US6171298B1 — Intravesical infuser

Claim 1

Independent Claim 87 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir having a first shape wherein said first shape of said reservoir permits said reservoir to be passed into a body cavity, said reservoir configured to expand to a second arcuate shape and to hold a pressurized substance; a valve assembly configured to admit the pressurized fluid substance into said reservoir while said reservoir is within the body cavity; and a flow-restricted exit port configured to dispense the pressurized substance from said reservoir while said reservoir is within said body cavity.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 87 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir having a first shape wherein said first shape of said reservoir permits said reservoir to be passed into a body cavity, said reservoir configured to expand to a second arcuate shape and to hold a pressurized substance; a valve assembly configured to admit the pressurized fluid substance into said reservoir while said reservoir is within the body cavity; and a flow-restricted exit port configured to dispense the pressurized substance from said reservoir while said reservoir is within said body cavity.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 22 words

The device of claim 1 , further comprising a tethering means for tethering said device to a wall of the body cavity.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 21 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir resumes substantially said first shape as said pressurized fluid substance is dispensed.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir is coated so as to inhibit deposition of materials present in the urinary tract.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir is coated so as increase the lubricity of the device.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said flow-restricted exit port provides a means of rapidly purging said pressurized substance from said reservoir.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 6 , wherein said reservoir resumes substantially said first shape upon purging said pressurized substance.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 43 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir is elongated, said valve assembly is disposed at a first end of said elongated reservoir and said flow-restricted exit port is disposed at a second end of said elongated reservoir opposite said first end.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 21 words

The device of claim 8 , wherein said second end has greater buoyancy than the overall buoyancy of said elongated reservoir.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 8 , wherein said second end is at least partially covered by a compliant bumper.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 11 words

The device of claim 8 , further comprising a capture member.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 34 words

The device of claim 11 , wherein said capture member is incorporated into a release mechanism which is configured to allow said flow-restricted exit port to purge said pressurized substance from said elongated reservoir.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 8 , further comprising a capture member protruding from the center of said second end.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 54 words

The device of claim 1 , further comprising a capture member coupled to said flow-restricted exit port, wherein if force is exerted upon said capture member while opposite pressure is maintained against said flow-restricted exit port, the flow restriction of said flow-restricted exit port is reduced such that said pressurized fluid substance is purged.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 44 words

The device of claim 14 , wherein said flow-restricted exit port is configured to mate with a sheath that is introduced into said body cavity such that said pressurized substance is purged through a channel of said sheath rather than into said body cavity.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 25 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said flow-restricted exit port provides delivery of said pressurized substance over a period of at least 5 days.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said flow-restricted exit port provides delivery of said pressurized fluid substance over a period of at least 15 days.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 32 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said pressurized substance is in a liquid form and the device delivers said pressurized fluid substance at a rate of less than about 400 μl/hour.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said second shape facilitates retention of said elongated reservoir in said body cavity.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said second shape has a cross sectional shape of sufficient diameter to deter voiding of said elongated reservoir through a mammalian urethra.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said second shape deters obstruction of mammalian bladder neck so as to allow urine to pass around the device.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 11 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir is elastomeric.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 13 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said pressured substance is a drug.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 14 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said pressured substance is a diagnostic tool.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 28 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said reservoir is elongated and a first end of said reservoir has greater buoyancy than the overall buoyancy of said reservoir.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said first end is at least partially covered by a compliant bumper.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said valve assembly comprises an opening for accepting a secure coupling fitting through which said pressurized substance is dispensed.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 27 , wherein said opening is further for securing the device to an introducer which is used to disposed the device within said body cavity.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 22 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said valve assembly comprises a floating disc which is biased to occlude an input channel.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 40 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein a resistance of said flow-restricted exit port varies in proportion to a pressure level of said pressurized substance such that said flow-restricted exit port dispenses said pressurized fluid substance at a controlled rate.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 39 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein said flow-restricted exit port varies said resistance by varying an area of a flow channel of said flow-restricted exit port in inverse proportion to said pressure level of said pressurized fluid substance.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 62 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said flow-restricted exit port comprises a first pressure reducing element, a second pressure reducing element, and a flow channel through said first and second pressure reducing elements, wherein said second pressure reducing element alters a cross-sectional area of said flow-restricted exit port in a manner inversely related to a pressure level of said pressurized substance.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 16 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein said flow-restricted exit port is comprised of sintered metal.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 49 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir containing a drug; a flow-restricted exit port in fluid communication with the drug in said reservoir; and wherein said device assumes a first generally elongated shape when empty during implantation and a second arcuate shape when filled after implantation into a mammal.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 49 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir containing a drug; a flow-restricted exit port in fluid communication with the drug in said reservoir; and wherein said device assumes a first generally elongated shape when empty during implantation and a second arcuate shape when filled after implantation into a mammal.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 35 words

The device of claim 34 , further comprising: a coating on said device adapted to provide lubricity or to inhibit deposition of material on said device when implanted in a body cavity of a mammal.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said coating inhibits deposition of materials present in the urinary tract.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 24 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said coating is a surface coating on surfaces of said device exposed to the body upon implantation.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 16 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said coating covers only a portion of said device.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 24 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said flow-restricted exit port provides delivery of said drug over a period of at least 5 days.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 39 herein said flow-restricted exit port provides delivery of said drug over a period of at least 15 days.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 29 words

