Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter lumen, first and second electrodes, and a sensor in communication with the first and second electrodes. The sensor may be configured to detect at least one of: a bulk volume of blood within a blood vessel and extravasation of a drug from the blood vessel into soft tissue adjacent the blood vessel. Other catheter systems may include a catheter lumen and a sensing chip coupled to the catheter lumen. The sensing chip may be configured to detect at least one of: a bulk volume of blood within a blood vessel and extravasation of a drug from the blood vessel into soft tissue adjacent the blood vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a wire for advancement through a vessel wall, and advancing it through one or more vessel walls, generally include a delivery catheter and an alignment catheter or a receiving catheter, and a guidewire. In some variations, the systems and methods may be used to bypass an occlusion or other barrier that may prevent advancement of a wire or tools through an endoluminal space. In these variations, the systems and methods include a delivery catheter, a bypass catheter, a receiving catheter, and a guidewire. The delivery and receiving catheters each generally include a side aperture, a deflection surface, and an alignment element, and the bypass catheter generally includes two side apertures, two deflectors, and two alignment elements. In some variations, the systems and methods may assist in treatment of a patient suffering from critical limb ischemia.

Abstract: A patency system for maintaining a patency of an indwelling medical device including an elongated shaft configured to be at least partially received within a portion of the indwelling medical device, and at least one cleaner configured to at least partially dislodge debris formed within the indwelling medical device.

Abstract: An access port system, comprising an implantable access port, the access port including an access port body, an access port needle and a fluid flow passage provided within the body and the needle; wherein the needle is fully containable within the body, and the needle is exposable outside the body; wherein the needle is arranged within the body to penetrate outwardly of the subject from within the subject when the access port is implanted in the subject; wherein, when the needle is exposed outside the body, the fluid flow passage is open to a flow of a fluid within the access port in at least a direction entering the access port through the needle and thereafter exiting the access port from the body; and wherein the assess port includes at least one sensor configured to detect the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

Abstract: An access port, wherein the access port may include a body having an exterior surface and a chamber defined therein, a bore defined in the body providing fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior surface, a needle in fluid communication with the chamber, a passage defined in the body providing communication between the chamber and the exterior surface, a seal secured within the passage, and an actuator in communication with the needle, configured to move the needle relative to the passage or move the passage relative to the needle.

Abstract: Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for delivering liquid form medication within the body wherein the medication is stored in solid form and then mixed with a liquid in an apparatus implanted within the body. One embodiment provides an implantable apparatus for in vivo delivery of medication comprising a housing including a reservoir, a store of solid form medication (SSM) and a pump. An SSM element is added to the reservoir along with fluid to form a medication solution comprising at least one drug. The medication solution is then delivered to a delivery site using a pumping means to pump solution from the reservoir through a delivery member such as catheter to a delivery site. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for delivering medication to a patient to treat a medical condition over an extended period of time without requiring the patient to take external medication.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a surgical access system that provides access to a surgical area while maintaining pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery. The access system comprises a sheath retractor adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter and a detachable seal adapted to be removable from the sheath retractor. In another aspect, the detachable seal comprising a valve including a plurality of overlapping sheets defining an access channel that extends into communication with the incision in the patient. Each of the overlapping sheets includes a portion of the perimeter that is not fixed to the inner diameter of the ring, which provide open edges defining the access channel.

Abstract: A haemostatic valve device (10) comprises a disk valve (52a) having a valve body with a first surface facing in a first direction, a second surface facing in a second direction opposite the first direction, and an opening (58a) formed in the valve body for providing communication through the disk valve. In some examples, the disk valve comprises a nipple (60b), axially offset from the opening, extending outwardly and away from at least one of the first and second surfaces. The haemostatic valve device may further comprise a second disk valve (52b) and the nipple (60b) may be removably disposed within, and sealingly engage, an opening (58b) of the second disk valve.

