An umbilicus is provided for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system. The umbilicus includes an umbilicus body (80) having enlarged first and second ends (82,84), with an intermediate section (86) located therebetween. At least one fluid-transmitting lumen (88) extends between the first and second ends. The umbilicus further includes first and second end fittings (64,60), each associated with one of the ends of the umbilicus body. Each end fitting defines an interior cavity (96) having a flared portion (100), with at least a portion of one of the enlarged ends (82,84) of the umbilicus body (80) being seated within the flared portion. The enlarged ends of the umbilicus body may be formed using a heated die at least partially inserted into the fluid-transmitting lumen.
