Implantable infusion devices and methods

摘要

Infusion devices and methods are provided for a drug delivery system and can include an infusion needle (1) having a tip end (2) and a drive unit (D) coupled to the infusion needle and arranged for advancing the tip end of the infusion needle to penetrate any fibrosis when the infusion device is implanted in a patient's body. The infusion needle and drive unit are designed for implantation in a patient's body. Other components of the drug delivery system may be part of the implantable infusion device or, alternatively, be for extracorporal use cooperating with the implanted infusion device. Preferably, the infusion needle can be advanced and retracted with each infusion cycle. Furthermore, upon each advancement and/or retraction, the needle may be moved laterally so as to vary the injection site. Needle (1) and drive unit (D) are preferably disposed within a body (15), with the infusion needle being arranged for penetrating a self-sealing penetration membrane (18).

主权项

1. An infusion device implantable in a patient's body, the infusion device comprising:
a body implantable in the patient's body and having an outer wall, an infusion needle disposed within the body of the infusion device and having a tip end, and a drive unit coupled to the infusion needle which advances and retracts the tip end of the infusion needle to penetrate any fibrosis surrounding the infusion device, when the infusion device is implanted in the patient's body, said infusion needle and drive unit being implantable in the patient's body, the drive unit being operable when implanted in the patient's body, wherein the infusion needle is disposed within the body of the infusion device with the tip end of the infusion needle being arranged for penetrating a penetration area in the outer wall, the penetration area of the outer wall being made from a material which is self-sealing in respect of penetrations caused by the infusion needle, and wherein the drive unit further comprises an apparatus coupled to the infusion needle that laterally moves the tip end of the infusion needle within the body of the infusion device for variation of the injection site in the penetration area of the outer wall.