Abstract: A cannula with a tri-slot dam assembly including two primary dams as the main fluid seal and an adjacent outer “baffle-like dam” that prevents fluid pressure build-up and allows the fluid to leak out and not squirt out of the cannula. The baffle-like dam has a body formed of a low profile material and is provided with a plurality of small through holes or perforations to allow fluid to gently leak out. Fluid that enters the outer chamber leaks out of the through holes so that the fluid pressure between the baffle and the primary dams is very low. A spacer is optionally provided between the two primary dams and the outer dam to prevent the dams from interfering with each other and allow them to remain open.

Abstract: An implantable access port for use in transferring a fluid transdermally between an external fluid storage or dispensing device and a site within a patient's body is disclosed. The access port includes a base, a bowl-shaped reservoir defined within the base by a smooth surfaced wall, and a septum secured to the base and enclosing the reservoir within the base. The access port also has an outlet passageway defined within the base and extending in communication with a reservoir outlet defined within the reservoir and an external opening defined in the exterior of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and promoting tissue growth in wounds, in which irrigant fluid optionally containing cell nutrients and/or other physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing, a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The apparatus has means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for evaluating dosing from an implanted infusion system that includes receiving input regarding the identity of a therapeutic agent into an external device. The method further includes displaying on the external device a predetermined set of symptoms associated with the therapeutic agent; receiving input into the external device regarding with which of the symptoms the patient presents; and determining whether the therapeutic agent is being delivered, or has been delivered, at an appropriate dose based on the input identity of the therapeutic agent and the input symptoms.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus.

Abstract: A sensor for use in a canister for fluid collection, the canister having a canister top and defining a fluid collection chamber. The sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the first electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the first electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The second electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the second electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the second electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The sensor also includes an electric circuit configured to detect an electrical property associated with the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Valves, valved fluid transfer devices and ambulatory infusion devices including the same. The valves may include a valve seat and a valve element, and be configured such that one of the valve seat and the valve element includes a main portion and a seal portion that is less tacky than the main portion and is in contact with the other of the valve seat and the valve element when the valve element is in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for the in situ clearing of blockages in a tube includes a controller and a clearing member. The controller can have a housing and an actuator for generating repetitive motion. The clearing member can be releasably coupled to the controller and suitable for insertion in the tube. The tube can be at least partially disposed within a living being. The controller can be located external to the living being. The clearing member can have a first end releasably coupled to the actuator, at least one flexible section which permits axial displacement of the clearing member, and a second end suitable for repetitively engaging and disrupting the blockage. The flexible section permits the clearing member to repetitively engage and disrupt the blockage within one of a straight and a curved portion of the artificial tube.

Abstract: A device and method for the removal and disposal of transected hair from the body of a patient in an operating room or other sterile location. The hand-held device is single-use, latex-free, sterile-packaged, non-conductive, fully disposable and comprises a hollow handle with a projecting wand ending in an enlarged distal tip. The other end of the hollow handle opposite the enlarged distal tip is connected to a vacuum source, such as the one readily available in most operating rooms, via flexible tubing. When the wand and the enlarged distal tip are passed over transected hair, the hair is suctioned into the hand-held device. The hand-held device includes a particulate filter to prevent the suctioned hair from entering the vacuum system, one or more internal circumferential ribs to create a turbulent flow within the handle, a reservoir to collect transected hair, and venturi apertures to regulate the suction pressure.

Abstract: A portable negative pressure wound therapy system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.

Abstract: An implantable medication delivery device that is highly space efficient and can reliably and safely deliver controlled medication doses to a target site. The system includes a variable volume medication reservoir that is exposed to an ambient pressure equal to the ambient pressure at a system outlet port. A pump/valve subassembly is provided to draw medication from the reservoir and force a medication dose along a fluid transfer passageway to the outlet port. The pump/valve subassembly incorporates a safety mechanism, e.g., a balanced valve, which normally blocks medication flow to the outlet port and opens only in response to a pump induced unbalancing force. A protective shell is also disclosed for protecting the ambient reservoir.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting an infusion device at least partially into skin for subcutaneous infusion can comprise a sleeve having a lower surface that is configured to engage the skin, a shuttle or carriage to carry the infusion device between a retracted position and an advanced position; at least a first biasing member to urge the shuttle or carriage toward the advanced position, and an actuator to cause the first biasing member to urge the carriage from the retracted position to the advanced position. In some embodiments, the insertion device can further comprise a hub and at least a second biasing member to urge the hub away from the shuttle or carriage. In some embodiments, the insertion device can further comprise a needle attached to the hub. Methods for inserting an infusion device and various other features that can be comprised by an insertion device are also disclosed.

