Abstract: A catheter hub (100) including a first port (104) and a second port (108) fluidly communicating with the first port through a first conduit (106). The first conduit (106) turns at an angle of greater than approximately 135 degrees between the first port (104) and the second port (108). The hub (100) also includes a third port (120) fluidly communicating with the second port (108) through a second conduit (122) that similarly turns at an angle of greater than approximately 135 degrees between the third port (120) and the second port (108). Further, the hub (100) includes a fourth port (130) fluidly communicating with the second port (108) and is generally co-axial therewith. A catheter assembly (150) that utilizes the catheter hub (100) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A co-axial catheter assembly (100) including a first lumen (110) having a first distal end (114) and a first proximal end (112), and a second lumen (120) having a second distal end (124) and a second proximal end (122). The second lumen (120) extends co-axially with the first lumen (110), wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen and the second distal end extends distally of the first distal end. The second distal end (124) includes a distal tip (130) and a bulbous projection (240) disposed between the distal tip and the first distal end. A method of inserting the catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular guidewire introducer device (10) having a needle (52), a bulb (16), and a valve subassembly (100) through which a guidewire (14) is insertable for vascular guidewire insertion into a blood vessel (12) of a patient. The valve subassembly (100) includes a proximal fitting (102), a proximal cap (106), and a valve arrangement (104) disposed within a valve seat (118) defined by one of the fitting and the cap. The valve arrangement includes distal and proximal disc-shaped valve members (122,126) having centered slits (124,128) therethrough, and a spacer (130) disposed between the valve members. A method is disclosed for precisely centering the slits of the valve members during assembly and for retaining the valve members in their precisely centered positions in the valve seat. The valve arrangement permits use with a wide range of guidewire diameters.

Abstract: A clip (100) for releasably retaining a conduit (140) including a first base portion (102), a second base portion (104), and a hinge (106) connecting the first base portion to the second base portion. A generally arcuate first connector portion (110) has a first connected end (112) extending from the first base portion and a first free end (114). The first free end includes a first tabbed extension (116) and a first locking portion (118) adjacent to the first tabbed extension. A generally arcuate second connector portion (120) has a second connected end (122) extending from the second base portion and a second free end (124). The second free end includes a second tabbed extension (126) and a second locking portion (128) adjacent to the second tabbed extension. The first connector portion (110) and the second connector portion (120) are juxtaposed from each other across the hinge(106).

Abstract: A catheter insertion sheath assembly (100) including a tubular sheath body (106) having a proximal end (102), a distal end (104), and a hollow passage (107) extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A handle portion (110,114) is disposed at the proximal end of the tubular sheath. A clamp (120;300;400) extends from the handle portion for releasably closing the sheath prior to insertion of a catheter thereinto and includes a relatively movable portion (130) or portions (310,310?;410,410?) that is or are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, when the clamp is in the open position, fluid may flow through the hollow passage between the proximal end and the distal end and when the clamp is in the closed position, fluid flow is restricted through the hollow passage between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: A removable hub (100) for a catheter (170) including a lower portion (110) having a lower proximal end (114), a lower distal end (112), and a lower channel (116, 118, 120) extending between the lower proximal end and the lower distal end. The catheter hub (100) further includes an upper portion (130) having an upper proximal end (134), an upper distal end (132), and an upper channel (136,138,140) extending between the upper proximal end and the upper distal end. The catheter hub (100) further includes a hinge (150) connecting the lower portion and the upper portion and a lock (152a, 152b, 156a, 156b) for releasably securing the lower portion and the upper portion to each other, distal from the hinge. When the lower portion is releasably secured to the upper portion, the lower channel and the upper channel form a passageway (182, 184, 186).

Abstract: A clip (100) for retaining a catheter hub (160) to a patient. The clip includes a base (110) having a first surface (112) and a second surface (114) juxtaposed from the first surface. The clip also includes a first prong (122) extending from the first surface for retaining a first suture loop (162) of the catheter hub (160) to the base (110) and a second prong (142) extending from the first surface for retaining a second suture loop (164) of the catheter hub to the base. A method for clipping a catheter hub to a patient is also disclosed, wherein a clip base is secured to the patient, and a catheter hub is pressed onto the clip and locked to the clip by suture loops of the hub being locked by respective securing sections of the clip in a manner permitting unsecuring the hub from the clip for removal.

Abstract: A subcutaneous cover for insertion within a body of a user is disclosed. The cover is adapted to extend over at least a portion of a medical device disposed within the body of the user, and wherein the cover is dissolvable in the body of the user. Further, a method of subcutaneously inserting the cover into the body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter insertion sheath is disclosed. The sheath includes a tubular sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a hollow passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A handle portion is disposed at the proximal end of the tubular sheath. A clamp extends from the handle portion for releasably closing the sheath. The clamp is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, when the clamp is in the open position, fluid may flow through the hollow passage between the proximal end and the distal end and when the clamp is in the closed position, fluid flow is restricted through the hollow passage between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: A catheter tunneling device is disclosed. The device includes a proximal portion including a proximal tip, a distal end, and an elongated body extending between the proximal tip and the distal end. The device further includes a distal portion including a generally elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the distal end and the proximal end. The proximal end of the distal portion is connected to the distal end of the proximal portion. The distal end of the distal portion comprises a connection means for connecting a plurality of catheter lumens thereto. A method of subcutaneously tunneling a catheter under a patient's skin using the tunneling device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamp for releasably clamping a catheter is disclosed. The clamp includes a body having a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge connecting the first portion and the second portion, such that the first portion is disposable to face the second portion. The first portion includes a tab extending distal from the hinge and wherein the second portion includes a locking means for releasably locking the tab to the second portion. A method of releasably clamping a plurality of catheter lumens during catheter insertion and a method of locating a catheter insertion distance based on the location of the clamp are also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable hub for a catheter is disclosed. The catheter hub includes a lower portion having a lower proximal end, a lower distal end, and a lower channel extending between the lower proximal end and the lower distal end. The catheter hub further includes an upper portion having an upper proximal end, an upper distal end, and an upper channel extending between the upper proximal end and the upper distal end. The catheter hub further includes a hinge connecting the lower portion and the upper portion and a lock for releasably securing the lower portion and the upper portion to each other, distal from the hinge. When the lower portion is releasably secured to the upper portion, the lower channel and the upper channel form a passageway.

