Abstract: A multiple catheter assembly including first and second catheters. The first catheter includes a first catheter outer surface defining a first lumen, a first distal end terminating in a first distal tip, and a first transition region. The second catheter includes a second catheter outer surface defining a second lumen, a second distal end terminating in a second distal tip, and a second transition region. At least a portion of each of the first and second catheters resides in a cannulating portion. The first and second transition regions of the first and second catheters transition cross sections of the first and second catheter outer surfaces at the first and second distal tips to cross sections of the first and second catheter outer surfaces in the cannulating portion. In exemplary embodiments, the portions of each of the first and second catheters in the cannulating portion are releasably bonded to one another.

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. A method of manufacturing the catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for inserting a multiple catheter assembly into a patient. The assembly includes a first catheter which includes a first distal end region, a first outer surface defining a first lumen, and a first transition region transitioning cross sections of the first outer surface and the first lumen. A second catheter includes a second distal end region, a second outer surface defining a second lumen, and a second transition region transitioning cross sections of the second outer surface and the second lumen. The outer surfaces of the first and second catheters are releasably joined by a splittable bond for allowing first and second distal tips of the assembly to be at least partially longitudinally split from each other. The method includes steps of separating the first and second distal end regions, and inserting the first and second distal tips through an incision and into an area to be catheterized.

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. A method includes inserting a catheter into the sheath upon the clamp's movable portion(s) being moved to an open position.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly (100) including an elongated cannulating body (102) having a generally circular cross-section. The body includes a first lumen (110) having a generally arcuate cross-section with a generally rounded first cross-section end and a generally rounded second cross-section end. The body (102) further includes a second lumen (112) having a generally oblong cross-section extending in a radial direction and having a first end (112a), a second end (112b) and a major axis (128) extending between the first end and the second end and that bisects the arcuate cross-section of the first lumen (110), wherein at least a portion of the first end (112a) of the second lumen (112) is disposed between the first generally rounded cross-section end (110a) and the second generally rounded cross-section end (110b).

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 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 catheter tunneling assembly (100) used to tunnel a distal end of a multilumen catheter assembly (200) through a subcutaneous tunnel prior to inserting the catheter assembly into a patient. Adapter (130) facilitates connection of a trocar (110) with the catheter assembly and provides a smooth transition. The adapter has an inner member (130) that is affixed to the proximal end (114) of the trocar (110) and includes a proximal projection (134) that coextends along a distal portion of the catheter assembly (200); and an outer member (160) that is slidable from distally of the inner member to surround the proximal trocar end, the inner member (130) and a distal portion of the catheter assembly (200) pressing the proximal projection (134) of the inner member (130) into frictional engagement with a catheter portion.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly with a two-piece hub is disclosed. The catheter includes a distal portion having a plurality of catheter lumens, wherein each of the plurality of catheter lumens includes a distal tip and a proximal lumen portion. The distal portion further includes a distal hub portion slidably disposed over the proximal lumen portion, wherein the distal hub portion includes a pivoting locking member. The catheter assembly further includes a proximal portion having a plurality of catheter extensions, wherein each of the plurality of catheter extensions fluidly communicates with at least one of the plurality of catheter lumens. The proximal portion also includes a proximal hub portion having a locking receiver, wherein the pivoting locking member is releasably engaged with the locking receiver.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly with a two-piece hub is disclosed. The catheter includes a distal portion having a plurality of catheter lumens, wherein each of the plurality of catheter lumens includes a distal tip and a proximal lumen portion. The distal portion further includes a distal hub portion slidably disposed over the proximal lumen portion, wherein the distal hub portion includes a pivoting locking member. The catheter assembly further includes a proximal portion having a plurality of catheter extensions, wherein each of the plurality of catheter extensions fluidly communicates with at least one of the plurality of catheter lumens. The proximal portion also includes a proximal hub portion having a locking receiver, wherein the pivoting locking member is releasably engaged with the locking receiver.

Abstract: A guide wire tip protector is disclosed. The protector includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes a cavity sized to accept a curved distal end of a guide wire and a distal end of a guide wire advancer. The proximal end comprises an elongated portion that releasably engages one of a first guide wire advancer having a generally elongated body and a second guide wire advancer having a ring portion surrounding a generally tubular body. A guide wire assembly incorporating the tip protector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter insertion needle assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a generally elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle guard disposed at the distal end of the body in a needle guard plane, a first locking member disposed proximate to the distal end of the body, and a second locking member disposed at the proximal end of the body. A slider assembly is also provided. The slider assembly includes a slider that is slidably disposed on the body. The slider assembly also includes a needle having an elongated needle body, a tip disposed at a distal end of the elongated needle body and a cannulating portion extending through the elongated needle body. The needle extends distally of the slider and through the needle guard. A first locking tab is releasably engageable with the first locking member and a second locking portion is lockably engageable with the second locking member.

Abstract: A multiple catheter assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first catheter constructed from a first material and 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 first proximal end region is integrally connected to an extension tube constructed from a second material. A second catheter is constructed from the first material and 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 second proximal end region is integrally connected to an extension tube constructed from the second material.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly is disclosed. The catheter assembly includes an elongated cannulating body having a generally circular cross-section. The body includes a first lumen having a generally arcuate cross-section with a generally rounded first cross-section end and a generally rounded second cross-section end. The body further includes a second lumen having a generally oblong cross-section having a first end, a second end and a major axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the second lumen is disposed between the first generally rounded end and the second generally rounded cross-section end.

Abstract: A co-axial catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a first lumen having a first distal end, a first proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The catheter further includes a second lumen having a second distal end and a second proximal end. The second lumen extends co-axially with the first lumen, wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen. The second distal end extends distally of the first distal end. The second distal end includes a distal tip and a bulbous projection disposed between the distal tip and the first distal end. A method of manufacturing and of inserting the catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A needle assembly having a hollow needle with a pointed distal end and a proximal end is disclosed. The assembly also includes a needle hub having a distal hub end fixedly connected to the needle, a proximal hub end having an opening, and a passageway extending therethrough between the distal end and the proximal end. A valve is disposed within the passageway, wherein the valve comprises a sealing member having at least one through-opening disposed therein and a plunger disposed proximate the sealing member and slidable between a first position wherein the at least one through-opening is closed such that the hollow needle and the proximal hub end are not in fluid communication with each other and a second position wherein the plunger biases the at least one through-opening to an open position, such that the hollow needle and the proximal hub end are in fluid communication with each other. A method of using the needle assembly 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 multi-lumen catheter assembly with a two-piece hub is disclosed. The catheter includes a distal portion having a plurality of catheter lumens, wherein each of the plurality of catheter lumens includes a distal tip and a proximal lumen portion. The distal portion further includes a distal hub portion slidably disposed over the proximal lumen portion, wherein the distal hub portion includes a pivoting locking member. The catheter assembly further includes a proximal portion having a plurality of catheter extensions, wherein each of the plurality of catheter extensions fluidly communicates with at least one of the plurality of catheter lumens. The proximal portion also includes a proximal hub portion having a locking receiver, wherein the pivoting locking member is releasably engaged with the locking receiver.