Abstract: System for the subcutaneous delivery into the body of a patient of a fluid from a remote vessel. The system includes a main assembly and placement member with a needle. A delivery tube for carrying the fluid is attached at a near end to the remote reservoir or vessel. At removed end, the delivery tube has a needle for engagement with the main assembly. The main assembly includes a rotating member that when the rotating is perpendicular to the main assembly, it will accept the handle and needle for emplacement of the body onto a patient. After the handle and needle are removed, the delivery tube can be attached to the rotating member which can then be rotated down to a position along to and adjacent the skin of the patient. This provides for a flush mounted infusion device.

Abstract: A valve assembly for vascular access, comprising a body defining a lumen adapted for flowing blood, the body including a luer housing for connection with a first blood conduit and a barb housing for connection with a second blood conduit and a plurality of slitted membranes disposed within the body portion, each of the slitted membranes generating a partial pressure drop for flow therethrough, each of the partial pressure drops being smaller than a total pressure drop for flow through the body portion.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter port for supplying an active substance to an active site which is distant from the port. According to the invention, the housing (1) of the port is designed to have two parts, an upper housing part (7) and a lower housing part (6). The upper housing part (7) holds an insertion part (10) in a clamping manner in a housing recess (8) of the lower housing part (6), wherein a chamber (11) is arranged in said insertion part for receiving the active substance with the interpositioning of a punctured membrane (17) that can be pierced with an injection cannula. While the insertion part (10) and the chamber (11) can be manufactured from a material resistant to the active substance, preferably a heavier ceramics, the upper and lower housing parts may consist of a lighter biocompatible plastic material. It is advantageous that the patient only comes into contact with the upper and lower housing parts made of a biocompatible plastic material and not with the insertion part.

Abstract: A portable negative pressure wound therapy system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivery of an active agent into the eye of a subject can include an ocular active agent delivery device (40) having an active agent reservoir (44) disposed in an annular body (42), the annular body (42) being configured to fit inside of a lens capsule and at least partially encircling a line of sight of an intraocular lens within the lens capsule.

Abstract: The invention relates to sterile medical injection catheter ports utilizing a new antimicrobial polymer mixture filled injection port barrier cover. This barrier cover, when screwed onto the injection port, protects the injection port from the colonization of microbes from the inadvertent contamination of the port with contaminated surfaces, including skin and other potential contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve housing interacting with an inlet connector assembly. The pliant valve housing has an integrally formed valve stem and one or more ports. The valve stem cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning foreign material from a fluid reservoir of an implantable medical device, the fluid reservoir being substantially enclosed in an interior portion of the implantable device and accessible from an environment exterior of the implantable device through a penetrable septum. An elongated member having a first end and a second end is engaged with a source of ultrasonic energy capable of imparting vibrations to the first end. The septum is penetrated by the elongated member in a manner such that the first end extends into the fluid reservoir, and the second end does not extend into the reservoir. The ultrasonic energy source is activated to impart vibrations into the reservoir via the elongated member first end, in an amount sufficient to break up the foreign material into particulates, which can then be removed from the reservoir.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system for implantable devices such as injection port systems. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around it which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.

Abstract: A single or multi-port vascular access device including one or more reservoirs each covered by a needle-penetrable, self-sealing septum. The one or more reservoirs each open to an outlet in a stem to which the catheter is attached. The reservoir may be generally circular or ellipsoid in shape and large enough so that fluid movement into and out of the needle is unimpeded. In order to maximize flow between the reservoir and catheter and to minimize any regions of impeded or low fluid flow where coagulation or cell shearing may occur, the fluid passage leading from the reservoir through the outlet into the catheter is defined by unique tapered and tangential geometries. For example, the outlet surface may be globally tangent along the entire reservoir surface, or may be globally tangent along only one side of the reservoir surface.

