Patent Application
20070282308
The present invention may be further understood with reference to the following description and to the appended drawings, wherein like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals. The present invention relates to devices for accessing the vascular system via a catheter and, more specifically, relates to an access port for the injection and/or withdrawal of fluids via a subcutaneous central venous access catheter.
The present invention provides a method and system increasing the puncture life of the septum by applying a radially compressive force to the septum. In one exemplary embodiment, septum compression rings are provided to generate the radial compression, while minimizing the resulting axial force that may be applied to the housing assembly and to joints and bonds of the port. For example, the force may result from the septum compression rings providing an interference fit between the septum and a housing of the port. The septum compression rings may be formed, for example, by beads of additional septum material disposed around an outer diameter of the septum.
As shown in
The port 100 comprises a septum 108 held in place between the base 102 and upper portion 106. For example, a perimeter of the septum 108 may be held between opposing surfaces of the base 104 and upper portion 106. A compression ring element 110 is formed by one or more rings 130 disposed on the outer diameter of the septum 108. The compression ring element 110 is placed in radial interference with inner surfaces 126 of the upper portion 106 of the housing 102. The radial interference causes a substantially radial force A that compresses the membrane 112 of the septum 108. The force has a minimal axial component, so that only a small axial force is applied to the joints and bonds of the housing 102 during use.
According to the invention, the size, shape and number of the individual rings or beads 130 forming the compression ring element 110 may be selected to tailor the forces applied to the housing 102 and the septum 108 to a desired level or to position the forces in a desired manner. For example, the friction between the compression ring element 110 and the upper portion 106 may be reduced by reducing the surface area of the beads 130 contacting the surface 126 during assembly of the device, such as when the septum 108 is pushed in place.
In one exemplary embodiment, the compression ring element 110 comprises three rings or beads 130 having a substantially semi-circular cross section. As shown in
A desired radial compression of the septum 108 may be achieved by selecting an appropriate number, shape and location of the rings or beads 130. For example, the amount of compression and the distribution of the compressive force on the membrane 112 may be modified by selecting different parameters of the compression ring element 110. The geometry of the individual beads 130 may be changed to achieve a desired compressive force and friction with the housing. For example, in addition to the semi-circular cross section of the beads 130 shown in the drawings, different geometries may be used such as triangular, trapezoidal or block shaped beads. These parameters may be varied as necessary to normalize the septum compression distribution across the volume of the septum.
In a different embodiment, the compression force on the membrane 112 may be achieved without the addition of specific rings or beads. Instead, in this embodiment an oversized diameter of the septum perimeter creates the interference with the housing of the port and the resulting radial compression of the septum. The oversized septum perimeter may have, for example, a diameter slightly larger than an inner diameter of the opening in the housing component within which it is to reside.
In yet another embodiment, the compression ring features may be applied to the housing of the port rather than to the septum. As shown in
According to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, the compression rings may be formed of the same material as that of which the septum is formed. For example, the septum and/or the compression rings may be formed of silicone or any of a variety of materials of different durometer values.
The present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, material and arrangement of parts. Accordingly, various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments. The specifications and drawings are, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
