CATHETER TUNNELING SYSTEMS, INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS

摘要

An Instrument for facilitating insertion of a catheter through a subcutaneous tunnel includes a tunneling stylet defining a longitudinal axi and having leading and trailing ends, a bifurcated segment adjacent the leading end of the tunneling stylet and a releasable cover releasably mountable to the leading end of the tunneling stylet to substantially enclose the bifurcated segment The bifurcated segmen includes first and second elements adapted for reception within respective lumens of a catheter The instrument may further include a dilation member dimensioned to generally increase an internal dimension of the subcutaneous tunnel which is releasably mountable to the leading end of the tunneling stylet in the absence of the releasable cover The bifurcated segments may include a plurality of spaced outer peripheral nbs dimensioned to facilitate gripping engagement with internal surfaces of respective lumens of the catheter The bifurcated segment may be releasably mountable to the tunneling stylet