Abstract: A medical valve includes a housing having an interior forming an inlet and an outlet. A longitudinally movable member is secured within the interior of the housing. External to the movable member and within the interior is a fluid path. Movement of the movable member controls fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet via the fluid path. The outlet produces no greater than a negligible drawback or positive push during withdrawal of a nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an implantable access device and a method for preparing the device. According to the invention the device comprises a shape memory base structure with a biological substructure suitable for cell adhesion, cell engraftment and proliferation for use in transferring and transporting fluid mixtures (blood, suspensions, drug formulations, emulsions, cell suspensions) in/into/out of a human or animal body.

Abstract: An implantable venous access port for a catheter. The port assembly (100) includes a body (102), a septum (134) for needle insertion, a discharge port (150) having a passageway (154) and to which a catheter proximal end (202) is connected, and a proximal port (170) with a proximal passageway (172,116) that is in line with the discharge port passageway (154). A chamber (118) of the port body (102) fluidly connects the proximal port passageway and the discharge port passageway, and a proximal septum (174) traverses and seals the proximal passageway (172,116). An entry cannula (190) is insertable into the proximal opening and penetrates the proximal septum (174) and extends to the discharge port passageway (154) enabling a guide wire (198) to be inserted therethrough after the port (100) has been connected to the catheter (200), whereafter the entire assembly is implantable into a patient over the guide wire. A method of over-the-wire venous port placement is disclosed, and also a method for assembling the port.

Abstract: An implantable access post having a port casing core with an aperture therethrough, a patch associated with the port casing core, the patch adapted to be sewn to a vessel to connect the port casing core to the vessel to permit fluid communication from the vessel through the aperture of the port casing core, and an insert disposed within the aperture of the port casing core, the insert adapted to prevent fluid flow through the aperture. The insert may be self-sealing and may include a valve. The port may also include a port outer casing at least partially surrounding the port casing core and further including an anti-vessel-compression mechanism.

Abstract: An implantable vascular access device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, an interior chamber defined therein and a valve positioned between the inlet and the interior chamber. The valve is subcutaneously manipulated between an open position, in which fluid can flow between the inlet and the interior chamber, and a closed position in which the valve occludes the inlet. The device may include any combination of multiple inlets, outlets and/or interior chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the housing includes two separate interior chambers suitable for the inflow and outflow of a typical hemodialysis procedure. A method for accessing a vascular structure is provided which includes the steps of subcutaneously implanting the device connecting one end of a cannula to the outlet of the device and another end of the cannula to a selected vascular structure. The valve of the device is manipulated to permit fluid communication between the inlet of the device and the selected vascular structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating bladder emptying dysfunctions of a human, in which a catheter that can be inserted into the urethra is provided with a bladder emptying channel and with a balloon arrangement, which serves to seal the bladder and to hold the catheter inside the bladder lumen and which can be filled with a fluid. In addition, an automatically closing valve having an elastically held closure part is provided in a proximal end area of the catheter and is connected via a connecting channel filled with an actuating fluid to an actuating balloon placed at the distal end section of the catheter. Without the use of mechanical means, the closure part can be lead out of a sealing system solely due to a hydraulic action effected by the actuating balloon via the hydraulic pressure built up in the connecting channel at said proximal end section.

Abstract: A drug delivery system (10) has a positive pressure drug reservoir (15). A pump (19) is in fluid communication with the reservoir (15) via a first fluid passageway (18). The outlet (19b) of the pump (19) is in fluid communication with a first regulator (21). The regulator (21) includes a housing (24) that has a first subchamber (24a) and a second subchamber (24b). The second subchamber (24b) is divided into a lower chamber (28a) and a middle chamber (28b) by a diaphragm (28). A third fluid passageway (32) is positioned between the lower chamber (28a) and the drug reservoir (15), whereby accidental flow from the reservoir (15) to an outlet (21b) is prevented.

