Access port identification systems and methods

Abstract

An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. In one embodiment, an identification feature is engraved or otherwise defined by the access port, so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology.

1 . A method of making an access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient, comprising:
 providing a metallic body defining a fluid cavity accessible by inserting a needle through a septum; and   creating a recessed identification feature in a bottom surface of the metallic body, the recessed identification feature observable via x-ray imaging technology subsequent to subcutaneous implantation of the access port, the recessed identification feature identifying the access port as a power-injectable port.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the creating step includes utilizing a marking method selected from the group consisting of: engraving, milling, machining, chemical etching, laser etching, molding, stamping, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface is an external surface of the metallic body. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface is an internal surface of the fluid cavity. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the recessed identification feature includes one or more alphanumeric characters. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the one or more alphanumeric characters includes the letters “C” and “T.” 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the recessed identification feature indicates an orientation of the access port when the access port is imaged by x-ray imaging technology. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the recessed identification feature is created below the fluid cavity, and is bound by an outer perimeter of the fluid cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the provided metallic body comprises titanium. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the created recessed identification feature has a depth in the range of about 0.009 inch to about 0.011 inch when the thickness of the bottom surface is about 0.020 inch. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the created recessed identification feature has a depth in the range of about 0.015 inch to about 0.021 inch when the thickness of the bottom surface is about 0.030 inch. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the providing step includes:
 providing a metallic base defining the fluid cavity; and   coupling a cap to the base such that a septum is disposed between the cap and the base, and the septum is accessible through an opening in the cap.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the bottom surface is an external surface of the base. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the coupling step includes press-fitting the base into the cap such that the external surface of the base is flush with a lower surface of the cap. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the recessed identification feature is created below an outlet stem of the port, outside an outer perimeter of the fluid cavity. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising creating a second recessed identification feature in a top surface of the metallic body such that the second recessed identification is vertically aligned with the first recessed identification feature. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the recessed identification feature includes one or more alphanumeric characters. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the one or more alphanumeric characters includes the letters “C” and “T.”