Abstract: A multiple catheter assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first catheter having a first proximal end region, a first distal end region terminating in a first distal tip, and an outer surface defining at least a first lumen extending longitudinally therethrough between a first distal and a first proximal opening. The assembly also includes a second catheter having a second proximal end region, a second distal end region terminating in a second distal tip, and a second outer surface defining at least a second lumen extending longitudinally therethrough between a second distal and a second proximal opening. The first lumen and the second lumens are independent from each other for facilitating simultaneous flow in opposite directions. The outer surfaces of the first and second catheters are releasably joined for allowing the first and second distal tips and first and second proximal end regions to be at least partially longitudinally split from each other.

Abstract: A subcutaneous cover for insertion within a body of a user is disclosed. The cover is adapted to extend over at least a portion of a medical device disposed within the body of the user, and wherein the cover is dissolvable in the body of the user. Further, a method of subcutaneously inserting the cover into the body is also disclosed.

Abstract: An advancer for advancing a guide wire includes a distal portion having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The distal portion is capable of straightening the guide wire. The advancer further includes a proximal portion having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough and a central portion having first and second curved surface members which extend between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The curved surface members define an opening therebetween to provide access for a user's thumb and finger to advance a guide wire through the advancer. Also disclosed is a guide wire advancer assembly which includes the advancer and a guide wire storage tube. The tube has an outer diameter which is substantially the same as an inner diameter of the proximal portion and which has the guide wire enclosed within the storage tube.

Abstract: A catheter guide wire introducing device for aspiration of a body part and insertion of a guide wire into the body part is provided. The catheter guide wire introducing device includes a flexible bulb. A fitting is located on the first end of the bulb. The fitting includes an internal chamber and first and second axially aligned passageways in fluid communication with the chamber. A third passageway is provided in fluid communication between the chamber and the interior of the cavity of the flexible bulb. An introducer needle having first and second ends and a lumen is provided. The first end of the needle is connected to the fitting such that the first passageway is in fluid communication with the lumen. A conduit having first and second ends and a passageway extending therethrough is also provided. The conduit is axially aligned with the introducer needle. The first end of the conduit is connected to the fitting such that the conduit passageway is in fluid communication with the second passageway.

Abstract: A subcutaneous tunnelling device, a dilator and a method of forming a subcutaneous tunnel are provided. The device includes a trocar having a front end with a point configured for piercing skin, and a dilator which has a front end removably attached to the rear end of the trocar. The dilator is for dilating a section of a subcutaneous tunnel and includes a dilating section having a maximum diameter sized for dilating an interior surface of a subcutaneous tunnel for seating a catheter stabilizing cuff in the subcutaneous tunnel. The method of forming a subcutaneous tunnel includes the steps of inserting a trocar through a first location on a cutaneous surface and moving the trocar through subcutaneous tissue to form a subcutaneous tunnel. The trocar is at least partially removed and a front end of a dilator is attached to the trocar. A section of the tunnel is dilated by moving the dilator partially through the tunnel until the front end of the dilator reaches a first subcutaneous location in the tunnel.

Abstract: Locatable devices are provided for subcutaneously securing a catheter in an area to be catheterized. In addition, methods for securing a catheter in a subcutaneous location are also provided. In one embodiment, the device comprises two releasably lockable arcuate members interconnected by a hinge. The ends of the arcuate members move with respect to one another from a closed position in which the side surfaces of the arcuate members are coupled in a facing relationship forming a tubular base with a longitudinal passage for receiving a catheter, to an open position in which the ends of the arcuate members are uncoupled and at least partially spaced from each other. Each member is fastened to an end of a connecting material. The connecting material has a length such that it extends within the passage and forms a tightened loop around a catheter inserted within the device.

Abstract: Locatable devices are provided for subcutaneously securing a catheter in an area to be catheterized. In addition, methods for securing a catheter in a subcutaneous location are also provided. In one embodiment, the device comprises two releasably lockable arcuate members interconnected by a hinge. The ends of the arcuate members move with respect to one another from a closed position in which the side surfaces of the arcuate members are coupled in a facing relationship forming a tubular base with a longitudinal passage for receiving a catheter, to an open position in which the ends of the arcuate members are uncoupled and at least partially spaced from each other. Each member is fastened to an end of a connecting material. The connecting material has a length such that it extends within the passage and forms a tightened loop around a catheter inserted within the device.

Abstract: A coaxial configured dual lumen catheter for hemodialysis treatment and the like comprising an outer extraction lumen having an inner return lumen disposed therein configured to be coupled between a patient and a dialysis device, the outer extraction lumen and the inner return lumen are similarly configured to cooperatively form a proximal section coupled to the dialysis device, an arcuate intermediate section and a distal section to be placed into the patient wherein the cross-sectional area of the outer extraction lumen and inner return lumen in the arcuate section is greater than the cross-sectional area of the outer extraction lumen and the inner return lumen in the distal section to compensate for the increase in friction and turbulence created by the arcuate configuration and thereby more evenly distribute fluid flow pressure through the dual lumen catheter.