Abstract This disclosure describes an implantable microinfusion apparatus used to deliver an infusate systemically to an animal in accordance with a predetermined temporal program. The apparatus utilizes a pump to provide a hydrostatic force for the discharge of a plastic capillary tubing containing a linearly arrayed program of infusates. The tubing is charged with sequential discrete segments of fluid vehicle containing preselected concentrations of the product or products to be infused. The segments may be delimited by intervals of product-free immiscible fluid or the contents of the program tube may be stabilized by the inclusion of a gel in its fluid composition. The volume of the segments determines the infusion time of the various components of the program; the sequential position of the segments determines the order of their infusion, and the concentration of product in the segments determines the rate of their infusion.
Inventors
👤 Harry J. Lynch
👤 Robert W. Rivest
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-24 19:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M31/00; A61M31/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
In an apparatus implantable in an animal which delivers an infusate to the animal, said apparatus including a pump section that exerts a relatively constant pressure on a fluid located within said pump, the improvement which comprises: (a) a tube attached to said pump, the interior of said tube being in fluid communication with said fluid located within said pump and (b) an infusate located within the interior of said tube, said infusate being divided into segments which are separated by a second fluid located within the interior of said tube comprising a material other than said infusate, said infusate and said second fluid being immiscible thereby to maintain said segments separated within said tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
In an apparatus implantable in an animal which delivers an infusate to the animal, said apparatus including a pump section that exerts a relatively constant pressure on a fluid located within said pump, the improvement which comprises: (a) a tube attached to said pump, the interior of said tube being in fluid communication with said fluid located within said pump and (b) an infusate located within the interior of said tube, said infusate being divided into segments which are separated by a second fluid located within the interior of said tube comprising a material other than said infusate, said infusate and said second fluid being immiscible thereby to maintain said segments separated within said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tube contains at least two different infusates in a segmented array.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tube is at least partially spirally wound around said pump.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second fluid is a liquid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second fluid is a gas.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said infusate is in gel form.