Abstract An artificial anus includes a hollow tubular support member, having a cylindrical body portion and a pair of radially-extending flanges at the two opposed open ends of the body portion, and a releasable plug for sealingly closing the hollow support member. The support member is suitable for implantation within an opening in the abdominal wall of the patient, with one of the radially-extending flanges lying upon the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, the other of the flanges lying on the fascia or peritoneum, and the end of the patient's colon received within the support member. Inner and outer layers of at least a portion of the cylindrical body portion are capable of receiving soft tissue ingrowth. A pressure transducer of electrical contact is provided on the support member and connected to an electrode in contact with the patient's skin, so that when the colon becomes pressurized the patient is signalled that the plug should be released. The device can be modified to serve as an artificial bladder or implantable body access device.
An implantable body access device comprising: a closed hollow container or reservoir adapted for permanent implantation in a living body comprised of a flexible wall material having a water-impermeable inner layer surrounded by a porous outer layer defining an interior space within the container, with an opening being provided in the wall of said container affording communication between said interior space and the exterior of the device and with said reservoir being adapted to receive and store therein structural devices for use in conjunction with the treatment of said body; a flange connected to said container and extending around said opening, said flange being adapted to lie upon the dermis or subcutaneous tissue in use; and means for permitting opening and closing of said opening from the exterior of the device to obtain access to said interior space.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
An implantable body access device comprising: a closed hollow container or reservoir adapted for permanent implantation in a living body comprised of a flexible wall material having a water-impermeable inner layer surrounded by a porous outer layer defining an interior space within the container, with an opening being provided in the wall of said container affording communication between said interior space and the exterior of the device and with said reservoir being adapted to receive and store therein structural devices for use in conjunction with the treatment of said body; a flange connected to said container and extending around said opening, said flange being adapted to lie upon the dermis or subcutaneous tissue in use; and means for permitting opening and closing of said opening from the exterior of the device to obtain access to said interior space.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said flexible wall material comprises an outer layer capable of receiving soft tissue ingrowth to enhance anchoring of said device in the body of the patient.