A multi-lumen catheter for use in a cavity having a main lumen surrounded by a wall, and at least one access lumen positioned in or on the wall, the one access lumen conveys a solution to the cavity and said main lumen. A method for treating or preventing fluid or accumulation in a body cavity including (a) aseptically inserting through an incision at an insertion site the catheter comprising a main drainage lumen surrounded by a wall and the one access lumen positioned in or on the wall, (b) securing the inserted catheter by closing the incision with a suture, (c) infusing a physiological solution through the one access lumen to dilute a drainage fluid, (d) connecting a distal end of a main drainage lumen of the catheter to a suction drainage system, and (e) applying a vacuum force to the suction drainage system to remove the diluted drainage fluid.

Full Patent: Multi-Lumen Thoracic Catheter And Uses Thereof