Power Injectable Port Identification

Abstract

An implantable port for accessing internal body structures, the port comprises a proximal housing including an opening providing access to an interior of the port and a distal housing adapted for assembly with the proximal housing, the distal housing including a reservoir which, when the distal housing is mated with the proximal housing is in fluid communication with the opening of the proximal housing in combination with a radiopaque element in one of the proximal and distal housings, a shape of the radiopaque element identifying, when imaged, a structural characteristic of the port not otherwise identifiable visually.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . An implantable port, comprising:
 a wall having a radiopaque insert integrated therein,   wherein the radiopaque insert is configured to identify an orientation of the port and a characteristic of the port when exposed to imaging radiation, said orientation and said characteristic not being clearly visible after implantation of the port into a living body without the use of imaging radiation.   
     
     
         23 . The implantable port of  claim 22 , wherein the radiopaque insert includes a cutout portion allowing imaging radiation to pass therethrough in a pattern indicative of an orientation or a characteristic of the port not clearly visible after implantation into a living body. 
     
     
         24 . The implantable port of  claim 22 , wherein the radiopaque insert is molded into the wall of the port. 
     
     
         25 . The implantable port of  claim 22 , wherein the port, exclusive of the radiopaque insert, is formed of a material transparent to imaging radiation. 
     
     
         26 . The implantable port of  claim 22 , wherein the radiopaque insert includes titanium. 
     
     
         27 . The implantable port of  claim 22 , wherein a periphery of the radiopaque insert is shaped to define an identifying mark. 
     
     
         28 . The implantable port of  claim 22 , wherein the radiopaque insert includes lettering visible when exposed to imaging radiation. 
     
     
         29 . The implantable port of  claim 22 , wherein said characteristic is one of suitability for power injection and suitability for contrast-enhanced imaging. 
     
     
         30 . An implantable port, comprising:
 a proximal mateable housing portion defining a first opening to an interior of the port;   a distal mateable housing portion defining a fluid reservoir capable of fluid communication with the first opening; and   a self-sealing septum sealing the first opening,   wherein a wall of the distal mateable housing portion includes a radiopaque insert, and   wherein the radiopaque insert is configured to identify an orientation of the port and a characteristic of the port when exposed to imaging radiation.   
     
     
         31 . The implantable port of  claim 30 , wherein the proximal and distal mateable housing portions are formed of a material transparent to imaging radiation. 
     
     
         32 . The implantable port of  claim 30 , wherein the radiopaque insert includes titanium. 
     
     
         33 . The implantable port of  claim 30 , wherein the mateable housing portions are attached to one another using one of an ultrasonic welding process, a snap-fit mechanism, and a solvent bond. 
     
     
         34 . The implantable port of  claim 30 , wherein the radiopaque insert includes a cutout portion allowing imaging radiation to pass therethrough in a pattern indicative of an orientation or a characteristic of the port not clearly visible after implantation into a living body. 
     
     
         35 . The implantable port of  claim 30 , wherein the radiopaque insert is molded into the wall of the distal mateable housing portion. 
     
     
         36 . The implantable port of  claim 30 , wherein a periphery of the radiopaque insert is shaped to define an identifying mark. 
     
     
         37 . The implantable port of  claim 30 , wherein the radiopaque insert includes lettering visible when imaged. 
     
     
         38 . The implantable port of  claim 30 , wherein said characteristic is one of suitability for power injection and suitability for contrast-enhanced imaging. 
     
     
         39 . An implantable port, comprising:
 proximal and distal mateable housing portions, the distal mateable housing including at least one wall defining a fluid reservoir and an underside of the port; and   a radiopaque insert molded into a wall of the distal mateable housing portion defining the underside of the port,   wherein the radiopaque insert includes at least one of lettering visible when imaged by exposure to imaging radiation and a cutout portion, and   wherein the radiopaque insert can be imaged to determine an orientation of the port and a physical characteristic of the port not clearly visible after implantation into a living body.   
     
     
         40 . The implantable port of  claim 39 , wherein the mateable housing portions exclusive of the radiopaque insert are formed of a material transparent to imaging radiation. 
     
     
         41 . The implantable port of  claim 39 , wherein the radiopaque insert includes titanium. 
     
     
         42 . The implantable port of  claim 39 , wherein a periphery of the radiopaque insert is shaped to define an identifying mark. 
     
     
         43 . The implantable port of  claim 39 , wherein the radiopaque insert includes lettering visible when imaged. 
     
     
         44 . The implantable port of  claim 39 , wherein the mateable housing portions are attached to one another using one of an ultrasonic welding process, a snap-fit mechanism, and a solvent bond. 
     
     
         45 . The implantable port of  claim 39 , wherein said characteristic is one of suitability for power injection and suitability for contrast-enhanced imaging.