Abstract:
A catheter connector for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector can be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The connector facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced functionability and patient comfort.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not applicable.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not applicable.  
       REFERENCE TO A COMPACT DISK APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     It is common to use an implanted catheter to repeatedly access the vascular system of a patient and with the catheter perform repeated therapeutic medical activity. Such therapeutic activity could include the intermittent or continuous infusion of medication and fluids, the periodic sampling of blood, or the continuous withdrawal and return of blood for processing outside of the body of the patient. The catheters used in these activities are referred to as vascular access catheters.  
         [0005]     Before any therapeutic activity can actually commence, however, the vascular access catheter must be implanted in the body of the patient with the distal tip of the catheter residing at the location in the vascular system at which an intended therapeutic activity is appropriate. Typically, most of the length of an implanted vascular access catheter resides within blood vessels of the vascular system, extending from the distal tip of the catheter to a location in the vascular system at which the catheter, by traversing a puncture or incision formed through a wall of the blood vessel in which the catheter is disposed, enters into the surrounding subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The location at which this occurs is referred to as a venipuncture site. Venipuncture sites are classified on the basis of the position of a venipuncture site in relation to the center of the body of the patient. Central venipuncture sites are those that enter the vasculature through the jugular or subclavian veins. Peripheral venipuncture sites typically enter the basilic or cephalic veins of the upper or lower arm. The freedom to select among venipuncture sites is determined largely on catheter size and vein size. Vein size is dependent on patient size and on location within the body, with peripheral veins being smaller than central veins.  
         [0006]     Proximal of the venipuncture site, the implanted catheter extends through the subcutaneous tissue of the patient to emerge through the skin at a location that is referred to as the skin exit site. Most skin exit sites are chosen as being locations at which the proximal end of the implanted catheter can be easily manipulated by medical personnel. Favored among such locations are the neck, the region about the collar bone or chest wall, the upper leg, the upper arm, and the forearm. Occasionally, the skin exit site is somewhat removed from the venipuncture site. Then a significant portion of the length of the implanted catheter must be embedded in the subcutaneous tissue of the patient in a surgically created tunnel that extends from the venipuncture site to the skin exit site. In all instances, a portion of the proximal end of an implanted catheter must remain outside of the body of the patient. It is this portion of an implanted catheter, from the proximal end thereof to the skin access site, that is referred to as the extracorporeal portion of the implanted catheter.  
         [0007]     The extracorporeal portion of an implanted catheter must be capable of being selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the tubing and medical equipment outside the body of the patient that are required for therapeutic activity. Accordingly, the proximal end of virtually all vascular access catheters terminates in a catheter coupling hub that can be secured in fluid communication with such tubing and medical equipment, or can be capped, valved, or clamped closed between periods of actual use. Due to the variation in length of catheter that is required to traverse the subcutaneous and intravascular route from implanted tip location to skin exit site, it often becomes necessary to trim the catheter to an appropriate length. Traditionally, it is the distal end of the catheter that is trimmed as opposed to the proximal end for a number of reasons, including the desire to provide accurate positioning of a pre-connected proximal suture wing hub in a desired location near the venipuncture site. In particular, clinicians are increasingly showing a preference for a stepped-taper or reverse-taper of the hub to be inserted partially into the venipuncture site to affect tamponade and reduce site bleeding.  
         [0008]     Trimming the catheter to an appropriate length is particularly advantageous with respect to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) where precise central venous catheter tip placement at the right atrial (RA), superior vena cava (SVC) junction is imperative to prevent potential thrombosis, traumatic or functional complications. Many types of catheters, however, cannot be distally trimmed due to the special configuration thereof, including, for example, dual lumen catheters with a pre-staggered tip, soft tip catheters, catheters with valved distal ends, etc. In the case of such catheters, a pre-connected hub at the proximal end of the catheter cannot be accurately located at the venipuncture site and, consequently, some length of catheter extends therefrom. This excess catheter length often presents difficulty in dressing the catheter and exposes the catheter to potential damage. Moreover, it is not possible in the placement of catheters having preformed distal tips to achieve tamponade at the venipuncture site.  
         [0009]     Whether or not the catheter has a preformed distal tip, it is advantageous to be able to trim a catheter at its proximal end prior to connection to a coupling hub or other extracorporeal medical equipment because proximal trimming enables physicians to keep inventory low (as several different catheter lengths are unnecessary) and each catheter placed can be customized to the exact length optimal for patient comfort and operability of the catheter. As a result, many types of connection systems have been proposed to couple a proximal end of a catheter to a medical device.  
