Dialysis catheter and methods of insertion

Abstract

A method of inserting a dialysis catheter into a patient comprising the steps of inserting a guidewire into the jugular vein of the patient through the superior vena cava and into the inferior vena cava, providing a trocar having a lumen and a dissecting tip, inserting the trocar to enter an incision in the patient and to create a subcutaneous tissue tunnel, threading the guidewire through the lumen of the trocar so the guidewire extends through the incision, providing a dialysis catheter having first and second lumens, removing the trocar, and inserting the dialysis catheter over the guidewire through the incision and through the jugular vein and superior vena cava into the right atrium.

1 . A method of inserting a dialysis catheter into a patient comprising: 
 inserting a guidewire into the jugular vein of the patient through the superior vena cava, and into the inferior vena cava;    providing a trocar having a lumen and a dissecting tip;    inserting the trocar to enter an incision in the patient and to create a subcutaneous tissue tunnel;    threading the guidewire through the lumen of the trocar so the guidewire extends through the incision;    providing a dialysis catheter having first and second lumens;    removing the trocar; and    inserting the dialysis catheter over the guidewire through the incision and through the jugular vein and superior vena cava into the right atrium.    
     
     
         2 - 18 . (canceled)