US20140245587A1 - Propellant bag improvement - Google Patents
Propellant bag improvement Download PDFInfo
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- US20140245587A1 US20140245587A1 US14/273,873 US201414273873A US2014245587A1 US 20140245587 A1 US20140245587 A1 US 20140245587A1 US 201414273873 A US201414273873 A US 201414273873A US 2014245587 A1 US2014245587 A1 US 2014245587A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- propellant
- septum
- pillow
- bag
- opening
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
- A61M5/145—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
- A61M5/14586—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of a flexible diaphragm
- A61M5/14593—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of a flexible diaphragm the diaphragm being actuated by fluid pressure
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
- A61M5/14244—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body
- A61M5/14276—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body specially adapted for implantation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
- A61M2209/04—Tools for specific apparatus
- A61M2209/045—Tools for specific apparatus for filling, e.g. for filling reservoirs
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for filling the propellant chamber of an implantable pump.
- the present invention relates to an improved propellant bag or pillow for use in introducing propellant into the propellant chamber of an implantable pump, as well as methods of utilizing same.
- Implantable pumps have been well known and widely utilized for many years. Typically, such devices are implanted into patients who require the delivery of active substances or medicaments to specific areas of their body. For instance, patients who are experiencing severe pain may require pain killers daily or multiple times per day. Absent the use of an implantable pump or the like, a patient of this type would be subjected to one or more painful injections of medication multiple times during the course of the day. In the case of pain associated with more remote areas of the body, such as the spine, these injections may be extremely difficult to administer and particularly painful for the patient. Moreover, attempting to treat conditions like these through oral or intravascular administration of medication often requires higher doses of medication that may cause severe side effects. Thus, it is widely recognized that utilizing an implantable pump may be beneficial to both the patient and the treating physician.
- gas driven implantable pumps like each of the above-noted patents and patent applications, utilize an expandable propellant (e.g., an isobarically expanding gas) that acts upon a membrane to push medicament or other fluid from the pump.
- an expandable propellant e.g., an isobarically expanding gas
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,150 (“the '150 Patent”) discloses an apparatus and method for use in such a filling process. As is shown in FIG. 1 of the '150 Patent (reprinted as FIG. 1 of the present case), that patent teaches the use of a propellant pillow 13 , which is filled with a gas propellant and placed into a propellant chamber 7 of an implantable pump.
- FIG. 2 shows pillow 13 in greater detail, in particular the fact that the pillow includes a propellant bag 15 and septum 17 affixed to the bag, which are not labeled as such in the '150 Patent.
- bag 15 consists of a material through which the propellant may diffuse (i.e., a permeable material), the gas slowly diffuses through the wall of the pillow and into chamber 7 .
- pillow 13 allows time for the propellant chamber and the remainder of the pump to be assembled before the gas escapes therefrom.
- the assembly steps first include punching bag 15 from an air padded foil or the like, evacuating it of all gases, and subsequently refilling it with a propellant. These steps generally involve the use of at least one cannula, needle, or syringe 19 that pierces self-sealing silicone septum 17 to both evacuate all gases and introduce propellant.
- pillow 13 is then introduced into a pump that has been divided into propellant chamber 7 and a fluid/medicament storage chamber 6 . Subsequent to inserting pillow 13 into propellant chamber 7 of the pump, that chamber is sealed and evacuated of all gases.
- a first aspect of the present invention is a pillow for use in filling a gas pressure driven implantable pump.
- the pillow preferably includes a propellant bag for containing a propellant, the bag being formed of permeable material facilitating release of the propellant therefrom.
- the pillow also preferably includes a self-sealing septum structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a septum opening extending from the bottom surface partially through the septum structure. The bottom surface of the septum structure is preferably affixed to the bag.
- the septum structure includes two separate septa.
- a first septum may include the bottom surface and the septum opening and a second septum is solid and includes the top surface.
- Other embodiments may include a bag that is unitary.
