Abstract: An integrated vascular delivery system having a frame configured to receive a catheter insertable in a patient to deliver fluid at an insertion site. The frame includes a first hub, a second hub, and a pair of flexible lateral members extending between the hubs and including a tubular lateral member. The system also includes a fluidic channel that fluidically communicates with the catheter, wherein the fluidic channel passes through the tubular lateral member and at least one of the hubs, and includes a fixed turnabout portion in which fluid flows in a direction different from that within the catheter. The first and second hubs provide anchoring points on the patient distributed around the insertion site and on opposite ends of the catheter, thereby anchoring the frame to the patient and stabilizing the catheter. A method is provided for using an integrated vascular delivery system.

Abstract: Provided is a system, a device, a cassette for use therein and method for suturing two tissue sections, for example two sections of a tissue, by using a plurality of consecutively-arranged anchoring units.

Abstract: The processes for inserting fluid under the skin of a patient using a safety syringe assembly include initially locating an up-alignment marker. The marker is aligned with a bevel in the needle of the safety syringe assembly so the orientation of the needle bevel is always known by the medical professional, even when the needle bevel cannot be seen. The needle is inserted bevel up prior to insertion. Once inserted, the medical professional inverts the safety syringe assembly so that the bevel is down. This is done by merely flicking the wrist of the hand holding the safety syringe assembly. This prevents splash back of any body fluids from the patient to the medical professional. The same safety syringe assembly and the same process are used for withdrawing fluids from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall, the aperture having an external opening in an external region of the vessel wall and an internal opening in an internal region of the vessel wall. The device includes a covering member positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. First and second retainers are positionable external of the vessel and have a tip of a smaller transverse dimension and facing in a direction toward the covering member for advancement toward the covering member. A flexible connecting member operatively connects the covering member and the first retainer and moves the first retainer toward the covering member.

Abstract: A deployment instrument for deploying a closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway, the deployment instrument including a carrier assembly, wherein the carrier assembly is configured to hold the closure device in a pre-deployment state, and a tensioner assembly, wherein the filament is fixedly attached to the tensioner assembly, wherein the deployment instrument is configured to increase the tension in the filament upon linear movement of the deployment instrument away from the wall of the body passageway when the closure device is anchored to the wall via the anchor such that the tension is gradually increased as the deployment instrument is moved between a first linear distance and a second linear distance greater than the first linear distance from the wall of the body passageway.

Abstract: Insertion System (2) and an Insertion kit is disclosed, the Insertion System comprising a housing (4) with a wall (6) defining a cavity (8), an actuator element (10), a first part (12) and a second part (14), the first part comprising a subcutaneous element (16) and a first base element (18) with at least one base plate engagement element (20), the second part comprising a needle hub (22) and at least one Insertion needle (24) secured to the needle hub with the second part movably arranged from a first position to a second position relative to the housing along an Insertion axis (X), wherein the housing comprises at least one first coupling element (28) for releasably securing the Insertion System to an inserter device, and wherein the actuator element comprises an outer part (32) external to the housing such that manual actuation of the actuator element in relation to the housing is enabled.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture and having a first opening. A first retainer is positionable external of the vessel. A flexible connecting member operatively connects the covering member and the first retainer, wherein the first opening of the covering member is configured to restrict movement of the connecting member.

Abstract: A medical material delivery device includes a shaft having a lumen that receives a therapeutic agent, and can include a guide having a channel for receiving a medical instrument adapted for positioning in conjunction with a bodily part. An expandable member positioned in conjunction with the guide is adapted for communication with the bodily part and is arranged to burst open when the expandable member is disrupted by a disrupting mechanism to deliver the therapeutic agent to the bodily part. Further embodiments include a medical instrument and an expandable member in conjunction with the medical instrument to burst or leak to deliver a therapeutic agent. The medical material delivery device can include a bodily fluid locator attached with the device, as well as can include a second expandable member to inflate and deflate to localize a bodily part, with a first expandable member bursting to deliver a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An access port for introduction of a cannulated needle tip into an IV tube set includes a rigid tubular housing and a resilient member disposed within an inlet of the housing. The resilient member includes a proximal face exposed to an exterior of the rigid housing and a distal face disposed within the rigid housing. An axial perforation extends through the resilient member, and is normally closed by a resilient character of the resilient member. A depression is defined in the proximal face of the resilient member, and includes sidewalls extending between the proximal face and the axial perforation to guide the needle cannula tip toward the axial perforation as a needle cannula associated with the needle cannula tip is introduced into the access port.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for devices configured to secure medical lines. A securing frame is configured to receive and secure at least one line couplings. The at least one line coupling is be configured to at least partially surround an intravenous such that the intravenous line is secured in an aperture of the line coupling. The line couplings can be detachably attached to a portion of the securing frame, for example, between concave portions of an upper arm and a lower arm, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm together comprise a latching mechanism. As a result, the securing frame can be latched to further secure the at least one intravenous line. The stability and control provided by the line securing device prevents movement of the intravenous line and/or needle relative to an insertion point on a patient, thereby preventing patient injury.

