Infusion device and pressure-based overfill protection mechanism for use with same
First Claim
1. An implantable infusion device, comprising:
- a collapsible member defining a reservoir for containing a variable volume of fluid therein, wherein the collapsible member comprises a reservoir surface that moves between a full position and a refill position in response to a change in volume of the fluid contained in the reservoir;
a housing connected to the collapsible member, the housing defining;
a refill port for receiving the fluid; and
a refill passageway connecting the refill port to the reservoir;
a valve plunger for selectively occluding the refill passageway, wherein the valve plunger comprises a free distal end configured to abut the reservoir surface of the collapsible member during movement between the full position and the refill position; and
a displacement sensor coupled to the housing and operable to detect a position of the free distal end of the valve plunger as the reservoir surface moves from the full position to the refill position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A medical device and displacement-based over-pressurization mechanism (OPM) for use with the same. The OPM may be positioned in or along a refill passageway of the device. It may include a valve plunger having a portion in biased, abutting contact with a reservoir surface that moves as the reservoir volume changes. The reservoir surface may move between a full position and a refill position. The OPM is preferably configured to close and occlude the refill passageway when the reservoir and reservoir surface reach the full position, e.g., before reaching an overfill position. A sensor may also be provided to detect a position of the valve plunger.
44 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An implantable infusion device, comprising:
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a collapsible member defining a reservoir for containing a variable volume of fluid therein, wherein the collapsible member comprises a reservoir surface that moves between a full position and a refill position in response to a change in volume of the fluid contained in the reservoir;
a housing connected to the collapsible member, the housing defining;
a refill port for receiving the fluid; and
a refill passageway connecting the refill port to the reservoir;
a valve plunger for selectively occluding the refill passageway, wherein the valve plunger comprises a free distal end configured to abut the reservoir surface of the collapsible member during movement between the full position and the refill position; and
a displacement sensor coupled to the housing and operable to detect a position of the free distal end of the valve plunger as the reservoir surface moves from the full position to the refill position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for refilling fluid in an implantable infusion device, the method comprising:
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connecting a transfer device to a refill port of the infusion device, the infusion device defining a reservoir and a refill passageway connecting the refill port to the reservoir;
transporting the fluid from the transfer device along the refill passageway to the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is defined by a collapsible member that comprises a reservoir surface movable between a full position and a refill position in response to a change in volume of the fluid within the reservoir;
biasing a valve plunger, which is positioned along the refill passageway, into contact with the reservoir surface;
detecting a position of the valve plunger with a sensor; and
closing the valve plunger to occlude the refill passageway when the reservoir surface reaches the full position. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. An implantable infusion device, comprising:
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a collapsible member defining a reservoir for containing a variable volume of fluid therein, wherein the collapsible member comprises a reservoir surface that moves between a full position and a refill position in response to a change in volume of the fluid contained in the reservoir;
a housing connected to the collapsible member, the housing defining;
a refill port for receiving the fluid; and
a refill passageway connecting the refill port to the reservoir;
a valve plunger for selectively occluding the refill passageway, wherein the valve plunger comprises a free distal end configured to abut the reservoir surface of the collapsible member during movement between the full position and the refill position; and
a displacement sensor at least partially positioned within the refill passageway, the sensor operable to detect a position of the free distal end of the valve plunger as the reservoir surface moves from the full position to the refill position. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification