Implantable pump with infinitely variable resistor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An implantable device for dispensing an active substance to a patient comprising:
- a housing defining a chamber, said housing having an outlet for delivering said active substance to a target site within said patient, said outlet in fluid communication with the chamber; and
EAP means for varying a flow rate of said active substance between said chamber and said outlet.
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Abstract
A variable hydraulic resistor for use with implantable pumps is disclosed. The variable hydraulic resistor according to the present invention is particularly useful in varying the flow rate of a medication fluid from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. An implantable pump is also disclosed, which does not require a complicated clinching system or the like, and which may include an undulating membrane and chamber design to reduce the height of the pump.
120 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An implantable device for dispensing an active substance to a patient comprising:
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a housing defining a chamber, said housing having an outlet for delivering said active substance to a target site within said patient, said outlet in fluid communication with the chamber; and
EAP means for varying a flow rate of said active substance between said chamber and said outlet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An implantable device for dispensing an active substance to a patient comprising:
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a housing defining a chamber, said housing having an outlet for delivering said active substance to a target site within said patient, said outlet in fluid communication with the chamber;
a capillary in fluid communication between said chamber and said outlet, said capillary having an inner surface; and
a flow control element received within said capillary, said element having an outer surface opposing said inner surface of said capillary defining therebetween a passageway for the flow of said active substance therethrough, said outer surface of said element moveable relative to said inner surface of said capillary to alter the flow of said active substance therethrough, wherein said flow control element is constructed of EAP. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification