Implantable access devices

Abstract

An implantable access device which permits the introduction of an external filament such as a catheter, guide wire or optical fiber into a patient for communication with an internal catheter located within the body of the patient. The device includes a housing having an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a passageway communicating between the openings. The inlet opening is generally funnel shaped and guides the external filament into the passageway. A valve assembly normally remains closed prevents the flow of fluids through the passageway. When open, the valve assembly enables the filament to communicate with the internal catheter. The device is provided with a mechanism that limits the extent to which the filament can be inserted through the device. The device also includes a separate perimeter sealing mechanism which seals around the perimeter of an inserted filament as well as a mechanism which accommodates bending of the filament within the device so as to ensure that the filament is properly received within the device. Finally, the device includes features which prevent the filament from engaging the internal catheter in the event the filament does not enter the inlet opening when inserted into the patient.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.