U.S. patent application number 16/250904 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-23 for occlusion resistant catheter and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bitol Designs, LLC. Invention is credited to Mark J. BERNHARD, Ashik A. MOHAN, Avinash L. MOHAN.
Application Number | 20190151608 16/250904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51538555 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190151608 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MOHAN; Ashik A. ; et
al. |
May 23, 2019 |
OCCLUSION RESISTANT CATHETER AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
An implantable occlusion and tissue ingrowth resistant fluid
interface is provided with a housing, an orifice and a catheter
port. The housing is formed from at least one biocompatible
material and is configured without sharp edges or corners. The
housing at least partially defines an internal housing cavity. The
orifice member at least partially defines an orifice between the
internal housing cavity and an exterior of the housing. The orifice
has an elongated transverse cross-section configured with a length
that is at least four times its maximum width. The catheter port is
located on the housing and is configured to couple with a catheter
such that the internal housing cavity is in fluid communication
with a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is coupled to the
catheter port. Embodiments having a moving cylinder, a rotor, and
non-chemical surface modifications, as well as methods of use are
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
MOHAN; Ashik A.; (Alamo,
CA) ; MOHAN; Avinash L.; (Yorktown Heights, NY)
; BERNHARD; Mark J.; (Alamo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bitol Designs, LLC |
Alamo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51538555 |
Appl. No.: |
16/250904 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14216530 |
Mar 17, 2014 |
10183143 |
|
|
16250904 |
|
|
|
|
61801232 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2025/0073 20130101;
A61M 27/006 20130101; A61M 25/0017 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 25/00 20060101
A61M025/00; A61M 27/00 20060101 A61M027/00 |
Claims
1. An implantable occlusion resistant fluid interface comprising: a
housing formed from at least one biocompatible material and
configured without sharp edges or corners, the housing at least
partially defining an internal housing cavity; an agitator formed
from at least one biocompatible material and at least partially
defining an orifice between the internal housing cavity and an
exterior of the housing, the agitator configured to passively move
longitudinally between a first position and a second position,
thereby changing fluid flow patterns within the internal housing
cavity; and a catheter port located on the housing and configured
to couple with a catheter such that the internal housing cavity is
in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter when coupled to
the catheter port.
2. The fluid interface of claim 1, wherein the agitator is
cylindrically shaped.
3. The fluid interface of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a
transverse cross-section that is generally triangular in shape.
4. The fluid interface of claim 3, wherein the transverse
cross-section comprises three rounded apexes and three inwardly
curving side faces spanning between the three apexes.
5. The fluid interface of claim 4, wherein each of the three apexes
comprises a longitudinally extending internal channel that overlaps
with and is in fluid communication with the internal housing
cavity.
6. The fluid interface of claim 4, wherein each of the three side
faces comprises an elongated slot in fluid communication with the
internal housing cavity and with the exterior of the housing.
7. An implantable occlusion resistant fluid interface comprising: a
housing formed from at least one biocompatible material and
configured without sharp edges or corners, the housing at least
partially defining an internal housing cavity; a rotor formed from
at least one biocompatible material rotatably mounted within the
internal housing cavity such that a fluid flow in the cavity will
cause the rotor to passively rotate; and a catheter port located on
the housing and configured to couple with a catheter such that the
internal housing cavity is in fluid communication with a lumen of
the catheter when coupled to the catheter port.
8. The fluid interface of claim 7, wherein the rotor comprises a
plurality of turbine blades.
9. The fluid interface of claim 7, wherein the rotor is elongated
and has two ends, and wherein the fluid interface further comprises
a ball bearing located at each of the two rotor ends configured to
allow the rotor to passively rotate relative to the housing.
10. The fluid interface of claim 9, wherein the ball bearings are
made of sapphire.
11. The fluid interface of claim 8, wherein the housing comprises
an end cap having at least one vent hole therethrough, the vent
hole being configured to allow fluid to flow from the internal
housing cavity, past the turbine blades and out through the vent
hole to an exterior of the housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/216,530 filed Mar. 17, 2014 which claims the benefit
under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
61/801,232 filed Mar. 15, 2013, and entitled "Occlusion Resistant
Catheter and Method of Use", each of which is herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or
patent application was specifically and individually indicated to
be incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to implantable occlusion
resistant fluid interfaces, such as catheter tips used in the
treatment of hydrocephalus.
BACKGROUND
[0004] One application of the occlusion resistant catheters
disclosed herein is in shunting systems for cerebral-spinal fluid
for use in treating hydrocephalus. Conventional shunting systems
used for this purpose typically include three components: a
ventricular catheter portion; a peritoneal catheter portion; and a
valve located between the two catheter portions. The catheter
portions typically are formed from a flexible synthetic polymer
such as silicone rubber. A proximal end of the ventricular catheter
portion is configured for insertion in a cerebral ventricle. A
distal end of the peritoneal catheter portion is configured for
insertion in a body cavity, or in some cases configured to drain
fluid outside of the body. In many cases it would be preferable
that all three components be implanted subcutaneously and left in
place for many years.
[0005] The purpose of the shunting systems when treating
hydrocephalus is to affect periodic drainage of excess
cerebral-spinal fluid from the cerebral ventricle. The cerebral
ventricle that is typically drained is ventricle III. The
cerebral-spinal fluid is drained from the cerebral ventricle in
order to maintain proper endro-cranial tension or pressure at
normal physiological values.
[0006] Conventional shunting systems for treating hydrocephalus
suffer from occlusion of the fluid path through the shunt,
typically at the inlet in the proximal end of the ventricular
catheter portion and/or at the outlet in the distal end of the
peritoneal catheter portion. Many attempts have been made to design
clog resistant tips and orifices, however most have not met with
much success. Blockage in the fluid path typically occurs as a
result of tissue ingrowth and/or protein buildup in and around
these orifices, often the result of the deposition of filaments of
fibrin. Such blockage will often render the shunting systems
useless in less than two years after implantation, requiring
frequent replacement of the shunt. Such replacement procedures can
be expensive, uncomfortable for the patient, and expose the patient
to unnecessary complications associated with the procedures.
[0007] Further information relating to the treatment of
hydrocephalus with conventional shunting systems may be found in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,816 to Labianca and U.S. Pat. No. 7,582,068 to
Koullick et al.
[0008] What is needed and is not provided by the prior art are
implantable shunting systems that can be used in the treatment of
hydrocephalus, and in other medical applications such as
hemodialysis, without occlusion and tissue ingrowth.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an
implantable occlusion resistant fluid interface may be configured
to prevent inflammatory cells from binding to its surface(s), as
the inflammatory process and associated tissue can greatly reduce
the necessary fluid flow of the implantable. In some embodiments,
the occlusion resistant interface is provided with a housing, an
orifice and a catheter port. The housing is formed from at least
one biocompatible material and may be configured without sharp
edges or corners. The housing may at least partially define an
internal housing cavity. The orifice member is formed from at least
one biocompatible material and may at least partially define an
orifice between the internal housing cavity and an exterior of the
housing. In some embodiments, the orifice has an elongated
transverse cross-section configured with a length that is at least
four times its maximum width. The catheter port is located on the
housing and is configured to couple with a catheter such that the
internal housing cavity is in fluid communication with a lumen of
the catheter when the catheter is coupled to the catheter port.
[0010] In some embodiments, the maximum width of the transverse
cross-section of the orifice does not exceed 0.003 inches. The
orifice member may be configured to be movable with respect to the
housing. In some embodiments, the movable orifice member includes a
plate. The housing may be formed from at least two separate pieces
that are joined together to captivate the plate therebetween. In
some embodiments, each of the at least two separate pieces is an
elongated hemispherical toroidal shell that form a completed
elongated toroidal shell when joined together. The plate is located
across a central aperture of the toroid in these embodiments.
[0011] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, an
implantable occlusion resistant shunt is provided with a fluid
interface as described above. The shunt is also provided with a
flexible catheter formed from a biocompatible material. The
catheter has a first end and a second end, with the first end
coupled with the catheter port of the fluid interface. In some
embodiments, the shunt further comprises a second fluid interface
as described above. In these embodiments, the second end of the
catheter is coupled with the catheter port of the second fluid
interface.
