Implantable dialysis access port

Abstract

An implantable access port in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. A self-sealing insert may be disposed within the third channel. The implantable access port may further comprise a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the first branch extending from the first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel at a first location, the second branch extending from the second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel in a second location, the third branch extending at least partially into the third channel, wherein the third branch is disposed between the self-sealing insert and the hollow port casing. Methods for performing medical procedures associated with the implantable access port are also disclosed.

1 . An implantable access port comprising:
 a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel;   a self-sealing insert disposed within said third channel; and, a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, said first branch extending from said first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a first vessel at a first location, said second branch extending from said second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a second vessel in a second location, said third branch extending at least partially into said third channel, wherein said third branch is disposed between said self-sealing insert and said hollow port casing.   
     
     
         2 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said first vessel and said second vessel are portions of the same vessel. 
     
     
         3 . The implantable access port of  claim 2 , wherein said first location and said second location are discrete locations on said vessel. 
     
     
         4 . The implantable access port of  claim 3 , wherein said vessel is an artery and blood is permitted to flow continuously through said graft once anastomosed to said artery in said first location and said second location. 
     
     
         5 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow port casing is implanted in a mammal and said first vessel and said second vessel are arteries. 
     
     
         6 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said third branch is adhered to said hollow port casing with a biocompatible adhesive. 
     
     
         7 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow port casing includes a tab member extending therefrom, said tab member having an aperture adapted to help secure the implantable access port to tissue of a mammalian body. 
     
     
         8 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said self-sealing insert is formed from rubberized silicone. 
     
     
         9 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said port casing is constructed of one of stainless steel, titanium, and plastic. 
     
     
         10 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said graft is constructed of one of expanded polytetrafluroethylene, teflon and polyester. 
     
     
         11 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow port casing further comprises an insert within said third channel between said self-sealing insert and said third branch of said graft, said insert being impenetrable by a needle so as to protect said third branch of said graft from damage. 
     
     
         12 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow port casing completely surrounds portions of said first branch and said second branch. 
     
     
         13 . The implantable access port of  claim 12 , wherein said hollow port casing completely surrounds the entirety of said third branch. 
     
     
         14 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said third channel is not in fluid communication with said first channel and said second channel. 
     
     
         15 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a venous access port coupled thereto, said venous access port adapted to be in fluid communication with a vessel. 
     
     
         16 . The implantable access port of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow port casing is comprised of a first hollow port casing half and a second hollow port casing half capable of being connected to one another. 
     
     
         17 . An implantable access port comprising:
 a hollow arterial port casing having a first arterial channel, a second arterial channel and a third arterial channel;   a self-sealing arterial insert disposed within said third arterial channel;   an arterial graft having a first arterial branch, a second arterial branch, and a third arterial branch, said first arterial branch extending from said first arterial channel and adapted to be anastomosed to an artery at a first arterial location, said second arterial branch extending from said second arterial channel and adapted to be anastomosed to an artery in a second arterial location, said third arterial branch extending at least partially into said third arterial channel, wherein said third arterial branch is disposed between said self-sealing arterial insert and said arterial hollow port casing;   a hollow venous port casing having a first venous channel and a second venous channel;   a self-sealing venous insert disposed within said second venous channel;   a venous graft having a first venous graft end in fluid communication with said first venous channel and a second venous graft end adapted to be anastomosed to a vein.   
     
     
         18 . The implantable access port of  claim 17 , wherein said arterial hollow port casing and said venous hollow port casing are connected to each other. 
     
     
         19 . The implantable access port of  claim 17 , wherein said arterial hollow port casing and said venous hollow port casing are formed monolithically. 
     
     
         20 . The implantable access port of  claim 17 , wherein said arterial hollow port casing includes a series of spaced-apart arterial ribs forming protruding arterial ribs and receiving arterial ribs on its exterior surface and said venous hollow port casing includes a series of spaced-apart venous ribs forming protruding venous ribs and receiving venous ribs. 
     
     
         21 - 44 . (canceled)