Abstract: A stylet instrument is positionable within a catheter to facilitate placement of the catheter during a surgical procedure. The stylet instrument has application in a hemodialysis procedure where the catheter is positioned via a subcutaneous tunneling technique. The stylet instrument includes a hub, first and second stylet members extending from the hub and operatively connected to permit positioning within corresponding lumens of a catheter, and securing means associated with the hub to releasably secure the catheter to the hub. The securing means includes at least one locking detent.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter assembly adapted for use in a subcutaneous tunneling procedure incorporates a mechanism for securing the catheter hub member to the elongated catheter, and to provide the requisite fluid communication between fluid passages within the hub and the catheter lumens within the catheter. The catheter hub member may be connected to the elongated catheter after implantation of the catheter via a subcutaneous tunneling procedure.

Abstract: A clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member defines a first lumen dimensioned to non-rotatably engage a first portion of a tubular member. Rotating the first clamping member effects a rotation of the first portion of the tubular member. The second clamping member defines a second lumen dimensioned to non-rotatably engage a second portion of the tubular member. Rotating the second clamping member in relation to the first clamping member rotates the second portion of the tubular member in relation to the first portion of the tubular member to twist the tubular member to restrict flow through the tubular member.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter assembly adapted for use in a subcutaneous tunneling procedure incorporates a mechanism for securing the catheter hub member to the elongated catheter, and to provide the requisite fluid communication between fluid passages within the hub and the catheter lumens within the catheter. The catheter hub member may be connected to the elongated catheter after implantation of the catheter via a subcutaneous tunneling procedure.

Abstract: A diluent/medication mixing syringe assembly is described which includes a cannula which extends through a syringe plunger assembly into a reservoir of the syringe assembly. The cannula facilitates injection of a diluent, medication or other fluid into the fluid reservoir of the syringe assembly immediately prior to use for mixing with a medication in the reservoir. In one embodiment, a mixing element is secured to a distal end of the cannula within the reservoir to improve mixing efficiency.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter includes an elongate catheter member having an outer wall member defining proximal and distal end regions and a longitudinal axis, and defining first and second longitudinal lumens. The outer member includes first and second ports in respective fluid communication with the first and second longitudinal lumens. The first opening and the first lumen define an inflow passage for removal of blood under vacuum for circulation within a hemodialysis machine. The second opening and the second longitudinal lumen define an outflow passage for return of the blood from the hemodialysis machine. A valve is disposed relative to the outer member proximal of the first port. The valve is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position in response to a predetermined vacuum pressure level realized within the first longitudinal lumen to permit flow of blood through the valve and into the first longitudinal lumen.

Abstract: A tunneling system includes an elongate tunneling member defining a longitudinal axis along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The elongate tunneling member has a first end and a second end. The second end of the elongate tunneling member includes a coupling segment adapted for securely engaging a catheter.

Abstract: A tunneling system for use with a catheter includes an elongate tunneling member defining a longitudinal axis along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. The tunneling system further includes a connector configured for releasably engaging the second end of the elongate tunneling member to the catheter.

Abstract: A medical system for connecting a multiple lumen medical catheter to associated medical instrumentation includes a connector member defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end for releasable coupling to the medical catheter and a second end for coupling to medical instrumentation. A mounting segment is adjacent the first end of the connector member. The mounting segment includes first and second mounting elements extending in a general longitudinal direction and arranged in spaced relation, and being adapted for reception within respective lumens of the catheter. The first and second mounting elements define inner opposing surfaces. At least one of the opposing surfaces may have an irregular surface portion dimensioned to engage the septum wall of the catheter to facilitate gripping engagement with the septum wall to assist in coupling of the connector member with the catheter.

Abstract: A stylet instrument is positionable within a catheter to facilitate placement of the catheter during a surgical procedure. The stylet instrument has application in a hemodialysis procedure where the catheter is positioned via a subcutaneous tunneling technique. The stylet instrument includes a hub, first and second stylet members extending from the hub and operatively connected to permit positioning within corresponding lumens of a catheter, and securing means associated with the hub to releasably secure the catheter to the hub. The securing means includes at least one locking detent.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed in the at least one of said inflatable sections.

