Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus used to place a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end where the proximal end cannot be trimmed within a patient. The method and apparatus utilize a device operative in locating the tip of a catheter, which includes a detector assembly having a detector and a locator. The detector of the detector assembly is locked into positioned remote from the distal end of the catheter prior to inserting the catheter in the patient. The distal end of the catheter is trimmed, as to define a trimmed distal end, the detector is then unlocked and placed proximate the trimmed end. In the preferred embodiment the detector is locked into place proximate the trimmed distal end and the catheter is placed within the patient.

Abstract: A portal assembly includes a port with at least one resealable septum, and a tube extending from the port with the tube being sized to be received inside a catheter, an angled surface surrounding the tube wherein the angled surface diverges away from the tube in a direction away from the port, and sleeve structure for forcing the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tube and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter. In a dual port construction, the outlet tube are parallel to one another at their distal ends, and the sleeve structure forces the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tubes and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter and to prevent cross-talk between lumens of a dual lumen catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring pressure conditions in the fluid pressure upstream and downstream of an intravenous fluid administration system and to detect upstream and/or downstream occlusions. In addition, the invention incorporates a method for detecting pressure conditions at an upstream or downstream detector across the wall of the tubing to identify upstream or downstream occlusions, respectively. The present invention also relates to a process for determining the fluid pressure in a fluid tube across the tube wall where the normal tube force changes over time, and more particularly, using a normalization process to eliminate changes in the tubing resilience.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for use in determining the location of a tip of a catheter inside biological tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a catheter, a detector positioned within the catheter, and a polyimide sheath containing the detector and forming a detector assembly. The sheath is comprised of a first member, a polyimide layer, and a second member having an undulating outer surface sandwiched therebetween. The detector assembly may be removed from the catheter without damage thereto once the tip of the catheter is in its desired location inside biological tissue.

Abstract: A closed-loop system automates the testing of medical devices. The system includes a medical device, a testing device, and a computer. The medical device has a tube for transporting a fluid and is programmed to perform various tests. The testing device is connected to the tube of the medical device to measure various parameters related to the tests conducted by medical device. The computer is electrically connected to both the medical device and the testing device for substantially automating the testing of the medical device.

Abstract: A pressure plate for use with a peristaltic pump having a base with a plurality of ribs attached to one surface of the base, each rib having a bottom surface, a top surface and an angled surface extending at an angle from the bottom to the top surface. Each rib being attached to the base such that the angled surface of each rib is oppositely disposed from the angled surface of another rib so that a channel is formed between each pair of oppositely disposed ribs. A securing mechanism is attached to the pressure plate to secure a compressible tube and an attachment mechanism is provided for attaching a pump mechanism to the pressure plate. One securing mechanism includes two clamps at opposite ends of the pressure plate with spaced apart retaining lips. Adhesive attachment of the tube to the pressure plate is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for operating ambulatory medical devices, such as drug delivery devices. The pump includes the pump control system for activating a pumping mechanism wherein the pump control system includes a processor, a flash memory electrically interconnected to the processor for storing pump operation information, and a communications port electrically interconnected to the flash memory to permit transfer of the pump information into the flash memory from outside the pump. Communication with the pump can be through a computer system located locally or remotely with respect to the pump. The flash memory is utilized to initially program the pump electronically, or to reprogram the pump to change operation of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump provided with a control module and an attachable fluid reservoir cassette. The control module includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir to the patient. The cassette is provided with appropriate indicia to identify differences between a plurality of cassettes. The control module further includes cassette indicia identification structure for identifying indicia on the cassette. One type of cassette identification system includes a projection extending from the cassette and structure associated with the control module which engages the projection. Another type of cassette identification system includes a light reflecting system which utilizes light from the control module and reflected off the cassette. Still other types of cassette identification systems utilize other non-contact switches or sensors to sense indicia on the cassette to identify the cassette from a plurality of cassettes.

Abstract: A portal assembly includes a port with at least one resealable septum, and a tube extending from the port with the tube being sized to be received inside a catheter, an angled surface surrounding the tube wherein the angled surface diverges away from the tube in a direction away from the port, and sleeve structure for forcing the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tube and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter. In a dual port construction, the outlet tube are parallel to one another at their distal ends, and the sleeve structure forces the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tubes and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter and to prevent cross-talk between lumens of a dual lumen catheter.

