A cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery

By designing elastic storage capsules and control valves in the cochlear implant, using the contraction pressure of the storage capsules themselves to output drugs, the problems of electrode damage and drug administration in the prior art are solved, and long-term balanced drug administration is achieved, and patients are promoted to hearing rehabilitation.

CN115089851BActive Publication Date: 2025-06-13SHANGHAI LISTENT MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202210704239.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-06-21
Publication Date
2025-06-13
Estimated Expiration
2042-06-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing cochlear implants are prone to damage cochlear tissue during electrode implant surgery, and the drug administration method is one-time and the dose is limited, so long-term treatment effect cannot be achieved.

Method used

A cochlear implant for sustainable administration is designed, using an elastic drug storage capsule, using the contraction pressure of the drug storage capsule itself to output the drug, combined with a control valve and a monitor to achieve long-term balanced drug delivery.

Benefits of technology

While the cochlear implant is working normally, it can provide long-term and continuous and balanced administration of drugs to the cochlear drum step, achieving the effect of long-term treatment, which is conducive to promoting hearing rehabilitation in patients.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a cochlear implant capable of sustained drug delivery, comprising: an electrode array composed of a plurality of electrode contacts and a drug delivery assembly; the drug delivery assembly includes a drug reservoir and a drug delivery tube, the drug reservoir being elastic; the end of the drug delivery tube is connected back-to-back with the electrode array; the drug reservoir contracts to deliver the drug through the drug delivery tube into the cochlea. The cochlear implant with sustained drug delivery of the present invention has a simple overall structure and is convenient to use, and can continuously and evenly deliver drugs into the scala tympani of the cochlea for a long time, so as to achieve the effect of long-term treatment and is beneficial to promoting the hearing rehabilitation of patients.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of otological medical devices, and more particularly, to a cochlear implant capable of sustained drug delivery. Background Art

[0002] Cochlear implants are currently the only effective method and device recognized worldwide for enabling patients with bilateral severe or profound sensorineural deafness to regain their hearing. This product is based on biomedicine and combines multiple disciplines and technologies such as linguistics, electronics, chemistry, bionics, signal processing technology, large-scale integrated circuit technology, and precision machining technology. Through the high-tech combination of interdisciplinary fields, deaf patients can return to the world of sound. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted with multi-channel electrodes into the scala tympani of the cochlea of the human ear. The external sound processor sends encoded sound signals to the implant, and after decoding by the implant, the electrodes implanted in the scala tympani stimulate the auditory neurons, thereby generating hearing. In traditional cochlear implants, there are still many problems. First, during the electrode implantation surgery, although soft, thin electrodes and minimally invasive surgery are used, it is still inevitable to cause damage to the cochlear tissue by the electrodes, leading to an inflammatory response. Second, since the implanted electrodes are foreign materials in the cochlear tissue, over time, connective tissue will grow around the electrodes, increasing the electrode impedance and affecting the electrical stimulation effect of the electrodes.

[0003] In recent years, research has shown that continuous administration of glucocorticoids to the inner ear can effectively treat various inner ear diseases.

[0004] In the prior art, drug delivery is mainly through drug-loaded electrode surface coatings and silicone matrix drug loading methods, both of which are disposable and have a limited amount of drugs, unable to achieve long-term treatment effects. Some use drug capsules to store drugs and administer drugs continuously through injection, but a tool is needed to provide the drug discharge pressure of the drug capsule to send the drug into the scala tympani of the cochlea, and the drug discharge situation in the drug capsule cannot be monitored to timely remind deaf patients to administer drugs.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is specifically proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a cochlear implant capable of sustained drug delivery, which can continuously and evenly deliver drugs into the scala tympani of the cochlea for a long time while the cochlear implant is working properly, achieving long-term treatment effects and being beneficial to promoting the hearing rehabilitation of patients. By providing an elastic drug reservoir, the drug can be output using the contraction pressure of the drug reservoir itself, thus eliminating the need for tools and simplifying the overall structure.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, the following technical solutions are specifically adopted:

[0008] The present invention provides a cochlear implant capable of sustainable drug delivery, comprising: an electrode array composed of a plurality of electrode contacts and a drug delivery component;

[0009] The drug delivery component comprises a drug storage bag and a drug delivery tube, wherein the drug storage bag is elastic; the end of the drug delivery tube is connected back to back with the electrode array; the drug storage bag contracts to deliver the drug into the cochlea through the drug delivery tube.

[0010] In the prior art, the main problems with intra-auricular therapeutic administration are as follows:

[0011] 1. Drug delivery is mainly through electrode surface coating and silica gel matrix loading, which are one-time, the amount of drugs is limited, and the effect of long-term treatment cannot be achieved;

[0012] 2. Some use medicine capsules to store drugs and administer them for a long time through injection. However, tools are needed to provide the drug capsule with drug discharge pressure in order to deliver the drugs to the scala tympani of the cochlea. The structure is complex, inconvenient to use and costly.

