Multi-reservoir implantable pump with variable flow rate capabilities

Abstract

A multiple reservoir or chambered implantable pumps is disclosed. The pump according to the present invention is particularly useful in allowing for multiple constant flow rates to be provided from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. The pump is also useful in allowing for housing of multiple active substances. A multiple reservoir implantable pump is also disclosed, which has at least one chamber capable of providing a constant flow rate and at least one chamber capable of being utilized for patient controlled injections. Methods of providing active substances to patients utilizing such pumps are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 137,284 and a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 136,771, both filed on May 25, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to implantable devices, and more particularly to a multiple reservoir implantable pump that may be designed to allow different constant flow rates and bolus injection capability.[0003]Implantable pumps have been well known and widely utilized for many years. Typically, pumps of this type are implanted into patients who require the delivery of active substances or medication fluids to specific areas of their body. For example, patients that are experiencing severe pain may require painkillers daily or multiple times per day. Absent the use of an implantable pump or the like, a patient of this type would be subjected to one or more painful injections of such me...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]A third aspect of the present invention is an implantable pump with patient controlled actuation capabilities. The pump in accordance with this third aspect preferably includes a housing defining at least a first, second and third chamber, an outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber, and a patient controlled actuation mechanism in fluid communication with the second chamber. The third chamber is preferably juxtaposed between two flexible membranes. The third chamber may house a propellant capable of expanding isobarically, thereby causing fluid contained within the first and second chambers to be dispelled therefrom. The patient controlled actuation mechanism includes a valve assembly is preferably capable of being actuated by the patient, where selective operation of the valve assembly is accomplished by one or more magnets. The valve assembly may further include a first cylinder housing a first piston, and a second cylinder housing a second piston, where displacement of the first piston causes actuation of a dose of an active substance to a patient. The pump may also include means for selectively actuating the one or more magnets and means for preventing over medication of a patient

Problems solved by technology

Absent the use of an implantable pump or the like, a patient of this type would be subjected to one or more painful injections of such medication fluids.

In the case of pain associated with more remote areas of the body, such as the spine, these injections may be extremely difficult to administer and particularly painful for the patient.

Furthermore, attempting to treat conditions such as this through oral or intravascular administration of medication often requires higher doses of medication and may cause severe side effects.

However, both of these types of programmable pumps require intricate designs and complicated controlling mechanisms.

While indeed useful, the former amounts to nothing more than additional injections, something the pump is designed to circumvent.

In addition, the latter may be considered less convenient for the physician or medical professional, since it requires choosing a different concentration of medicine, rather than merely adjusting the flow rate of the already present medication via an external programmer, as would be done with a programmable pump.

While such designs may be beneficial in light of standard constant flow type implantable pumps, nevertheless, such designs are often complicated and bulky.

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