MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS
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. A valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of the pressure applied to the device may be included.
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This application is a divisional of, claims priority to and the benefit of, and incorporates by reference herein in its entirety U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/686,310, which was filed on Mar. 14, 2007 and which claimed priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/781,969, filed Mar. 14, 2006, entitled “Provisional Patent Report: Implantable MEMS Ocular Drug Delivery System,” which is also incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&DWork leading to the invention described herein was supported by the U.S. Government, so the U.S. Government has certain rights to the invention pursuant to Grant No. EEC-0310723 awarded by the National Science Foundation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This application relates generally to devices and methods for delivery of therapeutic agents to a patient, and more specifically to delivery of therapeutic agents by an implanted device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Medical treatment often requires administration of a therapeutic agent (e.g., medicament, drugs) to a particular part of the body. Intravenous injection has long been a mainstay in medical practice to deliver drugs systemically. Some maladies, however, requires administration of drugs to anatomical regions or portions to which access is more difficult to achieve.
Eyes are a prime example of anatomical regions in which access is constrained. Ocular pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are best treated by administration of drugs to the vitreous humor, which has no fluid communication with the vasculature. Such administration not only delivers drug directly to where it is needed, but also importantly minimizes the exposure of the rest of the body to the drug and therefore to its inevitable side effects.
Injection into the patient's body (e.g., into the vitreous humor of the eye), while medically feasible, delivers a bolus of drug. Many times, however, administration of a bolus of drug is undesirable. For example, drugs often have concentration-dependent side effects that limit the maximum concentration optimally administered to the body. Certain drugs exert their therapeutic action only when their concentration exceeds a threshold value for a given period. For such drugs, the exponential decay in concentration with time of a bolus injection would necessitate repeated injections to maintain the desired drug concentration in the body. Repeated injections not only entail the expense and inconvenience of repeated office visits, but also the unpleasantness of the injections themselves. In addition, with regard to intraocular treatments, repeated injections increase the risk of damage to the eye through infection, hemorrhage, or retinal detachment.
These problems are particularly severe in the case of chronic ailments that require long-term administration of a drug either for treatment and/or for prophylactic maintenance. Other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, are now treated by devices that gradually deliver therapeutic medicaments over time, avoiding or at least reducing the “sawtooth” pattern associated with repeated administration of boluses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn certain embodiments, an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient is provided. The device comprises a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent. The device further comprises a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, the cannula having an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the patient. The device further comprises a valve comprising a movable element movable between a first position and a second position. The movable element comprises an orifice therethrough, wherein the liquid flows through the orifice to the outlet when the movable element is in the first position and wherein the liquid does not flow through the orifice to the outlet when the movable element is in the second position.
In certain embodiments, an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient is provided. The device comprises a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent. The device further comprises a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula has an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the patient. The device further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is planar. The device further comprises a material in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes. A voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode produces gas from the material, the gas forcing the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the outlet.
In certain embodiments, a method of making an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient is provided. The method comprises forming a plurality of structural layers. The method further comprises bonding the plurality of structural layers together to form a reservoir configured to contain a liquid and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, the cannula having an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the patient.
In certain embodiments, a method is provided for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient. The method comprises providing a device implanted in or on a patient. The device comprises a reservoir containing a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent. The device further comprises a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, the cannula having an outlet in fluid communication with the patient. The device further comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a material in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes. The method further comprises applying a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to produce gas from the material, the gas forcing the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the outlet. The method further comprises applying a second voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to produce the material from the gas.
Unless otherwise specified, technical terms are used herein to have their broadest meaning to persons skilled in the art, including but not limited to, the meanings specified in the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th edition.
In vivo sustained release implants are a new and promising technology. Most utilize minimal surgery to be inserted. There is a trade-off between size and repeated use for these implants. Smaller devices provide comfort but contain a limited amount of drug, thus requiring replacement. Larger devices do not need to be replaced but instead can be refilled. Certain pharmaceutical treatments of chronic eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma) necessitate repeated doses to be delivered to the eye. Such devices are also advantageously small due to the space restrictions of the eye. Therefore, in certain embodiments described herein, drug delivery systems for the eye advantageously combine small size and a refillable reservoir.
Drug delivery devices for the eye have particularly demanding requirements. Clearly, any such device is advantageously made as small as possible to minimize the discomfort of its presence in the eye. On the other hand, the device advantageously holds as much drug as possible, to maximize the time before the drug supply is exhausted and the device must be replaced or refilled. These mutually antithetical requirements greatly complicate the challenge of designing practical implantable devices for delivering drugs within the eye. In addition, some applications, such as administering treatment within the eye, pose even more serious problems. Repeated injections can easily damage delicate ocular tissues, and can result in hemorrhage, infection, and cataracts. In addition, some areas of the body simply cannot be reached by injection.
A need therefore exists for a device for drug delivery to a patient's body for which certain embodiments are small but can deliver a sufficient amount of drug over an extended period without needing to be replaced. Certain embodiments described herein answer this need by providing an implantable drug delivery device that, while small, is refillable, and therefore can supply a fluid, such as a solution of a drug, over extended periods by being refilled in situ rather than replaced. Certain embodiments described herein provide a device with a reservoir that has a self-resealing upper layer that can be pierced with a needle for refilling, and a lower layer that resists needle punctures and thereby protects the eye from accidental injury during the refilling process.
Certain embodiments described herein provide an implantable intraocular drug delivery system that includes a refillable reservoir, a cannula, and a valve. The refillable reservoir holds the fluid to be delivered, the cannula directs the fluid to the targeted site, and the valve controls when fluid is delivered and prevents backflow. The cannula of certain embodiments is tapered to facilitate its insertion into the eye. In general, the fluid will contain one or more drugs. The term “drug” is used herein to have its broadest meaning to persons skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, drug substance per se, medicaments, therapeutic agents, and fluids containing such substances.
The refillable reservoir 100 of certain embodiments can be used with a variety of drug-containing fluids. In some cases, it may be desirable to remove any remaining fluid from the reservoir 100 before refilling, for example to purge the device 5. In certain such embodiments, the fluid can be changed by removing any remaining fluid from the reservoir by inserting a needle or syringe through the self-sealing portion of the first wall 10 and filling the reservoir 100 with a new drug-containing fluid via a needle or syringe inserted through the self-sealing portion of the first wall 10. Purging, if desired, can be effected through cycles of injection and removal of a purging fluid.
In certain embodiments, refillability of the reservoir 100 advantageously allows the device 5 to be smaller than it may otherwise be because the reservoir 100 does not have to be sufficiently large to hold a lifetime supply of the drug to be administered. Furthermore, the smaller size of the device 5 advantageously reduces the invasiveness of the device 5 both for implantation and daily use.
In certain embodiments, the refillability of the reservoir 100 advantageously allows the physician to tailor the therapeutic regimen to the patient's changing needs or to take advantages of new advances in medicine. In certain embodiments, the refillable reservoir 100 advantageously stores at least a one-month supply of the drug (e.g., a six-month supply) to reduce the number of refills required.
In certain embodiments, the refillable reservoir 100 comprises a multi-layered structure comprising a first wall 10 and a second wall 50 which is generally unpuncturable by the needle. For example, the first wall 10 of certain embodiments comprises a pliable, drug-impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone) layer that does not leak after being pierced by a needle, and the second wall 50 comprises a layer comprising less pliable, more mechanically robust material (e.g., a stiffer material such as a polymer or composite) or comprising a greater thickness of the same material used to fabricate the first wall 10. In certain embodiments in which the device 5 is implanted in or on the eye, the second wall 50 is placed adjacent to the sclera of the eye, and the greater mechanical strength of the second wall 50 advantageously limits the stroke of the needle used to puncture the first wall 10 to refill the reservoir 100, thereby protecting the eye from accidental punctures. In certain embodiments, the reservoir 100 is formed by bonding the first wall 10 and the second wall 50 either to each other or to one or more intervening layers, as described more fully below. In certain embodiments, the reservoir 100 includes integral mechanical support structures 60 which reduce the possible contact area between the first wall 10 and the second wall 50 and which prevent the reservoir 100 from collapsing completely. For example, the mechanical support structures 60 can comprise one or more protrusions (e.g., posts) extending from at least one of the first wall 10 and the second wall 50. Other mechanical support structures are also compatible with various embodiments described herein.
In certain embodiments, the cannula 110 comprises an elongate first portion 70 and a wall 30 defining a lumen 72 through the cannula 110. In certain embodiments, the cannula 110 includes one or more integral mechanical support structures 74 in the lumen 72 of the cannula 110 to prevent the cannula 110 from collapsing and occluding the lumen 72. For example, the mechanical support structures 74 can comprise one or more protrusions (e.g., posts) extending from an inner surface of the first portion 70 of the cannula 110 towards the wall 30 of the cannula 110. Mechanical support structures 74 of certain embodiments have a height which extends from the inner surface of the first portion 70 to the wall 30 and a width which extends less than the full width of the lumen 72. Other mechanical support structures are also compatible with various embodiments described herein.
In certain embodiments, the cannula 110 comprises an end 117 which is configured to be inserted into the patient and which comprises the outlet 115. In certain embodiments, the end 117 of the cannula 110 is tapered to facilitate insertion into the eye. In certain other embodiments, the end 117 has rounded corners which advantageously allow easier insertion into the eye. The outer diameter of the cannula 110 of certain embodiments is less than or equal to the outer diameter of a 25-gauge needle. The outer diameter of the cannula 110 of certain other embodiments is less than 1 millimeter (e.g., 0.5 millimeter). In certain embodiments in which the device 5 is implantable in or on the eye, the outer diameter of the cannula 110 is sufficiently small to obviate the need for sutures at the insertion site and thereby to help maintain the integrity of the eye.
In certain embodiments, the cannula 110 comprises one or more flow regulator structures (e.g., valves) which advantageously maintain a constant flow rate such that the administered dosage depends on the duration that fluid flows through the cannula 110, rather than on the magnitude of an applied pressure which drives fluid flow through the cannula 110. Certain such embodiments advantageously provide more accurate control of the administered dosage. In certain embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, the one or more flow regulator structures of the cannula 110, the reservoir 100 includes one or more such flow regulator structures.
In certain embodiments, the cannula 110 includes one or more fluid flow isolation structures (e.g., valves) which advantageously isolate the reservoir 100 from the body (e.g., the eye) during various operations involving the reservoir 100 (e.g., purging, cleaning, refilling). Certain such embodiments advantageously prevent exchange of fluid (in either direction) between the reservoir 100 and the patient's body. In certain embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, the one or more fluid flow isolation structures of the cannula 110, the reservoir 100 includes one or more such fluid flow isolation structures.
In certain embodiments, the valve 120 is positioned at or near the end 117 of the cannula 110 which is insertable into the patient and comprises the outlet 115. The valve 120 in certain embodiments advantageously prevents unwanted diffusion of the drug from the device 5 into the patient's body (e.g., the eye). In certain embodiments, the valve 120 at or near the end 117 of the cannula 110 advantageously prevents backflow of material from the patient's body into the cannula 110.
The valve seat 80 of certain embodiments comprises a protrusion (e.g., post) extending from an inner surface of the cannula 110 towards the movable element 122 (e.g., the flexible portion of the wall 30), as shown schematically by
In certain embodiments, the portion of the wall 30 moves from the second position to the first position in response to pressure applied to the portion of the wall 30 by fluid within the cannula 110, as schematically illustrated by
Electrolytic pumps use electrochemically-generated gases to generate pressure that dispense fluid (e.g., drug-containing liquid) from one location to another. For example, application of a suitable voltage across two electrodes (typically gold, palladium, or platinum) immersed in an aqueous electrolyte produces oxygen and hydrogen gases that can be used to apply pressure to a piston, membrane, or other transducer. Electrolysis of water occurs rapidly and reversibly in the presence of a catalyst such as platinum, which in the absence of an applied voltage catalyzes recombination of the hydrogen and oxygen to reform water. In certain embodiments described herein, the device uses electrolytically-generated gas to pump the drug from the reservoir through the cannula to the patient. In certain such embodiments, use of electrolytic pumping advantageously facilitates electronic control over drug delivery.
Electrolytic pumps offer several advantages for drug delivery. Their low-temperature, low-voltage and low-power operation suits them well for long-term operation in vivo. For ocular applications, electrolytic pumps advantageously produce negligible heat, and can also achieve high stress-strain relationships. Moreover, they lend themselves readily to use of microelectronics to control the voltage applied to the pump (and therefore the temporal pattern of pressure generation), which allows device operation in either bolus and/or continuous dosage mode. Radiofrequency transmission/reception may also be used to provide wireless power and control of the microelectronic circuitry to operate the pump.
Electrolysis in a chamber in fluid communication with its exterior generates gases that force working fluid out of the chamber. Reversing the polarity of the applied voltage can reverse the process, thereby restoring the chamber to its original state. Since a small trickle charge can prevent this reverse process, this device can be held in place with little power (i.e., the device is latchable).
The support layer 305 of certain embodiments is liquid- and gas-impermeable, and in certain such embodiments, is also electrically insulative such that, absent any conductive material above the support layer 305, the first electrode 320 and the second electrode 330 are electrically insulated from one another. The first electrode 320 and the second electrode 330 are configured to be in electrical communication with a voltage source (not shown) which applies a voltage difference across the first electrode 320 and the second electrode 330.
As schematically illustrated in
The first portion 250 of certain embodiments further comprises an outer wall 360 which is liquid- and gas-impermeable. As described more fully below, the outer wall 360 is configured to be bonded to a corresponding wall of the second portion 260 of the device 200.
The first portion 250 of certain embodiments further comprises a first structure 370 between the first electrode 320 and the second electrode 330. As schematically illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the first portion 250 further comprises a second structure 374 above the first electrode 320 and a third structure 376 above the second electrode 330. In certain embodiments, the second structure 374 is mechanically coupled to the first structure 370 and the outer wall 360, as schematically illustrated by
In certain embodiments, at least one of the second structure 374 and the third structure 376 is flexible and is liquid- and gas-impermeable. For example, at least one of the second structure 374 and the third structure 376 comprise a flexible membrane (e.g., corrugated parylene film). At least one of the second structure 374 and the third structure 376 is configured to expand and contract with increases and decreases in pressure in the corresponding first region 380 and/or second region 385. In certain such embodiments, both the second structure 372 and the third structure 374 comprise portions of the same flexible membrane, as schematically illustrated by
In certain embodiments, a pair of interdigitated electrodes is fabricated on the same substrate as a parylene cannula for directing drugs. The electrolysis reaction can either occur in the same chamber containing the drug to be delivered or in a separate electrolysis chamber adjacent to the drug reservoir. In the latter case, the working fluid, or electrolyte, is sealed inside the electrolysis chamber.
The device 200 of certain embodiments further comprises a cannula 110 with one or more outlets 115. The cannula 110 is configured to be positioned such that the one or more outlets 115 are in fluid communication with the patient's body (e.g., the eye). In certain embodiments, the cannula 110 comprises parylene and has a generally elongate shape with a lumen therethrough in fluid communication with the reservoir 390 and the one or more outlets 115, as schematically illustrated by
In certain embodiments, the first region 380 and the second region 385 contain a material 390 which emits gas when a sufficient voltage is applied to the material 390. For example, in certain embodiments, the material 390 comprises water which is electrolytically separated by an applied voltage into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. As schematically illustrated by
In certain embodiments, the device 200 advantageously restricts gas produced at the first electrode 320 from mixing with gas produced at the second electrode 330. For example, as schematically illustrated by
In certain embodiments, the device 200 is powered by an internal battery (not shown), while in certain other embodiments, the device 200 is powered by an external source (not shown). In certain embodiments, both a battery and an external source are used. For example, even though the power can be recharged wirelessly, a smaller battery may be used to store the power for a week, thereby advantageously keeping the device small and minimally invasive.
