Vascular access system

Abstract

A connector system includes an engagement mechanism is provided that includes an engagement feature and a braided reinforcement coupled with a proximal portion of a catheter. The engagement feature can include one, two, or two or more barbs.

1 .- 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A method of assembling a blood flow conduit in-situ, comprising:
 providing a connector system comprising a first engagement feature located on a connecting structure of a proximal blood conduit portion and distal blood conduit portion including a catheter comprising a proximal end portion in which a braided structure is embedded; and   cutting the catheter through the braided structure to size the catheter in-situ.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the proximal blood conduit portion further comprises a connector having a distal segment including a retention feature, and further comprising advancing the catheter over the distal segment of the connector until at least a portion of the braided structure is positioned proximal of the retention feature. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising advancing the catheter proximally relative to the distal segment of the connector until the retention feature is surrounded by the catheter and a portion of an outer surface of the catheter is raised indicating sufficient advancement of the catheter relative to the distal segment of the connector. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the braided structure applies a compressive force on the retention feature when the catheter is advanced sufficiently relative to the distal segment of the connector to enhance the connection of the catheter with the connector. 
     
     
         36 . A method of assembling a blood flow conduit in-situ, comprising:
 providing a connector system comprising:
 a first blood conduit having a engagement feature located adjacent to an end thereof; and 
 a second blood conduit comprising a tubular body having a braided structure disposed therein, the braided structure having a first configuration in a free state; and 
   moving the tubular body and engagement feature relative to each other such that a portion of the braided structure is in a second configuration different from the first configuration permitting the tubular body to be axially aligned with the engagement feature; and   permitting the braided structure to relax to a configuration different from the first configuration such that the engagement feature and the tubular body are connected by a connection force applied therebetween.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the first blood conduit comprises a connector body. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the first blood conduit comprises a vascular graft connected to the connector body. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising cutting the catheter through a proximal portion of the tubular body to size the catheter in-situ. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tubular body has a proximal end and the braided structure is disposed along a length of the tubular body adjacent to but spaced from the proximal end. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the braided structure and engagement feature are configured such that moving the tubular body and engagement feature into engagement requires less force than moving the tubular body and engagement feature out of engagement. 
     
     
         42 . A catheter for insertion into a blood vessel at a vessel insertion site for delivering blood after dialysis to a location downstream of the vessel insertion site, the catheter comprising:
 an elongate body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, the elongate body being flexible and having an inner surface surrounding the lumen and an outer surface surrounding the inner surface; and   a braided structure having a proximal end and a distal end, the braided structure being embedded within the elongate body such that the outer surface of the elongate body completely surrounds the braided structure, the braided structure extending from the proximal portion of the elongate body toward the distal portion thereof and having a first configuration in a free state,   wherein a portion of the braided structure is adapted to be in a second configuration different from the first configuration when the proximal portion of the elongate body and the braided structure are brought in to contact with an engagement feature of a second blood conduit, the portion of the braided structure further adapted to relax to a configuration different from the first to provide an enhanced connection between the proximal portion of the elongate body, the braided structure and the engagement feature,   wherein a proximal length of the tubular body comprises a sizing region configured to be cut in situ to adapt the overall length of the tubular body; and   wherein in at least one configuration the braided structure is spaced axially from the proximal end of the tubular body.   
     
     
         43 . The catheter of  claim 42 , wherein the braided structure is spaced axially from the proximal end of the tubular body prior to being cut to size. 
     
     
         44 . The catheter of  claim 42 , wherein a proximal length of the tubular body comprises an outer circumferential surface, and an end surface; and
 wherein at least one of the outer circumferential surface and the end surface present a smooth configuration.   
     
     
         45 . The catheter of  claim 42 , wherein the elongate body is configured to minimize delamination or other separation thereof from the braided structure.