         [0010]     With particular reference to a catheter that has a been subcutaneously placed, in which an extracorporeal portion is to be connected to a coupling hub, systems such as that shown in  FIG. 1  have been traditionally utilized. As shown, a catheter  20  is attached to a coupling hub  12  through three pre-assembled pieces. The proximal end of the catheter  20  is slid through strain relief sleeve  18 , distal coupling  16  and compression sleeve  14 . The proximal end of the catheter  20  is then slid over the cannula of coupling hub  12 . Distal coupling  16  is snapped into coupling hub  12 , exerting pressure against compression sleeve  14 , which in turn retains catheter  20  on the cannula coupling hub  12 . While such a connection system may be adequate for providing a secure connection, assembly can prove problematic due to the small size of the pieces involved as well as the extremely limited space with which the physician typically has to work. Moreover, the manufacture of several different pieces may lengthen the time to manufacture, as well as the cost associated therewith.  
         [0011]     Connection systems for catheters that are not designed for proximal trimming, generally also require multiple separate pieces for assembly and consequently suffer the same drawbacks described above. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a catheter connector or connection system for a single or multi-lumen catheter that would provide a secure connection to withstand standard pressures, while being easy to connect to the catheter, requiring little assembly and handling of parts by a physician.  
         [0012]     Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a catheter connector, which safely and effectively connects a proximal end of a catheter to extracorporeal medical equipment, following placement of the distal end of the catheter in a patient. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a catheter connector for the connection of a single or multiple lumen catheter to extracorporeal medical equipment, utilizing very few parts so that ease of handling is facilitated and aligning problems are reduced, that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, that securely connects the catheter to tubing or medical equipment while ensuring long-term patency of the catheter at the proximal connection point, and which can be attached and detached to and from the catheter quickly and efficiently. It is another object of the present invention to provide a connection system, including a catheter and bifurcation assembly, that may be quickly and securely assembled and which may be configured for permanent attachment or may be detachable.  
         [0013]     Various other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as more detailed description is set forth below.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention is directed to catheter connector or connection system for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector or connection system may be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The catheter connector or connection system facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced functionability and patient comfort.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment, a catheter connector comprises a body comprising a cannula and a tail, said cannula extending from a distal end of said body and being sized to slidingly receive a catheter thereon, said tail extending from a proximal end of said body and being sized to slidingly receive a tube thereon, wherein said body is configured for fluid flow therethrough, and a securement device attached to said body at said distal end, comprising mating portions configured to secure said catheter to said body by locking together around said catheter following positioning of said catheter over said cannula.  
         [0016]     In another embodiment, an assembly for connecting a catheter to extracorporeal medical equipment comprises a catheter connector comprising a body having a lumen therethrough and a securement device attached to said body at a distal end thereof, said securement device configured to secure said catheter to said body such that said body lumen is in fluid communication with said catheter, a tube connected at one end to a proximal end of said body and at an opposite end to a hub such that said body lumen is in fluid communication with said hub, and a covering positioned over at least a portion of said body and said tube, said covering being adapted for attachment to a patient.  
         [0017]     In another embodiment, a catheter connector comprises a stem having at least one lumen extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, said stem comprising at least one prong positioned at said distal end, configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, at least one extension tube in fluid communication with said lumen of said stem, a hub surrounding at least a portion of said stem, configured for attachment to a patient, a clamp coupled to said stem, configured to close around a tip of said prong following insertion of said prong into said lumen of said catheter, and a collar being movable from a first position to a second position, wherein said collar in said second position retains said clamp in a closed position.  
         [0018]     In yet another embodiment, an attachable bifurcation comprises a stem enclosing a first and second lumen and comprising a first and second prong at a distal end thereof, wherein said first and second prongs are configured for insertion into the proximal end of a dual lumen catheter, a first and second extension tube in respective fluid communication with said first and second lumens of said stem, a hub surrounding at least a portion of said stem, configured for attachment to a patient, a clamp coupled to said stem, configured to close around said first and second prongs following insertion of said prongs into said dual lumen catheter, and a collar movable from a first position to a second position, wherein said collar in said second position retains said clamp in a closed position.  
