Implantable pump apparatuses

• US 7,780,623 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2005
• Issued: 08/24/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David P. Soltanpour
• Original Assignee: David P. Soltanpour
• Inventors: Soltanpour, David P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Deak; Leslie R
• Application Number:
  US11/261,739
• Publication Number:
  US 20070106199A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,758 Days
• Field of Search: 604/8, 604/9, 604/6.16, 604/119, 604/151, 604/890.1, 623/14.13, 623/3.12, 623/23.68
• US Class Current: 604/9
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0017 implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00781 Apparatus for modifying intraocular pressure, e.g. for glaucoma treatment drainage implants in general A61M27/002
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/82 Membrane pumps, e.g. bulbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0244 Micromachined materials, e.g. made from silicon wafers, microelectromechanical systems [MEMS] or comprising nanotechnology
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0283 Electro-active polymers [EAP]
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0612 Eyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14586 pressurised by means of a flexible diaphragm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14593 the diaphragm being actuated by fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/04 Pumps having electric drive

Abstract

An implantable, miniature pump assembly having a flexible elastic bladder actuating assembly. The bladder, in the non-flexed state, has an elongated, substantially rectangular profile, with a predetermined internal volume or capacity. Influent and effluent conduits extend in opposite directions from respective end portions of the bladder. Each of the conduits include one way valves disposed therein to limit fluid flow to a single direction into and through the bladder. Contraction and expansion of the bladder by means of energy harvested from the dynamic environment in which it is implanted in response to ambient random dynamic motion creates alternating pressure and vacuum within the bladder, alternately drawing fluid into the bladder through the influent conduit, and forcing fluid from the bladder via the effluent conduit. The bladder pump assembly harvests its operational energy from the random dynamic motion of the surrounding organs and tissues and therefore does not require an internal or external power source.

Claims

1. A pump assembly for implantation into an anterior chamber of a human eye for controlling ocular pressure comprising:

a main body with a unitary construction and formed of an elastic material into an elastic bladder, having an anterior end, a posterior end, and an interior chamber;

an intake conduit having an open end, and an opposing end of said intake conduit fluidly coupled to said anterior end;

an outlet conduit having an open end, and an opposing end fluidly coupled to said interior chamber at one end;

a first valve means for selectively allowing fluid flow from said intake conduit to said interior chamber, a second valve means for selectively allowing fluid flow from said interior chamber into and through said drainage conduit;

fluid displacement means for causing fluid flow through said main body, said fluid displacement means including said elastic bladder having elastic sidewalls biased in an expanded state where elasticity of said elastic bladder sidewalls is varied in accordance with a measured ocular pressure in said anterior chamber;

whereby said elastic sidewalls are constructed and configured such that external pressure fluctuations cause deflection and/or expansion of said elastic sidewalls harvesting energy from an implantation environment and using said energy to continuously pump fluid out of the anterior chamber.

2. The pump assembly of claim 1 wherein said main body, said intake conduit, said discharge conduit, and said distribution plate are made of a biocompatible material.

3. The pump assembly of claim 1 wherein said main body, said intake conduit, said discharge conduit, and said distribution plate are made of medical grade silicone rubber.

4. The pump assembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly is implanted in a human head to address hydrocephalus and the self-powered drainage of excess liquid from a swollen brain which has experienced trauma, said assembly further excluding a fluid distribution plate.

5. The pump assembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly is implanted anywhere in a human or animal body for self-powered drug delivery, said assembly further comprising a drug reservoir positioned proximate to said bladder pump.