| abstract |
Apparatus for injecting infusate into a reservoir implanted in the human body comprises a housing from which projects a hollow needle. The needle is slidably mounted in the housing and spring biased to its extended position in which the inner end of the needle is closed by a valve. The needle is extended and locked during injection through the skin and septum of an implanted reservoir, after which the needle lock is released to permit automatic function of the apparatus when the needle hits a stop behind the septum. The resultant needle setback opens the valve permitting fluid to flow through the needle into the reservoir. |