A tunneler device is provided which includes a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, a connecting device including a body supported on a distal end of the shaft configured to be received within a lumen of a catheter, and a resilient separation prevention device supported on the connecting device. The resilient separation prevention device is inwardly deflectable towards the connecting device upon insertion of the connection device into the lumen of the catheter and biased towards a non-deflected position in engagement with an inner surface of the catheter to prevent retraction of the connecting device from the catheter.
