The LPD-II: a modified locked percutaneous device that permits safe subcutaneous access

A locked percutaneous device, the LPD-I (previously described as LPD), is effective in overcoming the problems of skin downgrowth and local tissue infection; however, it can only be implanted at a site providing adequate subcutaneous adipose tissue to attach to the subcutaneous connector of the LPD-I. A modified device, the LPD-II, has been developed that has a thin dome and skin connector but does not have a subcutaneous tissue connector. In addition, a newly designed structure called the skin stop collar (SSC) has been developed. It is positioned just beneath the mesh collar described in the LPD-I to further improve the function of the LPD-II. Six rabbits were implanted with one LPD-II without the SSC (group 1) and five rabbits were implanted with one LPD-II with the SSC (group 2). For more than 6 months, two of the implants in group 1 rabbits were successful. Four of the implants in group 2 rabbits were successful for more than 1 year. One of the animals in group 2 died of causes unrelated to the device. We conclude the following: the mesh collar skin connector can function well as a locked percutaneous device without the subcutaneous tissue connector; the LPD-II can be implanted in any site and does not require the presence of subcutaneous adipose tissue; and the SSC may increase the success rate of LPD-II implantation provided the mesh collar is made of soft material.