Implantable infusion devices including apparatus for confirming fluid flow and systems, apparatus and methods associated with same

摘要

Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet.

主权项

1. An implantable infusion device, comprising:
a housing; a fluid transfer device carried within the housing; a power supply carried within the housing and operably connected to the fluid transfer device; a catheter, including a outlet, operably connected to the fluid transfer device; a plurality of spaced sensor devices, which are not powered by the power supply within the housing, associated with the catheter and each configured to measure a within-the-catheter characteristic that is indicative of fluid flow through the catheter; and a controller, in communication with the plurality of spaced sensor devices, that identifies a location, relative to the plurality of spaced sensor devices, of a catheter blockage or leak based on the within-the-catheter characteristic measured by the plurality of spaced sensor devices.