Multi-lumen catheter with integrated connector

Abstract

A multi-lumen catheter and method for inserting same into a patient is disclosed. The catheter includes a multi-lumen catheter tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of lumens therethrough. The catheter may include a single-lumen flush tube portion, the flush tube portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the flush tube portion being connected to the distal end of the catheter tube such that the single lumen of the flush tube portion is in fluid communication with each of the lumens in the catheter tube. A connector is provided having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal cavity extending therethrough. The cavity includes a coupling portion near the distal end of the connector, and the proximal end of the connector is connected to the distal end of the flush tube portion or the distal end of the catheter tube such that the cavity of the connector is in fluid communication with the single lumen of the flush tube portion or the plurality of lumens in the catheter tube. The coupling portion of the cavity of the connector is configured to receive a mating coupling portion of a medical device such as a trocar. The catheter device facilitates the subcutaneous tunneling of the catheter after catheter tip placement, and simultaneous fluid communication with all of the multiple catheter lumens.

1 . A multi-lumen catheter comprising: 
 (a) a multi-lumen catheter tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of lumens therethrough;    (b) a flush tube portion, the flush tube portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the flush tube portion being connected to the distal end of the catheter tube such that the single lumen of the flush tube portion is in fluid communication with each of the lumens in the catheter tube; and    (c) a connector having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough, the central lumen including a coupling portion, and the proximal end of the connector being connected to the distal end of the flush tube portion such that the central lumen of the connector is in fluid communication with one lumen of the flush tube portion, wherein the coupling portion of the cavity of the connector is configured to receive a mating coupling portion of a tunneling device.    
     
     
         2 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the catheter tube, flush tube portion, and at least a portion of the connector near its proximal end have substantially equal outer diameters.  
     
     
         3 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the catheter tube includes two lumens.  
     
     
         4 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of single-lumen extension tubes, wherein the extension tubes are connected to the proximal end of the multi-lumen catheter tube such that each extension tube is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of lumens in the catheter tube.  
     
     
         5 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 4  wherein each extension tube comprises a tube wall, and each tube wall includes at least one opening therein configured to permit fluid flow into or from one of the plurality of lumens in the catheter tube.  
     
     
         6 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 4  wherein at least one of the extension tubes is shorter in length than at least one other extension tube.  
     
     
         7 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the connector is constructed of plastic or metal.  
     
     
         8 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the coupling portion of the connector includes a collar portion configured to securely engage a groove in the coupling portion of the tunneling device.  
     
     
         9 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the coupling portion of the connector includes a plurality of female threads configured to securely engage a plurality of male threads on the coupling portion of the tunneling device.  
     
     
         10 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the tunneling device is a trocar.  
     
     
         11 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the connector is configured to receive a mating coupling portion of a syringe or other catheter flushing device.  
     
     
         12 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the connector includes a body having proximal end and a distal end, and a spigot extending longitudinally from the proximal end of the body, the spigot being sized and shaped for fitting engagement in the distal end of the flush tube portion.  
     
     
         13 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 12  wherein the spigot is affixed in the flush tube portion by an adhesive.  
     
     
         14 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the proximal end of the flush tube portion is fused to the distal end of the catheter tube.  
     
     
         15 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the connector has a substantially tapered outer shape wherein the connector has a first outer diameter near its proximal end which is larger than a second outer diameter near its distal end.  
     
     
         16 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 15  wherein the first outer diameter of the connector is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the flush tube portion.  
     
     
         17 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 1  wherein the catheter tube includes a stabilizing cuff affixed to an outer portion of the catheter tube.  
     
     
         18 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 17  wherein the cuff is affixed to the catheter at a position nearer to a distal end of the catheter than to a proximal end of the catheter.  
     
     
         19 . A multi-lumen catheter comprising: 
 (a) a multi-lumen catheter tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of lumens therethrough; and    (b) a connector having a proximal end, a distal end, and a coupling portion;    wherein the proximal end of the connector is connected to the distal end of the catheter tube, and wherein the coupling portion of the connector is configured to receive a mating coupling portion of a medical device.    
     
     
         20 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 19  wherein the connector further comprises a substantially longitudinal lumen extending at least partially through the connector, wherein the coupling portion is located in the lumen.  
     
     
         21 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 19  wherein the connector further comprises a plurality of prongs extending from the proximal end of the connector and corresponding in number to the plurality of lumens in the catheter tube, wherein each of the prongs is engaged in one of the lumens at the distal end of the catheter tube, thereby connecting the proximal end of the connector to the distal end of the catheter tube.  
     
     
         22 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 21  wherein the multi-lumen catheter tube includes two lumens therethrough and the connector includes two corresponding prongs.  
     
     
         23 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 22  wherein the lumens and prongs have corresponding D-shaped cross sections for mating engagement therebetween.  
     
     
         24 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 21  wherein the connector comprises a substantially longitudinal lumen extending from the distal end of the connector and at least partially through the connector, and wherein each of the plurality of prongs includes a substantially longitudinal passage therethrough, such that each of the passages is in fluid communication with the substantially longitudinal lumen in the distal end of the connector, thereby providing a plurality of substantially parallel flow paths through the connector from the distal end of the connector to the plurality of lumens in the catheter tube.  
     
     
         25 . A multi-lumen catheter according to  claim 21  wherein each of the prongs is adhesively attached to inner walls of one of the lumens at the distal end of the catheter tube.  
     
     
         26 - 38 . (canceled)