VENTED IMPLANTABLE DRUG-DELIVERY DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

An implantable device has an outer shell that includes an aperture through the housing of the device and, spanning the aperture, a membrane structure permeable to gas but not to liquid. In this way, excess gas may be vented from the device. The membrane and aperture are designed to discourage or even prevent tissue ingrowth.

主权项

1. An implantable device for administering a liquid, the device comprising:
a housing including an aperture therethrough; within the housing, a pump assembly including a reservoir, a gas-driven forcing mechanism and a cannula for conducting liquid from the reservoir to an ejection site exterior to the housing in response to pressure applied by the forcing mechanism; and external to the pumping mechanism but within the housing and spanning the aperture, a membrane structure comprising a gas-permeable membrane and at least one support layer attached thereto, the membrane structure being permeable to gas but not to liquid at least within the area thereof exposed by the aperture.