- the bag may also include a bag opening aligned with the septum opening. With regard to this latter embodiment, the bag opening may be formed subsequent to affixation of the septum structure to the bag.
- Still further embodiments employ a bag constructed of polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and a septum structure constructed of silicone rubber.
- a second aspect of the present invention is a process for filling of a propellant chamber of a gas pressure driven implantable pump with a propellant.
- One preferred embodiment of this second aspect includes the steps of providing a pump having a medicament chamber and a propellant chamber, providing a propellant pillow including a permeable propellant bag and a self-sealing septum structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a septum opening extending from the bottom surface partially through the septum structure, the bottom surface being affixed to the bag, filling the pillow with the propellant, wherein the filling step includes laterally inserting a syringe into the septum structure, inserting the pillow filled with the propellant in the propellant chamber, and closing the propellant chamber.
- inventions of this second aspect may further include the step of evacuating the propellant chamber of substantially all gases.
- the evacuating step may be performed after the inserting step.
- the method may also include the step of evacuating the pillow of substantially all gases.
- the evacuating step may be performed through the use of the syringe inserted into said septum opening.
- the septum structure may include a first septum including the bottom surface and the septum opening and a second septum including the top surface.
- the method may also include the steps of affixing the first septum to the bag and affixing the second septum to the first septum, through the use of an adhesive or the like.
- a third aspect of the present invention is another pillow for use in filling a gas pressure driven implantable pump.
- the pillow includes a propellant bag for containing a propellant, the bag being formed of permeable material facilitating release of the propellant therefrom.
- the pillow may also include a first septum including a septum opening and a second septum being of a solid construction. The first septum is preferably affixed to the bag and the second septum is preferably affixed to the first septum.
- the bag is unitary.
- the bag may include a bag opening aligned with the septum opening. Such an opening may be formed subsequent to affixation of the septum structure to the bag.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a prior art propellant pillow disposed within a propellant chamber of an implantable pump.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of the propellant pillow shown in FIG. 1 with a needle inserted therein.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a propellant pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the propellant pillow shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a propellant bag portion of the propellant pillow shown in FIG. 3 prior to assembly with other portions of the pillow.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the propellant pillow of FIG. 3 with a first septum attached thereto.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the propellant pillow of FIG. 3 illustrating the introduction of propellant into the propellant bag.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating the placement of the propellant pillow shown in FIG. 3 between two flexible membranes of an implantable pump.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a fully assembled implantable pump with the propellant pillow of FIG. 3 placed within its propellant chamber.
- pillow 20 includes a propellant bag 22 , a first septum 24 including an opening 26 , and a second septum 28 overlying the first septum.
- propellant pillow 20 may take on any shape suitable for use in placement in an implantable pump or the like.
- Propellant bag 22 (shown by itself in FIG. 5 ) is preferably constructed of polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and, like in the '150 Patent, is punched out from a larger sheet of similar bags. While the material is discussed above as being polypropylene or polyethylene, any material suitable for containing a propellant utilized in an implantable pump and thereafter allowing such to permeate through its walls can be used. In its initial state, propellant bag 22 is a completely sealed enclosure, but as will be discussed more fully below, at least one opening 30 is created in the propellant bag.
- Septa 24 and 28 are preferably created of silicone material, such as silicone rubber, but may be any material suitable for allowing resealing after the introduction of a needle therethrough.
- first or lower septum 24 is formed with opening 26 that allows for access to a portion of propellant bag 22 .
- second or upper septum 28 Overlying septum 24 is second or upper septum 28 , which is a solid structure that not only overlies the first septum, but also opening 16 .
- first septum 24 is first affixed to propellant bag 22 , with, second septum 28 thereafter being affixed to the first septum.
- Both of the septa are preferably affixed utilizing glue or other adhesive, such as cyanacrylate. However, other means of attaching these components to the propellant bag and each other may be utilized.
- propellant pillow 20 is capable of being utilized to fill the propellant chamber of an implantable pump.