[0012] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a
method of treating hydrocephalus is disclosed. In some embodiments,
the method comprises providing a shunt as described above, and
implanting the fluid interface and the first end of the shunt
catheter within a patient adjacent to brain tissue. The method may
also include implanting a remainder of the catheter within the
patient, and locating the second end of the catheter in a region of
the patient away from the brain tissue.
[0013] In some embodiments, an implantable occlusion resistant
fluid interface comprises a housing, an orifice member and a
catheter port. In these embodiments, the housing is formed from at
least one biocompatible material and is configured without sharp
edges or corners. The housing at least partially defines an
internal housing cavity. The orifice member is also formed from at
least one biocompatible material and it at least partially defines
an orifice between the internal housing cavity and an exterior of
the housing. The orifice has an elongated transverse cross-section
configured with a maximum width and configured with a length that
is at least four times the maximum width. The catheter port is
located on the housing and is configured to couple with a catheter
such that the internal housing cavity is in fluid communication
with a lumen of the catheter when coupled to the catheter port.
[0014] In some embodiments of the above fluid interface, the
maximum width of the transverse cross-section of the orifice does
not exceed 0.003 inches. The orifice member may be movable with
respect to the housing and may comprise a plate. The housing may be
formed from at least two separate pieces that are joined together
to captivate the plate therebetween. The at least two separate
pieces may each be an elongated hemispherical toroidal shell that
form a completed elongated toroidal shell when joined together, and
the plate may be located across a central aperture of the toroid.
In some embodiments, the orifice member comprises nano-ripples
formed by ion blasting on one or more surfaces. The nano-ripples
may have a height of about 50 nm or less and a spacing of about 52
nm or less.
[0015] In some embodiments, an implantable occlusion resistant
shunt comprises a fluid interface as described above, and a
flexible catheter formed from a biocompatible material. In these
embodiments, the flexible catheter has a first end and a second
end, and the first end is coupled with the catheter port of the
fluid interface. The shunt may further comprise a second fluid
interface as described above, wherein the second end of the
catheter is coupled with the catheter port of the second fluid
interface.
[0016] In some embodiments, a method of treating hydrocephalus
comprises providing a shunt as described above and implanting the
fluid interface and the first end of the catheter within a patient
adjacent to brain tissue. These methods further comprise implanting
a remainder of the catheter within the patient and locating the
second end of the catheter in a region of the patient away from the
brain tissue.
[0017] In some embodiments, an implantable occlusion resistant
fluid interface comprises a housing, an agitator and a catheter. In
these embodiments, the housing is formed from at least one
biocompatible material and configured without sharp edges or
corners. The housing at least partially defines an internal housing
cavity. The agitator is formed from at least one biocompatible
material and at least partially defines an orifice between the
internal housing cavity and an exterior of the housing. The
agitator is configured to passively move longitudinally between a
first position and a second position, thereby changing fluid flow
patterns within the internal housing cavity. The catheter port is
located on the housing and is configured to couple with a catheter
such that the internal housing cavity is in fluid communication
with a lumen of the catheter when coupled to the catheter port.
[0018] In some embodiments of the above fluid interface, the
agitator is cylindrically shaped. The housing may comprise a
transverse cross-section that is generally triangular in shape. The
transverse cross-section may comprise three rounded apexes and
three inwardly curving side faces spanning between the three
apexes. Each of the three apexes may comprise a longitudinally
extending internal channel that overlaps with and is in fluid
communication with the internal housing cavity. Each of the three
side faces may comprise an elongated slot in fluid communication
with the internal housing cavity and with the exterior of the
housing.
[0019] In some embodiments, an implantable occlusion resistant
fluid interface comprises a housing, a rotor and a catheter port.
In these embodiments, the housing is formed from at least one
biocompatible material and is configured without sharp edges or
corners. The housing at least partially defines an internal housing
cavity. The rotor is formed from at least one biocompatible
material and is rotatably mounted within the internal housing
cavity such that a fluid flow in the cavity will cause the rotor to
passively rotate. The catheter port is located on the housing and
is configured to couple with a catheter such that the internal
housing cavity is in fluid communication with a lumen of the
catheter when coupled to the catheter port.
