Abstract: Apparatus having a percutaneous cartridge port with an exterior having a porous region configured to promote soft tissue ingrowth and an implantable operative portion, including a fluid transfer device, operably connected to the percutaneous cartridge port, and methods that may be associated with an apparatus having a percutaneous cartridge port.

Abstract: Apparatus, for use with a fluid cartridge, that include a percutaneous port having an interior configured to receive the fluid cartridge, an implantable operative portion that has a fluid transfer device with an inlet and an outlet, and delivery/manifold tube with a manifold portion and a delivery portion, are disclosed.

Abstract: Fluid and power cartridges, including a housing with at least one side wall and an end wall, a needle, a power source carried by the housing and positive and negative power contacts associated with the housing and operably connected to the power source, and apparatus including such fluid and power cartridges.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation system includes both implantable and external components. Electrical connectivity between the external and implanted components is achieved through a plurality of feedthrough pins located within an insulative wall of a percutaneous port embedded in the skin. The percutaneous port has the general shape and appearance of a small thimble, embedded in the skin with its open end facing outwardly from the skin surface, and with its closed end located below the skin surface, thereby forming a cavity or dimple in the skin. Various plugs or cartridges can be removably inserted into the cavity of the percutaneous port, in various orientations, to facilitate appropriate connectivity between the external and implanted components of the system through selected ones of the feedthrough pins. A mesh edging secured around the periphery wall of the port promotes tissue ingrowth and vascularization, thereby forming a percutaneous seal around the port that prevents infection.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for facilitating the delivery of a therapeutic agent directly to the interior of a body organ, and/or the extraction of material from said organ. The catheter distal end is placed within the body organ to be treated. The catheter may carry a fixation device near the catheter distal end. When implanted, the fixation device retains the catheter distal end in the organ despite normal patient activity. The fixation device may include porous material to promote soft tissue ingrowth for anchoring the catheter distal end within the organ.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a fluid cartridge is disclosed. The apparatus includes a percutaneous port including an interior configured to receive the fluid cartridge, an implantable operative portion operably connected to the percutaneous port, a cartridge sensor configured to sense movement of the fluid cartridge relative to the percutaneous port, and a controller.

Abstract: A fluid cartridge including a housing, a needle extending from the housing and a plurality of circumferentially spaced sensible members carried by the housing such that each of the sensible members is circumferentially spaced from the other sensible members, and apparatus including such a cartridge in combination with a partially implantable medical device.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a percutaneous catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve having a tapered forward portion to facilitate its insertion through an undersized incision. The sleeve provides an interior elongate passageway which extends from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve is intended to be percutaneously implanted through an incision in the patient's skin so that the sleeve distal end resides subcutaneously. The sleeve outer peripheral surface carries a layer of porous material intended to be placed under the patient's outer skin layer in contact with the dermis to promote tissue ingrowth for anchoring the sleeve and forming an infection resistant barrier. The sleeve passageway is dimensioned to snugly accommodate the outer surface of catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a percutaneous catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve comprising a wall surrounding an interior elongate passageway. The passageway extends from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve is intended to be percutaneously implanted through an incision in the patient's skin so that the sleeve distal end resides subcutaneously. The sleeve outer peripheral surface carries a layer of porous material intended to be placed just under the patient's outer skin layer in contact with the dermis to promote tissue ingrowth for anchoring the sleeve and forming an infection resistant barrier. The sleeve passageway is dimensioned to snugly accommodate the outer surface of catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve comprising a wall surrounding an interior passageway extending from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve is intended to be percutaneously implanted through an incision in the patient's skin to place the sleeve distal end subcutaneously. The sleeve distal end outer surface carries porous material intended to contact the patient's dermis to promote tissue ingrowth. The sleeve passageway is dimensioned to snugly accommodate the outer surface of the catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve. A split ring locking member is selectively operable in an unlocked state for permitting axial and rotational movement of said catheter relative to said sleeve and operable in a locked state for preventing such relative movement.