Apparatus and method for measuring the amount of fluid contained in an implantable medical device
US6482177B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3389
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable pump apparatus and method of operating the implantable pump for infusing a fluid into a body as described. An expandable fluid reservoir member includes a first end, a second end, an inlet for receiving the fluid from an outside source and an outlet for dispensing the fluid into the body. A first conductor is operably attached to the first end of the expandable fluid reservoir member. A second conductor is operably attached to the second end of the expandable fluid reservoir member. The level of fluid within the expandable fluid reservoir member is determined by measuring an inductance value at the first conductor that is proportional to the distance between the first conductor and the second conductor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.