201 defined by the outer wall 220. The outer diameter 205 of the tubular body may not exceed 9 Fr. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the tubular body may not exceed 7 Fr. As used herein, the term "outer diameter" refers to the maximum distance between two points on the outer surface of the tubular body; for example, if the tubular body has an elliptical cross-section, the outer diameter will be the length of the major axis of the ellipse. In some embodiments, the outer surface may have a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the outer surface may have an elliptical cross-section. In some embodiments, the outer surface may have a free-form or irregularly shaped cross-section.

[0031] The tubular body may define multiple lumens that at least partially extend through the catheter. For the purposes of this document, "at least partially extend through the catheter" may mean that each lumen may include a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the catheter. This may also mean that the lumen does not need to extend along the entire length of the catheter.

[0032] In some embodiments, the multiple lumens may include five or more lumens. For example, in some embodiments, five lumens may be present. In some embodiments, six lumens may be present. A first lumen 211 may be configured to slidably receive a guidewire. A second lumen 212 may be configured to inflate and / or deflate a first inflatable occlusion element. A third lumen 213 may be configured to inflate and / or deflate a second inflatable occlusion element. The catheter may include multiple additional lumens (e.g., a fourth lumen 214, a fifth lumen 215, and a sixth lumen 216).

[0033] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first lumen 211 may be configured to slidably receive a guidewire / PA. In some embodiments, the fifth lumen 215 and the sixth lumen may be configured to measure right atrial pressure and / or jugular venous pressure. The sixth lumen 216 may be configured to receive a fluid-filled pressure sensor. The fifth lumen 215 may also be configured to receive a fluid-filled pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the fourth lumen 214 may be configured to inflate and / or deflate the second inflatable occlusion element, or (preferably) as an infusion or aspiration line. The third lumen 213 may be configured to inflate and / or deflate the inflatable occlusion element. The second lumen 213 may be configured to inflate and / or deflate the inflatable occlusion element. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the pressure sensor and the inflatable / deflate lumen is arranged to limit the amount of crosstalk between the lumens. In some embodiments, the lumen configured to measure right atrial pressure and jugular venous pressure is not adjacent to the lumen including the float element. This arrangement may help reduce the amount of crosstalk between the pressure sensor and the float element.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may be a fluid-filled pressure transducer. This fluid-filled pressure transducer "converts" the pressure from the lumen into a pressure value that can be output to an external system or display. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may be an optical pressure sensor.

[0035] The cross-sectional area of ​​each lumen can vary depending on the specific requirements of the device. In some embodiments, each lumen may have a cross-sectional area of ​​0.1 mm. 2 With 0.5mm 2 The cross-sectional area between them. In some embodiments, each lumen may have a cross-sectional area of ​​0.125 mm. 2 With 0.475mm 2The cross-sectional area between the lumens. Each lumen may have a different cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, at least two lumens may have the same cross-sectional area. The first lumen may have a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, only the first lumen may have a regular geometric cross-section. In some embodiments, one or more angled corners 206 may be present, formed at the junction of the inner wall 222 and the outer wall 220, or between the two inner walls. In some embodiments, one or more rounded corners 207 may be present, formed at the junction of the inner wall 222 and the outer wall 220, or between the two inner walls. In some embodiments, each lumen may not contain any angled corners.

[0036] Brief reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B One or more lumens may extend only partially through the catheter. In some embodiments, the lumen may exit the catheter at one or more outlet points on the outer surface of the catheter. Figure 3A In this configuration, a filled / vacuum lumen (e.g., a second lumen 212) exits through a conduit at a first location 320. A first expandable occlusive element 120 is disposed around the outlet point. Here, the first expandable occlusive element is shown as being coupled (e.g., bonded) to the conduit at a first end 302 and a second end 304, wherein the intermediate portion 306 of the first expandable occlusive element is a portion that expands as fluid (such as air or saline fluid, which may include a contrast agent) (e.g., via the second lumen 212 and the outlet point 320) is supplied to the space volume 308 between the intermediate portion and the conduit.

