Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a cleavable microneedle for delivery of therapeutic agent, wherein the needle includes a longitudinal body having a detachable portion that comprises at least one therapeutic agent. The microneedle may be configured to administer the therapeutic agent to the inner ear of a subject. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a microneedle using two-photon polymerization lithography.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for delivery of therapeutic agents across membranes such as to the inner ear. The system includes a plurality of microneedles that can be delivered to the round window membrane by a delivery device, e.g. catheter, and is capable of controlled penetration of the round window membrane to create temporary and self-closing perforations.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear having a distal portion including a plurality of apices and a plurality of valleys therebetween defining a plurality of serrated blades. An apparatus for controlled penetration of a membrane of the inner ear includes a member having a distal portion, and an outer surface defining a circumference around the member, the member defines a plurality of apices extending from a distal end of said member, a plurality of valleys, wherein each valley is disposed between neighboring apices, a plurality of cutting edges defined by the plurality of apices and the plurality of valleys disposed on the outer circumference of the member; a tip at a most distal end of each of the apices, and a trailing edge extending from the tip to the center of the member.

Abstract: A microneedle having a body including a base, shaft and pointed tip, and at least one lumen disposed within the shaft. The lumen having an opening that is offset from the tip and open to the exterior of the microneedle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear having a distal portion including a plurality of apices and a plurality of valleys therebetween defining a plurality of serrated blades.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a cleavable microneedle for delivery of therapeutic agent, wherein the needle includes a longitudinal body having a detachable portion that comprises at least one therapeutic agent. The microneedle may be configured to administer the therapeutic agent to the inner ear of a subject. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a microneedle using two-photon polymerization lithography.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for delivery of therapeutic agent to the inner ear. The system includes a plurality of micro-needles which can be delivered to the round window membrane by a delivery device, e.g. catheter, and is capable of controlled penetration of the round window membrane to create temporary and self-closing perforations. In some embodiments the micro-needles are hollow with a lumen for local drug delivery into the perforations. In other embodiments the micro-needles are solid and include a coating of therapeutic agent on exterior surface for delivery into the perforations.

Abstract: A silver coated needle, a medical device comprising the needle and a method for electrochemically detecting penetration through a semi-permeable membrane such as the round window membrane of a subject are described. Penetration through the membrane by the needle can be detected by observing the voltage change as the needle penetrates through the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for delivery of therapeutic agent to the inner ear. The system includes a plurality of micro-needles which can be delivered to the round window membrane by a delivery device, e.g. catheter, and is capable of controlled penetration of the round window membrane to create temporary and self-closing perforations. In some embodiments the micro-needles are hollow with a lumen for local drug delivery into the perforations. In other embodiments the micro-needles are solid and include a coating of therapeutic agent on exterior surface for delivery into the perforations.