Patent ID: 7833214

Claim:
A method for inserting a multi-lumen hemodialysis catheter assembly into an area to be catheterized, the multi-lumen hemodialysis catheter assembly having a multi-lumen catheter tube having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the method comprising the steps of: a. making an insertion incision; b. inserting the proximal portion of the multi-lumen catheter tube through the incision and into the area to be catheterized; c. after step b, creating a subcutaneous tunnel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is closer than the second end to the insertion incision; d. after step c, routing the distal portion of the catheter tube through the subcutaneous tunnel while the proximal portion of the multi-lumen catheter tube remains in the area to be catheterized, the distal portion entering the first end and exiting the second end of the subcutaneous tunnel; e. attaching the distal portion of the catheter tube to a device which supplies fluid to a first lumen of the multi-lumen catheter and withdraws fluid from a second lumen of the multi-lumen catheter; and f. conducting hemodialysis through the multi-lumen hemodialysis catheter assembly.