- a filling operation generally includes several steps. First, a syringe or other like device is inserted through septum 28 and opening 26 in first septum 24 , and into contact with the portion of propellant bag 22 that opening 26 overlies (not shown). The introduction of the syringe creates opening 30 in propellant bag 22 at this location. Once opening 20 in propellant bag 22 is created, the syringe or needle is withdrawn. However, it is also contemplated to provide a propellant bag 22 which initially includes this opening prior to the application of septa 24 and 28 thereto. This is in fact shown in FIG. 5 , and would negate the need for a separate opening forming step.
- the same or another needle or syringe 32 is inserted laterally through first septum 24 until the tip of the needle extends into opening 26 (best shown in FIG. 7 ).
- the needle can be utilized to evacuate all air or other gas that is contained within propellant bag 22 , such that the air or other gas exits through opening 30 of propellant bag 22 , into opening 26 of first septum 24 , and through the needle.
- this evacuation step generally results in propellant bag 22 collapsing upon itself.
- needle 32 is not permitted to engage any portion of propellant bag 22 during its collapse.
- any propellant exiting syringe 32 goes through opening 26 in first septum 24 , through opening 30 of propellant bag 22 , and into the propellant bag.
- syringe 32 may be removed from first septum 24 , which preferably self-seals because of its material.
- Propellant pillow 20 is now infused with gas that is only allowed to exit via a slow permeation through the material of propellant bag 22 .
- the propellant pillow may then be placed in the propellant chamber of an implantable pump, much like is discussed in the '150 Patent, and as is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the present application.
- FIG. 8 shows propellant pillow 20 placed between two flexible membranes of an implantable pump
- FIG. 9 shows the propellant pillow placed in a fully assembled implantable pump.
- the propellant chamber of the pump may be evacuated of all gas in order to create a vacuum. Further, this may be done before or after insertion of pillow 20 in the chamber.
- other devices like cannulas or needles, may be utilized in the foregoing steps.
- propellant pillow 20 may be employed.
- propellant bag 22 may, instead of being punched from a sheet of previously formed bags, be formed through the use of two membranes of like permeable material adjoined to one another.
- first and second septa 24 and 28 may in fact be integrally formed as a single septum. In this case, a lower surface of that single septum would include an opening corresponding to above-discussed opening 26 .
- propellant pillows 20 discussed herein, as well as the methods of utilizing same can be utilized in conjunction with many different implantable pumps. Certain examples are provided in the present application, but these are by no means meant to limit the use of the propellant pillow to such disclosed pumps.
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- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
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Abstract
An improved propellant pillow and method for filling a propellant chamber of an implantable pump with propellant through the use of such an improved propellant pillow are disclosed. The propellant pillow includes an improved design that prevents the damage of such during evacuating and filling procedures.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/535,525, filed on Jun. 28, 2012, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/609,385, filed on Oct. 30, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,598 issued on Jul. 31, 2012, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for filling the propellant chamber of an implantable pump. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved propellant bag or pillow for use in introducing propellant into the propellant chamber of an implantable pump, as well as methods of utilizing same.
- Implantable pumps have been well known and widely utilized for many years. Typically, such devices are implanted into patients who require the delivery of active substances or medicaments to specific areas of their body. For instance, patients who are experiencing severe pain may require pain killers daily or multiple times per day. Absent the use of an implantable pump or the like, a patient of this type would be subjected to one or more painful injections of medication multiple times during the course of the day. In the case of pain associated with more remote areas of the body, such as the spine, these injections may be extremely difficult to administer and particularly painful for the patient. Moreover, attempting to treat conditions like these through oral or intravascular administration of medication often requires higher doses of medication that may cause severe side effects. Thus, it is widely recognized that utilizing an implantable pump may be beneficial to both the patient and the treating physician.
