Agent-delivering neural probe devices and related systems and methods
Inventors
Rosa, Dave • Bachinski, Thomas
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11857326-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided herein are a variety of neural probe devices that include an agent delivery feature via an agent coating or an agent delivery mechanism of some kind. The probe devices can include depth or cortical probes or electrodes. The agent delivery mechanisms can include, for example, a dissolvable agent delivery structure, an agent delivery lumen, a magnetically deployable cover, an iontophoretic delivery mechanism, an agent delivery cavity defined in the neural probe, or an agent reservoir with an actuable gate.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to agent-delivering neural probe device configurations that include cortical and depth electrodes. The electrodes include electrode arrays and an agent coating and/or an agent channel that are configured to deliver treatment agents. The device is further described as having agent coatings that can include nitric oxide and drug layer elution.
The device also includes a dissolvable agent delivery structure releasably disposed over at least a portion of the electrode body. The dissolvable agent delivery structure is configured to separate from the electrode body and remain in a treatment position upon removal of the electrode body. The dissolvable delivery structure can be a dissolvable scaffold that releases a treatment agent as the scaffold dissolves, including time-release microspheres such as CHRONIJECT microsphere systems.
Multiple agent delivery modalities and delivery system integrations are described, including integrated drug delivery lumens and delivery openings, agent reservoirs with actuable gates, and actuation modalities such as deployable covers/flaps with magnetic actuation members, iontophoresis using an electrically polarized/ionically polarized agent in a cavity, kinetic-energy delivery, and fluidic access to dissolve agents over time. Therapeutic use is described for treating seizure and reducing inflammation, with example treatment agent lists including cannabinoids and seizure drugs.
Claims Coverage
The document provides three independent claims with a shared core: a neural electrode having a dissolvable agent delivery structure that is releasably disposed on an electrode body and remains in a treatment position upon removal. Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage spans electrode structure, deployment/release/removal use, and additional structural delivery-related features recited in a dependent set for one family.
Dissolvable agent delivery structure that remains after electrode removal
A neural electrode comprising an electrode body; at least one electrode array associated with the electrode body; and a dissolvable agent delivery structure releasably disposed over at least a portion of the electrode body such that the dissolvable agent delivery structure is configured to separate from the electrode body and remain in a treatment position upon removal of the electrode body.
Deployment with subsequent release while remaining in treatment position
A neural electrode comprising an electrode body; at least one electrode associated with the electrode body; and a dissolvable agent delivery structure releasably disposed over at least a portion of the electrode body such that the dissolvable agent delivery structure is configured to be deployed with the electrode body and then released from the electrode body, and to remain in a treatment position upon removal of the electrode body.
Deploy, release, then remove using a neural electrode
A method of using a neural electrode, the method comprising providing the neural electrode comprising an electrode body, at least one electrode array associated with the electrode body, and a dissolvable agent delivery structure releasably disposed over at least a portion of the electrode body such that the dissolvable agent delivery structure is configured to release from the electrode body and remain in a treatment position upon removal of the electrode body; deploying the electrode body and the dissolvable agent delivery structure to the treatment position; releasing the dissolvable agent delivery structure from the electrode body; and removing the electrode body from the treatment position.
The claim coverage centers on releasable dissolvable agent delivery structures associated with neural electrode bodies, including separation/release behavior and the condition that the delivery structure remains in a treatment position after the electrode body is removed. A separate independent claim covers a corresponding method flow: deploying, releasing, and then removing the electrode body after release.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Treating seizure.
Reducing inflammation.
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