摘要:
The present invention provides systems, devices, and related methods, involving electrochemical actuation. In some cases, application of a voltage or current to a system or device of the invention may generate a volumetric or dimensional change, which may produce mechanical work. For example, at least a portion of the system may be constructed and arranged to be displaced from a first orientation to a second orientation. Systems such as these may be useful in various applications, including pumps (e.g., infusion pumps) and drug delivery devices, for example.
摘要:
A uniaxially compressed dosage form manufactured by three-dimensional printing that preserves the predetermined internal architecture of the dosage form while producing an improved surface finish. The compression compacts the dosage form, eliminating at least some of the void space that remains at the end of conventional three-dimensional printing. Surface finish obtained as a result of the uniaxial compression process can be essentially equal to that obtained from conventional tablet pressing. Additionally, the internal structure or spatial variation of composition of the dosage form is preserved during the pressing operation, with geometric shrinkage occurring mostly in the direction of the axis of pressing. Further, as a result of compression, a greater quantity of API can be packed into a given final volume of dosage form.
摘要:
Microchip device arrays that can conform to a curved surface are provided for the controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents. The arrays comprise two or more microchip device elements, each of which includes a plurality of reservoirs that contain molecules for controlled release or components for selective exposure, and a means for flexibly connecting the device elements. The reservoirs can contain one or more drugs and/or one or more secondary devices, such as a sensor or a component thereof. Preferably, the microchip devices contain and controllably release therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic molecules to and into the eye of a patient in need thereof.
摘要:
Solid free-form techniques for making medical devices for implantation and growth of cells from polymers or polymer/inorganic composites using computer aided design are described. Examples of SFF methods include stereo-lithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM), fusion deposition modeling (FDM), and three dimensional printing (3DP). The devices can incorporate inorganic particles to improve the strength of the walls forming the pores within the matrix and to provide a source of mineral for the regenerating tissue. The devices can contain tissue adhesion peptides, or can be coated with materials which reduce tissue adhesion. The macrostructure and porosity of the device can be manipulated by controlling printing parameters. Most importantly, these features can be designed and tailored using computer assisted design (CAD) for individual patients to optimize therapy.
摘要:
Solid free-form techniques for making medical devices for controlled release of bioactive agent and implantation and growth of Cells are described using computer aided design. Examples of SFF methods include stereo-lithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM), fusion deposition modeling (FDM), and three dimensional printing (3DP). The macrostructure and porosity of the device can be manipulated by controlling printing parameters. Most importantly, these features can be designed and tailored using computer assisted design (CAD) for individual patients to optimize therapy.
摘要:
A method is provided for local controlled delivery of a drug to the seminal vesicle, the prostate, the ejaculatory duct, or the vas deferens of a patient in need of treatment. In one embodiment, the method includes implanting a resorbable drug delivery device within the seminal vesicle, the prostate, the ejaculatory duct, or the vas deferens of the patient. The drug delivery device may include an elastic device body housing at least one drug reservoir which contains at least one drug. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes releasing the drug from the device in a controlled manner to, typically directly to, the seminal vesicle, the prostate, the ejaculatory duct, or the vas deferens.
摘要:
Method are provided for treating a patient having bladder pain and/or irritative voiding symptoms. The method includes administering to the patient's bladder lidocaine or another anesthetic agent continuously over a treatment period of 24 hours or more in an amount effective to achieve a therapeutic effect which is sustained beyond the end of the treatment period.
摘要:
Intravesical devices are provided that are wholly deployable within the bladder of a patient in need of treatment and are well tolerated by the patient. The device may include an elastic body having a retention shape having (i) dimensions that provide intravesical mobility and that prevent voiding of the medical device through the urethra, and (ii) dimensions, buoyancy, or both, that exclude the medical device from entering the orifices of the ureters. The elastic body may exert a maximum acting force less than 1 N when compressed to a shape with a maximum dimension in any dimension of 3 cm. The device may include a drug for controlled release within the bladder, for treatment of the bladder or a regional tissue. Methods of treatment are also provided that include selecting a patient in need of treatment in the bladder where tolerability of the treatment is a primary concern.
摘要:
A method is provided for monitoring the status of a medical device implanted in a patient. The method includes the steps of implanting in a patient a medical device which comprises (i) a substrate in which two or more reservoirs are located, with each covered by a reservoir cap, (ii) a drug or sensor located in the reservoir, (iii) a power source and actuation electronics for disintegrating or permeabilizing the reservoir cap, and (iv) a telemetry system; and then using said telemetry system to wirelessly transmit to a remote controller data about the condition of the power source and/or data about which reservoirs have been or have yet to be activated to release the drug therefrom or to expose the sensor therein.