Vascular access port with integral attachment mechanism

• US 20060178647A1
• Filed: 02/06/2006
• Published: 08/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: Stats, Jason R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,909,804 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/288.10
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0223 having means for anchoring the subcutaneous access site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/32 with radio-opaque indicia
• 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 39/04 having pierceable self-sealing members

Abstract

An implantable port with an integral attachment mechanism. The implantable port includes one or more suture needles enclosed within a port body, the suture needle(s) coupled to a movable member such that movement of the movable member results in movement of the suture needle(s) out of the port body and into the tissue of a body into which it is implanted. The movable member can be a cam or tensioning member that rotates about a central port axis. The movable member can be coupled to a gear to permit movement of the movable member following implantation of the port within a subcutaneous pocket.

Claims

1. An implantable port comprising an attachment mechanism positioned within a port body, the attachment mechanism including at least one suture needle, the suture needle in contact with a movable member such that movement of the movable member causes at least a portion of the suture needle to exit the port body.

2. The implantable port according to claim 1, wherein the port body comprises a port base and a port top, the suture needle positioned over a raised section of the port base.

3. The implantable port according to claim 2, wherein the port base includes a plurality of ridges, the attachment mechanism comprising suture needles equal in number to the ridges.

4. The implantable port according to claim 2, wherein the port base includes a first ramp and a second ramp, the attachment mechanism comprising a first needle and a second needle configured for movement over a surface of the first and second ramps.

5. The implantable port according to claim 2, wherein the suture needle comprises a sharp tip, a curved body and a post with an enlarged section, the enlarged section configured to smoothly track over the raised section.

6. The implantable port according to claim 5, wherein the port base includes a first passageway and a second passageway, each configured for passage of at least a portion of the suture needle, wherein initial movement of the movable member causes the needle tip to exit the port body through the first passageway and continued movement of the movable member causes the needle tip to enter the port body through the second passageway.

7. The implantable port according to claim 1, wherein the movable member comprises a cam, including a slot for receiving a portion of the suture needle.

8. The implantable port according to claim 7, wherein the cam is connected to a gear, the gear comprising an opening configured to receive a tool.

9. The implantable port according to claim 7, wherein the cam comprises a first section and a second section, each configured with intermeshing wedges.

10. The implantable port according to claim 1, wherein the port body comprises one or more gripping surfaces.

11. The implantable port according to claim 1, wherein the suture needle is flexible and wherein the movable member comprises a tensioning member.

12. The implantable port according to claim 1, wherein the suture needle is flexible and wherein the movable member comprises a pull-tab.

13. An implantable port, comprising

a port body, including a port top and a port base, the port base including at least one raised section;

a suture needle having generally the same shape as the raised section and positioned thereover; and

a cam configured for rotation about a central axis of the port, the cam connected to the suture needle such that movement of the cam causes movement of the suture needle.

14. The implantable port according to claim 13, further comprising a gear connected to the cam, the gear including an opening configured to receive a tool.

15. The implantable port according to claim 13, wherein the suture needle comprises a sharp tip on one end and a post on the opposite end, the post forming an angle with respect to a body of the suture needle.

16. The implantable port according to claim 15, wherein the port base includes a first passageway and a second passageway, each configured for passage of at least a portion of the suture needle, wherein initial movement of the movable member causes the needle tip to exit the port body through the first passageway and continued movement of the movable member causes the needle tip to enter the port body through the second passageway.

17. A method for attaching a port to a body, the port including a suture needle coupled to a movable member, the suture needle and movable member enclosed within a port body, comprising:

implanting the port into a subcutaneous pocket formed in the body; and

moving the movable member from a first position within the port to a second position within the port such that at least a portion of the suture needle exits the port body through an opening.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the movable member comprises a cam including a slot configured to receive an end of the suture needle, the moving comprising simultaneous movement of the end of the suture needle over a surface of a port base and within the slot.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the suture needle is flexible, and wherein the movable member comprises a tensioning member in contact with the suture needle, the moving comprising moving the tensioning member along a length of the suture needle applying tension thereto.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the suture needle is flexible, and wherein the movable member comprises a pull-tab connected to the suture needle, the moving comprising pulling the pull-tab in a direction away from the port.