Instrument and methods for filling an implanted drug pump

Abstract

A tool for refilling an implantable pump having at least one reservoir. The tool includes a plurality of independent fluid channels; a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a first one of the fluid channels; at least one pump fluidly coupled to the fluid channels, the at least one pump and the independent fluid channels differing from each other in number, wherein (i) a pump is configured to apply positive pressure to the first fluid channel so as to drive fluid from the fluid reservoir therethrough, and (ii) a pump is configured to apply negative pressure to the second fluid channel; and a connector for removably connecting the fluid channels to the at least one reservoir.

1 . A tool for refilling an implantable pump having at least one reservoir, the tool comprising:
 a plurality of independent fluid channels;   a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a first one of the fluid channels;   at least one pump fluidly coupled to the fluid channels, the at least one pump and the independent fluid channels differing from each other in number, wherein (i) a pump is configured to apply positive pressure to the first fluid channel so as to drive fluid from the fluid reservoir therethrough, and (ii) a pump is configured to apply negative pressure to a second fluid channel; and   a connector for removably connecting the fluid channels to the at least one reservoir.   
     
     
         2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein there is one pump and at least two independent fluid channels, the pump being configured to generate suction through a first one of the channels and to drive a fluid through a second one of the channels. 
     
     
         3 . The tool of  claim 2 , where there is a third independent fluid channel connected to the pump, wherein the pump is configured to drive a second fluid through the third fluid channel. 
     
     
         4 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor associated with each of the channels for monitoring at least one parameter relating to liquid flowing therethrough. 
     
     
         5 . The tool of  claim 4 , wherein the sensor is a flow sensor and the parameter is a flow rate of the liquid. 
     
     
         6 . The tool of  claim 4 , wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor and the parameter is pressure in the channels. 
     
     
         7 . The tool of  claim 4 , further comprising governing circuitry preventing the monitored parameter from exceeding or falling below a predefined level. 
     
     
         8 . The tool of  claim 7 , further comprising first and second valves, responsive to the governing circuitry, for controlling fluid flow through the first and second fluid channels, respectively. 
     
     
         9 . A tool for refilling an implantable pump having a reservoir, the tool comprising:
 a refilling kit comprising first and second independent fluid channels connectable at first ends thereof to the reservoir; and   a base unit comprising at least one pump, a sensor for monitoring at least one parameter relating to flow through the fluid channels, and feedback circuitry for controlling flow through the fluid channels based on the at least one monitored parameter, wherein the base unit is removably connectable to second ends of the fluid channels.   
     
     
         10 . The tool of  claim 9 , wherein the refilling kit is connectable to the reservoir by means of a needle configured for entering the reservoir, the needle having separate lumens each fluidly coupled to one of the fluid channels. 
     
     
         11 . The tool of  claim 9 , further comprising a locking system associated with the refilling kit for preventing injection of an unapproved fluid into the reservoir. 
     
     
         12 . A method of filling an implantable drug-delivery pump having at least one reservoir, the method comprising the steps of:
 fluidly coupling a plurality of independent fluid channels to the reservoir; and   operating a single pump to (i) purge the reservoir via at least a first of the plurality of fluid channels and (ii) pump fluid into the purged reservoir using a second of the plurality of fluid channels.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the pump generates suction through the first one of the fluid channels and drives a fluid through the second one of the fluid channels. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the purging step comprises causing the single pump to pump fluid into the reservoir through a third independent fluid channel and thereafter suction the fluid from the reservoir via the first fluid channel.