Patent ID: 8262630

Claim:
A method for attaching an access port to a patient, comprising: providing an access port including: a port base having a fluid reservoir defined by a cylindrical wall, a first ramp with a first arc positioned adjacent an outer surface of the fluid reservoir wall on a first side, and a second ramp with a second arc positioned adjacent the outer surface of the fluid reservoir wall on a second side opposite of the first side; a septum positioned over the fluid reservoir; a port top positioned over the septum and the port base; a first suture needle having a curved shape matching the first arc and positioned on a surface of the first ramp; a second needle having a curved shape matching the second arc and positioned on a surface of the second ramp; and a movable member comprising a cam positioned about the fluid reservoir wall and having separate first and second engagement features to respectively engage portions of the first and second suture needles, the first and second engagement features including respective first and second slots, wherein respective portions of the first and second suture needles are slidingly positioned in the first and second slots, the cam connected to a gear including an opening and a tab member biased in the opening by a compression member; inserting a tool into the opening to move the tab member out of the opening and transition the gear from a locked position to an open position; and rotating the movable member around the fluid reservoir wall to move the first and second suture needles, respectively, over the surfaces of the first and second ramps.