Vascular access port with needle detector

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• and
• means for detecting and indicating the presence or absence of a needle extending into the reservoir;
• wherein the detecting and indicating means comprises means for generating a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the removal signal comprises an alarm.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the detecting circuit generates a detection signal indicative of a proximity of the needle to the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit generates an indicator signal indicative of the detection signal;
• wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer and wherein the transducer generates the indicator signal;
• and
• wherein the indicator signal is tactile.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the detecting circuit generates a detection signal indicative of a proximity of the needle to the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit generates an indicator signal indicative of the detection signal;
• wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer and wherein the transducer generates the indicator signal;
• and
• wherein the transducer generates a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit is closed by the needle when the needle extends into the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the needle as a conductive path;
• wherein the septum is at least partially conductive, and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the septum.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the needle is magnetic and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a magnetic switch disposed in the reservoir.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit includes an emitter element connected to a power source to generate an electrical field, wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a detector element, and wherein the emitter element is movable with respect to the detector element.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit comprises a magnet and a Hall effect sensor, and wherein the Hall effect sensor is movable with respect to the magnet.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a primary coil connected to a power source, wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a secondary coil, and wherein the primary coil is movable with respect to secondary coil.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit comprises a magnetically permeable element and an inductive coil, and wherein the magnetically permeable element is movable with respect to the inductive coil.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• and
• means for detecting and indicating the presence or absence of a needle extending into the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting and indicating means is electrical;
• wherein the needle detecting and indicating means includes a detecting circuit and an indicating circuit;
• wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer;
• wherein the transducer generates an insertion signal when the needle extends through the septum and into the reservoir.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• and
• means for detecting and indicating the presence or absence of a needle extending into the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting and indicating means is electrical;
• wherein the needle detecting and indicating means includes a detecting circuit and an indicating circuit;
• wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer;
• wherein the transducer generates an removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit is configured to generate a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit is closed by the needle when the needle extends into the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the needle as a conductive path;
• and
• wherein the septum is at least partially conductive, and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the septum.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit is configured to generate a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the needle is magnetic and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a magnetic switch disposed in the reservoir.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit is configured to generate a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit includes an emitter element connected to a power source to generate an electrical field, wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a detector element, and wherein the emitter element is movable with respect to the detector element.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit is configured to generate a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit comprises a magnet and a Hall effect sensor, and wherein the Hall effect sensor is movable with respect to the magnet.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit is configured to generate a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a primary coil connected to a power source, wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a secondary coil, and wherein the primary coil is movable with respect to secondary coil.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit is configured to generate a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting circuit comprises a magnetically permeable element and an inductive coil, and wherein the magnetically permeable element is movable with respect to the inductive coil.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit is configured to generate a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer and wherein the transducer generates the indicator signal;
• wherein the indicator signal is tactile.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• a detecting circuit configured to detect the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• and
• an indicating circuit configured to indicate the presence or absence of the needle in the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit is configured to generate a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer and wherein the transducer generates the indicator signal;
• wherein the transducer generates the removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• and
• means for detecting and indicating the presence or absence of a needle extending into the reservoir;
• wherein the detecting and indicating means comprises means for generating a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting and indicating means is electrical;
• wherein the needle detecting and indicating means includes a detecting circuit and an indicating circuit;
• wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer;
• wherein the transducer generates an insertion signal when the needle extends through the septum and into the reservoir.

A vascular access port system for detecting the presence or absence of a needle, the system comprising:

• a vascular access port including a portal housing containing an internal reservoir with first and second openings, a self-sealing septum disposed in the first opening, and a catheter extending from the portal housing, the catheter defining a lumen extending therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir via the second opening;
• and
• means for detecting and indicating the presence or absence of a needle extending into the reservoir;
• wherein the detecting and indicating means comprises means for generating a removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir;
• wherein the needle detecting and indicating means is electrical;
• wherein the needle detecting and indicating means includes a detecting circuit and an indicating circuit;
• wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer;
• wherein the transducer generates the removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir.