Implantable access devices

• US 5,556,381 A
• Filed: 06/06/1995
• Issued: 09/17/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michigan Transtech Corporation
• Original Assignee: Michigan Transtech Corporation
• Inventors: Ensminger, William D., Gavin, Robert F.
• Primary Examiner(s): YASKO JR, JOHN D
• Application Number:
  US08/465,841
• Time in Patent Office: 469 Days
• Field of Search: 604/93, 604/82, 604/83, 604/86, 604/167, 604/175, 604/241-243, 604/116
• US Class Current: 604/288.03
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3653 Interfaces between patient blood circulation and extra-corporal blood circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0211 with multiple chambers in a single site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0214 some or all chambers sharing a single septum
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/062 used with a catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0633 the seal being a passive seal made of a resilient material with or without an opening
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/064 Slit-valve
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0653 Perforated disc
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0666 Flap-valve
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0673 comprising means actively pressing on the device passing through the seal, e.g. inflatable seals, diaphragms, clamps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0686 comprising more than one seal
• 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 39/0606 without means for adjusting the seal opening or pressure A61M39/0693 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/00 Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests vaccination appliances for veterinary use A61D1/025 ; tube connectors, tube couplings, valves or branch units specially adapted for medical use A61M39/00; containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes A61J1/00; combinations of vial and syringe for mixing or transferring their contents A61J1/20; holders for containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/3286 Needle tip design, e.g. for improved penetration
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/3291 Shafts with additional lateral openings

Abstract

An access port for implantation within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to a specific site within the patient and communicating with the site by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention include a housing having an inlet orifice leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway. The passageway includes a throat area designed to restrict passage of an external filament such as a hypodermic needle but permit passage of an external catheter extended from within the needle. This system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to the specific site with the patient while preventing a needle from entering the implanted catheter.

Claims

1. An access device for implanting beneath the skin of a patient and permitting fluid communication between an internal catheter and a filament such as a hypodermic needle with an external catheter positioned coaxially therein, said needle and said external catheter respectively having first and second outer diameters of predetermined size, said access device comprising:

a housing having a funnel shaped entrance orifice, an exit orifice, and a passageway therebetween, said entrance orifice having a decreasing cross-sectional area and defining a target area for insertion of said filament, said entrance orifice directing said filament when introduced therein toward and into said passageway, said passageway connecting said entrance orifice with said exit orifice and having a throat area generally adjacent to said entrance orifice, at least a portion of said throat area exhibiting a shape prohibiting insertion of said needle therepast but allowing for further insertion of said external catheter therethrough;

a valve means positioned within said passageway and normally remaining closed for providing resistance to flow of fluids through said passageway, said valve means also permitting passage of said external catheter therethrough for enabling said external catheter to communicate with said internal catheter; and

mounting means for subcutaneously mounting said access device.

2. An access device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said portion of said throat area has a diameter less than said outer diameter of said needle and greater than said outer diameter of said external catheter.

3. An access device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said portion of said throat area is convergently tapered.

4. An access device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said shape of said portion of said throat area is a cross sectional shape.

5. An access device for implanting beneath the skin of a patient and permitting fluid communication between an internal catheter and a filament such as a hypodermic needle with an external catheter positioned coaxially therein, said needle and said external catheter respectively having first and second external diameters of predetermined size, said access device comprising:

a housing having a funnel shaped entrance orifice, an exit orifice, and a passageway therebetween, said entrance orifice having a decreasing cross-sectional area and defining a target area for insertion of said filament, said entrance orifice directing said filament when introduced therein toward and into said passageway, said passageway connecting said entrance orifice with said exit orifice and having a throat area generally adjacent to said entrance orifice, at least a portion of said throat area having means for prohibiting insertion of said needle therepast, said means allowing further insertion of said external catheter therethrough;

a valve means positioned within said passageway and normally remaining closed for providing resistance to flow of fluids through said passageway, said valve means also permitting passage of said external catheter therethrough for enabling said external catheter to communicate with said internal catheter; and

mounting means for subcutaneously mounting said access device.