Microminiature infusion pump

• US 7,776,029 B2
• Filed: 01/24/2002
• Issued: 08/17/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
• Inventors: Whitehurst, Todd K, McClure, Kelly H, McGivern, James P
• Primary Examiner(s): Lucchesi; Nicholas D
• Assistant Examiner(s): KOHARSKI, CHRISTOPHER
• Application Number:
  US10/057,144
• Publication Number:
  US 20040082908A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,127 Days
• Field of Search: 604 20- 22, 6048901-8921, 604 65- 67, 60428801-28804
• US Class Current: 604/890.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14208 with a programmable infusion control system, characterised by the infusion program
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0244 Micromachined materials, e.g. made from silicon wafers, microelectromechanical systems [MEMS] or comprising nanotechnology
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/054 with electrotherapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14224 Diaphragm type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14228 with linear peristaltic action, i.e. comprising at least three pressurising members or a helical member
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/32 alternating or intermittent currents applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling A61N1/40; microwave apparatus A61N5/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain

Abstract

An implantable microminiature infusion device includes a reservoir for holding a therapeutic fluid or other substance and a driver, e.g., a pump, that delivers the therapeutic fluid or substance to a patient within whom the device is implanted. The device further includes at least two electrodes coupled to pulse generation circuitry, thereby allowing therapeutic electrical stimulation to also be delivered to the patient.

Claims

1. An implantable microminiature system comprising:

means for delivering at least one therapeutic substance to a patient, wherein the therapeutic substance delivering means is implanted in a patient;

means for delivering therapeutic electrical stimulation to the patient, wherein the electrical stimulation means is integral with the therapeutic substance delivering means and is implanted in the patient;

at least one sensor, wherein the sensor senses a need for a therapeutic effect of the at least one therapeutic substance and the electrical stimulation; and

means for providing power to the therapeutic substance delivering means, the electrical stimulation delivering means, and the at least one sensor, wherein the power providing means is within the implantable microminiature system.

2. The implantable microminiature system of claim 1 further including at least one lead attached to the implantable microminiature infusion pump and wherein at least a portion of the means for delivering therapeutic electrical stimulation are carried by the at least one lead.

3. The implantable microminiature system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the means for delivering at least one therapeutic substance and at least a portion of the means for delivering therapeutic electrical stimulation are housed within a pancake-shaped housing.

4. The implantable microminiature system of claim 3 wherein at least a portion of the means for delivering at least one therapeutic substance is located on a circumferential edge of said housing.

5. The implantable microminiature system of claim 3 wherein a plurality of portions of the means for delivering at least one therapeutic substance are spaced apart along a circumferential edge of said housing.