Abstract: Disclosed is a percutaneous access device (PAD) for long-term skin penetration and use as an access port in the body of a patient. The buttonlike device includes a flat skirt for subdermal anchoring of the PAD and a neck through which a tube may extend for transmission of materials to or from the body. A two-stage porous bed covering the skirt and at least a portion of the neck promotes formation of a tight, infection-free barrier between the percutaneous access device and adjacent tissues, stabilizing the device for long-term use. The first stage of the bed retards downgrowth of epidermal cells for a time sufficient for mature collagen to form in the second stage, thereby permitting the tight dermal/biomaterial interface or barrier to form at a location near the junction of the two stages.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved peritoneal access system for providing repeated, long term access through the peritoneum, as for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The system includes a catheter tube extending through an implantable percutaneous access device (PAD) formed of a cylindrical neck and a buttonlike annular skirt. A portion of the catheter tube external to the PAD has a bellows integrally formed therein permitting the tube to be bent and moved without restricting fluid flow or stressing the PAD. The internal portion of the catheter tube has a sharp right angle below the PAD to tunnel the tube in a subcutaneous plane to the peritoneal penetration site and a position-adjustable collar for anchoring/sealing the cathether tube near the upper surface of the peritoneum.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for mechanically assisting circulation of blood in a patient for periods of up to a week or two until the patient's heart strengthens sufficiently to take over the full workload. The circulatory assist device includes a valveless pump with a flexible bladder, a pneumatic driver for applying pressure pulses to the bladder, and a single flexible conduit for conveying blood between the patient and the pump. In use the pump and driver are mounted external to the patient's body and the flexible conduit is connected to the pump and in end-to-side relationship with a major blood vessel on that side of the heart, either right or left, which is in need of support.