Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of using an implantable catheter to treat a localized region within the body of a patient, the catheter including a flexible elongated catheter body and an inflatable balloon located on the catheter body between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter body, the catheter body having a balloon inflation lumen and first and second delivery lumens, and an implantable integrated port assembly having a balloon inflation port, a distal injection port, and a proximal injection port, each of these ports having an upper surface made of flexible, self-sealing material configured for penetration by the syringe after implantation of the catheter into the body, the method comprising: (a) inserting the balloon and the catheter body from its distal end into a region of interest in the body; (b) inserting the port assembly under the skin of the body; (c) inflating the balloon by injecting fluid into the balloon inflation port; (d) conducting hepatocytes into the region of interest through the distal delivery port; and (e) conducting an anticoagulant into the region of interest through the proximal delivery port.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of using an implantable catheter to treat a localized region within the body of a patient, the catheter including a flexible elongated catheter body and an inflatable balloon located on the catheter body between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter body, the catheter body having a balloon inflation lumen and first and second delivery lumens, and an implantable integrated port assembly having a balloon inflation port, a distal injection port, and a proximal injection port, each of these ports having an upper surface made of flexible, self-sealing material configured for penetration by the syringe after implantation of the catheter into the body, the method comprising: (a) inserting the balloon and the catheter body from its distal end into a region of interest in the body; (b) inserting the port assembly under the skin of the body; (c) inflating the balloon by injecting fluid into the balloon inflation port; (d) conducting hepatocytes into the region of interest through the distal delivery port; and (e) conducting an anticoagulant into the region of interest through the proximal delivery port.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the conducting of the anticoagulant occurs after the conducting of the hepatocytes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
188 words
An implantable catheter for delivering therapeutic agents to a localized region within a body, the agents delivered to the catheter by a syringe extending through the skin of the body, the catheter comprising: a flexible elongated catheter body; an inflatable balloon located on the catheter body; and wherein the catheter body has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including an implantable integrated port assembly having a balloon inflation port, a distal injection port, and a proximal injection port, each of these ports having an upper surface made of flexible, self-sealing material for penetration by the syringe after implantation of the catheter into the body; and the distal end including (a) a balloon inflation lumen in fluid communication with the balloon and the balloon inflation port, (b) a first delivery lumen defining a distal delivery port situated distal to the balloon and through which a first therapeutic agent is delivered from the distal injection port, and (c) a second delivery lumen defining a proximal delivery port situated proximal to the balloon and through which a second therapeutic agent is delivered from the proximal injection port.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
188 words
An implantable catheter for delivering therapeutic agents to a localized region within a body, the agents delivered to the catheter by a syringe extending through the skin of the body, the catheter comprising: a flexible elongated catheter body; an inflatable balloon located on the catheter body; and wherein the catheter body has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including an implantable integrated port assembly having a balloon inflation port, a distal injection port, and a proximal injection port, each of these ports having an upper surface made of flexible, self-sealing material for penetration by the syringe after implantation of the catheter into the body; and the distal end including (a) a balloon inflation lumen in fluid communication with the balloon and the balloon inflation port, (b) a first delivery lumen defining a distal delivery port situated distal to the balloon and through which a first therapeutic agent is delivered from the distal injection port, and (c) a second delivery lumen defining a proximal delivery port situated proximal to the balloon and through which a second therapeutic agent is delivered from the proximal injection port.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A catheter according to claim 3, wherein one injection port defines a rounded interior surface substantially devoid of sharp corners.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A catheter according to claim 1, wherein the injection port that defines a rounded interior surface substantially devoid of sharp corners is the distal injection port.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A catheter according to claim 3, wherein: the first delivery lumen defines a plurality of distal delivery ports situated distal to the balloon; and the second delivery lumen defines a plurality of proximal delivery ports situated proximal to the balloon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A catheter according to claim 3, wherein a part of the catheter body is made of a radiopaque material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A catheter according to claim 3, wherein the ports on the proximal end each include lower backing surfaces made of a rigid material adapted to prevent accidental penetration of the syringe needle through the port assembly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A catheter according to claim 3, wherein the port assembly defines one or more apertures that anchor the port assembly to tissue inside the body.