Multiple-type catheter connection systems

• US 6,113,572 A
• Filed: 02/12/1996
• Issued: 09/05/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: Powers, Kelly B., Eliasen, Kenneth Arden, Christian, Kelly J., Jones, Donald James, Gailey, Robert Nelson
• Primary Examiner(s): Bockelman, Mark
• Application Number:
  US08/599,734
• Time in Patent Office: 1,667 Days
• Field of Search: 604/283, 604/285, 604/264, 604/265, 604/93, 604/175, 604/535, 604/536, 285/417, 285/338, 285/12, 285/255, 285/256, 285/259, 285/242, 285/115
• US Class Current: 604/93.01
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1027 Quick-acting type connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1066 having protection means, e.g. sliding sleeve to protect connector itself, shrouds to protect a needle present in the connector, protective housing, isolating sheath
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/0208 Subcutaneous access sites for injecting or removing fluids transcutaneous access sites A61M39/0247; implantable infusion devices A61M5/14276
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/12 for joining a flexible tube to a rigid attachment
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 33/225 a sleeve being movable axially

Abstract

A catheter connection system is defined by a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof to a medical device. The stem has a plurality of engagement barbs encircling and radially, outwardly extending on an exterior surface of the stem. The engagement barbs can be configured having a variety of different sizes and positions. A locking barb also encircles and radially, outwardly extends on the surface of the stem between the medical device and the engagement barbs. A variety of fastening assemblies are provided for inwardly compressing a portion of a body wall of a selected catheter against the engagement barbs on the stem, when the stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter. The fastening assemblies create a mechanical joinder and liquid-tight seal between the selected catheter and the stem. The selected catheter can be chosen from one of three or more catheters each having a combination of size and material composition distinct from the other of the catheters.

Claims

1. A catheter connection system for effecting a mechanical joinder between a medical device and a selected catheter chosen from among a first catheter, a second catheter, and a third catheter, the first catheter being made from a first material, the second catheter and the third catheter being made of a second material less pliant than the first material, and the inner diameter of the third catheter being smaller than the inner diameter of the second catheter, the selected catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said connection system comprising:

a. a rigid stem attached at a proximal end thereof to the medical device, said stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end and an exterior surface extending therebetween;

b. anchoring means on said exterior surface of said stem for engaging the interior surface of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected catheter on said stem; and

c. clinching means operative when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter for radially, inwardly compressing the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, and for interacting with said anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem, said clinching means comprising a set of fastening assemblies, individual of said fastening assemblies corresponding to the first catheter, the second catheter, and the third catheter, respectively.

2. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein said anchoring means comprises:

(a) a first engagement barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, said first engagement barb having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

(b) a second engagement barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first engagement barb, said second engagement barb having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first engagement barb; and

(c) a locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said second engagement barb and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said second engagement barb.

3. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein said anchoring means comprises:

(a) a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

(b) a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first set of engagement barbs; and

(c) a locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said second set of engagement barbs and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said second set of engagement barbs.

4. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 3, wherein each consecutive one of said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs have a maximum outer diameter that decreases in size toward said distal end of said stem.

5. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 3, wherein said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs are adjacently disposed on said stem.

6. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 3, wherein said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs are separated by a portion of said stem.

7. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 3, further comprising a second locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs.

8. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 3, wherein said first set of engagement barbs comprises two or more engagement barbs that are substantially equally configured.

9. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 3, wherein said second set of engagement barbs comprises two or more engagement barbs that are substantially equally configured.

10. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 3, wherein said first set of engagement barbs comprises two or more engagement barbs, each consecutive one of said engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter that decreases in size toward said distal end of said stem.

11. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 3, wherein said second set of engagement barbs comprises two or more engagement barbs, each consecutive one of said engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter that decreases in size toward said distal end of said stem.

12. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein said anchoring means comprises:

(a) a engagement bulb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem at said distal end of said stem, said engagement bulb having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

(b) a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem proximal of said engagement bulb, said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter at least as large as said maximum outer diameter of said engagement bulb and being separated from said engagement bulb by a first portion of said stem; and

(c) a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first set of engagement barbs and being separated from said first set of engagement barbs by a second portion of said stem.

13. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein said stem and said anchoring means are made of metal.

14. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein said stem and said anchoring means are made of plastic.

15. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein said set of fastening assemblies comprises a first fastening assembly corresponding to the first catheter, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing the body wall of the first catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the first catheter and the first catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

16. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 15, wherein said compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

17. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 15, wherein said compression ring is positioned between said proximal end and said distal end of said first locking sleeve.

18. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 15, wherein said set of fastening assemblies comprises a second fastening assembly corresponding to the second catheter, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable first compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said first compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the second catheter and the second catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient clamps at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

19. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 18, wherein said set of clamps comprises a pair of clamps.

20. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 18, wherein said set of clamps comprises a set of C-shaped clamps.

21. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 18, wherein said set of fastening assemblies comprises a third fastening assembly corresponding to the third catheter, said third fastening assembly comprising:

a. a third locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable second compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said third locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said second compression sleeve comprising;

i. a proximal portion at said proximal end of said second compression sleeve, said interior surface of said second compression sleeve at said proximal portion thereof being so sized and positioned as to encircle a proximal portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received within said passageway of said second compression sleeve; and

ii. a distal portion at said distal end of said second compression sleeve, said distal portion of said second compression sleeve having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said proximal portion of said second compression sleeve, said interior surface of said second compression sleeve at said distal portion thereof inwardly compresses the body wall of the third catheter against a distal portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the second catheter and the second catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said second compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient clamps at said proximal end of said third locking sleeve.

22. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 21, wherein said set of clamps comprises a pair of C-shaped clamps.

23. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein the medical device is an implantable vascular access port.

24. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 23, wherein said access port includes a leaflet valve.

25. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 23, wherein said access port includes a needle-penetrable septum.

26. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein the medical device is a catheter repair and extension assembly.

27. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein the medical device is a catheter termination hub.

28. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 1, wherein the medical device is a medical tunneling instrument.

29. A catheter connection system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a medical device that accommodates for the flow of fluid therethrough in two distinct fluid flow pathways and a selected dual lumen catheter the selected dual lumen catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, a catheter partition wall extends between spaced locations on the interior surface to define two distinct longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumens within the body wall, said connection system comprising:

a. a stem attached at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication to the medical device, said stem having a pair of adjacent prongs separated by a gap and each terminating at a free distal end, each of said prongs having an exposed exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therethrough;

b. retaining means on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs for engaging the interior surface of each of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected dual lumen catheter on said stem, said retaining means comprising;

i. an engagement barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs, said engagement barb having a maximum outer radius so sized as to fit within each of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter; and

ii. a locking barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs between said engagement barb and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer radius that is larger than said maximum outer radius of said engagement barb; and

c. a fastening assembly comprising;

i. a locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

ii. a pliable compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially inwardly compressing the body wall of the selected catheter said engagement barb on each of said prongs, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter and the selected dual lumen catheter with said distal end of each of said prongs of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

iii. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve, said set of clamps interacting with said retaining means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem.

30. A catheter conversion system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a selected dual lumen catheter and two distinct selected single lumen catheters, the selected dual lumen catheter being chosen from among two or more dual lumen catheters each having a unique combination of size and material composition distinct from the others of the dual lumen catheters, the selected dual lumen catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, the dual lumen catheter further having a partition wall extending between spaced locations on the interior surface to define two distinct longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumens within the body wall, each of the selected single lumen catheters being chosen from among two or more catheters each having a combination of size and material composition distinct from the other of the catheters, each of the selected single lumen catheters having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said catheter conversion system comprising:

a. an adapter having a dual lumen coupling site, a first single lumen catheter coupling site, and a second single lumen catheter coupling site,

b. a dual lumen catheter connection system at said dual lumen coupling site on said adapter, said dual lumen catheter connection system comprising;

i. a pronged stem attached to said adapter at said dual lumen coupling site, said pronged stem having a pair of adjacent prongs separated by a gap and each terminating at respective free distal ends, each of said prongs having an exposed exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therethrough;

ii. an engagement barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of each said prongs, said engagement barb having a maximum outer radius so sized as to fit within each of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter;

iii. a locking barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs between said engagement barb and said adapter, said locking barb having a maximum outer radius that is larger than said maximum outer radius of said engagement barb; and

iv. holding means operative when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter for radially inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected dual lumen catheter against said engagement barb on each of said prongs, and for interacting with said locking barb to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said pronged stem; and

c. a first single lumen catheter connection system at said first single lumen coupling site on said adapter, said first single lumen catheter connection system being in fluid communication through said adapter with a first of said passageways through said prongs of said stem of said dual lumen catheter connection system, said first single lumen catheter connection system comprising;

