# US 6,962,580 B2 · Vascular access port with needle detector > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 6,962,580 B2 - Document ID: US6962580B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/246,324 - Filed: 2002-09-17 - Published: 2004-04-15 - Granted: 2005-11-08 - Earliest claimed: 2002-09-17 - Assignees: Transoma Medical, Inc. - Inventors: H. Clark Adams; Brian P. Brockway; Perry A. Mills - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6962580B2 ## CPC - A61M 39/0208: {Subcutaneous access sites (implantable infusion devices A61M5/14276; transcutaneous access sites A61M39/0247)} - A61M 5/158: Needles {for infusions; Accessories therefor, e.g. for inserting infusion needles, or for holding them on the body} - A61M 5/16831: {Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies (low-level float-valves causing cut-off A61M5/40; indicating or recording presence, absence or direction of flow in general G01P13/0066)} - A61M 2039/0226: {having means for protecting the interior of the access site from damage due to the insertion of a needle} - A61M 2039/0244: {having means for detecting an inserted needle} - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} ## Abstract A vascular access port system including circuits for detecting and indicating the presence or absence of a needle. The detecting and indicating circuits may be carried in whole or in part by one of or both of the needle and/or the vascular access port. The detecting and indicating circuits may utilize a conductive needle, a mechanical switch, a magnetic switch, a Hall effect sensor, an electric field, a magnetic field, or an inductor, for example, for detection purposes. The vascular access port system permits the practitioner to confirm that the needle has been correctly inserted into the VAP, and notifies the patient and/or practitioner if the needle has been accidentally withdrawn. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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 removal signal comprises an alarm. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein the detecting circuit and the indicating circuit are separate. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein the detecting circuit and the indicating circuit are together. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein one of the detecting circuit and the indicating circuit is connected to an infusion pump and provides feedback thereto. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein the detecting circuit generates a detection signal indicative of a proximity of the needle to the reservoir. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The vascular access port system of claim 5, wherein the indicating circuit generates an indicator signal indicative of the detection signal. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The vascular access port system of claim 6, wherein the indicating circuit includes a comparator which compares the detection signal to a threshold signal value that is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir, and wherein the indicating circuit generates an insertion signal when the detection signal exceeds the threshold signal value. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The vascular access port system of claim 6, wherein the indicating circuit includes a comparator which compares the detection signal to a threshold signal value that is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir, and wherein the indicating circuit, generates a removal signal when the detection signal falls below the threshold signal value. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The vascular access port system of claim 6, wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer and wherein the transducer generates the indicator signal. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The vascular access port system of claim 9, wherein the indicator signal is visible. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The vascular access port system of claim 9, wherein the indicator signal is audible. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The vascular access port system of claim 9, wherein the indicator signal is tactile. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The vascular access port system of claim 9, wherein the transducer generates the removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the needle detecting circuit is connected to the vascular access port. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the needle detecting circuit is connected to the needle. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein the needle detecting circuit is closed by the needle when the needle extends into the reservoir. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The vascular access port system of claim 16, wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the needle as a conductive path. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The vascular access port system of claim 17, wherein the septum is at least partially conductive, and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the septum. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The vascular access port system of claim 18, wherein the reservoir includes a bottom that is at least partially conductive, and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the reservoir bottom. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a mechanical switch disposed in the reservoir. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, wherein the needle is magnetic and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes a magnetic switch disposed in the reservoir. ### Claim 22 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, 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. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) The vascular access port system of claim 22, wherein the emitter element is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the detector element is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 24 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, 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. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The vascular access port system of claim 24, wherein the Hall effect sensor is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the magnet is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The vascular access port system of claim 25, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the Hall effect sensor is in close proximity to the magnet, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 27 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, 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. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The vascular access port system of claim 27, wherein the primary coil is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the secondary coil is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The vascular access port system of claim 28, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the primary coil moves in close proximity to the secondary coil and induces current flow therein, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 30 (depends on 1) The vascular access port system of claim 1, 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. