Implantable therapy systems and methods

US6179826A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Brown University Research Foundation · US

Inventors

• Patrick Aebischer · Lutry, CH
• Moses Goddard · Portsmouth, US
• John G. Moldauer · Brooklyn, US
• Paul Mulhauser · New York, US
• Anne M. Rathbun · Providence, US
• Paul R. Sanberg · Spring Hill, US
• Alfred V. Vasconcellos · Edison, US
• Nicholas F. Warner · Belmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 29, 1996
• Grant date: Jan 30, 2001
• Expiry date: Oct 29, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2533/30
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Implantable therapy systems are disclosed for the local and controlled delivery of a biologically active factor to the brain, spinal cord and other target regions of a subject suffering from a dibilatating condition. The method of the invention involves surgically exposing an insertion site, generally located above a predetermined treatment site (12), in a patient. A cannula (20), having an obturator (30) or dilator (104) positioned therein, is inserted at the insertion site, defining a pathway to the treatment site. In some instances, the cannula can be inserted along the path of a guidewire (102) previously positioned at the treatment site. The cannula (20) is preferably a low friction polymeric material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The cannula (20) generally has an open proximal end for receiving the obturator (30) or dilator (104), and an open distal end, preferably a tapered end, for delivery of neurologically active factors to the treatment site (12). The obturator (30) is then removed from the cannula (20), and a biocompatible tethered vehicle (40) containing a biologically active material is inserted into the cannula along the passageway. A pusher can be inserted within…