Abstract: An implantable device for providing extracorporeal access to a blood vessel includes a core section having an axial passage for communication between the blood vessel and the exterior of an organism's skin. The core section is seated within a housing having a lower portion in the form of a tubular band which encompasses the blood vessel. The upper part of the housing has a circular rim supported by spaced-apart struts, forming an open-sided, bowl-like structure, through the center of which the upper portion of the core protrudes. The bowl-like structure allows the incised edges of the skin around the access site to be tucked into its interior. A sealing member is threaded onto the protruding section of the core and is configured to hold the skin so that the subcutaneous tissue can grow between the struts and reattach itself to the skin, thereby resulting in a permanent and stable implant.

Abstract: A catheter implantable in a living subject for supplying fluid to a first chamber in the body of the subject and allowing fluid to pass from the first chamber into a second chamber of the subject through a valve arrangement operable from the exterior of the subject. An operating device functions in conjunction with the implanted catheter to supply fluid to the first chamber, and to operate the valve arrangement.