Occlusion resistant catheter and method of use

Abstract

An implantable occlusion and tissue ingrowth resistant fluid interface is provided with a housing, an orifice and a catheter port. The housing is formed from at least one biocompatible material and is configured without sharp edges or corners. The housing at least partially defines an internal housing cavity. The orifice member at least partially defines an orifice between the internal housing cavity and an exterior of the housing. The orifice has an elongated transverse cross-section configured with a length that is at least four times its maximum width. The catheter port is located on the housing and is configured to couple with a catheter such that the internal housing cavity is in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is coupled to the catheter port. Embodiments having a moving cylinder, a rotor, and non-chemical surface modifications, as well as methods of use are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implantable occlusion resistant fluid interface comprising:
 a housing formed from at least one biocompatible material and configured without sharp edges or corners, the housing at least partially defining an internal housing cavity;   an agitator formed from at least one biocompatible material and at least partially defining an orifice between the internal housing cavity and an exterior of the housing, the agitator configured to passively move longitudinally between a first position and a second position, thereby changing fluid flow patterns within the internal housing cavity; and   a catheter port located on the housing and configured to couple with a catheter such that the internal housing cavity is in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter when coupled to the catheter port.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid interface of  claim 1 , wherein the agitator is cylindrically shaped. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid interface of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a transverse cross-section that is generally triangular in shape. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid interface of  claim 3 , wherein the transverse cross-section comprises three rounded apexes and three inwardly curving side faces spanning between the three apexes. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid interface of  claim 4 , wherein each of the three apexes comprises a longitudinally extending internal channel that overlaps with and is in fluid communication with the internal housing cavity. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid interface of  claim 4 , wherein each of the three side faces comprises an elongated slot in fluid communication with the internal housing cavity and with the exterior of the housing. 
     
     
         7 . An implantable occlusion resistant fluid interface comprising:
 a housing formed from at least one biocompatible material and configured without sharp edges or corners, the housing at least partially defining an internal housing cavity;   a rotor formed from at least one biocompatible material rotatably mounted within the internal housing cavity such that a fluid flow in the cavity will cause the rotor to passively rotate; and   a catheter port located on the housing and configured to couple with a catheter such that the internal housing cavity is in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter when coupled to the catheter port.   
     
     
         8 . The fluid interface of  claim 7 , wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid interface of  claim 7 , wherein the rotor is elongated and has two ends, and wherein the fluid interface further comprises a ball bearing located at each of the two rotor ends configured to allow the rotor to passively rotate relative to the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The fluid interface of  claim 9 , wherein the ball bearings are made of sapphire. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid interface of  claim 8 , wherein the housing comprises an end cap having at least one vent hole therethrough, the vent hole being configured to allow fluid to flow from the internal housing cavity, past the turbine blades and out through the vent hole to an exterior of the housing.