i. a first tubular rigid stem attached at a proximal end thereof to said first single lumen coupling site on said adapter, said first tubular stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end thereof, an exterior surface extending therebetween;

ii first anchoring means on said exterior surface of said first tubular stem for engaging the interior surface of a first of the selected single lumen catheters, when said distal end of said first tubular stem is received in the lumen of the first of the selected single lumen catheters, and for enabling locking of the first of the selected single lumen catheters on said first tubular stem; and

iii. a first clinching means operative when said distal end of said first tubular stem is received in the lumen of the first of the selected single lumen catheters for radially inwardly compressing the body wall of the first of the selected single lumen catheters against a portion of said first anchoring means, and for interacting with said first anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the first of the selected single lumen catheter from said first tubular stem;

d. a second single lumen catheter connection systems at said second single lumen coupling site on said adapter, said second single lumen catheter connection system being in fluid communication through said adapter with a second of said passageways through said prongs of said stem of said dual lumen catheter connection system, said second single lumen catheter connection systems comprising;

i. a rigid second tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof to said first single lumen coupling site on said adapter, said first tubular stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end thereof, an exterior surface extending therebetween;

ii. second anchoring means on said exterior surface of said second tubular stem for engaging the interior surface of a second of the selected single lumen catheters, when said distal end of said second tubular stem is received in the lumen of the second of the selected single lumen catheters, and for enabling locking of the second of the selected single lumen catheters on said second tubular stem; and

iii. second clinching means operative when said distal end of said second tubular stem is received in the lumen of the second of the selected single lumen catheters for radially inwardly compressing the body wall of the second of the selected single lumen catheter against a portion of said second anchoring means, and for interacting with said second anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the second of the selected single lumen catheters from said first tubular stem.

31. A catheter connection system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a medical device that accommodates a fluid flow and a selected catheter chosen from among a first catheter made of silicone and a second catheter, and a contrastingly sized third catheter both made of polyurethane, the selected catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said connection system comprising:

a. a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication to the medical device, said stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end and an exterior surface extending therebetween;

b. anchoring means on said exterior surface of said stem for engaging the interior surface of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received within the lumen of the selected catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected catheter on said stem, said anchoring means comprising;

i. a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

ii. a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first set of engagement barbs; and

iii. a locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said second set of engagement barbs and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said second set of engagement barbs; and

c. clinching means operative when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, and for interacting with said anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem.

32. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 31, wherein said first set of engagement barb and said second set of engagement barbs each comprise two or more engagement barbs.

33. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 31, wherein said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs are adjacently disposed.

34. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 31, wherein said locking barb further comprises:

(a) a proximal side wall encircling said stem and radially extending outward therefrom to an outside corner; and

(b) a frustoconical top surface encircling said stem and extending from said first outside corner distally toward said stem.

35. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 34, wherein said proximal side wall extends from said exterior surface of said stem to said second outside corner at an angle greater than 90°

as measured between said proximal side wall and the longitudinal axis of said stem proximal of said proximal side wall.

36. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 31, wherein said clinching means comprises a first fastening assembly corresponding to the first catheter, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the first catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the first catheter and the first catheter with said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

37. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 36, wherein said annular compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

38. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 36, wherein said compression ring has an inner diameter larger than said maximum outer diameter of said locking barb.

39. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 31, wherein said stem comprises:

a. a distal portion, said first set of engagement barbs being positioned on said distal portion; and

b. a proximal portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of said distal portion, said second set of engagement barbs being positioned on said proximal portion.

40. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 36, wherein said clinching means comprises a second fastening assembly corresponding to the second catheter, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable first compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said first compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the second catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said stem is received in the lumen of the second catheter and the second catheter with said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

41. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 40, wherein said C-shaped clamps have an inner diameter slightly smaller than said maximum outer diameter of said locking barb.

42. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 40, wherein said clinching means comprises a third fastening assembly corresponding to the third catheter, said third fastening assembly comprising:

a. a third locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable second compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said third locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said second compression sleeve comprising;

i. a proximal portion at said proximal end of said second compression sleeve, said interior surface of said second compression sleeve at said proximal portion thereof being sized and positioned so as to encircle at least a portion of said second set of engagement barbs, when said distal end of said stem is received within said passageway of said second compression sleeve; and

ii. a distal portion at said distal end of said second compression sleeve, said distal portion of said second compression sleeve having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said proximal portion of said second compression sleeve, said interior surface of said second compression sleeve at said distal portion thereof inwardly comprising the body wall of the third catheter against said first set of engagement barbs, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the third catheter and the third catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said second compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps at said proximal end of said third locking sleeve.

43. A catheter connection system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a medical device that accommodates a fluid flow and a selected catheter chosen from among three or more catheters, each of the catheters having a combination of size and material composition distinct from the other of the catheters, the selected catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said connection system comprising:

(a) a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication to the medical device, said stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end and an exterior surface extending therebetween;

(b) anchoring means on said exterior surface of said stem for engaging the interior surface of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected catheter on said stem, said anchoring means comprising;

(i) a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

(ii) a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first set of engagement barbs;

(iii) a first locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs, said first locking barb having a maximum outer diameter larger than said maximum outer diameter of said first set of engagement barbs; and

(iv) a second locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said second set of engagement barbs and the medical device, said second locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said second set of engagement barbs; and

(c) clinching means operative when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means and for interacting with said anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem.

44. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 43, wherein said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs each comprise two or more engagement barbs.

45. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 43, wherein said stem comprises:

a. a distal portion, said first set of engagement barbs being positioned on said distal portion; and

b. a proximal portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of said distal portion, said second set of engagement barbs being positioned on said proximal portion.

46. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 43, wherein said second set of engagement barbs are separated from said first locking barb by an intermediate cylindrical portion of said stem.

47. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 43, wherein each of said first locking barbs and each of said second locking barbs further comprises:

(a) a proximal side wall encircling said stem and radially extending outward therefrom to an outside corner; and

(b) a frustoconical top surface encircling said stem and extending from said first outside corner distally toward said stem.

48. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 47, wherein said proximal side wall extends from said exterior surface of said stem to said second outside corner at an angle greater than 90°

as measured between said proximal side wall and the longitudinal axis of said stem proximal of said proximal side wall.

49. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 43, wherein said clinching means comprises a first fastening assembly, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

50. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 49, wherein said compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

51. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 49, wherein said interior surface of said first locking sleeve is configured to radially, inwardly compress a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against said first locking barb.

52. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 49, wherein said interior surface of said first locking sleeve is configured to radially, inwardly compress a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against said second locking barb.

53. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 49, wherein said clinching means comprises a second fastening assembly, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps positioned at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

54. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 53, wherein said interior surface of said compression sleeve is configured to radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against said first set of engagement barbs.

55. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 53, wherein said interior surface of said compression sleeve is configured to radially, inwardly compress a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against said second set of engagement barbs.

56. A catheter connection system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a medical device that accommodates a fluid flow and a selected catheter chosen from among three or more catheters, each of the catheters having a combination of size and material composition distinct from the other of the catheters, the selected catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said connection system comprising:

(a) a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication to the medical device, said stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end and an exterior surface extending therebetween;

(b) anchoring means on said exterior surface of said stem for engaging the interior surface of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected catheter on said stem, said anchoring means comprising;

(i) a plurality of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, each consecutive one of said plurality of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter that decreases in size toward said distal end of said stem; and

(ii) a locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said plurality of engagement barbs and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said plurality of engagement barbs; and

(c) clinching means operative when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means and for interacting with said anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem.

57. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 56, wherein said plurality of engagement barbs comprises at least three engagement barbs.

58. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 56, wherein said plurality of engagement barbs comprises at least four engagement barbs.

59. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 56, wherein said locking barb further comprises:

(a) a proximal side wall encircling said stem and radially extending outward therefrom to an outside corner; and

(b) a frustoconical top surface encircling said stem and extending from said first outside corner distally toward said stem.

60. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 59, wherein said proximal side wall extends from said exterior surface of said stem to said second outside corner at an angle greater than 90°

as measured between said proximal side wall and the longitudinal axis of said stem proximal of said proximal side wall.

61. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 56, wherein said clinching means comprises a first fastening assembly, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

62. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 61, wherein said compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

63. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 61, wherein said compression ring has an inner diameter slightly larger than said maximum outer diameter of said locking barb.

64. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 61, wherein said clinching means comprises a second fastening assembly, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

65. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 64, wherein said C-shaped clamps have an inner diameter slightly smaller than said maximum outer diameter of said locking barb.

