Abstract: Disclosed is a compact, low profile venous access port to be implanted below the skin of a patient and coupled to a (e.g., subclavian) vein by a Seldinger technique, or the like, so that a supply of fluid medication can be delivered directly to the patient's circulatory system via a medication delivery lumen. The target axis of the venous access port herein disclosed advantageously makes a small acute angle with to the patient's skin (as opposed to the 90 degree angle that is common to conventional subcutaneous ports) so as to avoid puncturing a medication delivery lumen as a consequence of a misalignment of a needle cannula with the target area of the port. A pocket forming tool is also disclosed to be inserted through an incision made in the patient's skin to create an accurately sized anti-migration pocket that is closed around the venous access port to prevent a displacement thereof.

Abstract: A venous access port assembly (10) having a housing base (28) with a discharge port (16), a septum (14) and a cap (48), with an interior reservoir (22). The housing base (28) is provided with X-ray discernable indicia (100,200) to identify an attribute of the assembly (10) after its implantation and clearly appear on an X-ray of the patient in a manner informing the radiologist or technologist and the medical practitioner of that particular attribute. Such indicia can be depicted as cutouts (102) through a disc of radiopaque material (100) where the cutouts are in the form of alphabetical letters such as “CT”, or can be a set (200) of discrete elements (202) of radiopaque material, that are affixed along the bottom surface of the housing base or embedded within the thickness of the bottom housing wall.

Abstract: A venous access port assembly (10) having a housing base (28) with a discharge stem (16), a septum (14) and a cap (36). An interior reservoir (22) is defined by a well (30) in the housing base and the bottom surface of the septum, and a passageway (20) extends from the reservoir through the discharge stem (16). The cap (36) is secured to the housing base (28) and securely retains the septum in the assembly (10), compressing an annular flange (44) of the septum against a septum seat (46) of the housing base. Horizontal ribs on the interior of the cap snap into complementary grooves on the side wall of the housing base to mechanically lock together the cap and housing base during curing of the solvent bonding agent. The cap (48) is mechanically secured to the housing base (28) as well as being bonded thereto. Crush ribs (72) on the interior surface (68) of the cap (36), precisely center the cap about the housing base during assembly and compensating for manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: Implantable infusion devices and systems with side port access detection capability and methods of detecting side port access.

Abstract: A chamber for the infusion of a medicament. The chamber includes a reservoir, an outer casing having a base wall and a lateral wall, a region for access to the reservoir, and a duct for the diffusion of the medicament. A contour of the base wall is substantially triangular. The casing has a shape tapered in a first direction, and a terminal portion of the diffusion duct extends tranversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of tapering.

Abstract: Systems for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device include a pressure sensor. The system detects characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum and may generate a sensory cue to a clinician that proper needle placement has been achieved. Methods for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device includes detecting characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum.

Abstract: An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature.

Abstract: An implantable device (1) for injecting and/or extracting fluid either into or from an organ or vessel of the body of a human or animal patient, or into or from an inflatable and/or deflatable compartment of a surgical implant, said device (1) comprising a housing (2) within which there is formed a chamber (2A) designed to be connected to a catheter (3), said catheter (3) itself being designed to be connected either to said organ or vessel or to said compartment, the housing (2) comprising a proximal wall (4) and a distal wall (5) with a side wall (6) extending between them, said housing (2) including a puncture zone (7) designed to be capable of being pierced by a hollow needle (14) in order to inject and/or extract fluid into or from the chamber (2A), the device being characterized in that said puncture zone (7) is shaped so as to extend simultaneously at least over the proximal wall (4) and the side wall (6). The invention also relates to implantable sites for injecting and/or extracting fluid.

Abstract: A vascular access port system including means for detecting and indicating the presence or absence of a needle. The detecting and indicating means may be carried in whole or in part by one of or both of the needle and/or the vascular access port. The detecting and indicating means may utilize a conductive needle, a mechanical switch, a magnetic switch, a Hall effect sensor, an electric field, a magnetic field, or an inductor, for example, for detection purposes. The vascular access port system permits the practitioner to confirm that the needle has been correctly inserted into the VAP, and notifies the patient and/or practitioner if the needle has been accidentally withdrawn.

