An implanted fluid access port locator system for adjustable gastric
bands. The system may include an access port having an RFID tag with its
antenna adjacent to the receiving portion of the port. An external
locator with radio frequency transmitter/receiver circuitry sends read or
interrogation signals to the RFID tag and may send write signals to the
tag to write treatment data to memory of the RFID tag. The locator may
include an antenna array with four patch antenna arranged in pairs to
model two monopulse radar antenna systems. The locator also includes
processor(s) and logic modules/circuitry for processing the tag response
signals received by the antenna array to determine location information
for the RFID tag and associated port, i.e., to identify the center of the
port relative to the antennae array or array face such as with strength
and direction information relative to the array face. A method of
locating implanted fluid access port includes providing radio frequency
transmitter/receiver circuitry on the access port and manipulating a
handheld locator outside the body to pinpoint the position and
orientation of the access port. A mark may be made with a handheld
locator to direct insertion of a needle for adding or removing fluid from
an implanted system through the access port.