Patent ID: 8221005

Claim:
A connector comprising: a body extending a length along a central longitudinal axis, the body comprising: a plurality of first and second elements each comprising opposite first and second end portions; a third element positioned between at least a portion of the first and second elements, a portion of the third element and a portion of the first element extending within the second element, a portion of the first element extending within the third element, the first end portions of the first and second elements being exposed with respect to the third element, the second end portions of the first and second elements being exposed with respect to the third element, the exposed first end portions of the first and second elements being spaced apart with respect to each other along the length of the body, the exposed second end portions of the first and second elements being spaced apart with respect to each other along the length of the body, each of the first and second elements having a stepped end portion located at a different position along the length of the body, the length of the body extending no greater than approximately 152 millimeters (approximately 6 inches); and a passageway extending through at least a portion of the length of the body, said passageway configured for insertion and withdrawal of fluids, solid substances, tools, or lumens.