The external source can be electrically coupled to the device 200 using wires or by wireless means (e.g., radiofrequency transmitter/receiver). By utilizing an external source and avoiding the use of an internal battery, the device 200 can advantageously be made smaller, and therefore less invasive. In addition, by wirelessly controlling the operation of the device 200 (e.g., turning it on and off), a handheld transmitter can be programmed to send a signal that communicates with the device to power the device when needed. For example, at times when less drug is needed, less power is transmitted, and less drug is pumped. There will be some threshold cutoff on the external power applicator for example that limits the implant from pumping too much drug. Wireless power is through the use of coils built into the implant and the external transmitter through a process of inductive powering.
In certain embodiments, the device 200 includes an integrated circuit for controlling operation of the device 200. Examples of integrated circuits compatible with certain such embodiments include but are not limited to, single-chip application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and application-specific standard products (ASSPs) that have become more common for implantable medical applications. Certain such integrated circuits advantageously consume as little power as possible, e.g., to extend battery life. and therefore lengthen the time between invasive replacement procedures. The ASIC will be the predominant chip for this implant that will help add additional features in its current low power embodiment. In certain embodiments, the device can include microelectronics to control the dosage and release, sensors for feedback control, anchoring structures to hold the device in place, supports to keep the reservoir from collapsing on itself when emptied, filtering structures, additional valves for more accurate flow control, a flow regulator to remove the adverse effects of pressure on drug delivery, and a programmable telemetry interface.
In certain embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of structural layers which are bonded together to form a reservoir configured to contain a liquid and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula has an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the patient. For example, the device can comprise three individual layers of a biocompatible polymer, such as polydimethylsiloxane, that are fabricated separately and then bonded together, as schematically illustrated by
In certain such embodiments, at least one of the structural layers is formed using a lithographic process (e.g., soft lithography).
As schematically illustrated by
The individual structural layers can be assembled and bonded together in certain embodiments by treating the surface of one or more of the structural layers with oxygen plasma for about one minute, although the time is not critical. Oxygen plasma changes the surface of the polydimethylsiloxane from hydrophobic to hydrophilic.
In certain embodiments, the bottom layer and the middle layer are placed into a plasma chamber with the sides that are to be bonded facing the plasma. Once the surfaces have been treated, the two pieces can be aligned with the aid of any polar liquid (e.g., ethanol, water). The liquid preserves the reactive hydrophilic surface providing more time to align the two layers. It also makes the pieces easier to manipulate for alignment since it lubricates the surfaces, which are otherwise sticky. The two-layer assembly can then be placed back into the chamber along with the top layer and the treatment and alignment procedure repeated. The entire assembly can then be baked (at 100° C. for 45 minutes) to reinforce the bonds. The bonded silicone appeared homogeneous by SEM and optical observation. Tests with pressurized N2 showed that the bonded silicone assembly withstood pressures of at least 25 psi.
