A catheter for placement into the ventricular system of the brain or any
other member or cavity of the body of a subject comprising a flexible
elongated body having a non-circular bore, a wall thickness sufficient to
contain and transport fluid therein, a forward end and tip for insertion
into the ventricular system of the brain of a subject, and a plurality of
spaced apertures located in the forward end of the body spaced from the
tip. The apertures are configured and positioned to minimize abrasion of
brain tissue upon insertion of the catheter and to prevent tissue from
growing into the catheter apertures, thereby providing improved flow of
fluid into or from said ventricular system. The non-circular bore,
preferably triangular, provides increased structural integrity and
increased effective flow through the catheter compared to those having a
circular bore. Also methods of using such catheters are disclosed herein.