[0020] In some embodiments of the above fluid interface, the rotor
comprises a plurality of turbine blades. The rotor may be elongated
and have two ends, and the fluid interface may further comprise a
ball bearing located at each of the two rotor ends configured to
allow the rotor to passively rotate relative to the housing. The
ball bearings may be made of sapphire. The housing may comprise an
end cap having at least one vent hole therethrough. The vent hole
may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the internal housing
cavity, past the turbine blades and out through the vent hole to an
exterior of the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The novel features of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the claims that follow. A better understanding of
the features and advantages of the present invention will be
obtained by reference to the following detailed description that
sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the
invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view showing a first exemplary
embodiment of an implantable fluid interface;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the
components of the fluid interface of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along Line 3-3 of
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion
of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a top plan view showing an exemplary fluid
interface coupled with a catheter;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second exemplary
embodiment of an implantable fluid interface;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the
components of the fluid interface of FIG. 6;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along Line 8-8 of
FIG. 6;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along Line 9-9 of
FIG. 6;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third exemplary
embodiment of an implantable fluid interface;
[0032] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the
components of the fluid interface of FIG. 10;
[0033] FIG. 12 is another exploded perspective view taken from an
opposite direction from that of FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the middle
housing portion of the fluid interface of FIG. 10;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a proximally-looking end elevation view of the
middle housing portion of the fluid interface of FIG. 10; and
[0036] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along Line 15-15 of
FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a first exemplary embodiment of an
implantable occlusion resistant fluid interface 10 is shown. In
this embodiment, fluid interface 10 includes three components: a
top housing shell 12, a bottom housing shell 14, and a movable
orifice member plate 16. In its assembled configuration, as shown
in FIG. 1, plate 16 is sandwiched between top shell 12 and bottom
shell 14, and is movably captivated therebetween. In this
embodiment, top shell 12 and bottom shell 14 are manufactured to be
identical pieces differing only in name.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, the main portion of bottom shell 14 is
provided with an oval shaped inner wall 18, a U-shaped outer wall
20, and a recessed portion 22 located therebetween. The right side
of bottom shell 14 is provided with a trough 24 that communicates
with recessed portion 22. Thickened wall sections 26 are provided
on either side of trough 24. Top shell 12 includes the same
features as bottom shell 14. During the assembly of device 10, the
outer wall 20 of bottom shell 14 is joined with outer wall 20 of
top shell 12, and the thickened wall sections 26 of bottom shell 14
are joined with the thickened wall sections 26 of top shell 12. The
joining process may include laser welding, ultrasonic welding,
adhesive, or other suitable joining processes. Once top shell 12 is
joined with bottom shelf 14, a catheter port 28 is formed at one
end of device 10 by troughs 24, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, a cross-section of device 10 taken
along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 is shown. Once the top housing shell 12
and bottom housing shell 14 are joined together as previously
described, their respective recessed portions 22 together form an
internal housing cavity defined by the toroidal housing of
assembled device 10. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the inner walls 18
of top shell 12 and bottom shell 14 do not extend as far towards
the opposing shell as do outer walls 20. This arrangement leaves
room for plate 16 to be movably received between top shell 12 and
bottom shell 14 with additional space remaining above and/or below
plate 16 between it and inner walls 18 of top shell 12 and bottom
shell 14. This additional space not only allows plate 16 to move
relative to the housing of device 10, but provides at least one
oval shaped orifice 30 (also shown in FIG. 1) between the internal
housing cavity and the exterior of the housing (in the center
portion of the toroidal housing). It can be seen from FIG. 3 that
plate 16 is sized such that when it moves laterally in either
direction to contact the inside of outer walls 20, the opposite
side of plate 16 still remains within the space between inner walls
18. This is also true when plate 16 moves in either direction
longitudinally relative to top shell 12 and bottom shell 14.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, an enlarged portion of the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 showing plate 16 is provided. In
this exemplary embodiment, plate 16 is captivated between inner
walls 18 of top housing shell 12 and bottom housing shell 14, and
is allowed to float therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As
depicted in these figures, orifice 30 can exist above and/or below
plate 30. It can be appreciated that a maximum orifice width W can
be defined as the distance between the upper inner walls 18 and
lower inner walls 18 minus the thickness of plate 16. This maximum
orifice width W would occur on the opposite side of plate 16 when
it rests against either the upper inner walls 18 or the lower inner
walls 18. In FIG. 4, plate 16 is depicted as being in a central
position with an orifice width W/2 above the plate and another
orifice having width W/2 below the plate. Orifice or orifices 30
can also be defined as having a length of at least L, as shown in
FIG. 4. The length L of orifice 30 can alternatively be defined in
the longitudinal direction of device 10, or even as the length of
the inside circumference of inner wall 18 of either the top housing
shell 12 or bottom housing shell 14.