Abstract: A subdermal injection port may include a housing, a first chamber within the housing, and a second chamber within the housing. The subdermal injection port may also include a needle stop between the first chamber and the second chamber. The subdermal injection port may further include an outlet in the housing, with the outlet being in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A percutaneous port comprises a port body defining a cavity and a first catheter channel adapted to allow passage of a catheter thereinto a shuttle removably received within the cavity, the shuttle including a first flow conduit which, when the shuttle is received within the cavity, extends to the first catheter channel and a sealing mechanism sealing the first flow conduit when a fluid pressure applied thereto is less than a threshold value and opening to permit flow therethrough when the fluid pressure applied thereto is at least the threshold value a cover releasably attachable to the port body to enclose the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A three-way stopcock that can be opened/closed in the same manner as conventional operation methods and can reduce stagnated portions of fluid in a fluid flow passage. Out of branch openings, a first branch opening and a second branch opening are arranged on a straight line, and a third branch opening is directed perpendicularly to the line connecting the first and second branch openings. Provided at a flow passage switch portion are a first flow-passage opening and a second flow-passage opening that are arranged on a straight line and a third flow-passage opening that is directed perpendicularly to the line connecting the first and second bran openings.

Abstract: An anti-reflux drainage device includes an elongated member defining a lumen, and a valve disposed along the elongated member. The valve can include one or more lumens in fluid connection with the lumen of the elongated member, a socket, a shaft disposed in the socket, and a stopper connected to the shaft that occludes the second lumen when exposed to retrograde pressure. Another such device includes an elongated member and a ball valve. The ball valve can include a seat and a shoulder defined by the elongated member, and a ball disposed in the elongated member between the seat and shoulder that occludes lumen when exposed to retrograde pressure.

Abstract: A catheter head, for introduction of a fluid into an organic tissue, including a cannula housing with a cannula, a connector element with a fluid inlet, a guide and a fixing device. The guide device has several selectable discrete rotational positions for positioning the connector element relative to the cannula housing about a longitudinal axis of the cannula. The connector element, positioned in a rotational position, is detachably connected to the cannula housing in the selected position by means of the fixing device.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a needle is employed in refilling drug-delivery devices.

Abstract: An implantable access port for use in transferring fluid transdermally between an external fluid storage or dispensing device and a site within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a body, at least two reservoirs defined within the access port body, and at least one septum secured to the body and enclosing the reservoirs within the body. The access port also includes reservoir outlets defined within the reservoirs. The access port also has body conduits defined within the body and in fluid communication with the reservoir outlets and external openings defined in the exterior of the body. An implantable access port and system for use in apheresis is also provided that includes an implantable access port, at least one needle, and a catheter that is fluidly connected to the access port.

Abstract: The disclosed devices and methods provide for the minimization of fluid extravasation during use of infusion catheters such as peripherally inserted central catheters and central venous catheters. The anti-extravasation catheter allows a surgeon to drain fluids from soft tissue surrounding an infusion site while also providing fluid inflow to a patient.

Abstract: An implantable vascular access device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, an interior chamber defined therein and a valve positioned between the inlet and the interior chamber. The valve is subcutaneously manipulated between an open position, in which fluid can flow between the inlet and the interior chamber, and a closed position in which the valve occludes the inlet. The device may include any combination of multiple inlets, outlets and/or interior chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the housing includes two separate interior chambers suitable for the inflow and outflow of a typical hemodialysis procedure. A method for accessing a vascular structure is provided which includes the steps of subcutaneously implanting the device connecting one end of a cannula to the outlet of the device and another end of the cannula to a selected vascular structure. The valve of the device is manipulated to permit fluid communication between the inlet of the device and the selected vascular structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implantable device (1) for delivering medicines in liquid form comprising: a reservoir (2) provided with an inlet (3) and an outlet (10), said reservoir (2) being adapted to expel the liquid; a variable volume chamber (5) provided with an inlet (11) and an outlet (12), the volume of the variable volume chamber (5) being in particular smaller than that of the reservoir (2); a first conduit (6) communicating the outlet (10) of the reservoir (2) with the inlet (11) of the variable volume chamber (5) to fill the latter; a second conduit (8) whereof one of the ends is connected on the outlet (12) of the variable volume chamber (5).