[0037] exist Figure 3B In this embodiment, the filling lumen (e.g., the second lumen 212) is still shown as having an outlet point 320 at the first location. In some embodiments, at least one additional lumen (here, the fifth lumen 215) may be configured to terminate on the outer surface 201 of the conduit at an intermediate location (here, outlet point 322) between the first and second ends of the tubular body. In some embodiments, such lumens may be connected to sensors on or on the surface of the conduit. In some embodiments, such lumens may be configured to deliver fluid to or draw fluid from the intermediate location. In some embodiments, the intermediate location may be within a first expandable occluder element (as seen in Figure 4). In some embodiments, the intermediate location may be within a second expandable occluder element. In some embodiments, the intermediate location may be between the first and second expandable occluder elements.

[0038] In various embodiments, at least one additional lumen in the additional lumen may define a fluid-filled pressure transducer. Such techniques are well understood in the art.

[0039] As catheters become smaller, their inner walls can also become thinner. With thinner walls, they may become more flexible. Therefore, the use of one lumen may have a greater impact on the use of adjacent lumens. For example, in… Figure 2 In some cases, if a fifth lumen 215 is used to allow blood to flow through the lumen in a pulsating manner, using a fourth lumen 214 as a fluid-filled pressure transducer may be challenging because "crosstalk" may exist between the two lumens. In some cases, this may or may not be a problem, depending on the precise design and intended use of the lumen.

[0040] To minimize the risk of crosstalk in certain lumens, in some embodiments, the second lumen may not be adjacent to any lumen defining the fluid-filled pressure transducer. In some embodiments, the third lumen may not be adjacent to any lumen connected to or defining the fluid-filled pressure transducer. In some embodiments, neither the second nor the third lumen is adjacent to any lumen connected to or defining the fluid-filled pressure transducer.

[0041] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The graph shows the pressure over time. This graph displays the measured pressure in the lumen connected to the expandable occluder element and in the lumen configured to measure right atrial pressure. Figure 4A In this study, the measured right atrial pressure and inflatable occluder element pressure were measured in an arrangement where the right atrial pressure lumen and the inflatable occluder element lumen were adjacent. Figure 4A In this study, the measured right atrial pressure followed the trend of the occlusal element pressure. This trend in right atrial pressure indicates crosstalk between the lumens. Figure 4B In this study, right atrial pressure and occlusive element pressure were measured in an arrangement where the right atrial pressure and the expandable occlusive element were not adjacent. Figure 4B In the middle, the pressure in the right atrium does not follow the trend of the pressure in the occlusal element. Figure 4B The trend shown indicates that there is no crosstalk between the two lumens.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least one additional lumen in the additional lumen may be configured to receive one or more optical fibers. In some embodiments, the conduit may include one or more optical fibers. In some embodiments, the conduit may include multiple optical fibers. In some embodiments, one optical fiber may be present in a single lumen. In some embodiments, multiple optical fibers may be present in a single lumen.

[0043] At least one of the additional lumens may define a vacuum lumen operatively coupled to a first expandable occluder element or a second expandable occluder element. Figure 3B In the diagram, the fifth cavity 215 is shown with an outlet point 322, which is the point through which fluid (such as air) is added and / or through which the fluid is removed from the first expandable occluder element. Since vacuuming can cause the inner wall to flex, in some embodiments, the vacuum cavity may not be adjacent to any cavity coupled to or defining a fluid-filled pressure transducer.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 The cross-section of the catheter can be seen, in which the lumens are arranged neither asymmetrically nor concentrically. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the lumens within the tubular body can be bilaterally symmetrical. In some embodiments, the catheter may not contain lumens having a central axis coaxial with the central axis of the catheter (e.g., the central axis of the first lumen 211 is coaxial with the central axis defining the tubular body 110, and so is the central axis of the second lumen 212, etc.). However, given that... Figure 2 It will be understood that the central axis of one or more lumens may be parallel to the central axis of the catheter.

