Vascular access port with physiological sensor

Abstract

A combined vascular access port and physiologic parameter monitoring device. The vascular access port and the monitoring device may be connected by a cooperative geometry. The vascular access port and the monitoring device may be implanted at the same time and in the same anatomical location (e.g., subcutaneous pocket). The monitoring device may include a telemetry unit that transmits physiological measurement data to a local data collection system (e.g., carried by the patient or located in the patient's home), which may re-transmit the data to a remote data collection system (e.g., located at a physician's office or clinic) via a suitable communication link.

1 .- 39 . (canceled)  
     
     
         40 . A method, comprising: 
 forming an incision in the body of a patient;    inserting a first catheter of a therapy device at least partially into the body of the patient;    inserting a second catheter of a sensor device at least partially into the body of the patient;    connecting a second housing of the sensor device to a first housing of the therapy device after the first and second catheters have been at least partially inserted into the body of the patient; and    surgically closing the incision.    
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising forming a subcutaneous pocket in the body of the patient and inserting the first and second housings into the subcutaneous pocket.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising monitoring the patient for an adverse effect using the sensor device and transmitting a signal to a caregiver if the adverse effect is detected.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the second housing and the first housing define interlocking geometries, and connecting the second housing of the sensor device to the first housing of the therapy device comprises causing the interlocking geometries to become interlocked with one another.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the second housing and the first housing are releasably connected to each other.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising implanting a telemetry unit in the body of the patient.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising administering a therapeutic agent to the body of the patient using the therapy device.  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , further comprising changing the administration of the therapeutic agent as a function of a physiological measure monitored by the sensor device.  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the therapy device comprises a vascular access port.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein first catheter of the therapy device comprises an infusion catheter.