LOW PROFILE SELF-SEALING ACCESS PORT

Abstract

This invention provides for a self-sealing port having a low profile and substantially flat bottom for use in hemodialysis. The self-sealing ports can be repeatedly used for the cannulation required for the blood flows associated with hemodialysis.

Claims

1. An implantable blood access port for providing access to the circulatory system comprising a rigid hollow tubular member made of a biologically compatible material, said body being hollow and having an input and an output, said hollow tubular member having a self-sealing septum after puncture by a needle, and a substantially flat member on the bottom of the port.

2. The device of claim 1 in which the thickness of the port is no larger than 10 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top view of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a left end view along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2 of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a right end view of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a right top perspective view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The port 10 of the present invention consists of a hollow tubular member 100 having an approximate overall length of 25 mm. The outer diameter of the hollow tubular member 100 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is approximately 7 mm and the interior of the hollow tubular member 100 is approximately 6 mm. The total height of the port of the present invention does not exceed 10 mm. A port 10 made of a selastic member 110 is fitted in the top wall of the tubular member 100 and a rectangular support plate 120 is affixed to the bottom of the tubular member 100. The selastic member 110 is of sufficient size and thickness to permit multiple punctures by a needle along the top of this selastic member 110 permitting access by the needle, not shown, into the interior of the tubular member 100. The overall length of the tubular member should preferably be less than 50 mm.

[0019] Connection nipples 125 fit over each end of the hollow tubular member 100. The connection nipples 125 have an enlarged portion 130 proximate the hollow tubular member 100. A flexible tube (not shown), such as tetrafluoroethylene, fits over the connection nipples 125 with the other end of the tube connected to the patient's natural vessels. The expanded portion 130 of the connection nipples 125 serves to hold the flexible tubes in place on the port 10. The expanded portion 130 is tapered at its end 34 and 36 to facilitate being attached to the tube 121 and create a leak proof seal.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the selastic member 110 of the septum is made of a soft silicone material which can be repeatedly punctured by a needle so that the septum can be used repeatedly. This selastic member 110 covers a substantial portion of the hollow tubular member 100. However a series of individual selastic members can be used instead of a single selastic member. Since the port is placed under the skin of the patient, it is highly desirable that it be able to remain in place as long as possible.

[0021] Blood flow is permitted to enter the nipple 125 at one end of the port and pass through the inside 135 of the hollow tubular member 100 and exit from the other connection nipple 125. The port 10 itself is capable of being used in either direction.

[0022] In use, the port 10 is surgically inserted beneath the skin of the patient. The flat bottom 120 of the port 10 maintains the port 10 in a stable position so that it is substantially held in place and resists movement when the doctor or nurse is accessing the septum 110 with a needle (not shown).

[0023] The port 10 may be made of any suitable plastic material or metal such as titanium. Suitable materials for septum 110 include, but are not limited to, silicon and several other plastic polymers. Various materials for making the septum 110 are well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the body of the port is made of a single piece, with the septum inserted in the wall of the hollow tubular member 100 and held in place by any suitable means.

[0024] The needle used for puncturing the septum 114 should be a coreless needle, i.e., it should not cut the seal of the septum 114 but should open a hole that may tightly close after the needle withdrawal.

[0025] While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.