University of Minnesota

Michael H Anderson

Bruce D Wigness

Christopher Stewart Lyons

An implantable access system for infusion of liquids into a body or aspiration of liquid samples from the body. The system includes a septum/manifold (16) and catheter (10) connected thereto, both of specific design. The septum/manifold includes a pair of manifold chambers (24, 25) each closed with a self-sealing septum (20, 22) and each having a first access entry (19) and second access entry (26, 27) (35, 36). The catheter includes a pair of concentric inner and outer tubes (11, 12). The inner tube (11) is collapsible and closed at its distal end. The outer tube (12) closely engages the inner tube and defines a catheter lumen (28) therewith when the inner tube is collapsed by evacuation. The inner and outer tubes are joined together longitudinally over a small portion of the circumference of the inner tube.

Bi-directional, anti-reflux vascular access system

Catheters for long term implantation having polymer surfaces in face-to-face contact which are provided with a thin film coating of a glow discharge plasma polymerized fluorocarbon to prevent adhesion of the contacting surfaces. The polymerized fluorocarbon film, between about 50 and 1000 Angstroms in thickness, is bonded to the substrate material giving a low surface energy without changing its bulk properties. The low surface energy will prevent adhesion of cured polymer surfaces in contact and act as a lubricant. The smooth pinhole-free films will control or prevent diffusion into or out of the bulk material. These biocompatible films provide an alternative use for polymers whose bulk properties are unacceptable but whose surface properties are desirable.

Growing community of inventors

Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Michael H Anderson