Abstract: A connector for detachably securing an end of a tube, such as a catheter, to a fluid port of a fluid transfer device, such as an implantable device, the connector having a body part which defines a coupler for coupling to a coupler receiver of the transfer device. The connector includes a sleeve which fits within the body part and defines an aperture for compressively receiving an end of the tube which has been fitted over a fluid port of the transfer device. The body part is rotatable about the sleeve to facilitate coupling of the coupler and coupler receiver. In one embodiment the sleeve has an inner diameter at one end large enough to slide freely over the tube when it is fitted over the fluid port, and the diameter decreases at an intermediate point along the length of the sleeve to provide for compressive axial movement of the tube to form an annular thickness portion of the tube where it abuts the face of the transfer device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible, reinforced, multiple lumen catheter. This catheter includes an elongated, flexible, tubular element extending about a central axis, and including embedded therein at least one filament extending in a helical path about the central axis. The inner surface of the tubular element defines an interior region. The catheter also includes an elongated divider element having elongated lateral edges. These edges are integral with, and extending from, portions of the inner surface of the tubular element. At least two lumens are defined in the interior region of the tubular element on opposing sides of the divider element. Also disclosed is a method for assembling the flexible, reinforced, multiple lumen catheter.

Abstract: A valved catheter is disclosed having an elongated, flexible tubular element extending along a central axis and a flow portion of a valve assembly which controls fluid flow in the tubular element. The element is adaptable for bidirectional flow of fluid between its proximal and its distal ends, with a bidirectional valve assembly coupled to the interior of the tubular element. The bidirectional assembly generally defines a control plane which intersects the central axis at an oblique angle. The assembly has an inflow portion and an outflow portion nominally disposed to lie in the control plane. The inflow portion includes an inflow vane positioned between the intersection of the control plane with the central axis and the distal end and which is adapted to be deflected out of the control plane toward the distal end in response to the establishment of a relatively high fluid pressure at the proximal end and a relatively lower fluid pressure at the distal end.

Abstract: A connector for detachably securing an end of a tube, such as a catheter, to a fluid port of a fluid transfer assembly, such as an implantable device, the connector having a body part which defines a coupler for coupling to a coupler receiver of the transfer assembly. The connector includes a sleeve which fits within the body part and defines an aperture for compressively receiving an end of the tube which has been fitted over a fluid port of the transfer assembly. The body part is rotatable about the sleeve to facilitate coupling of the coupler and coupler receiver. In one embodiment, the connector further includes bayonet pins for twist locking the coupler in the coupling receiver. A tie down may be provided to prohibit the coupler from being inadvertently detached from the coupling receiver. A tactile indicator may be included to indicate correct coupling of the coupler and the coupler receiver. The sleeve generates a compressive force to secure the tube to the fluid port.

Abstract: A valved catheter is disclosed having an elongated, flexible tubular element defining a lumen extending along an axis substantially parallel to the central axis of the tubular element, and a bidirectional check valve assembly near its distal end which controls fluid flow in the tubular element. The valve assembly includes an aspiration valve offset from the tip of the distal end and an infusion valve formed at the tip of the distal end. The aspiration valve is generally defined by port(s) in the tubular element and a sleeve within the element underlying the ports, where the sleeve normally closes the ports. The aspiration valve permits fluid flow from the bloodstream into the element when the static fluid pressure inside the distal end is lower than the static fluid pressure outside the aspiration valve by an amount sufficient to displace the sleeve to allow fluid flow through the ports. The infusion valve includes a throat formed in the distal end which tapers down to a mouth formed by jaws at the tip.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable, vascular access ports and vascular access systems including such ports. These ports include a biocompatible housing having at least one internal open-faced chamber extending along a reference axis, and defined by a concave sidewall and a bottom wall. The concave sidewall is concave in the direction of the axis and forms a lateral sidewall for the chamber. The port further includes a septum of biocompatible, self-resealing, penetrable material affixed to the housing and spanning the periphery of the open face of the chamber. A cannula is attached at a first end to the housing and extends laterally from that end. Its second end is adapted to receive a catheter. The cannula further includes internal walls defining a channel extending from the first end, along a channel axis from a point on the lateral boundary of, and in communication with, the chamber to the second end.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for incrementally varying the frictional forces along an articulable column having succesive joints formed of alternate ball and socket members. Friction is varied by varying the contact angle between said ball and socket members along the length of the column and by supplying a compressive force to said joints via a tensioned means throughout the column. The effect of varying the frictional forces along the column is to vary the stiffness of individual column joints creating a structural member which can be tailored to the load requirements of a specific application.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter needle and support assembly. That assembly includes a hollow bore catheter needle and a needle support assembly. The needle has a proximal port and a distal port an extends along a central needle axis between these port. A distal portion of the needle includes the distal port and extends along a first portion of the needle axis. A support portion extends along a substantially linear second portion of the needle axis between the first portion and the proximal port. The needle axis at the distal port is angularly offset from the second portion of the needle axis. The needle support assembly includes a coupling member and a pair of support members. The coupling member couples the needle support assembly to the support portion of the needle. The pair of support members extend from the coupling member.

Abstract: An implantable treatment device has a housing portion defining a chamber and a self-resealable cover portion which closes off the chamber to provide a fluid receiving reservoir. An exit port extends from the reservoir to the external surface of the housing, and a locking member affixed to the device permits a twist-lockable catheter connection to be securely sealed to the exit port. In one embodiment the locking member is a base plate having a slot therein to capture the flange of a catheter connection. A protruding tab on the catheter connection may be sutured to hold the twist-locked connection in a fixed orientation. A multi-reservoir and multi-catheter embodiment is shown. A preferred implantable multi-reservoir device includes tactile features palpable through the skin for distinguishing the different reservoirs, or identifying the contents thereof.

Abstract: An infusion device for a syringe includes a ratcheted stepper motor driven intermittently under the control of a control circuit to advance a syringe plunger driver. Different speeds are determined by the detected size of the syringe in the device. A clutch assembly disengageably connects the plunger driver to a drive belt driven by the stepper motor.A connector for a tubing set has a syringe-connect portion located in a recess of the connector, and cooperates with a force sensor in the device to detect occlusions. The connector has annular projecting portions with parallel, spaced apart actuating surfaces for engagement of the force sensor in either of two positions of the connector in the device. The connector is adapted to indicate to a sensor in which position it is located.

Abstract: A spindle assembly engages and moves along a length of cable to be wrapped with insulating tape. Reels of insulating tape are mounted on a outer rotatable spindle which revolves around the cable to dispense insulating tape. The rate of movement of the spindle assembly along the length of the cable is controlled by a stepper motor which is programmably synchronized to the rate at which rotatable spindle wraps the cable. The stepper motor drives a roller which engages the cable and moves the spindle assembly along the length of the cable as it is being wrapped. The spindle assembly is mounted at the end of an articulated arm which allows free movement of the spindle assembly and allows the spindle assembly to follow lateral movement of the cable.