- Many implantable pump designs have been proposed, including pumps employing mechanical means for and gas pressure driven propellant means for expelling fluids from the pump. The present invention is directly related to the latter. More particularly, the apparatus and methods taught in the present application are capable of being utilized with many different types of gas driven pumps, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,969,873; 5,085,656; 5,336,194; 5,836,915; 5,722,957; 5,814,019; 5,766,150; and 6,730,060, as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0259015, 2006/0259016, 2006/0271021, 2006/0271022, 2007/0005044, and 2007/0112328. The disclosures of each of the above-noted patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein, and certain of these references may be referred to throughout the present application.
- In general, gas driven implantable pumps, like each of the above-noted patents and patent applications, utilize an expandable propellant (e.g., an isobarically expanding gas) that acts upon a membrane to push medicament or other fluid from the pump. A common problem with such pumps, which have existed for some time, revolves around the filling of the propellant chamber with propellant. Above-noted U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,150 (“the '150 Patent”) discloses an apparatus and method for use in such a filling process. As is shown in
FIG. 1 of the '150 Patent (reprinted asFIG. 1 of the present case), that patent teaches the use of apropellant pillow 13, which is filled with a gas propellant and placed into a propellant chamber 7 of an implantable pump. The chamber is thereafter sealed.FIG. 2 showspillow 13 in greater detail, in particular the fact that the pillow includes apropellant bag 15 andseptum 17 affixed to the bag, which are not labeled as such in the '150 Patent. Becausebag 15 consists of a material through which the propellant may diffuse (i.e., a permeable material), the gas slowly diffuses through the wall of the pillow and into chamber 7. Thus, the use ofpillow 13 allows time for the propellant chamber and the remainder of the pump to be assembled before the gas escapes therefrom. - During assembly of a pump utilizing the device and methods taught in the '150 Patent, the assembly steps first include
punching bag 15 from an air padded foil or the like, evacuating it of all gases, and subsequently refilling it with a propellant. These steps generally involve the use of at least one cannula, needle, orsyringe 19 that pierces self-sealingsilicone septum 17 to both evacuate all gases and introduce propellant. After being filled,pillow 13 is then introduced into a pump that has been divided into propellant chamber 7 and a fluid/medicament storage chamber 6. Subsequent to insertingpillow 13 into propellant chamber 7 of the pump, that chamber is sealed and evacuated of all gases. This allows the propellant to slowly permeate through the walls ofbag 15 and into propellant chamber 7. This method is generally applicable to any gas pressurized implantable pump, including the ones described in the various prior art references listed above. It has also been found that when a heat procedure is utilized to seal a propellant chamber like chamber 7, bags likebag 15 are caused to erupt (with one or more holes), thereby causing the propellant to more quickly fill the chamber. - While the device and methods taught in the '150 Patent has been utilized for some time in filling implantable pumps such as those disclosed above, it is not without its drawbacks. For instance, the initial evacuation of and subsequent filling of propellant within
pillow 15 sometimes results in the structure of the bag being damaged by the syringe(s) 19. More particularly, evacuation of gas from bag 15 (i.e., creating a vacuum) causes the walls of the bag to collapse upon themselves and sometimes into contact with the point of the syringe(s). This may result in the walls being pierced, which thereby leads to a faster escape of the propellant frombag 15 than is desired. Thus, while the '150 Patent suggests placing the pillow within a sealed propellant chamber in approximately two minutes, this time period is significantly reduced when the bag walls are damaged. More often than not, this damage topillow 13 results in less propellant ultimately being contained within the propellant chamber. - Therefore, there exists a need for an improved pillow for use in an improved method of filling the propellant chamber of an implantable pump.
- A first aspect of the present invention is a pillow for use in filling a gas pressure driven implantable pump. In a preferred embodiment, the pillow preferably includes a propellant bag for containing a propellant, the bag being formed of permeable material facilitating release of the propellant therefrom. The pillow also preferably includes a self-sealing septum structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a septum opening extending from the bottom surface partially through the septum structure. The bottom surface of the septum structure is preferably affixed to the bag.
- In other embodiments according to the above-described first aspect, the septum structure includes two separate septa. In such a case, a first septum may include the bottom surface and the septum opening and a second septum is solid and includes the top surface. Other embodiments may include a bag that is unitary. The bag may also include a bag opening aligned with the septum opening. With regard to this latter embodiment, the bag opening may be formed subsequent to affixation of the septum structure to the bag. Still further embodiments employ a bag constructed of polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and a septum structure constructed of silicone rubber.
- A second aspect of the present invention is a process for filling of a propellant chamber of a gas pressure driven implantable pump with a propellant. One preferred embodiment of this second aspect includes the steps of providing a pump having a medicament chamber and a propellant chamber, providing a propellant pillow including a permeable propellant bag and a self-sealing septum structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a septum opening extending from the bottom surface partially through the septum structure, the bottom surface being affixed to the bag, filling the pillow with the propellant, wherein the filling step includes laterally inserting a syringe into the septum structure, inserting the pillow filled with the propellant in the propellant chamber, and closing the propellant chamber.
- Other embodiments of this second aspect may further include the step of evacuating the propellant chamber of substantially all gases. The evacuating step may be performed after the inserting step. The method may also include the step of evacuating the pillow of substantially all gases. The evacuating step may be performed through the use of the syringe inserted into said septum opening. Still further, the septum structure may include a first septum including the bottom surface and the septum opening and a second septum including the top surface. In such a case, the method may also include the steps of affixing the first septum to the bag and affixing the second septum to the first septum, through the use of an adhesive or the like.
- A third aspect of the present invention is another pillow for use in filling a gas pressure driven implantable pump. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of this third aspect, the pillow includes a propellant bag for containing a propellant, the bag being formed of permeable material facilitating release of the propellant therefrom. The pillow may also include a first septum including a septum opening and a second septum being of a solid construction. The first septum is preferably affixed to the bag and the second septum is preferably affixed to the first septum.
- In other embodiments of this third aspect, the bag is unitary. Likewise, the bag may include a bag opening aligned with the septum opening. Such an opening may be formed subsequent to affixation of the septum structure to the bag.
- A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of the present invention and the various advantages thereof can be realized by reference to the following detailed description in which references made to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a prior art propellant pillow disposed within a propellant chamber of an implantable pump. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of the propellant pillow shown inFIG. 1 with a needle inserted therein. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a propellant pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the propellant pillow shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a propellant bag portion of the propellant pillow shown inFIG. 3 prior to assembly with other portions of the pillow. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the propellant pillow ofFIG. 3 with a first septum attached thereto. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the propellant pillow ofFIG. 3 illustrating the introduction of propellant into the propellant bag. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating the placement of the propellant pillow shown inFIG. 3 between two flexible membranes of an implantable pump. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a fully assembled implantable pump with the propellant pillow ofFIG. 3 placed within its propellant chamber. - In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject illustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to any specific terms used herein, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
- Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , there is shown an improvedpropellant pillow 20 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in that figure, as well as those figures that follow,pillow 20 includes apropellant bag 22, afirst septum 24 including anopening 26, and asecond septum 28 overlying the first septum. Although shown in the figures as being of a circular shape,propellant pillow 20, as well as its components, may take on any shape suitable for use in placement in an implantable pump or the like. - Propellant bag 22 (shown by itself in
FIG. 5 ) is preferably constructed of polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and, like in the '150 Patent, is punched out from a larger sheet of similar bags. While the material is discussed above as being polypropylene or polyethylene, any material suitable for containing a propellant utilized in an implantable pump and thereafter allowing such to permeate through its walls can be used. In its initial state,propellant bag 22 is a completely sealed enclosure, but as will be discussed more fully below, at least oneopening 30 is created in the propellant bag. -
