A multi-lumen catheter and method for inserting same into a patient is disclosed.
The catheter includes a multi-lumen catheter tube having a distal end, a proximal
end, and a plurality of lumens therethrough. The catheter may include a single-lumen
flush tube portion, the flush tube portion having a proximal end and a distal end,
the proximal end of the flush tube portion being connected to the distal end of
the catheter tube such that the single lumen of the flush tube portion is in fluid
communication with each of the lumens in the catheter tube. A connector is provided
having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal cavity extending therethrough.
The cavity includes a coupling portion near the distal end of the connector, and
the proximal end of the connector is connected to the distal end of the flush tube
portion or the distal end of the catheter tube such that the cavity of the connector
is in fluid communication with the single lumen of the flush tube portion or the
plurality of lumens in the catheter tube. The coupling portion of the cavity of
the connector is configured to receive a mating coupling portion of a medical device
such as a trocar. The catheter device facilitates the subcutaneous tunneling of
the catheter after catheter tip placement, and simultaneous fluid communication
with all of the multiple catheter lumens.
