Implantable access devices

Abstract

Abstract An access port (10) for implanting within the body of a patient for providing repeated access to specific tissue within the patient and communicating with the tissue by an implanted internal catheter. The access ports in accordance with this invention include a housing (12) having a funnel shaped inlet orifice (14) leading to a reduced diameter guide passageway (18). An articulating valve which may take various forms including leaflet-type valves (38, 40) or self-collapsing tubular valves are placed in line with the access port housing. An external filament (48) such as a needle, guide wire, optical fiber, or external catheter can be introduced into the access device and fed through the housing to penetrate the articulating valve. This system allows the introduction of therapeutic agents, the removal of fluids from the body, or the introduction of sensing or articulating devices to specific sites within the patient.

Inventors

• 👤 William D. Ensminger
• 👤 Robert F. Gavin

Bibliographic Details