Abstract: Described herein are hand-held inhalation devices for use with tidal breathing that deliver powdered active agents to the respiratory system. The inhalation devices deliver a unit dose of the powdered active agent over a series of inhalations during tidal breathing. Methods for using the inhalation devices and kits for inhalation delivery of various active agents are also described.

Abstract: The present invention features devices and methods for delivery of drug to an internal organ surface by delivery of drug directly to the surface of the organ such that the drug traverses the organ surface and enters the organ tissue. The device is in the form of an implantable drug delivery patch comprising a first layer, which is generally substantially drug-impermeable. When the first layer is placed on an outer surface of an organ, a drug reservoir is defined by the first layer and the organ surface.

Abstract: An infusion catheter for delivering drugs or other agents to selected sites in an organism, such as a human. In an alternate embodiment, a catheter system is disclosed having an infusion catheter and a pump that may be implanted or disposed outside the organism. In either embodiment, the free end of the catheter bears a rounded tip that has at least one elution hole for discharging an agent or drug to a selected site. The catheter has a tubular inner liner that is integral with the tip. The inner liner and tip are formed from a drug compatible polymeric material that is relatively nonporous and unreactive with the agent to be infused. A biocompatible flexible elastomeric tubular jacket surrounds the inner liner and a portion of the tip excluding that portion containing the elution hole or holes.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for continuously administering an analgesic to the neuraxis of an organism. The device comprises a polymeric matrix body loaded with the analgesic. The body is implanted in the neuraxis where the analgesic diffuses into the neuraxis.

Abstract: An access port is described that allows for filtered introduction of a drug while also allowing bypass of the filter when taking CSF samples. The access port is in fluid communication with a catheter that is surgically implanted in a patient's brain or intraspinal space. The access port has a first chamber in fluid communication with the catheter through a bioretentive filter and a one-way valve. The one-way valve allows fluid to flow only in the direction from the first chamber to the catheter. The bioretentive filter filters the fluid to remove particulate matter, bacteria or other undesirable objects prior to introduction of the fluid to the CSF. The access port also includes a second chamber that is in fluid communication with the catheter. The second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a needle screen and a septum.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for continuously administering an analgesic to the neuraxis of an organism. The device comprises a polymeric matrix body loaded with the analgesic. The body is implanted in the neuraxis where the analgesic diffuses into the neuraxis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for determining the amount of drug remaining in a bellows type or bladder type drug reservoir. With a bellows type drug reservoir, a strain gauge is connected to one end of the bellows and to the bulk head to which the bellows reservoir is attached. With a bladder type drug reservoir, a strain gauge is connected at one end to an end plate attached to the bladder and at the other end to a bulk head. In a variant of these embodiment, the strain gauge is attached at one end to either the bellows or end plate and at the other end to an anchor point that has a fixed distance from the bulk head. In a further embodiment with a bladder type drug reservoir, the reservoir is constrained between a bulk head and an immovable end plate. A strain gauge is attached at one end to a point on the reservoir that moves in response to the filling or depletion of drug from the reservoir. The other end of the strain gauge is attached to an immovable point.

Abstract: An infusion catheter for delivering drugs or other agents to selected sites in an organism, such as a human. In an alternate embodiment, a catheter system is disclosed having an infusion catheter and a pump that may be implanted or disposed outside the organism. In either embodiment, the free end of the catheter bears a rounded tip that has at least one elution hole for discharging an agent or drug to a selected site. The catheter has a tubular inner liner that is integral with the tip. The inner liner and tip are formed from a drug compatible polymeric material that is relatively nonporous and unreactive with the agent to be infused. A biocompatible flexible elastomeric tubular jacket surrounds the inner liner and a portion of the tip excluding that portion containing the elution hole or holes.