Three-dimensional in-vitro spinal models and methods of analyzing substance distribution therein
First Claim
1. A three-dimensional in-vitro model apparatus of a human spine comprising:
- a model body comprising a column portion, the column portion defining a curved passageway in the shape of a human spinal canal, wherein the column portion comprises two mating halves, each half defining a portion of the passageway; and
an artificial cord structure to simulate a human spinal cord structure located within the passageway of the column portion, wherein the cord structure is securable within the passageway such that an annular region is formed between a wall of the passageway and the cord structure.
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Abstract
An in-vitro model apparatus of a human spine and methods for detecting and analyzing substance distribution patterns therein. In one embodiment, the model apparatus includes a column body defining a passageway that substantially mimics the size, shape, and structure of an adult human spinal canal. Also included is a cord structure that may be located and anchored within the passageway. The cord structure substantially mimics the size, shape, and structure of an adult human spinal cord. For example, the cord structure may include connecting elements that resemble nerve roots, dentate ligaments, and the septum posticum of a human spine. The passageway of the model apparatus may be filled with a first fluid that simulates cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), and a second fluid containing a drug (or simulated drug) may be introduced into the passageway, after which the drug'"'"'s distribution within the passageway may be analyzed.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A three-dimensional in-vitro model apparatus of a human spine comprising:
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a model body comprising a column portion, the column portion defining a curved passageway in the shape of a human spinal canal, wherein the column portion comprises two mating halves, each half defining a portion of the passageway; and an artificial cord structure to simulate a human spinal cord structure located within the passageway of the column portion, wherein the cord structure is securable within the passageway such that an annular region is formed between a wall of the passageway and the cord structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of characterizing a distribution of a substance in a human spinal column, the method comprising:
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introducing a second fluid comprising the substance into a first fluid, the first fluid located within an annular region of a spinal model, the spinal model comprising; a model body comprising a column portion, the column portion defining a curved passageway that mimics a shape of a human spinal canal; and an artificial cord structure to simulate a human spinal cord, the cord structure located within the passageway of the column portion, wherein the cord structure is securable within the passageway such that the annular region is formed between a wall of the passageway and the cord structure; circulating the first fluid within the annular region, wherein circulating the first fluid comprises inducing an oscillating flow of the first fluid; and detecting a concentration of the substance within the first fluid at one or more locations along the passageway. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A three-dimensional in-vitro model of a human spine comprising:
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a column portion comprising a substantially enclosed passageway formed therein; a cord structure securable within the passageway, wherein an annular region is formed between a wall of the passageway and the cord structure; one or more connecting elements spanning across the annular region between the cord structure and the wall of the passageway; and one or more longitudinal fin members spanning across the annular region between the cord structure and the wall of the passageway. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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25. A three-dimensional in-vitro model of a human spine comprising:
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a column portion comprising a substantially enclosed passageway formed therein, wherein the passageway mimics a shape of a human spinal canal; a plurality of sampling ports extending through the column portion to the passageway; an artificial cord structure to simulate a human spinal cord, the cord structure securable within the passageway, wherein an annular region is formed between a wall of the passageway and the cord structure; a first fluid substantially filling the annular region; and an oscillatory device operable to induce an oscillatory flow of the first fluid. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A three-dimensional in-vitro model apparatus of a human spine comprising:
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a model body comprising a column portion, the column portion defining a curved passageway in the shape of a human spinal canal; a cord structure located within the passageway of the column portion, wherein the cord structure is securable within the passageway such that an annular region is formed between a wall of the passageway and the cord structure; a fluid within the annular region; and fin members extending between the cord structure and the wall of the passageway, the fin members operable to partition the annular region into two or more longitudinal chambers. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32)
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33. A three-dimensional in-vitro model apparatus of a human spine comprising:
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a model body comprising a column portion, the column portion defining a curved passageway in the shape of a human spinal canal; an artificial cord structure to simulate a human spinal cord, the cord structure located within the passageway of the column portion, wherein the cord structure is securable within the passageway such that an annular region is formed between a wall of the passageway and the cord structure; a fluid occupying the annular region; and an oscillatory flow apparatus operable to create an oscillating flow of the fluid through the annular region.
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34. A three-dimensional in-vitro model of a human spine comprising:
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a column portion comprising a substantially enclosed passageway formed therein, wherein the column portion comprises two mating halves, each halve defining a portion of the passageway; a cord structure securable within the passageway, wherein an annular region is formed between a wall of the passageway and the cord structure; and one or more connecting elements spanning across the annular region between the cord structure and the wall of the passageway.
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Specification