Abstract: A device that is implantable to provide access to multiple body sites for the administration or withdrawal of fluids. A hollow port has a self sealing septum on one end and an outlet at an opposite end. A catheter is connected to the outlet. The septum and outlet are positioned to be substantially in-line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to evaluate the performance of an implanted medication delivery device such as pumps and ports is described. In the case of a pump, the system measures ambient pressure and obtains two pressure measurements from the implanted device. One of these measurements is device reservoir pressure and the other is based on a disturbance pulse injected into the system at a point downstream of the reservoir. Based on those measurements and input calibration data, an expected flow rate is determined. The expected flow rate together with device refill data is in turn used to determine a normalized flow rate for the in-vivo device. Determinations are then made as to the performance of the reservoir, its pump and the condition of the outlet catheter without explant of the device. In the case of a port, the system measures the catheter resistance based on decay time of a disturbance pulse.

Abstract: A variable flow constant pressure implantable pump employs an in-line needle restrictor having a variable insertion distance in a capillary. The degree of insertion determines the effective restriction within the capillary. The restrictor may be repositioned following implantation to vary the drug delivery rate by changing the effective restriction in the capillary. Various couplings may be used such that an auxiliary or bolus port delivers infusate directly into the outlet catheter so that medication from the main chamber does not pass through the auxiliary chamber. A combination of double lumen catheters and T-connectors are employed to provide parallel infusion paths.

Abstract: An implantable infusion device having a nipple outlet over which a catheter is fitted. A locking sleeve slidably mounted on the catheter to expand over the nipple and engage the housing. The locking action provides a sensory indication by noise of tactile sensation that locking has been achieved. Both single and double lumen devices employ the locking sleeve.

Abstract: A device that is implantable to provide access to multiple body sites for the administration or withdrawal of fluids. A hollow port has a self sealing septum on one end and an outlet at an opposite end. A catheter is connected to the outlet. The septum and outlet are positioned to be substantially in-line.

Abstract: An implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication is disclosed. The implantable pump comprises a drug reservoir maintained a constant pressure vapor. The medication metering assembly comprises a fixed volume accumulator positioned between a pair of valves. The valves alternately open and close to admit medication from the reservoir into the accumulator and to dispense a precise volume spike to an outlet catheter. In order to minimize dead volume and insure complete discharge, the accumulator employs a titanium diaphragm seated in one position by a recessed stop and in the discharge position by a spacer plate having a groove pattern. The unit is externally programmed.