초록 ▼

An implantable flow regulator for the infusion of drugs into an animal body from a pressure actuated drug delivery device, such as an implantable infusion pump. The flow regulator comprises a body having a shallow cavity divided into two chambers by a flexible diaphragm. The first of these chambers

An implantable flow regulator for the infusion of drugs into an animal body from a pressure actuated drug delivery device, such as an implantable infusion pump. The flow regulator comprises a body having a shallow cavity divided into two chambers by a flexible diaphragm. The first of these chambers is a pressure sensing chamber. The other is a valving chamber through which the drug flows, the outlet from that chamber being centrally disposed underlying the diaphragm whereby flexing of the diaphragm in one direction as a result of increased pressure in the other chamber contacts an elastomeric sealing ring around the outlet and closes off the flow path. At least one capillary restrictor is disposed in the flow line between the drug delivery device and flow regulator. The pressure drop across this restrictor governs operation of the flow regulator valve.

대표청구항 ▼

In a drug delivery system for implantation in an animal body for the infusion of liquid drugs into said body including a pressure actuated drug delivery device which is sensitive to ambient pressure and temperature conditions and a liquid catheter flow line for transfer of drug from the delivery dev

In a drug delivery system for implantation in an animal body for the infusion of liquid drugs into said body including a pressure actuated drug delivery device which is sensitive to ambient pressure and temperature conditions and a liquid catheter flow line for transfer of drug from the delivery device to an infusion site within the body, the improvement which consists in a pressure sensitive flow regulator in said flow line, said regulator comprising: (A) a body, (B) a shallow cavity within said body, (C) a flexible diaphragm in said body dividing said cavity into two chambers, (D) an inlet to the first of said chambers connected to the flow line, (E) an inlet to the second of said chambers connected to the flow line to receive the drug from the drug delivery device, (F) an outlet from the second of said chambers to the flow line downstream from the regulator, said outlet being centrally disposed in the wall of the cavity underlying said diaphragm, whereby flexing of the diaphragm in one direction in response to increased pressure in the flow line closes said outlet, and (G) at least one capillary flow restrictor in the flow line upstream from the inlet to the second chamber and in series with the inlet and outlet of said second chamber.