METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISINFECTING SUBCUTANEOUSLY IMPLANTED DEVICES

摘要

Implanted ports (10), and other devices are disinfected by the injection of an antimicrobial agent into a region in the device or in a tissue pocket surrounding the device. In a first embodiment, the antimicrobial agent is injected through an aperture (12) in the device to flush internal regions of the device before infusing the tissue pocket, and flushing outwardly through a tissue tract leading to the device. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is injected directly to a target site on the exterior of the device. Implanted devices may include special, usually hardened, target regions for receiving the sharpened end of a needle used to inject the antimicrobial agent. Kits will include devices, syringes, access devices, and instructions for disinfecting according to the methods of the present invention.