Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
An improved percutaneous implant especially suitable for peritoneal dialysis applications, the implant comprising : a substantially rigid tubular percutaneous device (1 0 ) of biologically compatible material which extends through the skin (14) when implanted so as to provide means for accessing the body interior through the interior of said device, and a flexible subcutaneous catheter member (20) associated with said percutaneous tubular device for providing fluid communication between the body exterior and the peritoneal cavity , the improvement comprising : a flexible sleeve member (12) of biologically compatible material surrounding said catheter (20) for a portion of the length thereof from said percutaneous tubular device, the length of the sleeve sufficient to pass through the tissue between said percutaneous device and the peritoneal wall (16), said sleeve including a free end (13) affixable to the peritoneal wall around an opening therein so as to provide a conduit between said percutaneous tubular device and the peritonium through which said catheter is carried into the peritonium; and said catheter member associated with said percutaneous tubular device so as to be removable and replaceable through said sleeve member after implantation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
An improved percutaneous implant especially suitable for peritoneal dialysis applications, the implant comprising : a substantially rigid tubular percutaneous device (1 0 ) of biologically compatible material which extends through the skin (14) when implanted so as to provide means for accessing the body interior through the interior of said device, and a flexible subcutaneous catheter member (20) associated with said percutaneous tubular device for providing fluid communication between the body exterior and the peritoneal cavity , the improvement comprising : a flexible sleeve member (12) of biologically compatible material surrounding said catheter (20) for a portion of the length thereof from said percutaneous tubular device, the length of the sleeve sufficient to pass through the tissue between said percutaneous device and the peritoneal wall (16), said sleeve including a free end (13) affixable to the peritoneal wall around an opening therein so as to provide a conduit between said percutaneous tubular device and the peritonium through which said catheter is carried into the peritonium; and said catheter member associated with said percutaneous tubular device so as to be removable and replaceable through said sleeve member after implantation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
2 . An improved percutaneous implant as in claim 1 wherein the sleeve member (12) is made of a material sufficiently porous to permit tissue in- growth therein but insufficiently porous to permit significant leakage of peritoneal fluids through the sleeve member into the surrounding tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A percutaneous implant as in claim 2, wherein the sleeve member (12) is made of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A percutaneous implant as in claims 1 or 2 wherein the catheter member (20) includes a plurality of perforations through the side walls thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A percutaneous implant as in claim 4 wherein the distal end of the catheter is closed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A percutaneous implant as in claim 4 wherein the catheter member (20) is a flexible material having a memory in a coiled- configuration on the portion of the catheter within the peritoneal cavity when implanted.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
A percutaneous implant as in claim 1 wherein said catheter member (20) extends through said tubular percutaneous device and includes a plug member (24) surrounding a portion of the catheter passing through said percutaneous device, the plug member configured so as to sealably contact the interior surfaces of-the tubular percutaneous device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
A percutaneous implant as in claim 1 wherein said catheter member (20) terminates within said tubular percutaneous device and includes on the proximal end thereof a plug member conforming to the interior surfaces of said percutaneous device, and wherein said implant includes a septum closure (30) above said plug member in sealed relationship therewith.