Method and subcutaneous apparatus for facilitating the replacement of an implanted catheter

摘要

A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve intended to be subcutaneously implanted. The sleeve comprises a wall surrounding an interior elongate passageway which extends from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve outer peripheral surface carries a layer of porous material intended to be placed just under the patient's outer skin layer in contact with the dermis to promote tissue ingrowth for anchoring the sleeve and forming an infection resistant barrier. The sleeve passageway includes a sealing nib dimensioned to engage the outer surface of the catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve. The sealing nib prevents deleterious material from migrating into the patient's body along the catheter outer surface.