Patent ID: 6902544
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting a leak in an implantable drug pump, comprising: providing an implantable drug pump having a housing having a first reservoir disposed therein and containing a fluid having one or more drugs, and a second reservoir disposed therein and containing a radiolucent fluid, at least one inlet port formed in the housing and in communication with at least one of the first and second reservoirs, an outlet port formed in the housing and adapted to deliver a fluid to a patient's body, a first programmable valve in fluid communication with the first reservoir and the outlet port, the first valve being movable between a closed position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing from the first reservoir to the outlet port, and an open position, in which fluid is free to flow from the first reservoir to the outlet port, a second programmable valve in fluid communication with the second reservoir and the outlet port, the second valve being movable between a closed position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing from the second reservoir to the outlet port, and an open position, in which fluid is free to flow from the second reservoir to the outlet port, and a driver mechanism effective to drive fluid from the first and second reservoirs to the outlet port for delivering fluid to a patient's body; causing the first valve to move to the closed position; causing the second valve to move to the open position; and actuating the driver mechanism to cause the radiolucent fluid disposed within the second reservoir to flow through the valve and into the outlet port to be delivered to a patient's body; wherein the flow of radiolucent fluid through the pump can be radiographically viewed to determine if any leaks exist in the implantable drug pump and structures connected to the implantable drug pump.