         [0019]     In still another embodiment, a catheter connector for attachment to a catheter, wherein said catheter comprises at least one lumen and a hub attached to a proximal end thereof, comprises at least one cannula and a latching mechanism disposed near a proximal end of said cannula, said latching mechanism extending outwardly from a longitudinal axis of said cannula in a first position and being movable inward toward said longitudinal axis in a second position, said latching mechanism being biased in said first position.  
         [0020]     These and other embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are first briefly described. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a prior art catheter connector system.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a catheter connector according to the present invention in an open position.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the catheter connector of  FIG. 2  in a closed position.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of an embodiment for a distal end of a catheter connector according to the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an assembled proximal end of a catheter connector system, including the catheter connector of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a side view of another embodiment of a catheter connector according to the present invention in a pre-assembled open position.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a catheter connector according to the present invention in a pre-assembled open position.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a top view of still another embodiment of a catheter connector according to the present invention in an open position.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the catheter connector of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a catheter connector according to the present invention in an open position prior to attachment to a catheter.  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the catheter connector and catheter of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is an isolated top view of the stem part of the catheter connector of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is an isolated perspective view of the clamp part of the catheter connector of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is an isolated view of the clamp part of  FIG. 13  in a closed position and a cross-sectional view of the collar part of the catheter connector of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the catheter connector of  FIG. 10  with the catheter being pushed onto the stem.  
         [0036]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the catheter connector of  FIG. 15  with the clamp closed around the catheter.  
         [0037]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the catheter connector of  FIG. 16  with the collar positioned over the closed clamp.  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a catheter connector and catheter assembly according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]     The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identically numbered. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.  
         [0040]     The present invention is directed to a catheter connector for connecting a catheter to extracorporeal medical equipment. In the embodiments and examples that follow, reference will be made to a catheter connector for a catheter that has been trimmed proximally, following placement thereof in the body of a patient. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to such uses and instead is applicable to any application that requires the connection of a catheter to separate medical equipment as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. Moreover, when discussing the catheter connectors of the present invention in terms of attachment to a patient, it should be understood that attachment can be direct through suturing or other means, or indirect through the use of a StatLock® or other intermediary device. Also, the terms “cannula” and “stem” are used generically herein and should not be construed as being of any particular configuration or material.  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of a catheter connector according to the present invention is illustrated in a pre-connected, open position. Catheter connector  100  has a body  110  and a securement device  120  attached to the body  110  by a first living hinge  128 . In this embodiment, the body  110  and the securement device  120  are unitary. As used herein, the term “unitary” refers to a design in which separate members or parts are manufactured in the same mold to form a one-piece unit. The body  110  at its proximal end has a tail  114 , sized to receive a tube  30 . In one embodiment, as shown, the tail  114  has a barbed end to assist in retention of the tube  30  once the tube  30  has been positioned over the tail  114 . At the distal end of the body  110 , a cannula  116  extends from a face  113  thereof, the cannula  116  being sized to slidingly receive a catheter  20 . In one embodiment, the body  110  and the tail  114  are made of a hard plastic material, while the cannula  116  is made of metal. It should be understood, however, that the choice of materials is wide-ranging, and any suitable material as known to one of skill in the art would be equally within the scope of the present invention. The body  110  also contains a ribbed middle region, characterized by one or more grooves, which is an optional feature that can provide a securing function with respect to a winged covering apparatus positioned therearound (e.g., winged covering apparatus  60  ( FIG. 5 )).  
