Abstract: An implantable device has an outer shell that includes an aperture through the housing of the device and, spanning the aperture, a membrane structure permeable to gas but not to liquid. In this way, excess gas may be vented from the device. The membrane and aperture are designed to discourage or even prevent tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: Tubular polymeric structures are formed by creating a convex mold conforming to a fluid pathway design, depositing a coating of polymer over the mold, and in situ removing the mold without drawing it against the polymer.

Abstract: Modular microfluidic channel structures for conducting liquid from a reservoir include a sensor for monitoring a parameter (such as flow rate or pressure) relating to liquid flowing therethrough. The microfluidic channel generally comprises a thermally insulating substrate made of one or more materials such as, e.g., glass, fused silica, parylene, and/or silicone.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include an electrolysis chamber, a drug chamber and an osmosis chamber, the osmosis chamber having a first portion in contact with the drug chamber and a second portion exposed to facilitate contact with a surrounding fluid. The pump further includes a cannula for conducting liquid from the drug chamber and electrolysis electrodes within the electrolysis chamber for causing generation of a gas therein, the electrolysis and drug chambers being in contact such that gas electrolysis within electrolysis chamber forces fluid from the drug chamber into the cannula, contact between the drug chamber and the osmosis chamber permitting fluid admitted into the osmotic chamber from the surrounding fluid to offset volume loss from the drug chamber and prevent buildup of vacuum pressure thereon.

Abstract: In various embodiments, actuation of a drug-delivery pump is controlled based on a change in a condition of the pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a first expandable diaphragm and a second flexible diaphragm, and first and second chambers each for containing a fluid, wherein the first expandable diaphragm separates the first and second chambers and provides a fluid barrier therebetween, and the second chamber is formed between the first expandable diaphragm and the second flexible diaphragms. The pump may further include electrolysis electrodes within the first chamber for causing generation of a gas therein and to thereby expand the expandable diaphragm so that fluid is forced from the second chamber into a cannula.

Abstract: Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump.

Abstract: A surgical sizer for creating a tissue pocket for an implantable medical device may include a replica of the device and a (preferably ergonomic) handle portion, optionally with marking features that facilitate marking the tissue for precise implant placement and alignment.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool is employed in filling a drug-delivery device. The tool may include, for example, a needle that is admitted through a fill port of the drug-delivery device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include an electrolysis chamber, a drug chamber and an osmosis chamber, the osmosis chamber having a first portion in contact with the drug chamber and a second portion exposed to facilitate contact with a surrounding fluid. The pump further includes a cannula for conducting liquid from the drug chamber and electrolysis electrodes within the electrolysis chamber for causing generation of a gas therein, the electrolysis and drug chambers being in contact such that gas electrolysis within electrolysis chamber forces fluid from the drug chamber into the cannula, contact between the drug chamber and the osmosis chamber permitting fluid admitted into the osmotic chamber from the surrounding fluid to offset volume loss from the drug chamber and prevent buildup of vacuum pressure thereon.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a first expandable diaphragm and a second flexible diaphragm, and first and second chambers each for containing a fluid, wherein the first expandable diaphragm separates the first and second chambers and provides a fluid barrier therebetween, and the second chamber is formed between the first expandable diaphragm and the second flexible diaphragms. The pump may further include electrolysis electrodes within the first chamber for causing generation of a gas therein and to thereby expand the expandable diaphragm so that fluid is forced from the second chamber into a cannula.

Abstract: A tool for refilling an implantable pump having at least one reservoir. The tool includes a plurality of independent fluid channels; a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a first one of the fluid channels; at least one pump fluidly coupled to the fluid channels, the at least one pump and the independent fluid channels differing from each other in number, wherein (i) a pump is configured to apply positive pressure to the first fluid channel so as to drive fluid from the fluid reservoir therethrough, and (ii) a pump is configured to apply negative pressure to the second fluid channel; and a connector for removably connecting the fluid channels to the at least one reservoir.

Abstract: Elastomeric check valves for use, e.g., in small pump devices, may include a molded elastomeric valve body forming a pocket that extends from an opening at the valve inlet to a terminus inside the valve body, and having a slit extending from the terminus to a valve outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include an electrolysis chamber, a drug chamber and an osmosis chamber, the osmosis chamber having a first portion in contact with the drug chamber and a second portion exposed to facilitate contact with a surrounding fluid. The pump further includes a cannula for conducting liquid from the drug chamber and electrolysis electrodes within the electrolysis chamber for causing generation of a gas therein, the electrolysis and drug chambers being in contact such that gas electrolysis within electrolysis chamber forces fluid from the drug chamber into the cannula, contact between the drug chamber and the osmosis chamber permitting fluid admitted into the osmotic chamber from the surrounding fluid to offset volume loss from the drug chamber and prevent buildup of vacuum pressure thereon.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a first expandable diaphragm and a second flexible diaphragm, and first and second chambers each for containing a fluid, wherein the first expandable diaphragm separates the first and second chambers and provides a fluid barrier therebetween, and the second chamber is formed between the first expandable diaphragm and the second flexible diaphragms. The pump may further include electrolysis electrodes within the first chamber for causing generation of a gas therein and to thereby expand the expandable diaphragm so that fluid is forced from the second chamber into a cannula.

Abstract: Electrolytically driven drug pump devices may be configured so as to ensure sustained contact of the electrolysis electrodes with the electrolyte, thereby improving the reliability and/or pump capacity of the devices.