A multi-lumen catheter defined by at least two separate tip sections
distal to a dividing point includes strategic placement of openings in
the tip sections to facilitate fluid flow and minimize typical problems
associated with catheters. In a multi-lumen catheter having tip sections
with a releasably joined or splittable region, the bond strength between
the tip sections is varied along their length such that an increasing
separation force is required to separate the tip sections from one
another distal to the dividing point. Delivery of a multi-lumen catheter
is improved with respect to both sheathed and non-sheathed delivery
methods, in which a friction reducing structure is provided on either the
catheter, delivery sheath or both to provide a buffer for a sheathed
delivery and in which a unique guidewire aperture or additional lumen is
provided in at least one of the tip sections for a non-sheathed delivery.