Abstract: A catheter connector and method of use is disclosed. The catheter connector includes a body, a proximal end port, and a seal. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the body defines a hollow interior from the proximal end to the distal end. The hollow interior is configured to receive a catheter at least partially therethrough. The proximal end port includes a cavity and is configured with the proximal end of the body for mating communication with a fluid delivery device, such as a pump, reservoir, syringe, or the like. This port may have any conventional configuration, such as a Luer-lock fitting. The seal is configured within the interior of the body and includes a passage configured for receipt of the catheter. In addition, at least a portion of the seal is configured within the cavity of the proximal end port. Further, the seal is configured to compress around the catheter so as to axially secure the catheter within the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vessel configured to apply pressure greater than ambient pressure and/or provide a reduced headspace to a sample, while subject to focused acoustic treatment. Such treatment may generally result in enhanced effects of sterilization and/or other processing than if the sample is otherwise treated under ambient conditions. The sample may be a medicament that is sterilized under pressure using focused acoustic energy, where the sterilized sample is subsequently delivered to a patient. A fluid delivery cartridge may include a vessel having a transfer end opposite a plunger end. The transfer end may include a sealed cover. A plunger may be movably disposed in the vessel to accommodate entry of a liquid via piercing of the sealed cover. Upon processing (e.g., sterilizing) of the sample with focused acoustic energy, the sample may be appropriately dispensed through the pierced sealed cover.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for treating a cavity in a human body, the apparatus including a delivery tube. A bather device has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the barrier device moving from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration upon being deployed from the delivery tube. A pushing element, slidably disposed within a lumen of the delivery tube, is configured to deploy the barrier device from the delivery tube by pushing the bather device. One or more bather-deployment elements are coupled to the barrier device and to the pushing element, the bather-deployment elements being configured to conformingly contact the barrier device with tissue surrounding the cavity. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method of placing a catheter into a patient while preventing disadvantageous escape of fluid from the patient comprises providing a catheter secured to a valve hosing. The catheter has a proximal end, a distal end and an interior lumen. The valve housing has a first port, a second port, and a fluid path running between the first and second ports. The catheter and the valve housing have a hollow needle extending therethrough. The method further comprises piercing the patient's skin, thereby inserting the catheter into the patient. The method further comprises holding the catheter and valve housing in place while removing the hollow needle through the catheter and valve housing. The hollow needle passes through the first and second ports of the valve housing.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for localized drug delivery. In at least one embodiment of a method of localized drug delivery, the method comprises the steps of placing a resorbable device within a tube, introducing the tube within a mammalian body at or near a tissue and/or organ within the mammalian body, and anchoring the resorbable device to the tissue and/or organ. Devices and systems useful for performing such a method are also disclosed herein, wherein an exemplary device comprises at least one drug release portion having at least one drug to be released over time and a binder intermixed with the at least one drug, and at least one resorbable anchor portion coupled to the at least one drug release portion.

Abstract: A medical infusion device including a chamber characterized by an upper body joined to a lower body by a reversibly collapsible sidewall, affixed to the upper body is a downward extending needle, wherein the upper body having two channels, the first channel fluidly coupled to the needle and the second channel fluidly coupled to the interior of the chamber, further wherein each channel is configured to receive fluid from outside of the chamber, the lower body comprising a pierceable barrier that can be pierced by the needle; wherein the chamber has a collapsed state and an expanded state, the collapsed state characterized as the sidewall being collapsed and the needle piercing entirely through the pierceable barrier, the expanded state characterized as the needle less than entirely piercing through the pierceable barrier and the chamber capable of retaining a fluid.