         [0042]     Attached to the body  110  at face  113  is the securement device  120 . As stated above, this attachment is accomplished via the first living hinge  128 . The securement device  120  is shown in a shell-type configuration, having a first half  122  and a second half  124 , which are essentially mirror images of one another. The first and second halves  122 ,  124  of the securement device  120  are connected by a second living hinge  126 , each having a recessed mid-section  136 ,  138  respectively for reception of the cannula  116  and catheter  20  when the securement device is closed therearound in a closed position ( FIG. 3 ). The first half  122  has an outwardly extending tab  132  for locking connection with a recess  134  on the second half  124  when the securement device  120  is in the closed position. It should be appreciated that although shown with a tab/aperture connection arrangement in  FIG. 1 , the securement device of the present invention could have many different types of locking arrangements as are known in the art. Moreover, the locking arrangements for the securement device  120  can be releasable or permanent. Further, as with all embodiments described herein, cannula  116  may include barbs or ribs positioned along its length to further ensure securement of the catheter thereon. In such an arrangement, mid-sections  136 ,  138  could be fashioned with cooperating recessed portions to receive the barbs or ribs. Another potential gripping aid would be discontinuous surfaces on mid-sections  136 ,  138 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 3  illustrates the catheter connector  100  in a closed position, with tube  30  and catheter  20  connected to the body  110 . In practice, following placement of the distal end of the catheter  20  into a patient, the proximal end thereof may be trimmed to the desired length, if necessary. The physician slides the catheter  20  over the cannula  116 , presses the second half  124  of the securement device  120  upward such that the portion of the catheter  20  slid over the cannula  116  is snugly received in mid-sections  136 ,  138 , and finally swings the first half  122  of the securement device  120  over the opposite side of the catheter/cannula coaxial arrangement and into locking arrangement as tab  132  is received into recess  134 . The entire portion of the catheter  20  that has been slid over the cannula  116  is thus covered by the securement device  120 , being received into mid-sections  136 ,  138  thereof. It should be noted that the mid-sections  136 ,  138  are dimensioned such that upon closing around the catheter/cannula coaxial arrangement, the securement device  120  tightly presses the catheter  20  against the cannula  116 , whereby normal pulling forces will not remove the catheter  20  from the securement device  120 .  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , optional features of the catheter connector  100  to prolong the patency of the catheter  20  are illustrated.  FIG. 4  shows a partial top enlarged view of the second half  124  of the securement device  120  in combination with a cross-sectional view of the cannula  116 . With respect to the cannula  116 , an edge  119  thereof is rounded, beveled or otherwise blunted to reduce the possibility of catheter damage. With respect to the securement device  120 , the distal ends of one or both of the first and second halves  122 ,  124  are configured to funnel away from the cannula  116  in a closed position, thus providing both strain relief and kink prevention for a catheter  20  that may be pulled to one side or another of the securement device  120 .  FIG. 4  illustrates this aspect, showing funneled sides  139  extending outwardly from mid section  138 . In addition, rounded edges  140  provide further strain relief and kink resistance for a catheter that is bent around the edge of the securement device  120 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  illustrates a connector assembly  80 , incorporating the catheter connector  100 , which is shown partially in phantom. The catheter connector  100  is in its closed configuration, connected to tube  30  and catheter  20 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Catheter connector  100  is largely enveloped by a winged covering apparatus  60 , which is utilized to secure the catheter connector to the patient. As mentioned above, the ribbed region  112  of the body  110  of catheter connector  100  is configured to mesh with a corresponding region fashioned on the inner surface of winged covering apparatus  60 . Thus, the matching ribbed regions prevent movement of the catheter connector  100  with respect to the winged covering apparatus  60  when assembled. One way to accomplish such a corresponding ribbed region on the inner surface of the winged covering apparatus  60  is to overmold the winged covering apparatus  60  around the catheter connector  100  such that the material thereof flows into the ribbed region of the catheter connector. Of course, one of skill in the art will appreciate that many types of textures other than ribbing, such as dimpling, could equally serve the desired goals of preventing relative movement of the catheter connector  100  and the winged covering apparatus  60 . The winged covering apparatus  60  can be made of silicone or a like material to facilitate such a procedure, although certainly, various other materials would also be possible for apparatus  60 . Extending from the distal end of the winged covering apparatus  60  is the securement device  120 , such that the catheter  20  can be disconnected from the catheter connector  100  without removal of the apparatus  60 . Proximal of the apparatus  60  is a hub  50  for selective connection to medical equipment, the hub  50  being secured to the tube  30  via securement sleeve  40  as is known to one of skill in the art. Positioned on the tube  30  is an optional clamp  32 , used for selectively closing tube  30  to fluid flow.  
         [0046]     The assembly  80  may be pre-assembled prior to shipping to facilitate use by a clinician in connecting catheter  20  to extracorporeal medical equipment. The order of assembly can vary, but in one embodiment, the tube  30  is first attached to hub  50  at a proximal end thereof and is secured thereto by sleeve  40 . The distal end of the tube  30  is then attached to catheter connector  100 , after which winged covering apparatus  60  is molded over portions of both the tube  30  and catheter connector  100 , thereby permanently affixing one to the other. The assembly  80  is thus presented to the clinician as a unitary device.  
