Abstract: A method and device may be used to avoid surgically re-opening a stoma or the like in an animal, including human beings. The stoma stabilitating device comprises an anchoring portion, preferably flat, that includes an opening configured to surround a stoma. The anchoring portion preferably includes an inner tension ring attached to an inner edge to define the opening and a tension ring attached to an outer edge. The anchoring portion may include additional structural rings. The device may be of a mesh construction and used to maintain, for example, a stoma, a fistula, a tracheotomy and any other pathway from outside the body to the inner part of the body. The device may be used to maintain an open pathway for air and to maneuver devices within a cavity. The device may also be used internally.

Abstract: A method and device may be used to avoid surgically re-opening a stoma or the like in an animal, including human beings. The stoma stabilitating device comprises an anchoring portion, preferably flat, that includes an opening configured to surround a stoma. The anchoring portion preferably includes an inner tension ring attached to an inner edge to define the opening and a tension ring attached to an outer edge. The anchoring portion may include additional structural rings. The device may be of a mesh construction and used to maintain, for example, a stoma, a fistula, a tracheotomy and any other pathway from outside the body to the inner part of the body. The device may be used to maintain an open pathway for air and to maneuver devices within a cavity. The device may also be used internally.

Abstract: An implantable port having a low profile housing for delivery/collection of fluids into and out of a body. The low profile housing includes a selectively configured open flared end which serves to guide a needle directly into an inlet defined in the housing. A septum is mounted in the port's inlet via a hollow core which is inserted into the housing in a compression fit. The septum is selectively compressed to reduce its deflection characteristic to minimize backflow of fluid into the port. A catheter of selected size may be connected to a port outlet to direct fluid to a desired location. The implant may be configured to have multiple ports or to have a specially adapted outlet for cranial mounting. An implantation method is also provided where only the leading flared end of the port is sutured to the fascia. Where the port is implanted in a laboratory animal, preferably dissolvable sutures are used to permit migration of the port to accommodate the animal's growth.