[0045] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material defining the tubular body (including the outer and inner walls defining various lumens) may not exceed 3 mm. 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material used for the tubular body may not exceed 2.9 mm². 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material used for the tubular body may not exceed 2.8 mm². 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material used for the tubular body may not exceed 2.7 mm². 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material used for the tubular body may not exceed 2.6 mm². 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material used for the tubular body may not exceed 2.5 mm². 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material used for the tubular body may not exceed 2.4 mm². 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material defining the tubular body can be at least 2.3 mm. 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material defining the tubular body can be at least 2.2 mm. 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material defining the tubular body can be at least 2.1 mm. 2 The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material defining the tubular body can be at least 2 mm. 2 .

[0046] In some embodiments, the average thickness 204 of the inner wall 222 separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be less than 0.2 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be less than 0.19 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be less than 0.18 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be less than 0.17 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be less than 0.16 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be less than 0.15 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be less than 0.14 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be less than 0.13 mm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the inner wall separating a lumen from an adjacent lumen may be at least 0.1 mm. In some implementations, the average thickness of each inner wall can be from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0047] In some embodiments, the average thickness of one inner wall may differ from the average thickness of at least one other inner wall. The average thickness of one inner wall may be the same as the average thickness of at least one other inner wall. In some embodiments, the average thickness 208 of the inner wall separating the first lumen from any adjacent lumen may be thicker than the average thickness 204 of any other inner wall. In some embodiments, the average thickness 208 of the inner wall separating the first lumen from any adjacent lumen may be thicker than the average thickness 204 of the inner wall separating the first additional lumen from adjacent additional lumens. In some embodiments, the average thickness 208 of the inner wall separating the first lumen from any adjacent lumen may be thicker than the average thickness 203 of the outer wall.

[0048] In some embodiments, the tubular body may be made of polyurethane. In some embodiments, the polyurethane material may be Pellethane 69D. In some embodiments, the polyurethane material may be PVC.

[0049] A system can be provided in various aspects. (See reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2The system may include embodiments of catheter 105 as disclosed herein. The system may include a first inflatable occlusive element 120 operatively coupled to a second lumen 212 of the catheter. The system may include a second inflatable occlusive element 122 operatively coupled to a third lumen 213 of the catheter. The first inflatable occlusive element may be a balloon. The second inflatable occlusive element may be a balloon. Referring to FIG4, the second inflatable occlusive element may have a maximum inflatable diameter 124 different from the maximum inflatable diameter 123 of the first inflatable occlusive element. The maximum inflatable diameter 123 of the first inflatable occlusive element may be larger than the maximum inflatable diameter 124 of the second inflatable occlusive element. The first inflatable occlusive element may be coupled to the outer surface of the catheter at a midpoint between the first and second ends of the catheter. The second inflatable occlusive element may be coupled to the outer surface of the catheter at the second end of the catheter.

[0050] The system may include a controller 400 (see Figure 4) operatively coupled to a first end 401 of the catheter. The controller may include one or more displays 410 (which may be, for example, a touchscreen display), one or more knobs or buttons 420, one or more processors 430, and one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices 440 containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate the device as designed. For example, the processor may be configured to collectively cause the device to selectively occlude, for example, the superior vena cava by inflating a first balloon for a period of time and then deflating it. Optionally, this may include repeating the inflation / deflation process at predetermined intervals.

[0051] Various modifications can be made to the systems, methods, apparatus, mechanisms, techniques, and portions thereof described herein with reference to the various accompanying drawings, and such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention. For example, while a specific order of steps or arrangement of functional elements is presented in the various embodiments described herein, various other orders / arrangements of steps or functional elements may be utilized in the context of various embodiments. Furthermore, while modifications to embodiments may be discussed individually, multiple modifications, compound modifications, etc., may be used simultaneously or sequentially in various embodiments.

