Method and apparatus for treatment of intracranial hemorrhages

Abstract

An ultrasound catheter with a lumen for fluid delivery and / or fluid evacuation, and ultrasound radiating elements is used for the delivery of therapeutic compounds to a target location. After the catheter is inserted into a cavity, a therapeutic compound can be delivered to the target location via selective activation of the ultrasound radiating elements. Selective activation of the ultrasound radiating elements can be used to cause fluid flow in a direction proximal and / or distal the catheter. Moreover, selective activating can be used to maintain fluid between certain of the ultrasound radiating elements.

Description

PRIORITY INFORMATION[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 781,750 filed Mar. 14, 2013, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for increasing the efficacy of therapeutic compounds delivered to tissues affected by disease, and more specifically, to methods and apparatuses for increasing the efficacy of therapeutic compounds delivered to targeted tissue, such as brain tissue, using ultrasound.[0004]2. Background of the Invention[0005]A large number of Americans each year suffer from diseases affecting the brain and other parts of the body. Such diseases include cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Syndrome, as well as other illnesses. However, the efficacy of such treatments is significantly reduced as a result of physiological barriers. One such example of a physiological barrier is the b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Methods of activating and sequencing ultrasound radiating elements are provided which increase the efficacy of therapeutic compounds delivered to targeted tissue. In accordance with these methods, embodiments of ultrasound catheters configured to implement the above methods are also included.

[0010]An embodiment of an ultrasound catheter for increasing the efficacy of therapeutic compounds delivered to targeted tissue comprises an elongate tubular body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a central lumen. The catheter further comprises a plurality of ultrasound radiating elements positioned within the tubular body. A plurality of ports are located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular body, and are configured to allow a fluid to flow through the ports.

[0013]In one method of activating ultrasound radiating elements of the ultrasound catheters, activation of one or more ultrasound radiating elements is configured to increase permeability in targeted tissues thereby increasing the efficacy of a therapeutic compound. Additionally, such activation is configured to enhance mixing of the therapeutic compound via pressure waves and / or via cavitation.

[0015]In yet another method of activating and sequencing ultrasound radiating elements of an ultrasound catheter, activation of one or more ultrasound radiating elements is sequenced or synchronized with the timing of delivery of multiple therapeutic compounds through multiple drainage or delivery ports of an ultrasound catheter. This sequencing or synchronization is configured create multiple flow patterns at the delivery site thereby allowing the multiple therapeutic compounds to be delivered to different targeted tissue.

Problems solved by technology

However, the efficacy of such treatments is significantly reduced as a result of physiological barriers.

Such physiological barriers significantly reduce the ability of therapeutic compounds placed within the bloodstream to cross the barrier and effectively act upon targeted tissue.

As a result, the physiological barrier significantly reduces the ability of therapeutic compounds delivered into the bloodstream to reach targeted tissue across the barrier thereby significantly reducing the possibility of effective treatment of the disease.

However, since these techniques require volumetric infusion into a closed vessel (i.e., the cranium), pressures within the closed vessel increase.

As such, limits are placed on the amount of enhancement that can be achieved using current CED techniques.

Furthermore, other complications arise which further reduce the efficacy of this treatment method such as fluid traveling back along the catheter and away from the targeted area (i.e., backflow).

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