Implantable infusion device

• US 4,265,241 A
• Filed: 02/28/1979
• Issued: 05/05/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Andros, Inc. (Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (China))
• Inventors: Jassawalla, Jal S., Portner, Peer M.
• Primary Examiner(s): YASKO JR, JOHN D
• Application Number:
  US06/015,927
• Time in Patent Office: 797 Days
• Field of Search: 128/213, 128/214 E, 128/214 F, 128/DIG. 12, 128/DIG. 13, 128/260, 3/1
• US Class Current: 604/131
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/12 Pressure infusion

Abstract

Multiple embodiments of an implantable infusion device for delivering precisely regulated dosages of drugs are disclosed, each device including reservoir means for containing the drug, catheter means for delivering the drug to the body and an actuating means which is responsive to a signal applied externally of the body for initiating delivery of a precisely regulated dosage. In one embodiment, the device is implanted subcutaneously to permit actuation by a solenoid driven element responsive to coded telemetry signal applied through the skin. In additional embodiments, the reservoir is pressurized for example, by means of vapor pressure or a mechanical spring, the drug under pressure in the reservoir being released in response to an externally applied signal.

Claims

1. An implantable infusion device for delivering precisely regulated dosages of drugs under external control, comprising

a housing for the infusion device which is completely implantable within the body of a patient,

said housing including a reservoir chamber and a compressable reservoir arranged in said reservoir chamber for containing a selected drug,

catheter means for connecting said reservoir with a portion of the body to which the drug is to be delivered, said housing including a pumping chamber having inlet means in communication with said reservoir and outlet means in communication with said catheter, and

actuating means operable for causing flow of a precise dosage of the selected drug from said reservoir through said catheter means to the body portion, said actuating means having at least a portion implanted in the body of the patient along with said housing and including a movable element operable reciprocally to vary the volume of said pumping chamber and a solenoid for driving said element, said reservoir chamber containing means for developing a pressure within said reservoir which exceed that of said pumping chamber when said movable element increases the volume thereof, a power source for said solenoid, and telemetry means responsive to a telemetered signal from outside the body for actuating said solenoid from said power source.

2. The infusion device of claim 1 further comprising safety latch means engageable with said movable element for preventing undesired operation of said movable element.

3. The infusion device of claim 1 further comprising inlet means for permitting injection of a drug supply into said reservoir while the infusion device is implanted within the body of a patient.

4. The implantable infusion device of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a plurality of outlet chambers arranged in series between said pumping chamber and said catheter means, and check valve means for regulating communication between said pumping chamber and the first of said outlet chambers and between adjacent outlet chambers.