Initialization and access system for multi-lumen central venous catheters

Abstract

A central venous catheter initialization and access system is disclosed for initially flushing and establishing a heparin lock in multiple lumens of a central venous catheter (CVC). The system comprises a plurality of syringes integrally mounted atop a generally planar underlying support sheet in discrete and spaced groups corresponding to individual lumens of a multi-lumen CVC. Each discrete syringe group comprises at least a flush syringe and an anti-coagulant syringe. The flush syringes are pre-filled with saline, and the anti-coagulant syringes are pre-filled with heparin. A multi-position valve assembly is also mounted atop the support sheet. The multi-position valve assembly has a plurality of individual valve inlet ports in fluid communication with the respective individual syringes, and a separate valve outlet port for each discrete syringe group. The valve outlet ports have connectors which mate with the lumens of a CVC. The valve assembly can be operated to select between the flush syringes and the anti-coagulant syringes and to provide fluid communication between the selected syringes and their corresponding outlet ports for facilitating sequential injection from the flush and anti-coagulant syringes into the individual lumens of a connected multi-lumen central venous catheter. The underlying support sheet extends beneath the components to provide a sterile underlying field during catheter access operations.