         [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates a catheter connector  200 , which is another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a securement device  220  is manufactured separately from a body  210 , the two of which are connected prior to use. The connection mechanism employed is a tab/recess arrangement in which tabs  212  that are positioned on both a top face  214  and a bottom face  216  of body  210  are configured to be received into recesses  222  positioned on the securement device  220 . Securement device  220  has mating halves  232 ,  234  separated by a living hinge  252 . Similar to the securement device  120  described above, securement device  220  contains a tab  242  on a first half  232  that is received into a recess  244  on a second half  234  when the securement device  220  is in a locked position around a catheter. Referring to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which catheter connector  300  contains a slightly different connection mechanism with respect to a body  310  and a securement device  320 . In this embodiment, a face  314  of the body  310  has hinges  312  attached thereto, the hinges  312  configured for locking reception into recesses  322  in securement device  320 . Of course, it should be appreciated that many different types of connection mechanisms are possible in embodiments that have a body and securement device initially separated, which would equally be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0048]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. From a top view, catheter connector  400  can be seen, having a body  410 , which includes a ribbed middle region  412 , a tail  414  and a front portion  416 . Attached to opposite sides of the front portion  416  are arms  432  that each carry a mating half of a securement device  430 . Extending from a face  418  of the front portion  416  is a head  422  from which extends a cannula  424 .  FIG. 9  shows a front view of the catheter connector  400 , in which the inside of the securement device  430  can be seen. Each half of securement device  430  contains a cut-away portion  434 , configured to receive the head  422  when the catheter connector  400  is placed in a closed position. The cut-away portion  434  is sized larger than the head  422  so that when the securement device  430  is closed therearound, the head  422  is surrounded by the securement device  430 , thereby attaching the securement device  430  to the body  410  in the event that the arms  432  should crack or break. This configuration permits the arms  432 , instead of being constructed of the same material as the body  410  and securement device  430 , to be made of a more rigid material or to have a thinner profile without compromising the integrity of the connection. The locking mechanism utilized to lock the securement device  430  can be the any of those described above or equivalent locking mechanisms known in the art. Each half of the securement device  430  also contains a liner  436  that is fashioned to tightly grip a catheter in the closed position.  
         [0049]     In another embodiment of the catheter connector according to the present invention, catheter connector  500  is shown in  FIGS. 10-15 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the catheter connector  500  prior to connection to a catheter  550 . Catheter connector  500  consists primarily of a stem  510 , a clamp  520 , a collar  530  and a hub  540 . Although catheter connector  500  is illustrated in a dual lumen configuration (i.e., as an attachable bifurcation), it should be appreciated that the design would be equally applicable for attachment to a single lumen catheter or a catheter having more than two lumens.  FIG. 11  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the catheter connector  500 , showing each of the component parts. As with the catheter connector  100 , described above, catheter connector  500  can be attached to a catheter following placement thereof in the body of a patient and having been trimmed to an appropriate length.  
         [0050]      FIG. 12  is an isolated view of the stem  510 , showing a body  512 , legs  514 , a mid-portion  513  and dual prongs  516 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the stem  510  encloses two lumens that extend the entire length thereof to provide a fluid connection between the catheter  550  and extension tubing  544 . The body  512  and legs  514  are covered by the hub  540 , which can be molded over the stem  510  or attached by other means known to one of skill in the art. Referring back to  FIG. 12 , the mid-portion  513  has a diameter larger than the body  512 , providing a shoulder for abutment of the hub  540 , which results in a smooth outer surface for the catheter connector  500 . The dual prongs  516  are configured for insertion into the dual lumen catheter  550 , the gap  517  separating the prongs  516  being configured to match the thickness of the septum  552  of the catheter  550 . In one embodiment the gap  517  is tapered to enhance the gripping of the septum  552 . The prongs  516  each have a tip  518  that tapers distally from a larger diameter portion to a smaller diameter portion at an end thereof, as well as a neck  519  proximal the tip  518 . The larger diameter portion of the tip  518  is preferably larger than the lumen of the catheter in which it is to be placed in order to stretch the lumen slightly and thereby prevent relative movement of the catheter with respect to the tip  518  after being placed thereover. Adjacent the neck  519  is a raised diameter portion  515 , which acts as a stop to prevent further movement of the catheter  550  when the catheter  550  is slid onto the prongs  516 . Positioned between the mid-portion  513  and raised diameter portion  515  is a recessed section  511 , where the clamp  520  is anchored to the stem  510 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 13  illustrates in isolation the clamp  520 , which includes a base  526  and matching members  522 , each of which are attached to the base  526  via a living hinge  524 . The members  522  are shell-shaped, each having a recessed inner surface  523  configured to tightly surround the tips  518  of the prongs  516  when pressed together. The base  526  is in the shape of a ring and is sized to fit within the recessed section  511  of the stem  510 .  FIG. 14  shows clamp  520  in its closed position and collar  530  in cross-section to illustrate the interconnection therebetween. More particularly, once the members  522  are pressed together, collar  530  is slid over the clamp  520  until the groove  532  on the inner surface of the collar  530  snaps over the top of raised section  528  on the outer surface of the clamp  520  to prevent the members  522  from opening inadvertently. To further prevent opening of the members  522 , the clamp  520  and/or collar  530  may contain a latching mechanism. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the clamp  520  contains threads and the inner surface of the collar  530  contains mating grooves (or vice versa) such that instead of sliding, the collar is screwed onto the clamp  520 .  
