Abstract: An implantable access device which permits the introduction of an external filament such as a catheter, guide wire or optical fiber into a patient for communication with an internal catheter located within the body of the patient. The device includes a housing having inlet and outlet openings and a passageway communicating between the openings. The first sealing mechanism provides resistance to fluid flow through the passageway when the external filament is not present within the device. This first sealing mechanism allows the transfer of fluids through the passageway when the filament is present within the passageway. A second sealing mechanism engages and seals about the exterior perimeter of the external filament when the filament is located within the device.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to a specific site within the patient and communicating with the site by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention include a housing having an inlet orifice leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway. The passageway includes a throat area designed to restrict passage of an external filament such as a hypodermic needle but permit passage of an external catheter extended from within the needle. This system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to the specific site with the patient while preventing a needle from entering the implanted catheter.

Abstract: An implantable access device which permits the introduction of an external filament such as a catheter, guide wire or optical fiber into a patient for communication with an internal catheter located within the body of the patient. The device includes a housing having an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a passageway communicating between the openings. The inlet opening is generally funnel shaped and guides the external filament into the passageway. A valve assembly normally remains closed prevents the flow of fluids through the passageway. When open, the valve assembly enables the filament to communicate with the internal catheter. The device is provided with a mechanism that limits the extent to which the filament can be inserted through the device.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to a specific site within the patient via communicating through an implanted internal catheter. An access port in accordance with this invention includes a composite construction where at least a portion of the housing is formed of a first material while an entrance orifice leading to a reduced diameter passageway is defined by a second material. The second material forms a hard surface which will not be gouged or penetrated by the point of a sharp accessing instrument such as a needle or a trocar. An external filament such as a guide wire, optical fiber or external catheter can be introduced into the access device by feeding it through the accessing instrument. This system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to the specific site within the patient.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient. The device includes an implanted internal catheter for providing repeated access to at least one predetermined site within the patient. The access port according to this invention includes a housing having an inlet orifice leading to an exit orifice and an implanted catheter, which includes at least two subpassageways. A first valve mechanism is positioned in the device to normally prevent the flow of fluids through the implanted catheter. A second valve mechanism is positioned in at least one of the subpassageways of the internal catheter. An external filament such as a needle, guide wire, optical fiber, or external catheter can be introduced into the access device and fed therethrough. This system thus allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to the specific sites within the patient.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to a specific site within the patient and communicating with the site by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention include a housing having an inlet orifice leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway. An external filament such as a needle, guide wire, optical fiber, or external catheter can be introduced into the access device and fed through the housing. The system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to the specific site within the patient.

Abstract: A template for use with an access port implanted within the body of a patient and providing repeated access to a specific site within the patient by communicating through an implanted internal catheter. The access ports with which this invention is used includes a housing of a particular shape and having an inlet orifice leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway and eventually an implanted catheter. The template of this invention is designed to be placed externally on the patient over the access device and is shaped so as to conform to the access device. An aperture is formed in the template and corresponds with the entrance orifice when the template is in place ensuring that the filament is initially and properly introduced into the access device.

Abstract: An implantable access device which permits the introduction of an external filament such as a catheter, guide wire or optical fiber into a patient for communication with an internal catheter located within the body of the patient. The device includes a housing having an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a passageway communicating between the openings. The inlet opening is generally funnel shaped and guides the external filament into the passageway. A valve assembly normally remains closed prevents the flow of fluids through the passageway. When open, the valve assembly enables the filament to communicate with the internal catheter. The device is provided with a mechanism that limits the extent to which the filament can be inserted through the device.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to a specific site within the patient and communicating with the site by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention includes a dual housing having two inlet orifices each leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway. An external filament such as a needle, guide wire, optical fiber, or external catheter can be introduced into either of the inlet orifices and fed through the housing. This system allows for the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to multiple sites within the patient.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to a specific site within the patient and communicating with the site by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention includes a housing having an inlet orifice leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway and a valve capable of external actuation. An external filament such as a needle, guide wire, optical fiber, or external catheter can be introduced into the access device and fed through the housing as the valve is externally actuated. This system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to the specific site within the patient.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to a specific site within the patient and communicating with the site by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention include a housing having an inlet orifice leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway. An external filament such as a needle, guide wire, optical fiber, or external catheter can be introduced into the access device and fed through the housing. This system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to the specific site within the patient.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to specific tissue within the patient and communicating with the tissue by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention include a housing having a funnel shaped inlet orifice leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway. An articulating valve which may take various forms including leaflet type valves or self-collapsing tubular valves are placed in line with the access port housing. An external filament such as a needle, guide wire, optical fiber, or external catheter can be introduced into the access device and fed through the housing to penetrate the articulating valve. This system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to specific sites within the patient.

Abstract: An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to specific tissue within the patient and communicating with the tissue by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention include a housing having funnel a shaped inlet orifice leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway. An articulating valve which may take various forms including leaflet type valves or self-collapsing tubular valves are placed in line with the access port housing. An external filament such as a needle, guide wire, optical fiber, or external catheter can be introduced into the access device and fed through the housing to penetrate the articulating valve. This system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to specific sites within the patient.