Patent ID: 7749185
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for surgically implanting a multi-lumen catheter into a patient, the multi-lumen catheter comprising a one-piece multi-lumen tube portion having a plurality of integrally formed lumens, a proximal end portion including a single-lumen proximal venous portion and a single-lumen proximal arterial portion, and a distal end portion including a single-lumen distal venous tube portion and a single-lumen distal arterial tube portion each having a distal end, the method comprising: (a) making an incision in the skin of the patient (b) inserting the proximal end of the catheter through the incision, into the patient; (c) forming a subcutaneous tunnel by a trocar or other suitable instrument; wherein the subcutaneous tunnel having a first end coincident to the incision and a second end, which is located a distance from the first end of the tunnel; (d) after the subcutaneous tunnel is completely formed, guiding the distal end of the catheter and at least a portion of the multi-lumen tube portion through the subcutaneous tunnel such that at least the distal ends of the distal venous and distal arterial tube portions extend outwardly from the second end of the tunnel.