Method and systems for establishing vascular access

Abstract

A body lumen access system comprises a distal access cannula and a proximal access cannula. The distal access cannula is attached to or within the body lumen and the proximal access cannula is attached to an implantable port or is transcutaneously positioned and attached to a luer or other external connector. The distal and proximal access cannulas are usually implanted separately, cut to length, and attached at a subcutaneous junction location. Preferably, the proximal access cannula has a larger lumen diameter than that of the distal access cannula in order to reduce flow resistance within the cannula system. In some cases the distal and proximal access cannulas may be formed integrally.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An implantable connector comprising a tubular body having a first attachment aperture adapted to receive a first access cannula, a second attachment aperture adapted to receive a second access cannula, and a lumen therebetween, wherein the tubular body is bent so that the first and second attachment apertures are disposed at a relative angle in the range from 45° to 270°.  
     
     
         2 . An implantable connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the relative angle is in the range from 90° to 180°.  
     
     
         3 . An implantable connector as in  claim 1 , further comprising a web disposed between the first and second attachment apertures.  
     
     
         4 . An implantable connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the lumen has a diameter in the range from 1 mm to 10 mm.  
     
     
         5 . An implantable connector as in  claim 4 , wherein the first aperture has a diameter which is larger than that of the second aperture.