Electrolytically driven drug pump devices

Abstract

Electrolytically driven drug pump devices may be configured so as to ensure sustained contact of the electrolysis electrodes with the electrolyte, thereby improving the reliability and / or pump capacity of the devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No. 61 / 326,047, filed on Apr. 20, 2010, No. 61 / 367,686, filed on Jul. 26, 2010, No. 61 / 423,945, filed on Dec. 16, 2010, and No. 61 / 449,899, filed on Mar. 7, 2011.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates, generally, to drug pump devices, and, in various embodiments, to electrolysis-driven piston or diaphragm pump devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] As patients live longer and are diagnosed with chronic and often debilitating ailments, there is an increased need for improvements to the speed, convenience, and efficacy of drug delivery. For example, many chronic conditions, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease, are incurable and difficult to treat with currently available therapies: oral medications have systemic side effects; injections may require a medical visit, ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0031]FIG. 1 illustrates, in block diagram form, the components of a drug pump device 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In general, the pump device 100 includes a drug reservoir 102 that interfaces with a pump 104 via a displaceable member 106. The displaceable member 106 may be, for example, a piston, diaphragm, bladder, or plunger. In use, the drug reservoir 102 is filled with medication in liquid form, and pressure generated by the pump 104 moves or expands the displaceable member 106 so as to push the liquid drug out of the reservoir 102. A cannula 108 connected to an outlet of the drug reservoir 102 conducts the liquid to an infusion set 109. The cannula 108 may be made of substantially impermeable tubing, such as medical-grade plastic. The infusion set 109 may include a catheter that is fluidically connected to the cannula 108 and delivers the drug to a subcutaneous tissue region. A lancet and associated insertion mechanism may be used to dri...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No. 61 / 326,047, filed on Apr. 20, 2010, No. 61 / 367,686, filed on Jul. 26, 2010, No. 61 / 423,945, filed on Dec. 16, 2010, and No. 61 / 449,899, filed on Mar. 7, 2011.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates, generally, to drug pump devices, and, in various embodiments, to electrolysis-driven piston or diaphragm pump devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] As patients live longer and are diagnosed with chronic and often debilitating ailments, there is an increased need for improvements to the speed, convenience, and efficacy of drug delivery. For example, many chronic conditions, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease, are incurable and difficult to treat with currently available therapies: oral medications have systemic side effects; injections may require a medical visit, ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0031]FIG. 1 illustrates, in block diagram form, the components of a drug pump device 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In general, the pump device 100 includes a drug reservoir 102 that interfaces with a pump 104 via a displaceable member 106. The displaceable member 106 may be, for example, a piston, diaphragm, bladder, or plunger. In use, the drug reservoir 102 is filled with medication in liquid form, and pressure generated by the pump 104 moves or expands the displaceable member 106 so as to push the liquid drug out of the reservoir 102. A cannula 108 connected to an outlet of the drug reservoir 102 conducts the liquid to an infusion set 109. The cannula 108 may be made of substantially impermeable tubing, such as medical-grade plastic. The infusion set 109 may include a catheter that is fluidically connected to the cannula 108 and delivers the drug to a subcutaneous tissue region. A lancet and associated insertion mechanism may be used to dri...

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