Reduced size implantable pump

• US 8,591,478 B2
• Filed: 06/07/2012
• Issued: 11/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Aqulinx Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Palyon Medical Corporation
• Inventors: Steinbach, Bernd
• Primary Examiner(s): SCHMIDT, EMILY LOUISE
• Application Number:
  US13/490,883
• Publication Number:
  US 20120245566A1
• Time in Patent Office: 537 Days
• Field of Search: 604131-133, 604/140, 604/141, 604/145, 604/146, 604/247, 604/249, 604/890.1, 604/891.1, 128/DIG.12
• US Class Current: 604/249
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0024 Solid, semi-solid or solidifying implants, which are implanted or injected in body tissue compositions for intravenous administration, normal injectable solutions or dispersions for, e.g. subcutaneous administration A61K9/0019; brain implants A61K9/0085; (coated) prostheses, catheters or stents A61L
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/141 with capillaries for restricting fluid flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14586 pressurised by means of a flexible diaphragm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16813 by controlling the degree of opening of the flow line

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.

Claims

1. A resistor for varying the flow rate of a fluid from a first point to a second point comprising:

a capillary having an inner surface;

a filament received within said capillary, said filament having an outer surface opposing said inner surface of said capillary defining therebetween a passage way for the flow of said fluid therethrough, said filament being elongatable between a first non-elongated state and a second elongated state to alter the passage way and the flow of said fluid therethrough and having a non-uniform cross section along its length in the first and second states.

2. The resistor according to claim 1, wherein said filament is constructed of a polymer.

3. The resistor according to claim 1, wherein the filament is located centrally within said capillary.

4. The resistor according to claim 1, wherein the filament is located eccentrically within said capillary.

5. The resistor according to claim 1, wherein the filament at any given point along its length has a substantially circular cross section.

6. The resistor according to claim 1, further comprising means for elongating the filament.

7. The resistor according to claim 6, wherein said means for elongating the filament includes at least two magnetic elements.

8. The resistor according to claim 6, wherein said means for elongating the filament includes an axle.

9. The resistor according to claim 1, further comprising means for controlling the movement of said flow control element.

10. The resistor according to claim 9, wherein the means for controlling are wireless.

11. The resistor according to claim 1, wherein said resistor is adapted to be connected with an implantable device for dispensing an active substance to a patient.