Steven A Short

US Patent:

20140243789, Aug 28, 2014

Filed:

Feb 26, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/191397

Inventors:

Neerav Mehta - Swarthmore PA, US
Steven Short - Hartfield VA, US
David Smoger - Villanova PA, US

International Classification:

A61M 1/36

US Classification:

604508, 604175

Abstract:

A subcutaneous, venous catheter is provided in conjunction with a method of installation in hemodialysis treatments. The catheter has an implantable hub attached to a first end of the primary lumen. An anchoring back plate is pivottably secured to the catheter hub and surgically anchored to underlying musculature. Once the device is implanted, the hub can be arcuately translated underneath the skin by applying gentle pressure to either side of the hub. To reduce fluid stagnation within and around the lumen, a series of piezo-electric elements are integrated therein. A vibration processor is electrically connected to the piezo-electric elements such that the initiation of electrical current by the vibration processor results in contraction of the piezo-electric elements. Expansion and contraction of these elements propagates low-energy acoustic waves through the lumen, agitating liquid contained therein and improving flow of same through the catheter lumen.