The device of claim 39 , wherein said drug is in a liquid form and said device delivers said drug at a rate of less than about 400 μl/hour.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 13 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said drug is an incontinence-treating drug.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 15 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said drug is used to treat urge incontinence.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 14 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said drug is an anesthetic or analgesic.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 12 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said drug is an antibiotic.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 14 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said drug is used to treat cystitis.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 13 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said drug is an anti-cancer drug.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 11 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said drug is oxybutynin.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said device has a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of said ends is buoyant.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 16 words

The device of claim 49 , wherein said first end and said second end are buoyant.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device of claim 35 , wherein said device is sized to fit through a urethra into a mammalian bladder.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 75 words

An infusion device, comprising: a housing; a drug inside the housing; a flow controller comprising a first pressure reducing element, a second pressure reducing element, and a flow channel through said first and second pressure reducing elements, wherein said second pressure reducing element alters a cross-sectional area of said flow path in a manner inversely related to the pressure of said drug to control the rate at which said drug is released from the housing.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 75 words

An infusion device, comprising: a housing; a drug inside the housing; a flow controller comprising a first pressure reducing element, a second pressure reducing element, and a flow channel through said first and second pressure reducing elements, wherein said second pressure reducing element alters a cross-sectional area of said flow path in a manner inversely related to the pressure of said drug to control the rate at which said drug is released from the housing.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 52 , wherein said drug is pressurized and said flow controller is pressure-responsive.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 52 , wherein said flow controller further comprises a third pressure reducing element downstream of said first and second pressure reducing elements.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 101 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir having a first shape wherein said first shape of said reservoir permits said reservoir to be passed into a body cavity, said reservoir configured to expand to a second shape and to hold a pressurized substance; a valve assembly comprising a floating disc which is biased to occlude an input channel, said valve assembly configured to admit the pressurized fluid substance into said reservoir while said reservoir is within the body cavity; and a flow-restricted exit port configured to dispense the pressurized substance from said reservoir while said reservoir is within said body cavity.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 101 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir having a first shape wherein said first shape of said reservoir permits said reservoir to be passed into a body cavity, said reservoir configured to expand to a second shape and to hold a pressurized substance; a valve assembly comprising a floating disc which is biased to occlude an input channel, said valve assembly configured to admit the pressurized fluid substance into said reservoir while said reservoir is within the body cavity; and a flow-restricted exit port configured to dispense the pressurized substance from said reservoir while said reservoir is within said body cavity.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 145 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir having a first shape wherein said first shape of said reservoir permits said reservoir to be passed into a body cavity, said reservoir configured to expand to a second shape and to hold a pressurized substance; a valve assembly configured to admit the pressurized fluid substance into said reservoir while said reservoir is within the body cavity; and a flow-restricted exit port configured to dispense the pressurized substance from said reservoir while said reservoir is within said body cavity, wherein a resistance of said flow-restricted exit port varies in proportion to a pressure level of said pressurized substance by varying an area of a flow channel of said flow-restricted exit port in inverse proportion to said pressure level of said pressurized fluid substance, such that said flow-restricted exit port dispenses said pressurized fluid substance at a controlled rate.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 145 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir having a first shape wherein said first shape of said reservoir permits said reservoir to be passed into a body cavity, said reservoir configured to expand to a second shape and to hold a pressurized substance; a valve assembly configured to admit the pressurized fluid substance into said reservoir while said reservoir is within the body cavity; and a flow-restricted exit port configured to dispense the pressurized substance from said reservoir while said reservoir is within said body cavity, wherein a resistance of said flow-restricted exit port varies in proportion to a pressure level of said pressurized substance by varying an area of a flow channel of said flow-restricted exit port in inverse proportion to said pressure level of said pressurized fluid substance, such that said flow-restricted exit port dispenses said pressurized fluid substance at a controlled rate.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 142 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir having a first shape wherein said first shape of said reservoir permits said reservoir to be passed into a body cavity, said reservoir configured to expand to a second shape and to hold a pressurized substance; a valve assembly configured to admit the pressurized fluid substance into said reservoir while said reservoir is within the body cavity; and a flow-restricted exit port configured to dispense the pressurized substance from said reservoir while said reservoir is within said body cavity, wherein said flow-restricted exit port comprises a first pressure reducing element, a second pressure reducing element, and a flow channel through said first and second pressure reducing elements, wherein said second pressure reducing element alters a cross-sectional area of said flow-restricted exit port in a manner inversely related to a pressure level of said pressurized substance.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 142 words

An implantable infusion device, comprising: a reservoir having a first shape wherein said first shape of said reservoir permits said reservoir to be passed into a body cavity, said reservoir configured to expand to a second shape and to hold a pressurized substance; a valve assembly configured to admit the pressurized fluid substance into said reservoir while said reservoir is within the body cavity; and a flow-restricted exit port configured to dispense the pressurized substance from said reservoir while said reservoir is within said body cavity, wherein said flow-restricted exit port comprises a first pressure reducing element, a second pressure reducing element, and a flow channel through said first and second pressure reducing elements, wherein said second pressure reducing element alters a cross-sectional area of said flow-restricted exit port in a manner inversely related to a pressure level of said pressurized substance.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2004-01-09	2004-07-10	2005-01-09	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2008-01-09	2008-07-10	2009-01-09	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2012-01-09	2012-07-10	2013-01-09	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Intravesical infuser

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag