Connector for catheter attachment to an implantable pump

Abstract

A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a catheter system and more particularly to a catheter flushing and locking system for use with an implantable pump. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Use of implantable pumps for treating chronic pain conditions has become widely accepted practice when more conservative means of relieving pain have failed. Implantable pump technology can be divided into two primary categories, namely constant flow and programmable. Both technologies incorporate an indwelling catheter to establish a fluid path from a pump disposed subcutaneously to a desired anatomical site, including but not limited to, arterial or venous locations, the epidural space and the intrathecal space of the spine. Some of the reported complications with implanted pumps deal with the connection between the pump and the catheter, including leaks, disconnect and reduced flow. Other reported complications involve the catheter itself, which include but are not limi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, a catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body is provided. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.

Problems solved by technology

Some of the reported complications with implanted pumps deal with the connection between the pump and the catheter, including leaks, disconnect and reduced flow.

Prior art implantable pumps employ relatively tedious and often complicated means for attaching the catheter to the pump, which also may promote problems for the entire pump and catheter system.

For example, screw driven clamping connections are both complicated and unreliable as the required clamping action on the outer diameter of an unsupported catheter increases the risk of collapsing the inner lumen of the catheter.

The suturing process, as well as the sutures themselves, can lead to broken or severed catheters at the suture site where the suture cuts through the catheter or surrounding support members.

Also, variability in suture tying and force applied by the user leads to variability in attachment.

The problem with these designs, which are common in subcutaneous access ports, is a connection that is relatively unsecured and potential damage to the catheter caused by the barbed section.

Another related problem is that it is often difficult to ascertain whether a positive connection between the pump and catheter has been established.

This can lead to catheter and / or pump damage as undue force is placed on the attachment system in order to get verification of the connection.

In addition to these drawbacks of the prior art systems, one of the primary concerns to overcome in developing a successful and reliable attachment system is that the catheters are generally very small in diameter while the pumps to which they are connected are relatively large.

Thus, it is often physically difficult to make the connection between the pump and the catheter.

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