| abstract |
An implantable infusion device includes a housing having opposite first and second walls and a relatively large blind passage extending into the housing from the first wall toward the second wall. A first self-sealing septum blocks the passage at the first wall and a second self-sealing septum blocks the passage at a location therein spaced from the first septum thereby defining an infusate chamber between the first and second septa and a blind chamber between the second septum and the housing second wall. A fluid pathway containing a normally closed valve extends from the infusate chamber to the exterior of the housing and a lever connected to the valve is located in the blind chamber. That lever may be depressed to open the valve only by a needle inserted through the two septa into the blind chamber which needle has a side opening aligned with the infusate chamber when such depression occurs. |