Implantable infusion devices including apparatus for confirming fluid flow and systems, apparatus and methods associated with same
View Patent ↗Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet.
1. An implantable infusion device, comprising:
a housing;
a fluid transfer device carried within the housing;
a power supply carried within the housing and operably connected to the fluid transfer device;
a catheter, including an outlet, operably connected to the fluid transfer device; and
a sensor device, which is not powered by the power supply within the housing, located within the catheter adjacent to the catheter outlet and configured to be powered by a wireless query and to measure a characteristic that is indicative of fluid flow through the catheter outlet.
2. An implantable infusion device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid transfer device comprises an electromagnet pump.
3. An implantable infusion device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor device comprises a pressure sensor device.
4. An implantable infusion device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor device comprises a flow sensor device.
5. An implantable infusion device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor device includes an antenna.
6. An implantable infusion device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor device comprises a passive sensor device.
7. An implantable infusion device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor device comprises a plurality of spaced sensor devices.
8. An implantable infusion device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the catheter defines a closed distal end;
the catheter outlet is located proximal of the closed distal end of the catheter; and
the sensor device is located between the catheter outlet and the closed distal end of the catheter.
9. An implantable infusion device as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the sensor device comprises a pressure sensor device.