66. A catheter connection system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a medical device that accommodates a fluid flow and a selected catheter chosen from among three or more catheters, each of the catheters having a combination of size and material composition distinct from the other of the catheters the selected catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said connection system comprising:

(a) a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication to the medical device, said stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end and an exterior surface extending therebetween;

(b) anchoring means on said exterior surface of said stem for engaging the interior surface of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected catheter on said stem, said anchoring means comprising;

(i) a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, each one of said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter that decreases in size towards said distal end of said stem;

(ii) a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, each one of said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter that decreases in size towards said distal end of said stem, each one of said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said maximum outer diameter of each of said first set of engagement barbs, said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs being separated by a portion of said stem; and

(iii) a locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said second set of engagement barbs and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of each of said second set of engagement barbs; and

(c) clinching means operative when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means and for interacting with said anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem.

67. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 66, wherein said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs each comprise two or more engagement barbs.

68. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 66, wherein said clinching means comprises a first fastening assembly, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

69. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 68, wherein said compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

70. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 68, wherein said compression ring is positioned between said proximal end and said distal end of said first locking sleeve.

71. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 68, wherein said clinching means comprises a second fastening assembly, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps positioned at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

72. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 71, wherein said C-shaped clamps have an inner diameter slightly smaller than said maximum outer diameter of said locking barb.

73. A catheter connection system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a medical device that accommodates a fluid flow and a selected catheter chosen from among three or more catheters, each of the catheters having a combination of size and material composition distinct from the others of the catheters, the selected catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said connection system comprising:

a. a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication to the medical device, said stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end and an exterior surface extending therebetween;

b. anchoring means on said exterior surface of said stem for engaging the interior surface of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected catheter on said stem, said anchoring means comprising;

i. a engagement bulb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem at said distal end of said stem, said engagement bulb having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

ii. a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem proximal of said engagement bulb, said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said maximum outer diameter of said engagement bulb, said first set of engagement barbs being separated from said engagement bulb by a first intermediate cylindrical portion of said stem; and

iii. a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first set of engagement barbs and being separated from said first set of engagement barbs by a second intermediate cylindrical portion of said stem; and

c. clinching means operative when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, and for interacting with said anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem.

74. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 73, wherein each one of said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs have a maximum outer diameter that decreases toward said distal end of said stem.

75. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 73, wherein said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs each comprise two or more engagement barbs.

76. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 73, wherein a distal cylindrical portion of said stem projects distal of said engagement bulb.

77. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 73, wherein said clinching means comprises a first fastening assembly, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

78. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 77, wherein said compression ring is so positioned on said interior surface of said first locking sleeve as to compress a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against said first intermediate cylindrical portion of said stem, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve.

79. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 77, wherein said compression ring is so positioned on said interior surface of said first locking sleeve as to compress a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against said second intermediate cylindrical portion of said stem, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve.

80. A catheter connection system for effecting a mechanical joinder between a medical device and a selected catheter, the selected catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said connection system comprising:

a. a rigid stem attached at a proximal end thereof to the medical device, said stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end and an exterior surface extending therebetween;

b. anchoring means on said exterior surface of said stem for engaging the interior surface of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected catheter on said stem; and

c. a fastening assembly comprising;

i. a locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

ii. a pliable compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter and the selected catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

iii. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps positioned at said proximal end of said locking sleeve, said set of clamps interacting with said anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem.

81. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 80, wherein said anchoring means comprises:

a. a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

b. a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first set of engagement barbs; and

c. a locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said second set of engagement barbs and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said second set of engagement barbs.

82. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 81, wherein said anchoring means comprises:

a. a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

b. a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first set of engagement barbs;

c. a first locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs, said first locking barb having a maximum outer diameter larger than said maximum outer diameter of said first set of engagement barbs; and

d. a second locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said second set of engagement barbs and the medical device, said second locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said second set of engagement barbs.

83. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 81, wherein each of said second set of engagement barbs has a maximum outer diameter that decreases in size towards said distal end of said stem, and said first set of engagement barbs and said second set of engagement barbs are separated by an intermediate cylindrical portion of said stem.

84. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 80, wherein said anchoring means comprises:

a. a plurality of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, each consecutive one of said plurality of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter that decreases in size toward said distal end of said stem; and

b. a locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said plurality of engagement barbs and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said plurality of engagement barbs.