[0052] Although various embodiments incorporating the teachings of this invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other variations of embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. Therefore, while the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the invention, other and additional embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Accordingly, the appropriate scope of the invention will be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A catheter, comprising: A tubular body (110) having a first end (101) and a second end (102) defining a plurality of lumens, each of the plurality of lumens being separated by an inner wall (222), the plurality of lumens extending at least partially through the conduit; and The plurality of lumens includes: A first lumen (211) is configured to slidably receive a guidewire; A second lumen (212) is configured to inflate and / or deflate the first expandable occluder element; A third lumen (213), the third lumen being configured to inflate and / or deflate the second expandable occluder element; and Multiple additional lumens; The outer diameter (205) of the tubular body (110) is not greater than 9Fr.

2. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein, Each lumen has a different cross-sectional area.

3. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein, At least two lumens have the same cross-sectional area.

4. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The plurality of lumens includes a fifth lumen (215).

5. The catheter according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of lumens includes a sixth lumen (216).

6. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first cavity (211) has a circular cross-section.

7. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Only the first lumen (211) has a regular geometric cross-section.

8. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The total cross-sectional area of ​​the material of the tubular body (110) is less than 2.5 mm. 2 .

9. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The average thickness of the inner wall (222) that separates one lumen from the adjacent lumen is less than 0.2 mm.

10. The catheter according to claim 9, wherein, The average thickness of the inner wall (222) is less than 0.13 mm.

11. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The average thickness of each inner wall (222) is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

12. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 11, wherein, The average thickness of one inner wall (222) is different from the average thickness of at least one other inner wall (222).

13. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 11, wherein, The average thickness of one inner wall (222) is the same as the average thickness of at least one other inner wall (222).

14. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The outer diameter (205) of the tubular body (110) does not exceed 7 Fr.

15. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, At least one of the plurality of additional lumens is configured to terminate on the outer surface (201) of the conduit at an intermediate position between the first end (101) and the second end (102) of the tubular body (110).

16. The catheter according to claim 15, wherein, At least one of the plurality of additional lumens is configured to deliver fluid to the intermediate location.

17. The catheter according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, At least one of the plurality of additional lumens is configured to draw fluid from the intermediate position.

18. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, At least one of the plurality of additional lumens defines a fluid-filled pressure transducer.

19. The catheter according to claim 18, wherein, The second lumen is not adjacent to any lumen of the pressure transducer that defines the fluid filling.

20. The catheter according to claim 19, wherein, The third lumen is not adjacent to any lumen connected to or defining the fluid-filled pressure transducer.

21. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, At least one of the plurality of additional cavities is configured to receive one or more optical fibers.

22. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, The catheter does not contain a lumen having a central axis coaxial with the central axis of the catheter.

23. The catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, At least one of the plurality of additional lumens defines a vacuum lumen, which is operatively coupled to either the first expandable occluder element (120) or the second expandable occluder element (122).

24. The catheter according to claim 23, wherein, The vacuum cavity is not adjacent to any cavity connected to or defining the fluid-filled pressure transducer.

25. A system comprising: The catheter according to claim 1; A first expandable occlusion element (120) is operatively connected to the second lumen (212). and A second expandable occluder element (122) is operatively connected to the third lumen (213).

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein, The first inflatable occlusion element (120) is a balloon.

27. The system according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The second inflatable occlusion element (122) is a balloon.

28. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein, The second expandable occluder element (122) has an expanded maximum diameter that is different from that of the first expandable occluder element (120).

29. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein, The first expandable occlusion element (120) is attached to the outer surface (201) of the catheter at the midpoint between the first end (101) and the second end (102) of the catheter.

30. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein, The second expandable occlusion element (122) is attached to the outer surface (201) of the catheter at the second end (102) of the catheter.

31. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 30, further comprising a controller (400) operatively coupled to the first end (101) of the conduit.

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