Stabilization and guide apparatus for access to an implanted access port and related methods

An insertion device for accessing an access port implanted under the skin of a patient with a needle assembly, the insertion device comprising:

• a body including:
• a stabilizing portion defining an open-ended cavity having an outer perimeter circumscribing a portion of the implanted access port when the insertion device is placed on the skin of the patient atop the implanted access port, a portion of the implanted access port being received within the open-ended cavity, a portion of the needle assembly removably disposed in the open-ended cavity;
• and
• a guide portion including a retainer component movably attached to the body and removably retaining a hub of the needle assembly, wherein the guide portion guides a needle of the needle assembly along a predetermined path through the open-ended cavity to transcutaneously pierce a septum of the implanted access port.

A needle insertion system for accessing an access port implanted under the skin of a patient, the system comprising:

• a needle assembly including a base and a hub;
• an insertion device, the needle assembly removably attached to the insertion device, the insertion device including:
• a stabilizing portion that stabilizes a position of the implanted access port when placed on the skin of the patient atop the implanted access port, the stabilizing portion defining an open-ended cavity having an outer perimeter circumscribing a portion of the implanted access port when the insertion device is placed on the skin of the patient atop the implanted access port, the base removably disposed in the open-ended cavity;
• and
• a guide portion for guiding a needle of the needle assembly along a predetermined path such that the needle transcutaneously pierces a septum of the implanted access port.

An insertion device for accessing an access port that is subcutaneously implanted in a body of a patient, the insertion device comprising:

• a body defining a cavity for receiving therein at least a portion of the implanted access port and skin surface above the port, the body further defining:
• a needle guide for guiding a needle for insertion into a septum of the implanted access port;
• a slot for enabling removal of the insertion device past the needle after insertion into the septum of the implanted access port;
• and
• at least one cutout for permitting deformation of the body so as enable removal of the insertion device past the needle after insertion into the septum of the implanted access port.

An insertion device for accessing an access port implanted under the skin of a patient with a needle assembly, the needle assembly including a needle extending from a hub, the insertion device comprising:

• a body including:
• a slit including a slit adjustment zone for adjusting a longitudinal length of the slit;
• a stabilizing portion that stabilizes a position of the implanted access port when placed on the skin of the patient atop the implanted access port;
• and
• a guide portion for guiding the needle along a predetermined path such that the needle transcutaneously pierces a septum of the implanted access port, the guide portion including a retainer component that releasably attaches to the hub, the retainer component including a projection slidably disposed within the slit to enable distal and proximal movement of the retainer component, the retainer component constraining distal and proximal movement of the needle along the predetermined path.

An insertion device for accessing an access port implanted under the skin of a patient with a needle assembly, the needle assembly including a needle extending from a hub and a base slidably disposed on the needle, the base removably attached to the insertion device, the insertion device comprising:

• a body including:
• a stabilizing portion that stabilizes a position of the implanted access port when placed on the skin of the patient atop the implanted access port, the stabilizing portion including a cavity and a slot in communication with the cavity, the slot enabling removal of the insertion device from the needle assembly following insertion of the needle into the implanted access port;
• and
• a guide portion for guiding the needle along a predetermined path such that the needle transcutaneously pierces a septum of the implanted access port, the guide portion including a retainer component that releasably attaches to the hub, the retainer component constraining distal and proximal movement of the needle along the predetermined path.