In certain embodiments, the orifice 40 is made by, for example, inserting a small diameter coring needle into a sheet of silicone rubber that later forms the upper surface of the cannula. Other methods can also be used to generate this feature. The coring needle removes material to create the orifice. The valve seat 80 of certain embodiments is a post that protrudes from the bottom of the cannula 110 and extends the height of the channel to meet the top of the cannula. During assembly, the orifice 40 is centered over the valve seat 80 and rests on it to form the valve. In this configuration, the valve is said to be “normally-closed” and fluid will not pass through. Fluid pressure in the cannula 110 exceeding a certain value (cracking pressure) opens the valve and allows fluid to exit the device through a gap between valve seat 80 and movable element 122, as schematically illustrated by
As schematically illustrated by
Electrolysis electrodes (e.g., made of Ti/Pt, 200 Å/2000 Å thick, respectively) are formed over the dielectric layer (e.g., deposited and lithographically patterned), as schematically illustrated by
In certain embodiments, the device is implanted by attaching the main body of the device to the top of the eye and inserting the cannula into the anterior or the posterior segment of the eye. The device is affixed to the eye through use of current ophthalmic techniques such as sutures or eye tacks. In certain embodiments, a method of using the device comprises applying a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to produce gas from the material in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes. The gas forces liquid from the reservoir to flow from the reservoir to the outlet of the device. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises applying a second voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to produce the material from the gas. In this way, the device is used in a reversible manner in which the material can be regenerated from the gases, thereby avoiding having to refill the device with the material. In certain embodiments the material comprises water and the gas comprises hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. In certain embodiments, the first voltage and the second voltage are opposite in sign.
ExampleA device having a flexible parylene transscleral cannula allowing targeted delivery to tissues in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye is described below. The electrochemically driven drug delivery device was demonstrated to provide flow rates suitable for ocular drug therapy (pL/min to μL/min). Both continuous and bolus drug delivery modes were performed to achieve accurate delivery of a target volume of 250 nL. An encapsulation packaging technique was developed for acute surgical studies and preliminary ex vivo drug delivery experiments in porcine eyes were performed.
Pharmaceuticals for eye treatment advantageously penetrate the protective physiological barriers of the eye such as the cornea, sclera, and the blood-retina barrier and to target difficult-to-reach intraocular tissues such as the ciliary body, retina, and angle.
With miniaturized MEMS devices, precise delivery in either bolus or continuous mode is possible. The advantages of MEMS fabrication for producing miniaturized and efficient drug delivery systems are capable of targeted delivery to an interior tissues, refillable for long-term use, and automated to address patient compliance.
The electrolysis of water results in the phase transformation of liquid to gas and provides the actuation used to drive drug deliver in this example device. The net result of the electrolysis is the production of oxygen and hydrogen gas that contributes to a volume expansion of about a thousand times greater than that of the water used in the reaction. This gas evolution process proceeds even in a pressurized environment (e.g., 200 MPa). To drive gas generation and thus pumping, current control is useful for its direct correlation to pump rate and volume. If current is used to drive the reaction, the theoretical pump rate (qtheoretical in m3/s) at atmospheric pressure is given by: qtheoretical=0.75 (I/F)Vm, where I is current in amperes, F is Faraday's constant, and Vm is the molar gas volume at 25 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure. The theoretical generated or dosed gas volume (Vtheoretical in m3) can be determined by: Vtheoretical=qtheoreticalt, where t is the duration (in sec) that the current is applied. The efficiency (ii) of an electrolysis actuator as a pump can be defined as: ƒ=Vexperimental/Vtheoretical, where Vexperimental is the actual volume of the generated hydrogen and oxygen gases. Efficiency in electrochemical systems is affected by a number of parameters including electrode (material, surface area, geometry, and surface conditions), mass transfer (transport mode, surface concentration, adsorption), external (temperature, pressure, and time), solution (Bulk concentration of electroactive species, concentration of other species, solvent), and electrical (potential, current, quantity of electricity).
The electrolysis pump consists of two interdigitated platinum electrodes immersed in an electrolyte. This electrode geometry improves pumping efficiency by reducing the current path through the solution which serves to lower the heat generation. The gasses generated result in an internal pressure increase in the sealed reservoir which causes drug to be delivered through the cannula and into the eye. Electrolysis is a reversible process and ceases when the applied signal is turned off, thereby allowing the gradual recombination of hydrogen and oxygen to water.