85. A catheter connection system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a medical device that accommodates for the flow of fluid therethrough in two distinct fluid flow pathways and a selected dual lumen catheter chosen from either a first dual lumen catheter or a second dual lumen catheter, the first dual lumen catheter being made from a first material and the second dual lumen catheter being made from a second material, the second material being less pliant than the first material, the selected dual lumen catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, a catheter partition wall extends between spaced locations on the interior surface to define two distinct longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumens within the body wall, said connection system comprising:

(a) a stem attached at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication to the medical device, said stem having a pair of adjacent prongs separated by a gap and each terminating at a free distal end, each of said prongs having an exposed exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therethrough;

(b) retaining means on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs for engaging the interior surface of each of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected dual lumen catheter on said stem, said retaining means comprising;

(i) an engagement barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs, said engagement barb having a maximum outer radius so sized as to fit within each of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter; and

(ii) a locking barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs between said engagement barb and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer radius that is larger than said maximum outer radius of said engagement barb; and

(c) clasping means operative when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected dual lumen catheter against a portion of said retaining means on each of said prongs, and for interacting with said retaining means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem.

86. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 85, wherein said retaining means further comprises a plurality of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs.

87. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 85, wherein said locking barb further comprises:

(a) a distal side wall radially extending outward from said exposed outside surface to a first outside corner having an outer radius;

(b) a proximal side wall radially extending outward from said exposed outside surface to a second outside corner having an outer radius larger than said outer radius of said first outside corner; and

(c) a top surface spanning across said exposed outside surface of each of said prongs and extending between said first outside corner and said second outside corner.

88. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 87, wherein said proximal side wall extends from said exterior surface of said stem to said second outside corner at an angle greater than 90°

as measured between said proximal side wall and the longitudinal axis of said stem proximal of said proximal side wall.

89. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 85, wherein said clasping means comprises a first fastening assembly, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said retaining means, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter and the selected dual lumen catheter with said distal end of each of said prongs of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression rings extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

90. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 89, wherein said compression ring has an inner radius larger than said maximum outer radius of each of said locking barb.

91. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 89, wherein said compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

92. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 89, wherein said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compresses a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against each of said prongs and urges said prongs toward each other thereby to compress at least a portion of the partition wall of the selected catheter between said prongs.

93. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 89, wherein said clasping means comprises a second fastening assembly, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected catheter against a portion of said retaining means, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter and the selected dual lumen catheter with said distal end of each of said prongs of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

94. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 93, wherein said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compresses the body wall of the selected catheter against each of said adjacent prongs and urges said prongs toward each other, thereby to compress at least a portion of the partition wall between said prongs.

95. A catheter connection system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a medical device that accommodates for the flow of fluid therethrough in two distinct fluid flow pathways and a selected dual lumen catheter chosen from among a first dual lumen catheter, a second dual lumen catheter, and a third dual lumen catheter, the first dual lumen catheter being made from a first material, the second dual lumen catheter and the third dual lumen catheter being made of a second material less pliant than the first material, and the inner diameter of the third dual lumen catheter being less than the inner diameter of the second dual lumen catheter, the selected dual lumen catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, the selected dual lumen catheter further having a partition wall extending between spaced locations or the interior surface to define two distinct longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumens within the body wall, said connection system comprising:

a. a stem attached at a proximal end thereof in fluid communication to the medical device, said stem having a pair of adjacent prongs separated by a gap and each terminating at a free distal end, each of said prongs having an exposed exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therethrough;

b. gripping means on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs for engaging the interior surface of each of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected dual lumen catheter on said stem, said gripping means comprising;

i. an engagement barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs, said engagement barb having a maximum outer radius so sized as to fit within each of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter; and

ii. a locking barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs between said engagement barb and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer radius that is larger than said maximum outer radius of said engagement barb; and

c. holding means operative when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected dual lumen catheter against said engagement barb on each of said prongs, and for interacting with said locking barb to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem, said holding means comprising a set of fastening assemblies, individual of said fastening assemblies corresponding to the first dual lumen catheter, the second dual lumen catheter, and the third dual lumen catheter, respectively.

96. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 95, wherein said gripping means further comprises a plurality of said engagement barbs spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs, said engagement barbs each having a maximum outer radius that decreases in size toward said distal end of said stem, said maximum outer radius of each of said engagement barbs being less than said maximum outer radius of said locking barb.

97. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 95, wherein said set of fastening assemblies comprises a first fastening assembly corresponding to said first dual lumen catheter, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the first dual lumen catheter against said engagement barb on each of said prongs of said stem, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the first dual lumen catheter and the first dual lumen catheter with said distal end of each of said prongs of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

98. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 97, wherein said compression ring has an inner radius larger than said maximum outer radius of each of said locking barb.

99. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 97, wherein said compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

100. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 97, wherein said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compresses a portion of the body wall of the first dual lumen catheter against each of said prongs and urges said prongs toward each other, thereby to compress at least a portion of the partition wall of the first dual lumen catheter between said prongs.

101. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 95, wherein said set of fastening assemblies comprises a second fastening assembly corresponding to the second dual lumen catheter, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable first compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing the body wall of the second dual lumen catheter against said engagement barb on each of said prongs of said stem, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the second dual lumen catheter and the second dual lumen catheter with said distal ends of each of said prongs of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient clamps at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

102. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 101, wherein said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compresses a portion of the body wall of the second dual lumen catheter against each of said prongs and urges said prongs toward each other, thereby to compress at least a portion of the partition wall of the second dual lumen catheter between said prongs.

103. A catheter connection system as defined in claim 101, wherein said set of clamps comprises a pair of C-shaped clamps.

104. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 101, wherein said set of fastening assemblies comprises a third fastening assembly corresponding to the third dual lumen catheter, said third fastening assembly comprising:

a. a third locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable second compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said third locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said second compression sleeve comprising;

i. a proximal portion at said proximal end of said second compression sleeve, said interior surface of said second compression sleeve at said proximal portion thereof being sized and positioned so as to encircle at least a portion of said second set of engagement barbs, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the third dual lumen catheter and the third dual lumen catheter with said distal ends of each of said prongs of said stem received therein is positioned in said passageway of said second compression sleeve; and

ii. a distal portion at said distal end of said second compression sleeve, said distal portion of said second compression sleeve having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said proximal portion, said distal portion of said second compression sleeve inwardly comprising the body wall of the third catheter against said engagement barb on each of said prongs, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the third dual lumen catheter and the third dual lumen catheter with said distal ends of each of said prongs of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said second compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps at said proximal end of said third locking sleeve.

105. A catheter conversion system for effecting a fluid tight coupling and a mechanical joinder between a selected dual lumen catheter and two distinct selected single lumen catheters, the selected dual lumen catheter being chosen from among two or more dual lumen catheters each having a unique combination of size and material composition distinct from the others of the dual lumen catheters, the selected dual lumen catheter having a body wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, the selected dual lumen catheter further having a partition wall extending between spaced locations on the interior surface to define two distinct longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumens within the body wall, each of the selected single lumen catheters being chosen from among two or more catheters each having a combination of size and material composition distinct from the other of the catheters, each of the selected single lumen catheters having a body wall with an exterior surface and with an interior surface defining a longitudinally extending, fluid flow lumen, said catheter conversion system comprising:

a. an adapter having a first end and an opposing second end;

b. a dual lumen catheter connection system at said first end of said adapter, said dual lumen catheter connection system comprising;

i. a pronged stem attached at said first end in fluid communication with said adapter, said pronged stem having a pair of adjacent prongs separated by a gap and terminating at respective free distal ends, each of said prongs having an exposed exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therethrough;

ii. an engagement barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of each said prongs, said engagement barb having a maximum outer radius so sized as to fit within each of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter;

iii. a locking barb spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs between said engagement barb and said adapter, said locking barb having a maximum outer radius that is larger than said maximum outer radius of said engagement barb; and

iv. holding means operative when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected dual lumen catheter against said engagement barb on each of said prongs, and for interacting with said locking barb to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected catheter from said stem; and

c. a pair of single lumen catheter connection systems positioned at said second end of said adapter, individual of said single lumen catheter connection systems being in fluid communication through said adapter with a respective one of said passageways of said dual lumen catheter connection system, each of said single lumen catheter connection systems comprising;

i a rigid, tubular stem attached at a proximal end thereof to said second end of said adapter, said tubular stem having a free distal end opposite said proximal end thereof and an exterior surface extending therebetween;

ii. anchoring means on said exterior surface of said tubular stem for engaging the interior surface of the selected single lumen catheter, when said distal end of said tubular stem is received in the lumen of the selected single lumen catheter, and for enabling locking of the selected single lumen catheter on said tubular stem; and

iii clinching means operative when said distal end of said tubular stem is received in the lumen of the selected single lumen catheter for radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected single lumen catheter against a portion of said anchoring means and for interacting with said anchoring means to preclude unintentional disengagement of the selected single lumen catheter from said tubular stem.

106. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 105, further comprising a plurality of engagement barbs spanning across and radially, outwardly extending on said exposed exterior surface of each of said prongs, said engagement barbs each having a maximum outer radius that decreases in size toward said distal end of said stem, said maximum outer radius of each of said engagement barbs being less than said maximum outer radius of said locking barb.

107. A catheter connection system as defined in claim 105, wherein said holding means comprises a first fastening assembly, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing the body wall of the selected dual lumen catheter against said engagement barb on each of said prongs of said stem, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter and the selected dual lumen catheter with said distal ends of each of said prongs of said pronged stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

108. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 107, wherein said compression ring has an inner radius larger than said maximum outer radius of said locking barb.

109. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 107, wherein said compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

110. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 107, wherein said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compresses the body wall of the selected dual lumen catheter against each of said prongs and urges said prongs toward each other, thereby to compress the partition wall of the selected catheter between said prongs.

111. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 107, wherein said holding means comprises a second fastening assembly, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing the body wall of the selected dual lumen catheter against said engagement barb on each of said prongs of said stem, when said distal end of each of said prongs is individually received in individual of the lumens of the selected dual lumen catheter and the selected dual lumen catheter with said distal ends of each of said prongs of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

112. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 111, wherein said interior surface of said first compression sleeve radially, inwardly compresses a portion of the body wall of the selected dual lumen catheter against each of said prongs and urges said prongs toward each other, thereby to compress the partition wall between said prongs.

113. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 105, wherein the anchoring means comprises:

(a) a first set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem on said distal end of said stem, said first set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter so sized as to fit within the lumen of the selected catheter when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected catheter;

(b) a second set of engagement barbs radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem proximal of said first set of engagement barbs, said second set of engagement barbs having a maximum outer diameter larger than said first set of engagement barbs; and

(c) a locking barb radially, outwardly extending on said exterior surface of said stem and encircling said stem between said second set of engagement barbs and the medical device, said locking barb having a maximum outer diameter that is larger than said maximum outer diameter of said second set of engagement barbs.

114. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 105, wherein said clinching means comprises a first fastening assembly, said first fastening assembly comprising:

a. a first locking sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending through said first locking sleeve, said interior surface of said first locking sleeve radially, inwardly compressing a portion of the body wall of the selected single lumen catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected single lumen catheter and the selected single lumen catheter with said distal stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said first locking sleeve; and

b. an annular compression ring extending inwardly from said interior surface of said first locking sleeve.

115. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 114, wherein said compression ring is positioned at said proximal end of said first locking sleeve.

116. A catheter connection system as defined in claim 114, wherein said compression ring has an inner diameter larger than said maximum outer diameter of said locking barb of said anchoring means.

117. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 114, wherein said clinching means comprises a second fastening assembly, said second fastening assembly comprising:

a. a second locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable first compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said second locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said interior surface of said compression sleeve radially, inwardly compressing the body wall of the selected single lumen catheter against a portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the selected single lumen catheter and the selected single lumen catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

118. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 117, wherein said C-shaped clamps have an inner diameter slightly smaller than said maximum outer diameter of said locking barb of said anchoring means.

119. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 117, wherein said clinching means comprises a third fastening assembly, said third fastening assembly comprising:

a. a third locking sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending therebetween;

b. a pliable second compression sleeve longitudinally disposed within said passageway of said third locking sleeve and having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior surface defining a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough, said second compression sleeve comprising;

i. a proximal portion at said proximal end of said second compression sleeve, said interior surface of said second compression sleeve at said proximal portion thereof being so sized and positioned as to encircle a proximal portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received within said passageway of said second compression sleeve; and

ii. a distal portion at said distal end of said second compression sleeve, said distal portion of said second compression sleeve having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said proximal portion, said interior surface of said second compression sleeve at said distal portion thereof radially inwardly compressing the body wall of the third single lumen catheter against said distal portion of said anchoring means, when said distal end of said stem is received in the lumen of the second single lumen catheter and the second single lumen catheter with said distal end of said stem received therein is positioned within said passageway of said second compression sleeve; and

c. an opposing set of radially displaceable, resilient C-shaped clamps positioned at said proximal end of said second locking sleeve.

120. A catheter connection system as recited in claim 105, wherein said stem comprises:

(a) a distal portion having an outer diameter on which said first set of engagement barbs are positioned; and

(b) a proximal portion having an outer diameter larger than said outer diameter of said distal section, said second set of engagement barbs being positioned on said proximal section.