Abstract: A medical infusion device including a chamber characterized by an upper body joined to a lower body by a reversibly collapsible sidewall, affixed to the upper body is a downward extending needle, wherein the upper body having two channels, the first channel fluidly coupled to the needle and the second channel fluidly coupled to the interior of the chamber, further wherein each channel is configured to receive fluid from outside of the chamber, the lower body comprising a pierceable barrier that can be pierced by the needle; wherein the chamber has a collapsed state and an expanded state, the collapsed state characterized as the sidewall being collapsed and the needle piercing entirely through the pierceable barrier, the expanded state characterized as the needle less than entirely piercing through the pierceable barrier and the chamber capable of retaining a fluid.

Abstract: An on-body injector and method of use including an on-body injector for use with an injection device. The on-body injector includes a bolus reservoir; a bolus injection needle in fluid communication with the bolus reservoir, the bolus injection needle having a bolus injection needle tip aligned with the injection port, the bolus injection needle being slideably biased away from the injection port to define a gap between the bolus injection needle tip and the injection port; and a button operably connected to the bolus injection needle to slide the bolus injection needle along the injection axis. The button is operable to advance the bolus injection needle tip to close the gap and advance the bolus injection needle tip into the injection port. The button is further operable to advance a plunger through the bolus reservoir to deliver a predetermined bolus volume to the patient through the injection flow path.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system of a subject is described. The apparatus comprises at least one intracranial catheter and a percutaneous access device. The percutaneous access device comprises a body having at least one extracorporeal surface and at least one subcutaneous surface, the body defining at least one port for connection to an implanted intracranial catheter. The port is accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the device, but is provided with a seal such as a rubber bung between the lumen of the port and the extracorporeal surface. The percutaneous access device may have more than two ports and/or a flange. A method of implanting the percutaneous access device is also described.

Abstract: A laparoscopic port assembly includes a cannula unit including three cannulas each extending at an acute angle relative to a base. The cannulas are flexible for receiving respective angulated laparoscopic instruments. The cannula unit is rotatingly received in a port holder for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the holder, the holder being disposable in an opening in a patient's skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antiseptic cap for use with an access site having a housing with a wall defining a chamber, the wall having a set of threads on an inner surface of the wall; and an access site contacting surface associated with the housing having an antiseptic substance for contacting a surface of the access site. The present invention also provides an antiseptic cap equipped plunger assembly wherein an antiseptic cap is retained within a housing of the plunger.

Abstract: An access port for the introduction of a needle cannula tip into an IV tube set includes a rigid tubular housing and a resilient member disposed adjacent an inlet of the housing. The resilient member includes an axial perforation extending through the resilient member, and is normally closed by a resilient character of the resilient member. A depression is defined in a proximal face of the resilient member, and includes sidewalls extending between the proximal face and the axial perforation to guide the needle cannula tip toward the axial perforation as a needle cannula associated with the needle cannula tip is introduced into the access port.

Abstract: A surgical seal assembly, includes a seal housing defining a longitudinal housing axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough, a seal having an inner seal portion defining a passage and being adapted to form a substantial seal about a surgical instrument disposed within the passage and a guide mounted to the seal housing. The guide has an inner guide portion proximal of the inner seal portion of the seal and spaced therefrom. The inner guide portion defines a channel adapted to generally direct the surgical instrument toward the inner seal portion of the seal upon entry of the surgical instrument within the longitudinal opening of the seal housing. The inner guide portion is relatively compliant to accommodate initial offset or angled entry of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An artificial blood has a trunk portion with both ends connected to blood vessels, and access branch portions and a shunt branch portion branched from the trunk portion. The access branch portions are disposed with a solid column-shaped access port that plugs these branch portions. The access port has a solid center portion and a tube-shaped peripheral portion disposed to surround the center portion. The peripheral portion is harder than the center portion and prevents the needle from deviating from the inside of the center portion. This enables a puncture to be easily made in a therapy in which a puncture is highly frequently made in a blood vessel.

Abstract: A method and medical pump to perform a flushing procedure are provided. The medical pump is configured to execute the flushing procedure subsequent to an infusion procedure, the flushing procedure and infusion procedure lacking a specified relationship between each other until after performance of the infusion procedure. The method comprises performing an infusion procedure of a medicament with the medical pump and automatically querying in human detectable form whether to execute a flushing procedure in response to conclusion of the infusion procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a catheter to an implantable port are disclosed. The system includes a collar having a catheter gripping protrusion and a port lock cavity. A port having an outlet stem with a constant cross-sectional profile is utilized. The collar is configured to mate with a port lock protrusion connected to the port.

