Tunneler Device and Method of Use

A tunneler device comprising:

• a handle formed on a proximal end thereof configured for operable engagement by a user;
• a shaft extending distally from the handle;
• a collet supported on the distal end of the shaft, the collet including a plurality of distally extending fingers and a longitudinal projection radially spaced from the fingers, the projection being configured to be received within a lumen of a catheter tube;
• and
• a connector configured for operable engagement with the collet, wherein the connector is configured to bias the fingers of the collet radially inward towards the longitudinal projection upon engagement of the connector with collet.

A tunneler device comprising:

• a handle formed on a proximal end thereof configured for operable engagement by a user;
• a shaft extending distally from the handle;
• a collet supported on the distal end of the shaft, the collet including a plurality of distally extending fingers and a longitudinal projection radially spaced from the fingers, the projection being configured to be received within a lumen of a catheter tube, and each of the plurality of the distally extending fingers including at least one radially inward extending prong;
• a connector configured for operable engagement with the collet, wherein the connector is configured to bias the fingers of the collet radially inward towards the longitudinal projection upon engagement of the connector with collet to frictionally engage the catheter tube between the fingers and the projection;
• and
• a cap configured for selective engagement with the collet, wherein the cap is configured for blunt tissue dissection.