Abstract: A venous access port assembly (10) having a housing base (28) with a discharge port (16), a septum (14) and a cap (48). An interior reservoir (22) is defined by a well (30) in the housing base and a bottom (62) of the septum, and a passageway (20) extends from the reservoir through the discharge port (16). The cap (48) is secured to an upper portion of the housing base and securely retains the septum in the assembly (10), compressing an annular flange (60) of the septum against a septum seat (52) of the housing base. The cap (48) is mechanically secured to the housing base (28) as well as being bonded thereto. A method is disclosed for mechanically securing the cap (48) to the housing base (28), in a manner compressing the flange (60) of the septum (14) and sealing the reservoir (22).

Abstract: An implantable access port in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. A self-sealing insert may be disposed within the third channel. The implantable access port may further comprise a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the first branch extending from the first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel at a first location, the second branch extending from the second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel in a second location, the third branch extending at least partially into the third channel, wherein the third branch is disposed between the self-sealing insert and the hollow port casing. Methods for performing medical procedures associated with the implantable access port are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device includes a cavity communicable with a body to deliver or to receive a fluid, and a radiation source configured to expose a portion of the cavity to radiation.

Abstract: An implantable infusion device (10) includes a lightweight, inert housing (12) which contains an infusate (18) for administration to a patient, and an enclosed, gas-impermeable variable volume chamber (30) which contains a pressure source, such as propellant, mechanical spring, or the like. The variable volume chamber may be in the form of a rigid-walled expandable bellows structure or a nonstretchable flexible bag and is attached to the housing so as not to obstruct the entry port for introduction of infusate. A recharging fluid flow path (31) is provided adjacent to where the variable volume chamber is attached to the housing. The infusate is delivered from the device via a catheter in response to expansion of the variable volume chamber against the volume of infusate in the housing. A separate bolus injection port (38) is provided which allows infusate to be safely introduced directly into the catheter and overrides the controlled pressure-driven delivery.

Abstract: An implantable dual chambered catheter device includes a first chamber and a second chamber integrally joined. The first chamber includes a hollow first elastomeric member contained within a first slotted outer housing. A first end of the first elastomeric member is fitted with a first end cap shaped and dimensioned to accept conventional catheter tubes and the second end of the first elastomeric member is closed. The second chamber includes a hollow second elastomeric member contained within a second slotted outer housing. A first end of the second elastomeric member is fitted with a second end cap shaped and dimensioned to accept conventional catheter tubes and the second end of the second elastomeric member is closed. Needle access to the first and second chambers of the implantable catheter device is through respective slots formed within the first and second outer housings.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for regulating the appetite of an individual suffering from morbid obesity, the apparatus including a plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged longitudinally on at least one electrode support shaft for insertion within the hypothalamus for outputting electrical discharges to specific sites within the hypothalamus. Each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes may be independently controlled. Electrical discharge of various frequencies transmitted from one or more of the plurality of stimulation electrodes, and delivered to a region of the hypothalamus that is involved with either stimulating or inhibiting appetite, may be used to regulate appetite in the individual. Alternatively, an individual's appetite may be regulated by the microinfusion from at least one microinfusion catheter of an appropriate quantity of a suitable drug to a distinct site or region within the hypothalamus.

Abstract: A combined vascular access port and physiologic parameter monitoring device. The vascular access port and the monitoring device may be connected by a cooperative geometry. The vascular access port and the monitoring device may be implanted at the same time and in the same anatomical location (e.g., subcutaneous pocket). The monitoring device may include a telemetry unit that transmits physiological measurement data to a local data collection system (e.g., carried by the patient or located in the patient's home), which may re-transmit the data to a remote data collection system (e.g., located at a physician's office or clinic) via a suitable communication link.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter body having a wall defining a lumen therein and having plural holes defined through the wall in a pattern which prevents loculation, migration and blockage of a fluid flow through the lumen, the catheter body having a tissue-puncture resistant shape; and a port having a reservoir capable of multiple needle accesses. The catheter is useful for draining fluids from a patient's body cavity, for example the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: An access port assembly having an attachable catheter allows for inserting a guidewire into the catheter to aid in the placement of the integral catheter while still attached to the access port assembly. A method is described for placing an access port fixedly attached to a catheter into a patient using a guidewire inserted into the catheter.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. By minimizing or preventing arterial steal, other complications associated with arteriovenous grafts are also avoided. For instance, the present invention is also well suited to preventing arteriovenous graft thrombosis, eliminating dialysis needle hole bleeding, and eliminating or minimizing arteriovenous graft pseudoaneurism formation.

Abstract: An orthogonal arterial catheter preferably includes a hub and a cannula. The hub preferably protects the cannula from potential kinking and shearing forces because the cannula upon exiting a patient's body enters the hub. The hub preferably provides a passageway through which the hose travels to a connector piece. The connector piece preferably attaches the device to a fluid line such as an arterial line transducer. In addition, the hub preferably includes a port that provides a channel through which a guide wire or a needle may gain access to the cannula. The hub also may include appendages extending from it to suture to the patient.

Abstract: A vascular access port system including circuits for detecting and indicating the presence or absence of a needle. The detecting and indicating circuits may be carried in whole or in part by one of or both of the needle and/or the vascular access port. The detecting and indicating circuits may utilize a conductive needle, a mechanical switch, a magnetic switch, a Hall effect sensor, an electric field, a magnetic field, or an inductor, for example, for detection purposes. The vascular access port system permits the practitioner to confirm that the needle has been correctly inserted into the VAP, and notifies the patient and/or practitioner if the needle has been accidentally withdrawn.

Abstract: A hemodialysis port comprising a flexible housing member defining one or more ports. Each port has a selectively-permeable septum member disposed thereon to permit medical devices, for example, Huber needles, sheath and/or dilators to be inserted therein. At the interface between the housing and the septum, a spring member is provided to provide an axial force on the septum which seals the puncture created by the aforementioned medical devices. In one exemplary embodiment, the hemodialysis access port of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of ports designed for multiple hemodialysis treatments over the life of the port. In other exemplary embodiments, the bottom of each port may comprise a needle stop insert formed of, for example, metal, titanium, stainless steel or ceramic.

Abstract: An injection device (1) for injecting medical substances and designed to be implanted in a subcutaneous zone of the body of a patient. The device includes a hollow rigid housing (2) having an opening which is closed hermetically by a membrane (3) so as to define a chamber (12). A duct (4) is connected to the housing to connect the chamber to the outside of the device. The device also has a casing (15) of elastomer material which covers the housing, and the membrane forms an integral portion of the casing. The implantable device is suitable for performing chemotherapy treatment.

Abstract: A configurable implantable access port is provided having as individual interchangeable components a chamber body defining a fluid chamber, a body component, and a septum. The individual components may be assembled by mechanical feature, adhesive, or welding to provide a complete access port. Preferably at least the body component is provided having more than one size or geometric configuration. The access port may be tailored before implantation to a specific application by combining the chamber body and septum with a body component suitable to the specific application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vascular access port for providing percutaneous access to the vasculature of a mammal. The vascular access port is formed from materials that preserve the structural integrity of the port and provide reduced degradation and distortion of a magnetic resonance image (MRI). The vascular access port includes at least one reservoir formed from MRI-compatible material(s) and a second material disposed within at least a portion of the at least one reservoir. Preferably, the second material is also MRI-compatible and more needle-impenetrable than the first material. Alternatively, the second material is substantially needle-impenetrable.

Abstract: An implantable access port in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. A self-sealing insert may be disposed within the third channel. The implantable access port may further comprise a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the first branch extending from the first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel at a first location, the second branch extending from the second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel in a second location, the third branch extending at least partially into the third channel, wherein the third branch is disposed between the self-sealing insert and the hollow port casing. Methods for performing medical procedures associated with the implantable access port are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitted the medication there through. The cannula has an essentially straight longitudinal axis that extends generally perpendicular to the engagement surface of the body.

Abstract: An access port assembly having an attachable catheter allows for inserting a guidewire into the catheter to aid in the placement of the integral catheter while still attached to the access port assembly. A method is described for placing an access port fixedly attached to a catheter into a patient using a guidewire inserted into the catheter.

Abstract: A septum penetrable by a member and which maintains a seal following member penetration in an axial direction and withdrawal. The septum includes a first layer of resilient material having first and second opposed surfaces, and a second layer extending across the first surface of the first layer and which is in radial tension. A third layer under tension may extend across the second surface. Septum assemblies and methods of fabricating the septa are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing having a port adapted to receive a moveable first member and a moveable second member is configured to communicate with a tube.

