Device for assisting access to a subcutaneous port

Abstract

The device includes a manipulation mechanism for maneuvering a base into position proximate a subcutaneous port. Arms extending from the base enable the device to receive the port and substantially immobilize the port relative to the device. The manipulation mechanism also enables a user to substantially immobilize the device relative to a patient. With the subcutaneous port substantially immobilized by the device, the user has greater confidence and accuracy when inserting a needle into the port. Further, embodiments of the device provide protection to the user to prevent inadvertent sticking of the user as the needle is introduced.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for stabilizing a subcutaneous port, comprising:
 a first arm;   a second arm opposing the first arm;   a first manipulation mechanism laterally adjacent the first arm, the first manipulation mechanism including a first shield including an outer surface extending from a first end integrated with the first manipulation mechanism to a second end integrated with the first manipulation mechanism; and   a second manipulation mechanism laterally adjacent the second arm, the second manipulation mechanism including a second shield including an outer surface extending from a third end integrated with the second manipulation mechanism to a fourth end integrated with the second manipulation mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first manipulation mechanism and second manipulation mechanism are apart from the first arm and the second arm. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first manipulation mechanism and second manipulation mechanism extend from at least one of the first arm and the second arm. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm further comprise a stabilizing mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the stabilizing mechanism is a sidewall. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein the sidewall is provided at an angle. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the first arm, the second arm, the first manipulation mechanism, the second manipulation mechanism, and the stabilizing mechanism is adjustable. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the first arm, the second arm, the first manipulation mechanism, the second manipulation mechanism, and the stabilizing mechanism is flexible. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first arm has a first arm end and the second arm has a second arm end, wherein an opening separates the first arm end from the second arm end. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the first arm, the second arm, the first manipulation mechanism, the second manipulation mechanism, and the stabilizing mechanism is configured to interface with a patient's skin and stabilize the device against the patient's skin. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the first arm, the second arm, and the stabilizing mechanism is curved. 
     
     
         12 . A device for stabilizing a subcutaneous port, comprising:
 a first arm, the first arm having a first arm end;   a second arm opposing the first arm, the second arm having a second arm end;   a first manipulation mechanism laterally adjacent the first arm, the first manipulation mechanism including a first shield including an outer surface extending from a first end integrated with the first manipulation mechanism to a second end integrated with the first manipulation mechanism;   a second manipulation mechanism laterally adjacent the second arm, the second manipulation mechanism including a second shield including an outer surface extending from a third end integrated with the second manipulation mechanism to a fourth end integrated with the second manipulation mechanism; and   an adjustable region including a hinge disposed between the first manipulation mechanism and the second manipulation mechanism;   wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprise a stabilizing sidewall configured to maintain contact between the subcutaneous port and the device.