Implantable drug-delivery devices, and apparatus and methods for refilling the devices

• US 9,901,687 B2
• Filed: 04/23/2013
• Issued: 02/27/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: University of Southern California
• Original Assignee: University of Southern California
• Inventors: Meng, Ellis Fan-chuin, Humayun, Mark S., Lo Mann, Ronalee, Li, Po-Ying, Saati, Saloomeh
• Primary Examiner(s): BERDICHEVSKY, AARTI
• Application Number:
  US13/868,649
• Publication Number:
  US 20130289482A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,771 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0017 implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14284 with needle insertion means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0238 having means for locating the implanted device to insure proper injection, e.g. radio-emitter, protuberances, radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/582 by tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6054 Magnetic identification systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6063 Optical identification systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/045 for filling, e.g. for filling reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0612 Eyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/0208 Subcutaneous access sites for injecting or removing fluids transcutaneous access sites A61M39/0247; implantable infusion devices A61M5/14276
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/158 Needles for infusions; Accessories therefor, e.g. for inserting infusion needles, or for holding them on the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/427 Locating point where body is to be pierced, e.g. vein location means using ultrasonic waves, injection site templates
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/46 having means for controlling depth of insertion

Abstract

In various embodiments, a needle is employed in refilling drug-delivery devices.

Claims

1. An implantable drug-delivery device, comprising:

a drug reservoir;

a needle entry port comprising a throat for receiving a refill needle therethrough, the throat opening into a vestibule that is in fluid communication with the drug reservoir; and

a visualization ring surrounding the needle entry port, the visualization ring being visible through ocular tissue so as to visually indicate a position of the needle entry port,

wherein the vestibule (i) is wider than the throat, and (ii) comprises a stop on a wall opposite the throat for halting progress of a needle into the vestibule through the throat.

2. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the stop is sized so as to halt the progress of a needle comprising an exit port at a point at which the exit port is in fluid communication with the vestibule.

3. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the stop is cupshaped.

4. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the stop is constructed of a biocompatible material.

5. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the stop is constructed of at least one of a metal, a plastic, or a composite material.

6. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the stop is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of PDMS, polyimide, polypropylene, PEEK, polycarbonate, an acetyl film, polyoxymethylene plastic, gold, stainless steel, nickel, and chrome.

7. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1 further comprising a check valve located between the vestibule and the drug reservoir.

8. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the needle entry port further comprises a self-sealing material.

9. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the visualization ring is constructed of a biocompatible material.

10. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the visualization ring is constructed of a material that withstands penetration by the refill needle.

11. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the visualization ring is visible through a patient'"'"'s conjunctiva.

12. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the visualization ring comprises a light emitting diode.

13. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1 further comprising a light emitting diode and optical fiber for conducting light from the light emitting diode to and around the visualization ring.

14. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the visualization ring comprises a material that enhances surface echogenicity and acoustic shadowing.

15. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1 further comprising electronics to move or vibrate the visualization ring.

16. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the visualization ring comprises a magnetic material.

17. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 1, wherein the visualization ring comprises a fluorescent pigment.

18. The implantable drug-delivery device of claim 17, wherein the fluorescent pigment is selected from the group consisting of a luminescent aerogel, a nanoparticle, a phthalocyanine pigment, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine, coumarin, cyanine, an Alexa Fluor, a DyLight Fluor, a quantum dot, a green fluorescent protein, and a luciferin.