Cornell University

Yale University

William L Olbricht

George K Lewis, Jr

W Mark Saltzman

Andrew Sawyer

Keith B Neeves

Conor Foley

George K Lewis

Russell T Matthews

Steven Gelber

Russell T Mattews

A method for convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of compounds and an apparatus for use with the method are provided. The apparatus, an ultrasound transducer cannula assembly (TCA) apparatus, can be used for the delivery of a compound to a target in the body such as a cells, tissue or organ in a healthy or diseased state. The ultrasound TCA apparatus comprises a transducer cannula assembly (TCA) and an ultrasound system to enhance penetration of molecules in the target. The ultrasound system may be portable and pocket-sized. The inclusion of ultrasound in the apparatus improves the distribution volume of material four to six times over a convection-enhanced delivery system without ultrasound. Since the targeting can be more focused, less compound is needed, thus lowering the potential for harmful effects to the host and host cells.

Ultrasound-assisted convection enhanced delivery of compounds in vivo with a transducer cannula assembly

There is set forth herein a uterine probe having one or more transducer for detecting a uterine parameter. The one or more parameter can be a fetal heart rate. The one or more parameter can be uterine contraction. In one embodiment a uterine probe can include a transducer operative to emit sound waves for detection of a fetal heart rate (FHR). In one embodiment a uterine probe can include a transducer operative to emit sound waves for detection of a uterine contraction. The one or more transducer can be of a common technology or can be of different technology. In one embodiment a uterine probe can include one or more transducer that is operative to be driven in different signaling configurations. A first signaling configuration can be a signaling configuration for detection of a fetal heart rate. A second signaling configuration can be a signaling configuration for detection of uterine contraction.

Ultrasound transducer probe and methods

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a microfabricated, silicon-based, Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED) device. The device comprises a silicon shank portion, at least one individual parylene channel disposed along at least a part of an entire length of the shank, wherein the channel has one or more dimensioned fluid exit ports disposed at one or more respective locations of the channel and a fluid (drug) input opening. The fluid input opening may be configured or adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir and/or a pump and/or a meter and/or a valve or other suitable control device(s) or apparatus that supplies and/or delivers fluid (e.g., a drug) to the microfabricated device. The device may have multiple channels disposed side by side or in different surfaces of the device. The device may be rigid, or flexible, in which case a flexible device can be attached to a bio-degradable support scaffold that provides sufficient structural rigidity for insertion of the device into the target tissue. In certain 'functionalized' embodiments of the invention, the CED device is equipped with integrated electrodes and/or a sensor (e.g., glutamate) to detect and convey selective parametric information. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a CED method for drugs and/or other agents. The method may comprise the delivery of enzymes or other materials to modify tissue permeability and improve drug diffusion. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for making a device for CED of drugs.

Convection enhanced delivery apparatus, method, and application

In one embodiment, there is provided in an ultrasound wave generating apparatus a low output impedance transistor based driver circuit that has the ability to apply a drive signal at a frequency corresponding to an ultrasound transducer's resonant frequency. The low output impedance of the driver circuit allows for a substantial portion of the energy to be delivered to the ultrasound transducer and converted to ultrasound energy. The power transfer efficiency of the presented circuit allows ultrasound drivers to be powered by portable battery packs, while still delivering high ultrasound acoustic power. The ultrasound driver can provide energy in sufficient amounts making it suitable for a range of ultrasound driving application including but not limited to therapeutic low and high power clinical systems, high intensity focused ultrasound HIFU, acoustical welding, industrial inspection, and other various forms of low-to-high power acoustic devices.

Ultrasound wave generating apparatus

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a microfabricated, silicon-based, Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED) device. The device comprises a silicon shank portion, at least one individual parylene channel disposed along at least a part of an entire length of the shank, wherein the channel has one or more dimensioned fluid exit ports disposed at one or more respective locations of the channel and a fluid (drug) input opening. The fluid input opening may be configured or adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir and/or a pump and/or a meter and/or a valve or other suitable control device(s) or apparatus that supplies and/or delivers fluid (eg, a drug) to the microfabricated device. The device may have multiple channels disposed side by side or in different surfaces of the device.

Growing community of inventors

Ithaca, NY, United States of America

William L Olbricht