Stephen James Hunter

US Patent:

45577242, Dec 10, 1985

Filed:

Aug 12, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/522914

Inventors:

Donald E. Gregonis - Salt Lake City UT
Robert L. Stephen - Salt Lake City UT
Dennis L. Coleman - Salt Lake City UT
Stephen K. Hunter - Syracuse UT
Barry K. Hanover - Salt Lake City UT
Jeffrey J. Harrow - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

University of Utah Research Foundation - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

A61M 2500

US Classification:

604 49

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheter apparatus and methods which minimizes catheter obstruction during use. The apparatus includes a receiving chamber or reservoir having a relatively small internal volume while employing a penetrable membrane and relatively enlarged target surface area. The reservoir is interconnected with the peritoneal cavity by a hollow stem. The penetrable membrane accommodates a hollow needle being inserted into the receiving reservoir and is configurated with a dome-like profile so that the membrane may also be depressed to expel insulin from the receiving reservoir into the peritoneal cavity in a direction generally toward the mesenteric peritoneal membrane. The portion of the apparatus which is in the peritoneal cavity is preferably constructed of, or coated with, a material which is capable of minimizing the adhesion of cells and the growth of bacteria on that portion of the apparatus. In a presently preferred embodiment of the subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheter, the portion of the catheter to be within the peritoneal cavity is constructed of a polyurethane material, and this polyurethane material is then coated with a solution of polyurethane and poly(ethylene glycol) in a suitable solvent.

US Patent:

45740003, Mar 4, 1986

Filed:

Aug 24, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/644315

Inventors:

Stephen K. Hunter - Syracuse UT

International Classification:

A61F 204
A61M 2500

US Classification:

623 12

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for artificially transporting an egg from an ovary to the uterus in a patient having dysfunctional natural fallopian tubes. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention includes an ovisac in which one of the patient's ovaries is encapsulated in order to collect any ova discharged. A plurality of fluid supply tubes serve to wash the ova toward a tubular member that is secured in communication with the uterine cavity. In one embodiment, a reservoir of fluid and a programmable micropump are provided, both of which are adapted to be implanted in the patient. The method of the present invention advantageously comprises the initial step of charging the artificial fallopian tube with a solution of nutrients and sperm immediately prior to ovulation. After fertilization has had an opportunity to occur, nutrient solution is introduced into the fallopian tube in a continuous, but pulsatile manner at a rate that will cause the ovum to be ejected into the uterine cavity about two to three days after ovulation.