Patent ID: 7914513
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of inserting a multi-lumen catheter assembly into a patient comprising: providing a plurality of catheter lumens and initially separate first and second hub portions complementary to each other; inserting a distal end of each of a plurality of catheter lumens into a patient's blood vessel; connecting a proximal end of each of the plurality of catheter lumens to a tunneling device; forming a subcutaneous tunnel with the tunneling device; pulling the proximal ends of the plurality of catheter lumens through the subcutaneous tunnel; disconnecting the tunneling device from the proximal ends of the plurality of catheter lumens; sliding the first portion of a catheter hub over the proximal ends of the plurality of catheter lumens, wherein the first portion of the catheter hub comprises at least one pivoting locking member; connecting the second portion of the catheter hub to each of the plurality of catheter lumens, wherein the second portion of the catheter hub comprises at least one locking receiver; and pivotally moving each at least one pivoting locking member about a respective transverse axis and engaging a respective at least one pivoting locking member with a respective at least one locking receiver, whereby the second hub portion may be previously affixable to extension tube assemblies to define a proximal assembly manipulatable as a unit to be affixed to the first hub portion to complete the catheter implantation procedure with minimal steps to be performed by the practitioner at the patient bedside.