[0041] In some embodiments, the maximum orifice width is maintained
at about 0.010 inches or less. In some embodiments, the maximum
orifice width is maintained at about 0.003 inches or less. In other
embodiments, a mixture of orifice sizes is used. Initial testing
suggests that by keeping the maximum orifice width W to these small
dimensions, tissue ingrowth and/or protein buildup that would
otherwise clog orifice 30 can be impeded or eliminated. To increase
the flow rate through orifice 30, it is desirable for the orifice
to have a larger cross-section. The orifice cross-section is
defined as being transverse to the fluid flow through the orifice.
This can be accomplished by maintaining the orifice width W at
0.010 inches, 0.003 inches or less and increasing the length L to
create an elongated orifice. In some embodiments of the
inventiveness fluid interface, the orifice has an elongated
transverse cross-section configured with a length that is at least
four times the maximum width. In some embodiments, the orifice
length is at least 10 times the maximum width. In some embodiments
the orifice length is at least 100 times the maximum width. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, the device is about 0.5 inches long,
has an orifice length L of about 0.7 inches (taken along the inside
circumference of inner walls 18) and a maximum width W of 0.003
inches. This yields an orifice 30 having an elongated transverse
cross-section configured with a length L that is more than 200
times the maximum width W.
[0042] In addition to the elongated transverse cross-section of
orifice 30, the movement of plate 16 relative to orifice or
orifices 30 that it partially defines contributes to impeding or
eliminating tissue ingrowth and/or protein buildup that would
otherwise clog the orifice(s). In some cases when device 10 is
implanted within a patient, plate 16 is continuously or at least
periodically moving relative to inner walls 18. Such movement can
cause the orifice to be self-cleaning. The movement can also create
a varying orifice size, and therefore create variable regional
fluid flow near the orifice. It is believed that such variable
regional fluid flow, or flow instability, contributes to impeding
or eliminating tissue and/or protein buildup in and around the
orifice. Conversely, it is believed that a constant, non-varying
fluid flow contributes to tissue and/or protein buildup.
[0043] In some embodiments, top housing shell 12, bottom housing
shell 14 and orifice member plate 16 are formed from titanium. The
outside of device 10 can be ultra-electropolished. To further
inhibit orifice clogging, plate 16 can be nano-etched (roughened)
to help prevent tissue and proteins from forming on plate 16. This
can be accomplished with ion blasting, such as with a xenon ion
gun, to form nano channels or ripples on plate 16. There will be
less adsorbed proteins on the modified surfaces due to a decrease
of the surface energy caused by the surface modification. In some
embodiments, the nano-ripples are less than about 50 nm high. In
some embodiments, the nano-ripples are about 10 nm high. Initial
testing indicates that if the nano-ripples are created with a
spacing of about 52 nm or less, adhesion of tissue and protein to
plate 16 can be prevented. Some embodiments include varied nano
sized surface curvatures. These surface treatments can be applied
to other surfaces of device 10 and to surfaces of other devices
disclosed herein.
[0044] In some embodiments, surface treatment(s) of plate 16 are
purely mechanical, as described above, without any chemical
treatments or changes to the stoichiometry of the device surfaces.
Advantages of purely mechanical treatments include avoidance of
degradation of the material of plate 16, and also the avoidance of
additional regulatory issues, such as with the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA).
[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, device 10 can be attached to one end of
a catheter 32. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by welding a
titanium mesh onto the neck or catheter port 28 of device 10, and
then over molding the mesh with silicone to bond to catheter 32.