         [0052]     Referring back to  FIG. 10 , the catheter connector  500  is shown prior to attachment to a catheter, with the clamp  520  in an open position.  FIG. 15  illustrates the first step in attaching the catheter  550  to the catheter connector  500  as the catheter is pushed onto the stem  510  as the prongs  516  are respectively slid into the lumens of the catheter  550 . The catheter  550  is pushed in a proximal direction until further movement is prevented by raised portion  515 . At this point, the catheter  550  is secured to the stem  510  due to the configuration of the tip  518 , as explained above. The next step is shown in  FIG. 16  as the members  522  are closed around the outer wall of the catheter  550  and tips of the prongs  516  therein. Finally, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the collar  530  is slid down from its position over the mid-portion  513  of stem  510 , over the clamp  520  where it is snap-fit into position. As stated above, further means of attachment of the collar  530  to the clamp  520  are contemplated and would be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0053]      FIG. 18  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, in which catheter connector  600  employs a different attachment mechanism to catheter  550 . In this embodiment, the catheter  550  has connected to its proximal end a hub  630  having internal indents for receiving latching mechanism  620  disposed on the catheter connector  600 . The catheter connector  600 , illustrated in a dual lumen configuration as an attachable bifurcation (but, again, could be in a single or multi-lumen configuration), has two cannulas  610  that are D-shaped in cross-section to match the D-shape lumens of catheter  550 . Attached between the cannulas  610  (which may be made of stainless steel) toward the proximal end thereof is the latching mechanism  620  (which also may be made of stainless steel). The latching mechanism  620  has a wing-shaped configuration with an open and closed position, the open position shown in  FIG. 18  and the closed position such that it lays flush with the outer diameter of the cannulas. The latching mechanism  620  is biased through spring action or the like to the open position, but can easily move to the closed position upon being pressed inward toward the longitudinal axis of the cannulas  610 .  
         [0054]     To attach the catheter connector  600  to the catheter  550 , the cannulas  610  are aligned with the lumens of the catheter  550  and are slid therein through the hub  630 . As the latching mechanism  620  comes into contact with the proximal end of the hub, it is pressed inward until reaching the internal indents of the hub, at which time the latching mechanism  620  springs outward to fill the space provided thereby, providing to the physician an audible snapping sound and tactile feel to confirm connection. Due to the configuration of the latching mechanism  620 , the catheter connector  600  cannot be separated from the catheter  550  once filling the void provided by the internal indents of the hub, regardless of the possible pulling forces that could be applied in the course of standard usage. However, the catheter connector  600  may be disengaged by utilizing a tool that applies inward force to the proximal end  622  of the latching mechanism  620 , whereby the outward extending portions of the latching mechanism fold inward, allowing easy removal of the catheter connector  600  from the catheter  550 .  
         [0055]     The present invention has been described above in terms of certain preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the present invention can be conveyed. However, there are many alternative arrangements for a catheter connector not specifically described herein, but with which the present invention is applicable. Although specific features have been provided, the catheter connector of the present invention would equally be embodied by other configurations not specifically recited herein. The scope of the present invention should therefore not be limited by the embodiments illustrated, but rather it should be understood that the present invention has wide applicability with respect to catheter systems generally. All modifications, variations, or equivalent elements and implementations that are within the scope of the appended claims should therefore be considered within the scope of the invention.