University of Utah Research Foundation

Jeffrey J Harrow

Robert L Stephen

Barry Keith Hanover

Stephen C Jacobsen

Carl Kablitz

Donald E Gregonis

Dennis L Coleman

Stephen K Hunter

The present invention is directed to subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheters and methods which minimize catheter obstruction during use. The apparatus includes a receiving chamber or reservoir having a relatively small internal volume while employing a penetrable membrane and relatively enlarged target surface area. The reservoir is interconnected with the peritoneal cavity by a hollow stem. The penetrable membrane accommodates a hollow needle being inserted into the receiving reservoir and is configurated with a dome-like profile so that the membrane may also be depressed to expel insulin from the receiving reservoir into the peritoneal cavity in a direction generally toward the mesenteric peritoneal membrane. The distal end of the hollow stem (which is situated inside the peritoneal cavity), is constructed so as to minimize the likelihood of catheter obstruction during use by a patient. For example, in one presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the distal end of the stem is provided with two, parallel, diametrally enlarged flanges. The two flanges are unequal in size, and they are positioned on the stem such that the larger flange resides against the peritoneal membrane and the smaller flange is located immediately adjacent the distal opening of the stem. In addition, an antibacterial agent may be placed within the device, and the device may also be formed of or coated with a substance which inhibits body cell and bacterial growth.

Apparatus and methods for minimizing peritoneal injection catheter

The present invention is directed to a subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheter apparatus and methods which minimizes catheter obstruction during use. The apparatus includes a receiving chamber or reservoir having a relatively small internal volume while employing a penetrable membrane and relatively enlarged target surface area. The reservoir is interconnected with the peritoneal cavity by a hollow stem. The penetrable membrane accommodates a hollow needle being inserted into the receiving reservoir and is configurated with a dome-like profile so that the membrane may also be depressed to expel insulin from the receiving reservoir into the peritoneal cavity in a direction generally toward the mesenteric peritoneal membrane. The portion of the apparatus which is in the peritoneal cavity is preferably constructed of, or coated with, a material which is capable of minimizing the adhesion of cells and the growth of bacteria on that portion of the apparatus. In a presently preferred embodiment of the subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheter, the portion of the catheter to be within the peritoneal cavity is constructed of a polyurethane material, and this polyurethane material is then coated with a solution of polyurethane and poly(ethylene glycol) in a suitable solvent.

Apparatus and methods for minimizing cellular adhesion on peritoneal

A novel implantable, peritoneal injection catheter apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open top, fluid-receiving reservoir mounted to one end of a hollow stem and a penetrable membrane covering the open top of the receiving reservoir. The hollow stem is configurated to extend into the peritoneal cavity and includes a retaining flange system for retaining the hollow stem in fluid communication with the peritoneal cavity. The penetrable membrane serves as an injection site for inserting a hollow needle into the receiving reservoir. The penetrable membrane also includes a dome configuration that may be depressed to expel injection fluids from the reservoir into the peritoneal cavity. A substantial portion of the injection catheter is covered with a velour coating to accomodate tissue ingrowth for further securement of the catheter in the tissue of the abdominal wall.

Subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheter

Growing community of inventors

Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Jeffrey J Harrow