Implantable pump connector for catheter attachment

• US 20040002693A1
• Filed: 06/26/2002
• Published: 01/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FLO, LLC
• Original Assignee: Flowonix Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Bright, Jeffrey D., Calder, Stephen D., Gailey, Robert N., Burke, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 7,452,354 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/533
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1044 Verifying the connection, e.g. audible feedback, tactile feedback, visual feedback, using external light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1072 with a septum present in the connector
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/0208 Subcutaneous access sites for injecting or removing fluids transcutaneous access sites A61M39/0247; implantable infusion devices A61M5/14276
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/1011 Locking means for securing connection; Additional tamper safeties A61M39/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/12 for joining a flexible tube to a rigid attachment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 33/2071 the sleeve being a separate connecting member
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 33/30 comprising parts inside the hoses only F16L33/24 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 47/12 with additional locking means

Abstract

A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.

Claims

1. A connection device for attaching a catheter to an implantable port or pump, wherein the catheter is in fluid communication with said port or pump, comprising:

a coupling device extending from said port or pump, comprising an arm portion and a stem, wherein the shape of the arm portion is substantially similar to an outer contour of said port or pump, and wherein the stem comprises a base portion and a tip portion; and

a locking device slideable along a length of the catheter, comprising varying diameter portions that communicate directly with diameters of the base portion and tip portion of the stem, wherein a locking connection is established therebetween.

2. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the base portion of the stem comprises a body portion and an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the body portion.

3. The connection device according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of the body portion is constant.

4. The connection device according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of the engaging portion tapers down to the diameter of the body portion.

5. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the tip portion of the stem comprises a barbed end, having a diameter larger than a lumen of the catheter.

6. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein an audible confirmation is provided upon establishment of said locking connection.

7. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein a tactile confirmation is provided upon establishment of said locking connection.

8. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the arm portion is comprised of a flexible material and is biased to a resting position in close proximity to said port or pump, wherein said arm portion is movable to a connecting position away from said port or pump, and wherein said arm portion retracts to said resting position upon release from said connecting position.

9. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the stem is comprised of titanium.

10. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the stem is comprised of stainless steel.

11. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is comprised of plastic.

12. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the locking device comprises a radiopaque portion.

13. The connection device according to claim 12, wherein the radiopaque portion comprises a metal ring.

14. The connection device according to claim 12, wherein the radiopaque portion comprises radiopaque ink.

15. A connection device for attaching a catheter to an implantable port or pump, comprising:

a coupling device extending from the implantable port or pump, comprising an arm portion and a stem, wherein the shape of the arm portion is substantially similar to an outer contour of the implantable port or pump, and wherein the stem comprises a base portion and a tip portion; and

a locking device slideable over the catheter, comprising varying diameter portions that communicate directly with diameters of the base portion and tip portion, wherein a locking connection is established therebetween,

wherein the base portion of the stem comprises a body portion and an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the body portion, and wherein the tip portion of the stem comprises a barbed end, having a diameter larger than a lumen of the catheter.

16. The connection device according to claim 15, wherein the locking device comprises a first diameter portion that is approximately equivalent to the diameter of the barbed end.

17. The connection device according to claim 16, wherein the locking device further comprises a second diameter portion adjacent the first diameter portion that is approximately equivalent to the diameter of the tip portion of the stem.

18. The connection device according to claim 17, wherein the locking device further comprises a third diameter portion adjacent the second diameter portion that is approximately equivalent to the diameter of the body portion of the base portion.

19. The connection device according to claim 18, wherein the locking device further comprises a fourth diameter portion adjacent the third diameter portion that is approximately equivalent to the largest diameter of the engaging portion.

20. The connection device according to claim 19, wherein the locking device further comprises a fifth diameter portion adjacent the fourth diameter portion, wherein the diameter of the fifth diameter portion is less than the diameter of the fourth diameter portion.

21. A locking device for securing a catheter to a stem of an extension device, wherein the stem comprises a base portion and a tip portion, the base portion comprising a body portion and an engaging portion and the tip portion comprising a barbed end, comprising:

a first diameter portion that is approximately equivalent to the diameter of said barbed end;

a second diameter portion adjacent the first diameter portion that is approximately equivalent to the diameter of said tip portion;

a third diameter portion adjacent the second diameter portion that is approximately equivalent to the diameter of said body portion;

a fourth diameter portion adjacent the third diameter portion that is approximately equivalent to the largest diameter of the engaging portion; and

a fifth diameter portion adjacent the fourth diameter portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the fourth diameter portion.

22. A coupling device for attachment of an implantable port or pump to a catheter, comprising:

an arm portion having a proximal end that is fixedly attached to said port or pump and a distal end, said arm portion comprising a flexible material and shaped substantially similar to an outer contour of said implantable port or pump, said arm portion being biased to a resting position in close proximity to said port or pump, wherein said arm portion is movable to a connecting position away from said port or pump, and wherein said arm portion retracts to said resting position upon release from said connecting position; and

a stem positioned at a distal end of said arm portion.