Abstract: Implantable access device for removal and/or return of fluids to a patient, comprising a casing attached to an internal conduit to be connected with a lumen of the patient; a connector attached at the casing and connected to an external conduit, and arranged for attachment of an extracorporeal lumen to the device; and an actuator unit within the casing to selectively allow or block the fluid communication between the internal conduit and the external conduit; the device further comprising a fixation unit integrated in or attached at the casing arranged for fixation of the device to a bone of the patient; wherein the fixation unit extends axially along the longitudinal axis of the device. The disclosed access device can be used for high volume removal and/or return of blood or other fluids from the patient.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, a medical device may include a dilation device. The dilation device may include an expandable member configured to extend at least partially into an opening in tissue. The expandable member may also be configured to expand the opening when the expandable member moves from an unexpanded state to an expanded state. The dilation device may also include one or more markings on the expandable member. The one or more markings may be configured to provide a visual indication of a characteristic of the opening in the tissue when the expandable member extends at least partially into the opening. The medical device may also include a feeding device configured to extend at least partially into the opening in the tissue. At least a portion of the dilation device may be configured to be received within the feeding device.

Abstract: A number of parameters related to the operation of a fluid delivery device are determined based on a pressure within the device sensed using a pressure sensor. In one example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from a reservoir of a fluid delivery device is determined based on a sensed pressure of the reservoir. In another example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from the reservoir is determined based on a sensed pressure of a refill port assembly of the device. In another example, an initial temperature of the reservoir as a therapeutic fluid is removed from the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device. In another example, a temperature of a therapeutic fluid added to the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device, a tether, and an adapter for securing a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors.

Abstract: Patients continue to acquire infections from healthcare facilities such as hospitals at an alarming rate. These infections can be transmitted when drugs or other medical materials are delivered from a syringe system into an IV line through an IV port. Some current methods of preventing contamination include swabbing the syringe with alcohol or using disposable alcohol caps; however, these methods are often inefficient. A system is described using caps that cover the entry and exit points of the IV port and the syringe system, respectively. The caps can be temporarily displaced from the entry and exit points when a sufficient force is applied to an area far enough away from the entry and exit points so as to prevent contamination. Once the caps are displaced, the syringe system can interact with the IV port using a locking mechanism such as luer locks to ensure the stability of the connection.

Abstract: Syringe assemblies comprising a disinfecting reservoir collar to ensure adherence to aseptic techniques for use in flush procedures for vascular access devices (VAD's) are described. The syringe assemblies include a plunger rod, a syringe barrel, and a reservoir collar that permits disinfection of a hub of a VAD connector upon connection to the reservoir collar. Also described are methods of disinfecting vascular access devices.

Abstract: The device infuses a compound subcutaneously or intradermally over an extended period of time. The delivery is from a conventional prefilled syringe with a staked cannula with the device adhered to the injection site and the syringe positioned substantially parallel to the injection site. The cannula is formed by a mechanism integral to the device to provide the cannula distal section substantially perpendicular to the syringe axis. The compound delivery is based on springs or other mechanisms. The approach offers a low cost mechanical system for the infusion of high volume, viscous compounds. The activation of the patch infuser required a few simple steps by the user. A single lever is used to trigger all device functions.

Abstract: A capsule configured for in vivo refilling of a therapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, the capsule may contain methotrexate.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming an at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a bio-compatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an polyfluorocarbon.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention an automated injection device may be loaded with a standard type syringe and/or hypodermic needle. Optionally the syringe may be supplied loaded with medicine and/or covered with a sterile needle cover. The syringe may be loaded into the injector with in a sterile state with needle cover in place. Injector may include for example a fastener (for example an adhesive base). In some embodiments, the fastener may assist a user to hold injector steady on the skin of a patient for an extended period. For example, injector may be used to give injections of volume ranging between 0.5 and 3.0 ml over a time period ranging between 30 sec to 180 sec.

Abstract: Anchors for securing a therapy device such as a therapy catheter relative to a burr hole, and systems and methods for using the same. Anchors in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a connector for securing the therapy catheter to a delivery catheter, wherein the connector is independently and removably attachable to the anchor. The connector may secure the therapy catheter relative to the burr hole and isolate forces that may otherwise tend to disrupt the placement of the therapy catheter.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes a cap having a delivery port in fluid communication with the inlet portal and a channel for receiving the cannula therein, and a distal tip.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an integrated syringe-device which can store a volume of fluid for infusion, can connect via an air-tight connector to another device (such as a luer connector), can flush fluid through the connector into the other device, and can deliver a cap that forms an air-tight closure to the device connector.

