Abstract: An implantable infusion apparatus has a medication reservoir for storing a medication and a carrier reservoir for storing a carrier. The entire apparatus, including both reservoirs, is typically located in a housing made of stainless steel, titanium, or any other strong corrosion resistant biocompatible material. The medication and carrier reservoirs are accessed through a medication access port and a carrier access port, respectively. The access ports are covered with a medication compound septum and a carrier compound septum, respectively. The carrier reservoir is larger, and thus holds a larger volume, than the medication reservoir. To reduce the size of the implantable infusion apparatus, the medication is highly concentrated to many times the dosage required. The concentrated medication is then diluted with the carrier, to the proper dose, before it is discharged to the patient.

Abstract: A catheter is provided having a plurality of fluid entry ports formed therein and in communication with an inner lumen of the catheter. One or more of the fluid entry ports includes a fluid-permeable barrier extending there across. In a preferred embodiment, a set of conductive members is embedded in the wall of the catheter and connects each barrier to a control unit. In the event of blockage in the catheter, an external power source can non-invasively command the control unit to transmit an electric current to one or more of the barriers to dissolve or otherwise remove the barrier, thereby allowing fluid to once again flow through the catheter.

Abstract: An implantable infusion apparatus has a medication reservoir for storing a medication and a carrier reservoir for storing a carrier. The entire apparatus, including both reservoirs, is typically located in a housing made of stainless steel, titanium, or any other strong corrosion resistant biocompatible material. The medication and carrier reservoirs are accessed through a medication access port and a carrier access port, respectively. The access ports are covered with a medication compound septum and a carrier compound septum, respectively. The carrier reservoir is larger, and thus holds a larger volume, than the medication reservoir. To reduce the size of the implantable infusion apparatus, the medication is highly concentrated to many times the dosage required. The concentrated medication is then diluted with the carrier, to the proper dose, before it is discharged to the patient.

Abstract: A catheter is provided having a plurality of fluid entry ports formed therein and in communication with an inner lumen of the catheter. One or more of the fluid entry ports includes a fluid-permeable barrier extending there across. In a preferred embodiment, a set of conductive members is embedded in the wall of the catheter and connects each barrier to a control unit. In the event of blockage in the catheter, an external power source can non-invasively command the control unit to transmit an electric current to one or more of the barriers to dissolve or otherwise remove the barrier, thereby allowing fluid to once again flow through the catheter.