Septa lower septum 24 is formed with opening 26 that allows for access to a portion ofpropellant bag 22. Overlyingseptum 24 is second orupper septum 28, which is a solid structure that not only overlies the first septum, but also opening 16. As shown inFIG. 6 ,first septum 24 is first affixed topropellant bag 22, with,second septum 28 thereafter being affixed to the first septum. Both of the septa are preferably affixed utilizing glue or other adhesive, such as cyanacrylate. However, other means of attaching these components to the propellant bag and each other may be utilized. - After
septa propellant bag 22,propellant pillow 20 is capable of being utilized to fill the propellant chamber of an implantable pump. Such a filling operation generally includes several steps. First, a syringe or other like device is inserted throughseptum 28 andopening 26 infirst septum 24, and into contact with the portion ofpropellant bag 22 that opening 26 overlies (not shown). The introduction of the syringe creates opening 30 inpropellant bag 22 at this location. Once opening 20 inpropellant bag 22 is created, the syringe or needle is withdrawn. However, it is also contemplated to provide apropellant bag 22 which initially includes this opening prior to the application ofsepta FIG. 5 , and would negate the need for a separate opening forming step. - Second, the same or another needle or
syringe 32 is inserted laterally throughfirst septum 24 until the tip of the needle extends into opening 26 (best shown inFIG. 7 ). In this position, the needle can be utilized to evacuate all air or other gas that is contained withinpropellant bag 22, such that the air or other gas exits through opening 30 ofpropellant bag 22, into opening 26 offirst septum 24, and through the needle. Like in the prior art propellant pillows, this evacuation step generally results inpropellant bag 22 collapsing upon itself. However, because of the design of the present propellant pillow,needle 32 is not permitted to engage any portion ofpropellant bag 22 during its collapse. - Once the air or other gas has been evacuated from
propellant bag 22, thereby creating a vacuum, the same laterally insertedsyringe 32, or a subsequently inserted syringe, can be utilized to infusepropellant bag 22 with propellant. Again, anypropellant exiting syringe 32 goes through opening 26 infirst septum 24, through opening 30 ofpropellant bag 22, and into the propellant bag. After this filling step is completed,syringe 32 may be removed fromfirst septum 24, which preferably self-seals because of its material.Propellant pillow 20 is now infused with gas that is only allowed to exit via a slow permeation through the material ofpropellant bag 22. The propellant pillow may then be placed in the propellant chamber of an implantable pump, much like is discussed in the '150 Patent, and as is shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 of the present application. In particular,FIG. 8 showspropellant pillow 20 placed between two flexible membranes of an implantable pump, whileFIG. 9 shows the propellant pillow placed in a fully assembled implantable pump. It is to be understood that like in the context of the '150 Patent, the propellant chamber of the pump may be evacuated of all gas in order to create a vacuum. Further, this may be done before or after insertion ofpillow 20 in the chamber. It is to be understood that other devices, like cannulas or needles, may be utilized in the foregoing steps. - It is contemplated that other designs for
propellant pillow 20 may be employed. For instance,propellant bag 22 may, instead of being punched from a sheet of previously formed bags, be formed through the use of two membranes of like permeable material adjoined to one another. Likewise, it is contemplated that first andsecond septa opening 26. Finally, it is to be understood that the variousembodiment propellant pillows 20 discussed herein, as well as the methods of utilizing same, can be utilized in conjunction with many different implantable pumps. Certain examples are provided in the present application, but these are by no means meant to limit the use of the propellant pillow to such disclosed pumps. - Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method comprising the steps of:
inserting a syringe through a side surface of a self-sealing septum structure and into an opening extending partially through the septum structure;
actuating the syringe to inject a propellant into the opening and a propellant pillow connected to the septum structure;
placing the propellant pillow in a propellant chamber of an implantable pump; and
sealing the propellant chamber.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of evacuating the propellant chamber of substantially all gases.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the evacuating step is performed after the placing step.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of evacuating the propellant pillow of substantially all gases.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the evacuating step is performed with the syringe subsequent to the inserting step and prior to the actuating step.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of connecting the septum structure to the propellant pillow.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the connecting step includes affixing a bottom surface of a first septum to the propellant chamber and a second septum to the first septum so as to form the opening.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the second septum forms a closed top surface of the septum structure.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first septum is cylindrical.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the first and second septa are affixed through the use of an adhesive.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserting step occurs in a lateral direction with respect to the septum structure.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of allowing the propellant to permeate from the propellant pillow.
