MAGNETICALLY ASSISTED MEDICATION DELIVERY METHOD

• US 20090216066A1
• Filed: 04/29/2009
• Published: 08/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: P TECH, LLC
• Original Assignee: P TECH, LLC
• Inventors: Bonutti, Peter M.
• Application Number:
  US12/431,835
• Publication Number:
  US 20090216066A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/12
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00124 electrical, e.g. electrical plug-and-socket connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/005 Flexible endoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/015 Control of fluid supply or evacuation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/07 using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/065 Determining position of the probe employing exclusively positioning means located on or in the probe, e.g. using position sensors arranged on the probe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/0841 for locating instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/12 in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters catheters per se A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4254 using sensors mounted on the probe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4263 using sensors not mounted on the probe, e.g. mounted on an external reference frame
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/445 Details of catheter construction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/461 Displaying means of special interest
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0411 with means for differentiating between oesophageal and tracheal intubation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0434 Cuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0488 Mouthpieces; Means for guiding, securing or introducing the tubes guiding or introducing with laryngoscopes A61B1/267; holding devices on the body A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0495 with tongue depressors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0497 Tube stabilizer
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0008 having visible markings on its surface, i.e. visible to the naked eye, for any purpose, e.g. insertion depth markers, rotational markers or identification of type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/022 : specifically adapted for the mouth
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/09008 : having a balloon
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/091 : having a lumen for drug delivery or suction
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0272 : Electro-active or magneto-active materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/587 : Lighting arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0102 : Insertion or introduction using an inner stiffening member, e.g. stylet or push-rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0108 : using radio-opaque or ultrasound markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/09 : Guide wires

Abstract

A tracheal tube positioning apparatus is located relative to a patient'"'"'s trachea by engaging the patient'"'"'s Adam'"'"'s apple. Indicia on relatively movable sections of the positioning apparatus provides an indication of the distance between the patient'"'"'s mouth and the patient'"'"'s larynx. A flexible guide rod is moved through a distance corresponding to the distance between the patient'"'"'s mouth and larynx, as determined by the positioning apparatus. A magnet is utilized to attract a leading end portion of the guide rod. A plurality of emitters may be disposed in an array around the patient'"'"'s Adam'"'"'s apple. Outputs from the emitters are detected by a detector connected with the guide rod and by a detector connected with the tracheal tube. Alternatively, a plurality of detectors may be disposed in an array around the patient'"'"'s Adam'"'"'s apple to detect the output from an emitter connected with the guide rod and by an emitter connected with the tracheal tube. Expandable elements may be connected with the guide rod and/or tracheal tube to steer movement along an insertion path.

Claims

1. A method for administering a medication to a treatment site in a body of a patient, the method comprising:

inserting the medication into the body of the patient;

applying a magnetic field to the body of the patient; and

guiding the medication within the body of the patient to the treatment site with the magnetic field.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein guiding the medication within the body of the patient includes controlling the magnetic field.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the magnetic field is controlled by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field emanates from a location outside of the patient'"'"'s body.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the magnetic field is provided by a magnet positioned on an exterior surface of the body of the patient.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field emanates from a location within the patient'"'"'s body.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein a magnet generates the magnetic field and the magnet is inserted into the body of the patient through a tubular structure.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field is provided by a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field is provided by an electromagnet and the electromagnet is selectively energized or de-energized.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field is provided by an electromagnet and current flow to the electromagnet is reversed in direction to sequentially attract and repel the medication.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein interaction between magnetizable or magnetic particles and the magnetic field guide the medication within the body of the patient.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the medication is inserted into the body of the patient at a location remote from the treatment site.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the medication is inserted into the body of the patient through a tubular structure.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field is generated with multiple magnets.

15. A method for controllably guiding a medication from an initial location within a body of a patient to a desired location within the body of the patient, the method comprising:

applying a magnetic field to the body of the patient; and

moving the medication within the body of the patient from the initial location to the treatment site with the magnetic field.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the magnetic field emanates from a location outside of the patient'"'"'s body.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the magnetic field emanates from a location within the patient'"'"'s body.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein a magnet generates the magnetic field and the magnet is inserted into the body of the patient through a tubular structure.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein the magnetic field is provided by an electromagnet and the electromagnet is selectively energized or de-energized.

20. The method of claim 15 wherein the magnetic field is provided by an electromagnet and current flow to the electromagnet is reversed in direction to sequentially attract and repel the medication.

21. The method of claim 15 wherein interaction between magnetizable or magnetic particles and the magnetic field guide the medication within the body of the patient.

22. The method of claim 15 wherein the medication is inserted into the body of the patient through a tubular structure.

23. The method of claim 15 wherein the magnetic field is generated with multiple magnets.