Using the device illustrated by
The fabrication process of the pump and cannula chip started with a thermally oxidized silicon substrate (5000 Angstroms). LOR 3B (MIcroChem Corp., Newton, Mass.) was spun on at 3 krpm followed by AZ 1518 (AZ Electronic Materials, Branchburg, N.J.) at 3 krpm. Ti—Pt (200/2000 Angstroms was e-beam evaporated and patterned by lift-off in ST-22 photoresist stripper (ATMI, Danbury, Conn.) to define the interdigitated electrodes. A second lithography step was performed (AZ 1518 at 3 krpm) to define the cannula footprint. The oxide layer was etched using buffered HF acid to expose the Si below. The photoresist was stripped then the exposed Si was roughened by two cycles of XeF2 etching. The first sacrificial photoresist layer (AZ 4620 spun at 2.75 krpm and hard baked to yield a 5 micron thick layer) was applied to facilitate release of the cannula from the substrate. The first parylene C layer (7.5 microns) forming the bottom of the cannula was deposited followed by thermal evaporation of 2000 angstroms thick Cr etch mask. Following lithography (AZ 4620 at 500 rpm) the CR is etched in CR-7 (Cyanteck, Fremont, Calif.) and the photoresist is tripped. The parylene layer is then patterned in an oxygen plasma and the Cr etch mask is removed using Cr-7. A second photoresist sacrificial layer was deposited (AZ 4620 spun at 450 rpm and hard baked to yield a 25 micron thick layer) to define the channel height. A second parylene layer of 7.5 microns was deposited to complete the cannula. To define the cannula from the parylene/photoresist/parylene sandwich, Ti/Au (200/2000 angstroms) was deposited as an etch mask. The etch mask was pattered (AZ 4620 spun at 425 rpm) and etched first with Au etchant TFA (Transene Company, Inc., Danvers, Mass.) and then 10% HF. Finally, the sandwich is etched in oxygen plasma and the masking layer is stripped (Au etching TFA and 10% HF). Following the etch, the entire wafer was cleaned in 5% HF dip and by exposure to oxygen plasma. SU-8 2200 (MicroChem Corp., Newton, Mass.) was spun at 2200 rpm resulting in a 70 micron thick layer after post baking. The sacrificial photoresist was removed by dissolving in a 40 degree Celsius acetone solution for one day. The individual cannulae were released manually by gently lifting them of the substrate. Finally, individual dies were separated and the remaining silicon beneath each cannula was removed by scribing and breaking it off.
The pump chip containing the electrolysis actuator and cannula was combined with the drug reservoir and electrical wiring. The final product after assembly is shown in
To shape the package to fit comfortably on the curved contour of the eyeball, a silicone spacer (Sylgard 184, Dow Corning, Midland, Mich.) was casted against a stainless steel sphere of 17.5 mm in diameter. This layer of partially cured silicone (10:1 base to curing agent ratio, cured at 65 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. The sphere was removed and the resulting crater was filled with wax. A silicone reservoir was prepared by casting against a conventionally machined acrylic mold, partially-cured at 65 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. The mold produces a reservoir with internal dimensions of 6 mm×6 mm×1.5 mm. The silicone reservoir was aligned to the chip and spacer and the parylene cannula was then immersed in DI water which serves a mask to prevent coating by silicone rubber during the encapsulation step, thereby exploiting the hydrophobicity of silicone rubber. The stack was immersed in silicone prepolymer and cured at room temperature for 24 hours. Extraneous silicone material was removed from the device to complete the assembly process.
To investigate the performance of the electrolysis pump, experiments examining continuous delivery, bolus delivery, pump efficiency, gas recombination, and backpressure were conducted. For these tests, a custom testing apparatus was laser-machined (Mini/Helix 8000, Epilog, Golden, Colo.) in acrylic. The experimental setup consisted of a computer-controlled CCD camera (PL-A662, PixeLINK, Ottawa, Canada) for collecting flow data from a calibrated micro-pipette (Accu-Fill 90, Becton, Dickinson and Company) attached to the output port of the test fixture. Testing was performed using deionized water as the electrolyte. The electrolysis was initiated under constant current conditions (50 μA to 1.25 mA) for continuous delivery operation. The relationship between efficiency and recombination of hydrogen and oxygen to water was studied.