[0013] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a cochlear implant with sustainable drug delivery. The implant is provided with an elastic drug storage bag, which can output drugs by utilizing the contraction pressure of the drug storage bag itself. The implant is easy to use and can automatically and continuously deliver drugs without the aid of tools. The drug storage bag can store a large amount of drugs, thereby facilitating long-term, continuous and balanced drug delivery into the scala tympani of the cochlea, thereby achieving long-term treatment effects and promoting the patient's hearing rehabilitation.

[0014] Preferably, a control valve for controlling the dosage is provided between the drug storage bag and the drug delivery tube; the control valve comprises a piston cylinder and a piston; a drug delivery channel is provided at the center of the piston cylinder, the inlet of the drug delivery channel is connected to the drug storage bag, and the outlet is connected to the drug delivery tube; a circular sliding cavity is formed between the drug delivery channel and the side wall of the piston cylinder; the piston slides in the sliding cavity to control the amount of drug entering the drug delivery channel. By providing a control valve, the amount of drug injected can be controlled to ensure balanced drug delivery.

[0015] Preferably, the piston includes a sliding portion and a sealing portion, the sliding portion is fixedly connected to the sealing portion and two arc-shaped notches are provided between the sliding portion and the sealing portion; the sliding portion is located in the sliding cavity; the sealing portion is provided with a sealing plug matched with the inlet of the drug administration channel on one side close to the sliding portion. Furthermore, the inlet of the drug administration channel is conical. The distance between the sealing plug and the inlet of the drug administration channel can be adjusted by moving the position of the sliding portion, thereby adjusting the size of the drug inlet. In fact, the piston as a whole is similar to the structure of a bottle cap. When in use, the drug solution in the drug storage bag enters the drug administration tube through the notch and the inlet of the drug administration channel, and is administered into the ear through the drug administration tube.

[0016] Preferably, a partition plate and a spring are arranged in the sliding cavity. One end of the spring is connected to the partition plate, and the other end is connected to the sliding part. By arranging the partition plate and the spring, the movement of the sliding part in the sliding cavity can be controlled by the elastic force of the spring. During the drug discharging process of the medicine storage bag, as the drug is output, the contraction force of the medicine storage bag slowly decreases. In order to achieve the force balance state, the piston slowly moves under the action of the spring force and the contraction force of the medicine storage bag, and the medicine inlet slowly becomes larger, so as to control the medicine in the medicine storage bag to pass through the control valve more evenly, so as to achieve the purpose of continuous and balanced drug administration for a long time.

[0017] Preferably, a pressure sensor is arranged on the side of the partition plate away from the spring. The pressure sensor is connected with a control circuit, and the control circuit is connected with a monitor. Further, the monitor is arranged outside the body and is connected to the control circuit through Bluetooth. A battery for power supply is arranged in the control circuit. Setting the monitor can monitor the drug condition in the medicine storage bag. When the contraction force of the medicine storage bag drops to the point where the drug cannot be output, the pressure sensor senses the pressure change and transmits it to the monitor through the control circuit, so as to timely remind the deaf patient to take medicine.

[0018] Preferably, a buckle plate is arranged at the opening of the piston cylinder. An opening is arranged in the center of the buckle plate, and the diameter of the opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the sliding part. The buckle plate can be connected to the piston cylinder by gluing. Arranging the buckle plate can play a limiting role on the sliding part, so as to prevent the sliding part from sliding out of the sliding cavity under the action of the spring force.

[0019] Preferably, a vent hole is arranged on the side wall of the sliding cavity, and the vent hole is connected with a ventilation pipe. Such a setting is to balance the pressure and facilitate the sliding of the sliding part in the sliding cavity.

[0020] Preferably, a plurality of drug delivery holes are arranged at the end of the drug delivery tube, and the medicament is injected into the cochlea through the drug delivery holes; preferably, the plurality of drug delivery holes are arranged in a comb shape, a fishbone shape or a barbed shape; the fishbone shape arrangement can also be arranged in a staggered manner, and the barbed shape arrangement is characterized in that the outlet direction of the drug delivery hole at the proximal end of the electrode faces backward, and the outlet direction of the drug delivery hole at the distal end of the electrode faces forward and outward. All the arrangements can also be combined, and the arrangement form is not limited to this. Preferably, the drug delivery hole is in a funnel shape; preferably, the drug delivery hole is a through hole or a thin-walled blind hole. In actual use, the drug delivery method can be direct drug delivery through the through hole or drug delivery by thin-walled leakage through the thin-walled blind hole. When it is a thin-walled blind hole, the thickness of the thin wall can be controlled within a few μm.