Abstract: A portal assembly includes a port with at least one resealable septum, and a tube extending from the port with the tube being sized to be received inside a catheter, an angled surface surrounding the tube wherein the angled surface diverges away from the tube in a direction away from the port, and sleeve structure for forcing the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tube and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter. In a dual port construction, the outlet tube are parallel to one another at their distal ends, and the sleeve structure forces the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tubes and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter and to prevent cross-talk between lumens of a dual lumen catheter.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for protecting a bag containing fluid used in connection with a pump for pumping the fluid to the patient. The pump closes off the opening into the enclosure. A first end of the pump is positioned within the enclosure adjacent to a retaining lip. A latch structure latches a second end of the pump to the enclosure to mount the pump to the enclosure. A bag spike chamber is provided for receiving a bag spike used to connect the pump to the bag. A platform is provided for supporting the bag above the bag spike chamber. A ridge on the front of the control module of the pump engages the enclosure during mounting of the pump to the enclosure. A ridge on the back of the control module fits into the enclosure. The enclosure further includes a pressure plate support surface for engaging a reciprocally shaped pressure plate to facilitate a mechanical fit of the pressure plate to the enclosure.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for protecting a bag containing fluid used in connection with a pump for pumping the fluid to the patient. The pump closes off the opening into the enclosure. A first end of the pump is positioned within the enclosure adjacent to a retaining lip. A latch structure latches a second end of the pump to the enclosure to mount the pump to the enclosure. A bag spike chamber is provided for receiving a bag spike used to connect the pump to the bag. A platform is provided for supporting the bag above the bag spike chamber. Alternatively, the enclosure may include a bag post for hanging the bag and/or a syringe holder for securely holding a syringe. A ridge on the front of the control module of the pump engages the enclosure during mounting of the pump to the enclosure. A ridge on the back of the control module fits into the enclosure.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for protecting a bag containing fluid used in connection with a pump for pumping the fluid to the patient. The pump closes off the opening into the enclosure. A first end of the pump is positioned within the enclosure adjacent to a retaining lip. A latch structure latches a second end of the pump to the enclosure to mount the pump to the enclosure. A bag spike chamber is provided for receiving a bag spike used to connect the pump to the bag. A platform is provided for supporting the bag above the bag spike chamber. Alternatively, the enclosure may include a bag post for hanging the bag and/or a syringe holder for securely holding a syringe. A ridge on the front of the control module of the pump engages the enclosure during mounting of the pump to the enclosure. A ridge on the back of the control module fits into the enclosure.

Abstract: A portal assembly includes a port with at least one resealable septum, and a tube extending from the port with the tube being sized to be received inside a catheter, an angled surface surrounding the tube wherein the angled surface diverges away from the tube in a direction away from the port, and sleeve structure for forcing the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tube and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter. In a dual port construction, the outlet tube are parallel to one another at their distal ends, and the sleeve structure forces the end of the catheter into the angled surface, thereby forcing the end of the catheter radially inwardly toward the tubes and forming a thickened portion adjacent the end of the catheter to seal and hold the catheter and to prevent cross-talk between lumens of a dual lumen catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an subcutaneously implantable access device including a metallic reservoir and a two piece plastic jacket. The metallic reservoir includes a sealed septum, and a chamber. The chamber is accessible through the septum. A two piece plastic jacket surrounds the metallic reservoir. The two piece jacket includes a cowl and a base connected to one another around the reservoir. A dual port construction is also provided.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for protecting a bag containing fluid used in connection with a pump for pumping the fluid to the patient. The pump closes off the opening into the enclosure. A first end of the pump is positioned within the enclosure adjacent to a retaining lip. A latch structure latches a second end of the pump to the enclosure to mount the pump to the enclosure. A bag spike chamber is provided for receiving a bag spike used to connect the pump to the bag. A platform is provided for supporting the bag above the bag spike chamber. A ridge on the front of the control module of the pump engages the enclosure during mounting of the pump to the enclosure. A ridge on the back of the control module fits into the enclosure. The enclosure further includes a pressure plate support surface for engaging a reciprocally shaped pressure plate to facilitate a mechanical fit of the pressure plate to the enclosure.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting a bag containing fluid used in connection with a pump for pumping the fluid to the patient. The pump closes off the opening into an enclosure. A first end of the pump is positioned within the enclosure adjacent to a retaining lip. A latch structure latches a second end of the pump to the enclosure to mount the pump to the enclosure. A bag spike chamber is provided for receiving a bag spike used to connect the pump to the bag. A platform is provided for supporting the bag above the bag spike chamber. A ridge on the front of the control module of the pump engages the enclosure during mounting of the pump to the enclosure. A ridge on the back of the control module fits into the enclosure. The enclosure further includes a pressure plate support surface for engaging a reciprocally shaped pressure plate to facilitate a mechanical fit of the pressure plate to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump provided with a control module and an attachable fluid reservoir cassette. The control module includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir to the patient. The cassette is provided with appropriate indicia to identify differences between a plurality of cassettes. The control module further includes cassette indicia identification structure for identifying indicia on the cassette. One type of cassette identification system includes a projection extending from the cassette and structure associated with the control module which engages the projection. Another type of cassette identification system includes a light reflecting system which utilizes light from the control module and reflected off the cassette. Still other types of cassette identification systems utilize other non-contact switches or sensors to sense indicia on the cassette to identify the cassette from a plurality of cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump provided with a control module and an attachable fluid reservoir cassette. The control module includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir to the patient. The cassette is provided with appropriate indicia to identify differences between a plurality of cassettes. The control module further includes cassette indicia identification structure for identifying indicia on the cassette. One type of cassette identification system includes a projection extending from the cassette and structure associated with the control module which engages the projection. Another type of cassette identification system includes a light reflecting system which utilizes light from the control module and reflected off the cassette. Still other types of cassette identification systems utilize other non-contact switches or sensors to sense indicia on the cassette to identify the cassette from a plurality of cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for communicating with ambulatory medical devices, such as drug delivery devices, both locally and remotely. In one embodiment, a caregiver drug pump communicates with a remote patient drug pump for data gathering, trouble shooting, and operational program changes. The caregiver drug pump is at least substantially identical in configuration to the patient drug pump. The caregiver drug pump transmits caregiver key input signals to the remote patient drug pump. The patient drug pump receives the key input signals, accesses a desired program, and transmits information for display on the display of the caregiver drug pump. In another embodiment, a computer is provided for communicating locally and/or remotely with a drug pump. The computer may include a display with an image of a pump. The computer may be operated through the use of a mouse or touch screen with respect to the image of the pump, to simulate use of the pump while using the personal computer.