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The vascular access port system of claim 30, wherein the inductive coil is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the magnetically permeable element is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The vascular access port system of claim 31, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the magnetically permeable element moves in close proximity to the inductive coil and changes the inductance thereof, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 33 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. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) The vascular access port system of claim 33, wherein the needle detecting and indicating means is electrical. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) The vascular access port system of claim 34, wherein the needle detecting and indicating means includes a detecting circuit and an indicating circuit. ### Claim 36 (depends on 35) The vascular access port system of claim 35, wherein the indicating circuit includes a transducer. ### Claim 37 (depends on 36) The vascular access port system of claim 36, wherein the transducer generates an insertion signal when the needle extends through the septum and into the reservoir. ### Claim 38 (depends on 36) The vascular access port system of claim 36, wherein the transducer generates the removal signal when the needle is removed from the reservoir. ### Claim 39 (depends on 33) The vascular access port system of claim 33, wherein at least a portion of the needle detecting and indicating means is connected to the vascular access port. ### Claim 40 (depends on 33) The vascular access port system of claim 33, wherein at least a portion of the needle detecting and indicating means is connected to the needle. ### Claim 41 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. ### Claim 42 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. ### Claim 43 (depends on 42) The vascular access port system of claim 42, wherein the removal signal comprises an alarm. ### Claim 44 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. ### Claim 45 (depends on 44) The vascular access port system of claim 44, wherein the reservoir includes a bottom that is at least partially conductive, and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the reservoir bottom. ### Claim 46 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. ### Claim 47 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. ### Claim 48 (depends on 47) The vascular access port system of claim 47, wherein the emitter element is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the detector element is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 49 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. ### Claim 50 (depends on 49) The vascular access port system of claim 49, wherein the Hall effect sensor is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the magnet is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 51 (depends on 50) The vascular access port system of claim 50, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the Hall effect sensor is in close proximity to the magnet, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 52 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. ### Claim 53 (depends on 52) The vascular access port system of claim 52, wherein the primary coil is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the secondary coil is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 54 (depends on 53) The vascular access port system of claim 53, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the primary coil moves in close proximity to the secondary coil and induces current flow therein, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 55 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. ### Claim 56 (depends on 55) The vascular access port system of claim 55, wherein the inductive coil is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the magnetically permeable element is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 57 (depends on 56) The vascular access port system of claim 56, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the magnetically permeable element moves in close proximity to the inductive coil and changes the inductance thereof, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 58 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. ### Claim 59 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. ### Claim 60 (depends on 59) The vascular access port system of claim 59, wherein the removal signal comprises an alarm. ### Claim 61 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. ### Claim 62 (depends on 61) The vascular access port system of claim 61, wherein the reservoir includes a bottom that is at least partially conductive, and wherein the needle detecting circuit includes the reservoir bottom. ### Claim 63 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. ### Claim 64 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. ### Claim 65 (depends on 64) The vascular access port system of claim 64, wherein the emitter element is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the detector element is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 66 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. ### Claim 67 (depends on 66) The vascular access port system of claim 66, wherein the Hall effect sensor is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the magnet is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 68 (depends on 67) The vascular access port system of claim 67, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the Hall effect sensor is in close proximity to the magnet, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 69 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. ### Claim 70 (depends on 69) The vascular access port system of claim 69, wherein the primary coil is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the secondary coil is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 71 (depends on 70) The vascular access port system of claim 70, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the primary coil moves in close proximity to the secondary coil and induces current flow therein, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 72 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. ### Claim 73 (depends on 72) The vascular access port system of claim 72, wherein the inductive coil is carried by one of the vascular access port and the needle, and wherein the magnetically permeable element is carried by the other of the vascular access port and the needle. ### Claim 74 (depends on 73) The vascular access port system of claim 73, wherein the needle detecting circuit generates a detection signal when the magnetically permeable element moves in close proximity to the inductive coil and changes the inductance thereof, and wherein the proximity is indicative of the needle extending into the reservoir. ### Claim 75 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. ### Claim 76 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. ### Claim 77 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. ### Claim 78 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.