Alternatively, a solid neck having one or more grooves 34, barbs or
other recessed features may be used as the core in an over molding
process. A silicon material having a higher durometer than the rest
of the catheter 32 may be overmolded in the region of catheter port
28 as depicted in FIG. 5. An essentially seamless transition 36
between the catheter 32 and catheter port 28 can be created by
matching the outer diameter of catheter port 28 with the outer
diameter of catheter 32. This inhibits tissue ingrowth after
implantation and also enables device 10 to be removed from a
patient without tissue damage.
[0046] A fluid interface device 10 constructed according to aspects
of the present disclosure can be located at the inlet end of a
catheter, at the outlet end, or both, when the catheter is used to
move fluid from one region of a patient to another.
[0047] The exterior surfaces of device 10 can be roughened to
reduce surface tension. This in turn can alleviate air bubbles from
adhering to device 10 during insertion of the device into the
patient, which would otherwise cause adverse effects.
[0048] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the principles of
the present disclosure can be used to construct a device having a
movable ball instead of a movable plate. In such an embodiment, the
ball can partially define one or more orifices, such as round holes
located on opposite sides of a housing.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, a second exemplary embodiment of an
implantable occlusion resistant fluid interface 100 is shown. In
this embodiment, fluid interface 100 includes an elongated housing
102 and a cylindrical agitator 104 captivated within a central void
105 inside housing 102. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, housing 102
comprises a proximal portion 106, a middle portion 108, and a
distal portion 110. Housing portions 106, 108 and 110 may be
separate components that are joined together during assembly, or
one or more of the components may be integrally formed. Proximal
housing portion 106 comprises a fitting configured to couple to a
catheter. A central lumen through proximal portion 106 is in fluid
communication with central void 105 inside middle portion 108.
Middle portion 108 is provided with three elongated slot 112 that
provide fluid communication between central void 105 inside middle
portion 108 and the exterior of device 100.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 8, middle housing portion 108 as a
transverse cross-section that is generally triangular in shape, but
has rounded apexes and inwardly curving side faces. Each apex or
lobe is provided with a longitudinally extending channel 114 that
overlaps with and is in fluid communication with central void 105.
In some embodiments, agitator 104 has a diameter of 0.059 inches
and central void 105 has a diameter of 0.062 inches, leaving an
even gap of about 0.0015 inches between agitator 104 and central
void 105 on all sides, or a maximum gap of about 0.003 inches on
one side. In some embodiments, channels 114 have a diameter of
0.032 inches.
[0051] As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, distal housing portion 110 is
generally hemispherical in shape and is contoured to mate smoothly
with the apexes and inwardly curving side faces of middle housing
portion 108. Similarly, proximal housing portion 106 has a larger
cylindrical portion that is also contoured to mate smoothly with
the apexes and inwardly curving side faces of middle housing
portion 108. The outer diameter of the larger cylindrical portion
of proximal housing portion 106 may be identical to the outer
diameter of the catheter it mates with. With the above described
contours and dimensions, device 100 may be more easily implanted
and/or removed, and may reside within a patient without causing
trauma to adjacent tissue.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 9, a longitudinal cross-section of device
100 is shown. As can be seen, the length of agitator 104 is shorter
than the length of central void 105 so that agitator 104 may slide
longitudinally within central void 105. With this arrangement,
agitator 104 may passively move within central void 105 when the
orientation of device 100 changes and or the direction of fluid
flow through central void 105 changes. For example, when the distal
end 110 of device 100 is lowered and or fluid is flowing in a
distal direction, agitator 104 may move distally. Conversely, when
the distal end 110 of device 100 is raised and or fluid is flowing
in a proximal direction, agitator 104 may move proximally. Such
changes in fluid direction may be caused by the use of a fluid bulb
in fluid communication with the catheter (not shown) to back flush
the catheter system. Longitudinal movement of agitator 104 may
serve to disrupt any tissue ingrowth and or protein build up that
may be starting to occur within device 100, and or may serve to
change the fluid flow paths when the fluid flow changes direction,
thereby inhibiting tissue ingrowth and or protein build up.
[0053] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, device 100
has an overall length of about 0.65 inches and has a maximum
diameter of about 0.135 inches.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 10-15, a third exemplary embodiment of an
implantable occlusion resistant fluid interface 200 is shown. In
this embodiment, fluid interface 200 includes a housing 202 and a
rotor 204 (shown in FIG. 11) rotatably disposed within a central
cavity 205 inside housing 202. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12,
housing 202 comprises a proximal portion 206, a middle portion 208,
and a distal end cap 210. Housing portions 206, 208 and 210 may be
separate components that are joined together during assembly, or
one or more of the components may be integrally formed. Proximal
housing portion 206 comprises a double-barbed fitting configured to
couple to a catheter. A central lumen 212 through proximal portion
206 is in fluid communication through apertures 214 with central
void 205 inside middle portion 208.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 11, rotor 204 comprises a series of
radially extending turbine blades 216 disposed around its distal
end. Rotor 204 is received within central cavity 205 inside middle
housing portion 208 and captivated therein when distal cap 210 is
attached to the distal end of middle housing portion 208 during
assembly. Rotor 204 is allowed to freely rotate about a
longitudinal axis by virtue of its being mounted between two ball
bearings 218, which in some embodiments are made of sapphire. The
distal most ball 218 is located between a circular recess 220 in
the distal end of rotor 204 and a circular recess 222 on the
proximal side of distal end cap 210 (shown in FIG. 12.) The
proximal most ball 218 is located between a circular recess 224 on
the proximal end of rotor 204 (shown in FIG. 12) and a circular
recess 226 located within middle housing portion 208 (shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14.) The vent holes 228 are provided through distal
end cap 210 to allow fluid to flow from central cavity 205 past
turbine blades 216 and out through vent holes 228 to the exterior
of device 200, and or along the same path in the opposite
direction. The flow of fluid past turbine blades 216 causes rotor
204 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The distal most edges of
turbine blades 216 may be located very close to vent holes 228
(such as within about 0.005 inches or less) such that the movement
of turbine blades 216 disrupts tissue, protein and other matter
from adhering to end cap 210.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 14, a longitudinal cross-section of device
200 is shown. Representative fluid flow is depicted with arrows
between point A and point B. Fluid flow may also be in the opposite
direction.
[0057] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-15, device 200
has an overall length of about 0.54 inches and has a maximum
diameter of about 0.125 inches.
[0058] According to aspects of the invention, clog-resistant fluid
orifices may be formed between a passively movable component and a
device housing, wherein the movable component is not part of a
valve or other structure. In some embodiments, components forming
an orifice, such as a movable component and a housing, may comprise
dissimilar metals. The dissimilar metals can create an electrical
potential between the components that changes the hydrophobicity of
the surface(s). This in turn can repel proteins and or inhibit
tissue ingrowth. In some embodiments, the electrical potential is
tuned to attract particular biomarkers that the device is
configured to sample.
[0059] According to aspects of the invention, the exemplary fluid
interface devices disclosed herein can be used in various
applications. For example, the devices may be used in hydrocephalus
drainage systems (such as for brain injuries), in hemodialysis
systems, in fluid sampling systems, in wound care (such as for
Extremity Compartment Syndrome, reconstructive flaps, burns,
surgical incisions, etc.) The devices may also be used for drug
delivery, such as long-term chemotherapeutics, localized drug
delivery to tumor sites, delivery of antibiotics, pain medications,
regenerative growth factors, etc. In some applications such as
hydrocephalus drainage systems, typical fluid flow rates can be
around 2 milliliters per minute or less. In other applications,
fluid flow rates may be about 40 ml/min. unassisted and 400 ml/min.
under assistance, such as suction or pressure.
[0060] As for additional details pertinent to the present
invention, materials and manufacturing techniques may be employed
as within the level of those with skill in the relevant art. The
same may hold true with respect to method-based aspects of the
invention in terms of additional acts commonly or logically
employed. Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the
inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed
independently, or in combination with any one or more of the
features described herein. Likewise, reference to a singular item,
includes the possibility that there are plural of the same items
present. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "and," "said," and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It
is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any
optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as
antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as "solely,"
"only" and the like in connection with the recitation of claim
elements, or use of a "negative" limitation. Unless defined
otherwise herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein
have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The breadth of
the present invention is not to be limited by the subject
specification, but rather only by the plain meaning of the claim
terms employed.
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