Combination connector and channel closure system for catheters

Claim 1

In a multilumen catheter having a proximal end, a distal end adapted for insertion in the body of a patient, a principal channel connecting said distal end with said proximal end for transport of fluid therebetween, a secondary channel of smaller size than the principal channel, an opening through the sidewall of the catheter adjacent the proximal end providing fluid flow access to said secondary channel and a connector tube of smaller outside diameter than said catheter fixed at one end to said opening, the improvement of a combination connector-channel closure system for the catheter which comprises a first connector member having an enlarged central body portion, a male connector portion on one end and a female portion at the opposite end into which the proximal end of the catheter is fixed, a second connector member of similar configuration to said first connector member fixed at the female portion thereof to the free end of said connector tube and a short section of flexible plastic tubing fitted at one end over the male connector portion of said first connector member and fitted at the other end over the male connector portion of the second connector member, said combination of short tubing and connector members forming a releasable seal against entrance of material into the catheter and the connector tube.