The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 27, 2002
Filed:
Jul. 23, 1998
Irving K. Arenberg, Englewood, CO (US);
Michael H. Arenberg, Englewood, CO (US);
Durect Corporation, Cupertino, CA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for delivering fluid materials into and out of the inner ear via the round window membrane. A fluid transfer conduit is provided which includes one or more passageways therethrough which may have a semipermeable membrane associated therewith to control fluid flow. Attached to the conduit is an inflatable bladder sized for insertion within the round window niche. When inflated, the bladder engages the internal side wall of the niche, thereby securing the bladder and part of the conduit within the niche. The conduit can then transfer fluids to and from the niche and the fluid-permeable round window membrane therein. Bladder inflation may be achieved through one of the passageways within the conduit which can deliver an inflation fluid into the bladder. Also, the conduit may include an elongate conductive diagnostic member for transferring electrical potentials to and from the inner ear.