Abstract: An access port assembly having an attachable catheter allows for inserting a guidewire into the catheter to aid in the placement of the integral catheter while still attached to the access port assembly. A method is described for placing an access port fixedly attached to a catheter into a patient using a guidewire inserted into the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved vascular access port comprising a port base with a metallic dish insert molded (or bonded) into the bottom of the reservoir. In one embodiment, a single reservoir is provided. In another embodiment, plural reservoirs are provided. The metallic bottom of the reservoir provides a hard surface that will resist abrasion and puncture by the access needles used to infuse medication or withdraw blood. Additionally, the single and dual ports can include exit ports that are intended to better anatomically fit into the subcutaneous areas around muscle tissue.

Abstract: Novel ports to be placed within medical patients for dispensing liquid medication and related methods are disclosed, each port comprising an interior variable volume reservoir for receiving and temporarily storing the liquid medication.

Abstract: An implantable pump system includes: (1) an implantable pump having separate chambers or reservoirs, at least one of which is coupled to the pump so as to allow a programmable rate of delivery of the medication stored in the pump chamber or reservoir, the other chambers or reservoirs of which are at least capable of delivery of a bolus via a pressurized, and potentially independently programmable chamber or pumping mechanism; (2) a patient controller that enables the actuation of the pump so as to administer a bolus or programmed rate of the first, second, third, . . . or nth medication contained in the independent chambers or reservoirs coupled to the pump; and (3) a catheter having two or more reservoir-specific inlet ports directed into respective lumens of the catheter.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery device comprising a microencapsulated drug contained within at least one capsule, a carrier fluid that will dissolve the drug when freed from the capsule, a drug releaser for freeing the microencapsulated drug from the capsule, a reservoir in which the carrier fluid dissolves the drug, and an electromechanical pump to convey the dissolved drug to a catheter, through which the drug is delivered to a target site within a patient.

Abstract: A light stint implant device adapted to be surgically implanted in a major blood vessel for assisting in the treatment of long term viral infection, alone or in combination with anti-viral drugs, is disclosed. The implant device is programmed for set periods of illumination and set periods of dormancy through a remote power supply and timing device accessible through a sub-dermal implant adapted to be surgically placed in a location under the skin. The device, after being implanted within such blood vessel will eliminate viruses located within the blood through exposure to light given off by the light stint implant device during the periods of illumination.

Abstract: A hemodialysis port comprising a flexible housing member defining one or more ports. Each port has a selectively-permeable septum member disposed thereon to permit medical devices, for example, Huber needles, sheath and/or dilators to be inserted therein. At the interface between the housing and the septum, a spring member is provided to provide an axial force on the septum which seals the puncture created by the aforementioned medical devices. In one exemplary embodiment, the hemodialysis access port of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of ports designed for multiple hemodialysis treatments over the life of the port. In other exemplary embodiments, the bottom of each port may comprise a needle stop insert formed of, for example, metal, titanium, stainless steel or ceramic.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery pump includes a reservoir, a dispensing chamber adjacent to the reservoir, a dispensing passage provided along an interior surface of the dispensing chamber, and an actuator for applying a moving compressive force onto the dispensing passage. The pump is subcutaneously implantable in a patient, and a drug is injected into the reservoir through a septum provided on a housing for the reservoir. As the compressive force applied by the actuator moves along the dispensing passage, the drug preparation is simultaneously pushed out of the dispensing passage into a catheter for delivery to the desired site, and additional drug preparation is drawn into the dispensing passage from the reservoir. The actuator includes a rotating arm driven by an motor at a controllable rate.

Abstract: An access port assembly having an attachable catheter allows for inserting a guidewire into the catheter to aid in the placement of the integral catheter while still attached to the access port assembly. A method is described for placing an access port fixedly attached to a catheter into a patient using a guidewire inserted into the catheter.

Abstract: An access port assembly having an attachable catheter allows for inserting a guidewire into the catheter to aid in the placement of the integral catheter while still attached to the access port assembly. A method is described for placing an access port fixedly attached to a catheter into a patient using a guidewire inserted into the catheter.