13. A method comprising the steps of:
connecting a septum structure formed from a self sealing material to a propellant pillow formed of a permeable material, such that an opening extends from the propellant pillow and partially through the septum structure.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising the steps of:
connecting a first septum to the propellant pillow; and
connecting a second septum to the first septum.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the first septum is cylindrical.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the second septum is solid.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the connecting steps include utilizing an adhesive.
18. The method of claim 13 , further comprising the steps of:
placing the propellant pillow and septum structure in a propellant chamber of an implantable pump; and
sealing the propellant chamber
19. The method of claim 13 , further comprising the step of evacuating the propellant pillow of substantially all gases.
20. A method comprising the steps of:
connecting a septum structure formed from a self sealing material to a propellant pillow formed of a permeable material, such that an opening extends from the propellant pillow and partially through the septum structure
inserting a syringe through a side surface of the septum structure and into the opening;
evacuating the propellant pillow of substantially all gases;
actuating the syringe to inject a propellant into the opening and a propellant pillow connected to the septum structure;
placing the propellant pillow in a propellant chamber of an implantable pump; and
sealing the propellant chamber.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/273,873 US20140245587A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2014-05-09 | Propellant bag improvement |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/609,385 US8231598B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2009-10-30 | Propellant bag improvement |
US13/535,525 US8753311B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2012-06-28 | Propellant bag improvement |
US14/273,873 US20140245587A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2014-05-09 | Propellant bag improvement |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/535,525 Continuation US8753311B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2012-06-28 | Propellant bag improvement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140245587A1 true US20140245587A1 (en) | 2014-09-04 |
Family
ID=43926161
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/609,385 Expired - Fee Related US8231598B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2009-10-30 | Propellant bag improvement |
US13/535,525 Expired - Fee Related US8753311B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2012-06-28 | Propellant bag improvement |
US14/273,873 Abandoned US20140245587A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2014-05-09 | Propellant bag improvement |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/609,385 Expired - Fee Related US8231598B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2009-10-30 | Propellant bag improvement |
US13/535,525 Expired - Fee Related US8753311B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2012-06-28 | Propellant bag improvement |
Country Status (1)
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US (3) | US8231598B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US9901561B2 (en) | 2015-05-06 | 2018-02-27 | Synagile Corporation | Pharmaceutical suspensions containing drug particles, devices for their administration, and methods of their use |
Families Citing this family (5)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US8231598B2 (en) * | 2009-10-30 | 2012-07-31 | Palyon Medical (Bvi) Limited | Propellant bag improvement |
US8366667B2 (en) * | 2010-02-11 | 2013-02-05 | Baxter International Inc. | Flow pulsatility dampening devices |
US8876771B2 (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2014-11-04 | Palyon Medical (Bvi) Limited | Propellant pillow manufacturing technique |
US8636693B2 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2014-01-28 | Palyon Medical Corporation | Propellant pillow |
US11964129B2 (en) * | 2018-03-01 | 2024-04-23 | Minipumps Llc | Implantable continuous-flow pumps |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8753311B2 (en) | 2014-06-17 |
US8231598B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 |
US20110106010A1 (en) | 2011-05-05 |
US20120260610A1 (en) | 2012-10-18 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PALYON MEDICAL (BVI) LIMITED, VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRIT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:STEINBACH, BERND;BITZ, FALKO;REEL/FRAME:033696/0360 Effective date: 20091028 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AQULINX MEDICAL, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PALYON MEDICAL;REEL/FRAME:042312/0069 Effective date: 20170404 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |