Implantable infusion device having filter

• US 8,608,729 B2
• Filed: 04/18/2008
• Issued: 12/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Christenson, Steven R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sirmons, Kevin C
• Assistant Examiner(s): CARPENTER, WILLIAM R
• Application Number:
  US12/105,441
• Publication Number:
  US 20090264870A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,069 Days
• Field of Search: 604/890.1, 604/891.1, 604/892.1, 604131-132, 604/140, 604/146, 604151-152, 604/93.01, 60428801-28804
• US Class Current: 604/891.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/7518 bacterial
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14212 Pumping with an aspiration and an expulsion action
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/165 Filtering accessories, e.g. blood filters, filters for infusion liquids A61M1/14 , A61M1/34, A61M1/3627, A61M1/3679, A61M1/3687 take precedence; needle sets with incorporated air inlet filters A61M5/162
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/38 using hydrophilic or hydrophobic filters

Abstract

An implantable infusion device for delivering a fluid medication to a patient. The infusion device has an internal bacterial filter positioned between the reservoir and the pump, configured to provide a pathway for fluid to be pulled from the reservoir to the pump, regardless of the orientation of the infusion device. The configuration of the filter provides a fluid pathway from the reservoir to the pump, even in the presence of a gas bubble.

Claims

1. An implantable infusion device comprising:

a reservoir comprising an interior having a pressure of no more than about 5 psig;

a bulkhead defining an annular passage in fluid communication with the reservoir interior, the bulkhead further housing a pump having an inlet, the inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir interior via the annular passage; and

a bacterial filter positioned between the reservoir interior and the annular passage.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of reservoir outlets in fluid communication with, and between, the reservoir interior and the annular passage.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the bacterial filter extends at least about 180 degrees of the annular passage, wherein the filter is positioned to filter fluid flowing through each of the plurality of reservoir outlets.