MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS

• US 20110144617A1
• Filed: 02/11/2011
• Published: 06/16/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: University of Southern California
• Original Assignee: University of Southern California
• Inventors: Monterey Park, Ronalee Lo, Agrawal, Rajat, Tai, Yu-Chong, Kuwahara, Kenrick, Shih, Jason, Rodger, Damien, Li, Po-Ying, Chen, Po-Jui, Humayun, Mark S., MENG, Ellis
• Application Number:
  US13/026,136
• Publication Number:
  US 20110144617A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/500
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0017 implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0024 Solid, semi-solid or solidifying implants, which are implanted or injected in body tissue compositions for intravenous administration, normal injectable solutions or dispersions for, e.g. subcutaneous administration A61K9/0019; brain implants A61K9/0085; (coated) prostheses, catheters or stents A61L
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0097 Micromachined devices; Microelectromechanical systems [MEMS]; Devices obtained by lithographic treatment of silicon; Devices comprising chips intradermal microneedle arrays A61K9/0021; MEMS in general B81B7/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14204 with gas-producing electrochemical cell
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0244 Micromachined materials, e.g. made from silicon wafers, microelectromechanical systems [MEMS] or comprising nanotechnology
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3507 with implanted devices, e.g. external control
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2207/00 Methods of manufacture, assembly or production
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0612 Eyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/00 Other apparatus for introducing media into the body for reproduction or fertilisation A61B17/425; apparatus for iontophoresis or cataphoresis A61N1/30; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin salt baths A61H33/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14593 the diaphragm being actuated by fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/155 pressurised by gas introduced into the reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16877 Adjusting flow; Devices for setting a flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16881 Regulating valves on-off valves, e.g. clamps A61M39/28
• CPC Class Codes: B81B 2201/058 Microfluidics not provided for in B81B2201/051 - B81B2201/054
• CPC Class Codes: B81C 1/00119 Arrangement of basic structures like cavities or channels, e.g. suitable for microfluidic systems
• CPC Class Codes: B81C 2201/019 Bonding or gluing multiple substrate layers
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/043 Micropumps
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 2099/008 Multi-layer fabrications
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 2099/0088 Implanted devices
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0001 : Microvalves microdevices B81B1/00; manufacture or treatment of devices or systems in or on a substrate B81C1/00; microfluidic structures B01L3/5027; micropumps F04B19/006
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0005 : Lift valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0034 : Operating means specially adapted for microvalves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 99/0057 : the fluid being the circulating fluid itself, e.g. check valves
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49236 : Fluid pump or compressor making

Abstract

Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, and means for forcing fluid from the reservoir into the cannula. Circuitry for controlling the means for forcing fluid from the reservoir into the cannula may be included.

Claims

1. An implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient, the device comprising:

a reservoir for a liquid;

a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, the cannula having an outlet configured for fluid communication with the patient;

means for forcing fluid from the reservoir through the cannula; and

wirelessly operable circuitry for operating the forcing means.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the forcing means comprises a pair of electrolysis electrodes.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a wirelessly chargeable battery for powering the circuitry.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the circuitry controls dosage and release.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising sensors for feedback control.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the cannula is parylene.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of pressure applied to the device.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the valve is at the end of the cannula.

9. A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient from a pump implanted in the patient, the pump comprising a reservoir, a cannula, and wirelessly operable circuitry, the method comprising the steps of:

pumping a therapeutic liquid to a body site from the reservoir through the cannula; and

using an external source, sending wireless signals to the circuitry to operate the pump.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein pump further comprises a pair of electrolysis electrodes, the operating step comprising energizing the electrodes to cause creation of a gas that forces the liquid from the reservoir through the cannula, thereby delivering the liquid to the patient.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the circuitry comprises a battery and further comprising the step of using the external source to wirelessly charge the battery.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the pump further comprises a valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of pressure applied to the device and further comprising the step of maintaining a constant flow of liquid through the cannula independent of the pressure applied to the pump.