Abstract: The invention provides an implantable apparatus which includes a power supply capable of converting non-electrical energy such as mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear energy into electrical energy. The invention also provides a method of supplying energy to an electrical device within a mammalian body in which the mammal is implanted with an apparatus including a power supply capable of converting non-electrical energy into electrical energy, and non-electrical energy is transcutaneously applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable apparatus which includes a power supply capable of converting non-electrical energy such as mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear energy into electrical energy. The invention also provides a method of supplying energy to an electrical device within a mammalian body in which the mammal is implanted with an apparatus including a power supply capable of converting non-electrical energy into electrical energy, and non-electrical energy is transcutaneously applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: An implantable access device for allowing repeat access to a site, space, device, or other object, fluid, tissue or region within the body of a patient. The implantable device, in one embodiment, includes a housing having an elongated open guidance channel that leads to an entrance orifice, a valve assembly communicating with the entrance orifice, and an exit orifice. The device permits access via the percutaneous insertion of an accessing filament such as a needle through the entrance orifice and into the valve assembly, which opens to allow the passage of fluids or other filaments such as guide wires or optical fibers. The device can be used for the introduction of therapeutic agents, for the infusion or withdrawal of fluids, or for the introduction of sensing, sampling, or treatment devices to another implanted device or to regions within the patient.

Abstract: An implantable access device suitable for delivering a liquid medication to a site remote from the site of port implantation is disclosed, which contains a filter assembly for removing particulate material from fluid injected into the port. The filter assembly of the invention contains a first reservoir chamber having cutouts, recesses, and/or sharp corners in which particulate material may be trapped, and additionally having a first wall forming a filter barrier capable of 360.degree. of fluid flow therethrough. The implantable access device may also include an infusion pump apparatus coupled to the access device. A filter assembly for insertion into an implantable treatment material device is also described.