Bolus delivery was also examined. A constant current pulse (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mA) was applied for 1, 2, and 3 seconds. Repeated trials were performed (n=4) to obtain average dosing volume. Normal intraocular pressure (IOP) ranges from 5-22 mmHg (15.5±2.6 mmHg (mean±SD)). Values outside this range correspond to abnormal intraocular pressure which is a characteristic of glaucoma (>22 mmHg). Thus, it is helpful to characterize pump performance under these physiologically relevant conditions. The experimental setup was modified to include a water column attached to the outlet of the micro-pipette. Backpressure was applied to the drug delivery device by adjusting the height of the water column. Data was collected for backpressures corresponding to normal IOP (20 mmHg) and abnormal IOP (0 and 70 mmHg).
The prototype drug delivery devices were implanted in enucleated porcine eyes. Preliminary ex vivo surgical modeling in enucleated porcine eyes is useful to prepare for device demonstration in vivo. The operation of each surgical device was tested prior to the surgical experiment to check for clogs and integrity of the electrical connections. The drug reservoir was filled with dyed deionized water then the reservoirs were manually depressed which generates sufficient pressure to expel the fluid from the reservoir. A second test is conducted to verify operation of the electrolysis pump by connecting to an external power supply and driving fluid from the reservoir by electrolysis pumping. An enucleated porcine eye was prepared for the surgical study and a limbal incision was made (between the cornea and sclera). The cannula was implanted through the incision into the anterior chamber (
The electrolysis pump was operated at flow rates in the pL/min to 4/min range using driving currents from 5 μA to 1.25 mA (
Bolus delivery mode is also evaluated (
Initial surgical results show promising results in enucleated porcine eyes. Following removal of the device after the surgical experiment, post surgical examination of the cornea revealed a small blue spot above the iris near the position of the cannula tip indicating that dye was delivered into the eye.
The above description is by way of illustration only and is not intended to be limiting in any respect. While the above detailed description has described features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.
Claims
1. An implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient, the device comprising:
- a reservoir for a liquid;
- a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, the cannula having an outlet configured for fluid communication with the patient; and
- a valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of pressure applied to the device.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the reservoir comprises a first wall puncturable by a needle to facilitate refilling of the reservoir.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the first wall reseals itself upon removal of the needle.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein the reservoir further comprises a second wall which is generally unpuncturable by the needle.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the cannula outlet is insertable into the patient.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the valve is at the end of the cannula.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the cannula is parylene.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
- first and second electrodes and circuitry for activating the electrodes; and
- a flexible membrane disposed above the electrodes and defining a wall of the reservoir, the membrane being configured to expand and contract with increases and decreases in pressure, activation of the electrodes causing creation of a gas to thereby expand the membrane so that liquid is forced from the reservoir into the cannula.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein the membrane has a series of corrugations facilitating expansion and contraction thereof.
9. A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient from a drug pump implanted in the patient, the drug pump comprising a reservoir and a cannula, the method comprising the steps of:
- pumping a therapeutic liquid to a body site from the reservoir through the cannula; and
- maintaining a constant flow rate of the liquid through the cannula independent of the pressure applied to the drug pump.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the reservoir comprises a first wall, and further comprising the step of puncturing the first wall by a needle to facilitate refilling of the reservoir, the first wall resealing itself upon removal of the needle.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the constant flow is maintained by a valve.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the valve is disposed at the end of the cannula.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 11, 2011
Publication Date: Jun 16, 2011
Applicant: The University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
Inventors: Ellis MENG (Pasadena, CA), Yu-Chong Tai (Pasadena, CA), Mark S. Humayun (Glendale, CA), Rajat Agrawal (Redlands, CA), Ronalee Lo (Monterey Park, CA), Jason Shih (Yorba Linda, CA), Kenrick Kuwahara (Woodland Hills, CA), Po-Ying Li (Los Angeles, CA), Damien Rodger (Los Angeles, CA), Po-Jui Chen (Pasadena, CA)
Application Number: 13/026,121
International Classification: A61M 5/152 (20060101); A61M 5/14 (20060101);