Abstract: An instrument for facilitating insertion of a catheter through a subcutaneous tunnel includes a tunneling stylet defining a longitudinal axis and having leading and trailing ends, a bifurcated segment adjacent the leading end of the tunneling stylet and a releasable cover releasably mountable to the leading end of the tunneling stylet to substantially enclose the bifurcated segment. The bifurcated segment includes first and second elements adapted for reception within respective lumens of a catheter. The instrument may further include a dilation member which is releasably mountable to the leading end of the tunneling stylet in the absence of the releasable cover. The dilation member is dimensioned to generally increase an internal dimension of the subcutaneous tunnel. The first and second elements of the bifurcated segment each include an outer peripheral rib dimensioned to facilitate gripping engagement with an internal surface of respective lumens of the catheter.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter assembly adapted for use in a subcutaneous tunneling procedure incorporates a mechanism for securing the catheter hub member to the elongated catheter, and to provide the requisite fluid communication between fluid passages within the hub and the catheter lumens within the catheter. The catheter hub member may be connected to the elongated catheter after implantation of the catheter via a subcutaneous tunneling procedure.

Abstract: A catheter adapter apparatus includes an adapter body. The adapter body includes a fluid source end adapted for connection to a fluid source and having an internal bore to transfer the fluids supplied by the fluid source, and a catheter end for connection to a catheter tube. The catheter end includes first and second members. Each of the first and second members is adapted for reception within corresponding lumens of the catheter tube. At least the first member defines an internal bore in fluid communication with the fluid source end to transfer the fluids supplied by the fluid source. The second member may define an internal bore in fluid communication with the internal bore of the fluid source end. The catheter adapter apparatus may further include a valve member associated with the adapter body. The valve member may be movable to selectively fluidly connect the internal bores of the first and second members with the internal bore of the fluid source end.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter hub, an elongate catheter member extending from the catheter hub and having at least one longitudinal lumen for passage of fluids, an extension tube extending from the catheter hub and defining an internal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen of the catheter member and a clamp positionable about the extension tube. The catheter hub defines a reduced profile. The clamp includes first and second clamp sections and defines a longitudinal clamp axis. The clamp has a longitudinal opening for passage of the extension tube and a movable member adapted to move from a first position to a second position to substantially close the internal lumen. The first and second clamp sections are separable to facilitate positioning of the extension tube within the longitudinal opening.

Abstract: A medical catheter includes an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, and having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate catheter member includes an outer member and at least one longitudinal lumen within the outer member for passage of fluids. The outer member has an elongate opening therethrough in communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen and being spaced from the distal end and bound by wall portions of the outer member. The elongate opening permits fluids to pass between the at least one longitudinal lumen and locations external to the elongate catheter member, and defines a transverse dimension increasing from proximal to distal.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed in the at least one of said inflatable sections.

Abstract: A catheter is provided including a first lumen and a second lumen. A first member is disposed for relative movement within the first lumen and defines a cavity. A second member is disposed for relative movement within the second lumen. The cavity of the first member is configured for disposal of the second member. The catheter may include an elongated tubular body that includes the first lumen and the second lumen. The first member may have a distal portion that extends beyond the distal end of the body. The distal portion may include the cavity. The cavity may be defined by a member lumen. The first and second members may include tubular stylettes. The second member may include a guidewire.

Abstract: A tunneler is provided that includes a first end portion configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter. The tunneler also includes a second end portion opposite the first end portion and a sheath member disposed between the first and second end portions. The sheath member includes a plurality of inner diameters that increase from one end to the other end thereof. Alternatively, the plurality of inner diameters taper from one end to the other end thereof. The inner diameter of the sheath member engages an outer surface of the catheter to create an interference fit therebetween. The interference fit increases a catheter pull-off force. A method of using the tunneler is also disclosed.