Abstract: The assembly is generally tubular and comprises a female connector portion comprising a cannula adapted to receive a male connector, the female connector portion comprising one or more septum units. Each of the septum units comprises slits and flaps. The flaps, when in a closed position, substantially close the cannula. The septum units are positioned adjacent to one another in a “back to back” orientation such that the first septum slits are transverse to the corresponding second septum slits such that the slits of the first septum are supported by flaps of the second septum and slits of the second septum are supported by flaps of the first septum.

Abstract: A method of providing a fluid communication path to an implanted device. The method includes positioning at least a portion of a slender pointed element within a catheter, penetrating a septum of an implanted device with the slender pointed element positioned within the catheter, positioning at least a portion of the catheter within the implanted device, removing the slender pointed element from the catheter, and retaining at least a portion of the catheter within the implanted device.

Abstract: An integrated vascular delivery system having a frame configured to receive a catheter insertable in a patient to deliver fluid at an insertion site. The frame includes a first hub, a second hub, and a pair of flexible lateral members extending between the hubs and including a tubular lateral member. The system also includes a fluidic channel that fluidically communicates with the catheter, wherein the fluidic channel passes through the tubular lateral member and at least one of the hubs, and includes a fixed turnabout portion in which fluid flows in a direction different from that within the catheter. The first and second hubs provide anchoring points on the patient distributed around the insertion site and on opposite ends of the catheter, thereby anchoring the frame to the patient and stabilizing the catheter. A method is provided for using an integrated vascular delivery system.

Abstract: A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment.

Abstract: A cannula with a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen penetrating from the proximal end to the distal end. The cannula includes a shaft portion including a rear end and a front end, a tip portion coaxially extending from the front end of the shaft portion to the distal end of the cannula, and a cutting edge. A coupling portion, which is suitable for being connected to a surgical tool or instrument, is terminally arranged towards the proximal end of the cannula and extends to the rear end of the shaft portion. A removable obturator is insertable in the lumen. The obturator seals the lumen at the distal end of the cannula. A method for improved fracture fixation using the cannula, a method for intraoperative surgical decision making using the cannula and a method for irrigation of bone tissue and subsequent injection of bone cement using the cannula.

Abstract: A capsule configured for in vivo refilling of a thereapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, the capsule may contain methotrexate.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for delivery of a chemical substance to the body of the patient are provided. Such embodiments may include an infusion catheter configured to be inserted into tissue, a catheter securing element configured to be adhered to the skin of the patient and further configured to secure the infusion catheter to the skin, a drug delivery pump configured to infuse a drug into the infusion catheter for delivery to a drug infused region on the body of the patient, and a treatment element configured to apply a treatment to the drug infused region to improve pharmacodynamics of the drug during a period of delivery of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections.

Abstract: Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for delivering liquid form medication within the body wherein the medication is stored in solid form and then mixed with a liquid in an apparatus implanted within the body. One embodiment provides an implantable apparatus for in vivo delivery of medication comprising a housing including a reservoir, a store of solid form medication (SSM) and a pump. An SSM element is added to the reservoir along with fluid to form a medication solution comprising at least one drug. The medication solution is then delivered to a delivery site using a pumping means to pump solution from the reservoir through a delivery member such as catheter to a delivery site. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for delivering medication to a patient to treat a medical condition over an extended period of time without requiring the patient to take external medication.

Abstract: A support tool for a supply assembly delivers a functional fluid to an implantable medical device. The supply assembly defines a supply axis. The support tool includes a support member defining an opening. The opening has a support axis, and the opening is configured to receive the supply assembly. The support member includes a three dimensionally contoured nesting surface that conforms to a corresponding three dimensionally contoured surface of the supply assembly. The corresponding surface of the supply assembly nests against the nesting surface to support the supply assembly such that the supply axis remains substantially fixed relative to and aligned with the support axis.

Abstract: Catheter connectors, connection systems, and methods of use in which a catheter is attached to an offset connector such that the catheter is retained on the connector by compression between a tube located within the catheter and a collar fitted over the portion of the catheter containing the tube. The catheters used with the offset catheter connection systems may include an elastically compressible inner body that is surrounded by a reinforcing braid. After the offset connector tube is inserted into the lumen of the catheter, a collar may be advanced over the exterior of the catheter and the offset connecter tube contained therein.