Abstract: A surgically implantable access port device is disclosed. The device includes a housing, a self-sealing septum, and a cup. The housing includes an internal bore leading to an upper opening, and the bore is defined by a cylindrical side wall having an inwardly protruding ledge located beneath the upper opening. The self-sealing septum is received in the bore at a location closing the upper opening and bearing against the ledge. The cup is received in the bore, and cooperates in a fixed association with the side wall of the bore to compress the septum against the ledge. The cup cooperates with the septum in defining a liquid retaining chamber. The device further includes a conduit connected to the cup and leading from the chamber to the exterior of the housing. Liquid may be injected into or removed from the chamber by penetration of the septum and passage through the conduit.

Abstract: A needle device includes a multi-component housing assembled about a needle having angularly disposed segments. The housing immobilizes the needle during insertion and is adapted for subsequent disassembly and removal from the needle.

Abstract: A composite implantable biocompatible vascular access port device for delivering a fluid medication to or withdrawing a fluid medication from the body. The device has a non-metallic housing defining an interior chamber with inlet and outlet openings, a self-sealing penetrable septum, a non-reactive chamber liner, and a non-reactive delivery conduit. The septum closes the inlet opening and provides a seal through which fluid medication may be injected into the chamber. The chamber liner underlies the septum and cooperates with it to isolate the injected fluid medication from the housing and from leakage into body tissue. The delivery conduit communicates with the interior of the liner, and extends through the outlet opening to convey fluid medication to the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A composite implantable biocompatible vascular access port device for delivering a fluid medication to or withdrawing a fluid medication from the body. The device has a non-metallic housing defining an interior chamber with inlet and outlet openings, a self-sealing penetrable septum, a metallic chamber liner, and a metallic delivery conduit. The septum closes the inlet opening and provides a seal through which fluids may be injected into or withdrawn from the chamber. The metallic chamber liner underlies and seals against the septum and cooperates with it to isolate the injected fluid medication from the housing and from leakage into body tissue. The metallic delivery conduit communicates with the interior of the liner, and extends through the outlet opening to convey fluid medication to the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus and method employs an infusate reservoir connected by way of a first flow path having a first flow restrictor to a mixing chamber. The reservoir is also connected by a second flow path having a second flow restrictor to the same mixing chamber so that infusate may be conveyed to the chamber at different rates. A normally closed valve is provided in the second flow path so that infusate flows from the two paths supplement one another in the mixing chamber only when the valve is open. The reservoir and chamber volumes, infusate concentration and chamber outlet flow rate are selected to provide an integrated dosage profile suited to the patient.

Abstract: An arterial pressure control system comprises an inflatable cuff for encircling the artery and a fluid pump connected to inflate the cuff. The outlet pressure of the pump is controlled by a programmable controller which receives a feedback signal from a pressure sensor contacting the artery downsteam from the cuff. The output of the pressure sensor is compared with a reference value so that the feedback signal to the controller represents the difference between the actual arterial pressure and the desired pressure. The controller thereupon regulates the output pressure of the pump so as to inflate or deflate the cuff as needed to maintain the desired arterial pressure.

Abstract: Implantable infusion apparatus has a main infusate reservoir and a smaller volume auxiliary infusate reservoir interconnected by a passage. Fail-safe electrical valve means controls infusate flow from the main reservoir to the auxiliary reservoir and from the auxiliary reservoir exteriorly of the apparatus so as to prevent infusate overdose in the event of valve failure.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus and method employs an infusate reservoir connected by way of a first flow restrictor to a mixing chamber and a second infusate reservoir connected via a second flow path having a selected restriction characteristic to the same mixing chamber so that infusate may be conveyed to the mixing chamber in different concentrations or in different types. A normally closed valve is provided in the second flow path so that the two infusates supplement one another in the mixing chamber only when the valve is opened. The reservoir and chamber volumes, infusate concentrations and chamber outlet flow rates are dimensioned to provide an integrated dosage profile suited to the patient. The apparatus can also include an accumulator with a restricted inlet in the second flow path situated between the second reservoir and the valve so that when the valve is opened, infusate flows to the mixing chamber from the second flow path only if the accumulator has been replenished from the second reservoir.

Abstract: A rechargeable infusate pump for implantation in the human body can be refilled periodically by injection through an inlet septum under the skin. A conduit from the pump outlet conducts fluid to an infusion site in the body. The needle penetrating the septum protrudes into an antechamber and discharges fluid and any foreign matter is trapped in the antechamber so that it cannot enter the pump chamber and possibly clog the pump outlet. This foreign material is removed by injecting a needle into the antechamber and drawing a vacuum to suck out the debris.The pump also has a special ring-like outlet filter in the fluid stream between the pump chamber and its outlet to provide a maximum amount of filter area in a minimum amount of space and the pump outlet includes a special flow controller which is able to very accurately meter the infusate to the selected body site.