[0021] Preferably, an injection seat is arranged on the medicine storage bag, and the injection seat is connected with an injection assembly for replenishing drugs into the medicine storage bag. In actual setting, the injection seat is arranged on the side of the medicine storage bag away from the control valve.

[0022] Preferably, the injection assembly includes a syringe, a needle is installed at the front end of the syringe, and the needle passes through the injection seat and enters the medicine storage sac. When the medicine in the medicine storage sac is insufficient, insert the needle of the syringe into the medicine storage sac, use the end of the needle to squeeze the piston to make the sealing plug seal the inlet of the medicine delivery channel, and then inject a certain amount of medicine into the medicine storage sac. There are various choices for the medicine injection, such as dexamethasone and neurotrophic factors. When injecting the medicine, the dosage and time of drug delivery can also be controlled by an external micro-flow control pump and an injection needle through the external control pump.

[0023] Preferably, a one-way valve is arranged in the medicine delivery tube. The one-way valve is arranged near the electrode array. Such an arrangement can prevent the lymph fluid in the cochlea from flowing back.

[0024] Preferably, the implant further includes a receiving coil, a decoding stimulator, and an electrode lead wire. The receiving coil is connected to the decoding stimulator, and the decoding stimulator transmits an electrical stimulation signal to the electrode array through the electrode lead wire. In actual use, the receiving coil receives the encoded sound signal emitted by the external sound processor, decodes it by the decoding stimulator to generate an electrical stimulation signal, and then transmits it to the electrode array connected to the cochlea and connecting the auditory neurons through the connected electrode lead wire to stimulate the auditory nerve to generate hearing. The receiving coil and the electrode lead wire are generally made of platinum wire or platinum-iridium wire, and the outer layer of the platinum-iridium wire is coated with an insulating material. The decoding stimulator includes a power supply circuit, a decoding circuit, a feedback circuit, and a constant current source circuit. The electrode array is generally composed of multiple electrical stimulation electrodes and is generally made of platinum sheets or platinum rings.

[0025] Preferably, the medicine delivery tube is made of a biocompatible material such as silica gel.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] The overall structure of the cochlear implant with sustainable drug delivery of the present invention is simple, easy to use, and does not require additional tools. The drug delivery power is provided by the self-shrinking pressure of the medicine storage sac. During the drug delivery process of the medicine storage sac, as the drug is output, the shrinking force of the medicine storage sac slowly decreases. In order to achieve the force balance state, the control valve piston slowly moves under the action of the spring force and the shrinking force of the medicine storage sac, and the medicine inlet slowly becomes larger, so as to control the medicine in the medicine storage sac to be output more evenly through the control valve, and combined with multiple injections of medicine to achieve the purpose of long-term continuous and balanced drug delivery. When the shrinking force of the medicine storage sac drops to the point where the medicine cannot be output, the monitor can monitor the medicine situation in the medicine storage sac at any time to timely remind the deaf patient to administer medicine, thus ensuring the continuity of treatment. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not considered to be a limitation of the present invention. Also, throughout the drawings, the same reference symbols are used to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the control valve provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the piston cylinder provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the piston provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 is Figure 4 Cross-sectional view taken along A-A in

[0034] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure when injecting drugs into the liquid storage sac provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure when the liquid storage sac discharges drugs provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 Schematic diagram when the drug delivery holes are arranged in a comb shape provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure when the drug delivery holes are arranged in a fishbone shape provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the structure when the drug delivery holes are arranged in a barbed shape provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the structure when the drug delivery tube delivers drugs in a thin-wall leakage manner provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Wherein:

[0041] 10 - Receiver coil; 20 - Decoding stimulator;

[0042] 30 - Drug storage sac; 40 - Control valve;

[0043] 401 - Sliding cavity; 402 - Drug delivery channel;

[0044] 403 - Control circuit; 404 - Pressure sensor;

[0045] 405 - Partition board; 406 - Spring;

[0046] 407 - Vent hole; 408 - Clasp;

[0047] 50 - Drug delivery tube; 60 - Check valve;

[0048] 70 - Monitor; 80 - Syringe;

[0049] 90 - Needle; 100 - Ventilation tube;

[0050] 110 - Injection seat; 120 - Piston;

[0051] 1201 - Sealing part; 1202 - Sliding part;

[0052] 1203 - Notch; 1204 - Sealing plug;

[0053] 130 - Drug delivery hole; 140 - Electrode lead;

[0054] 150 - Electrode array. Detailed implementation mode

[0055] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation modes. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the following described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments, and are only used to illustrate the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Those not specified in the embodiments are carried out according to conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer. Those reagents or instruments not specified by the manufacturer can be obtained as conventional products through commercial purchase.

[0056] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0057] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0058] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention, the following will be described in the form of specific embodiments.

[0059] Embodiment

[0060] Refer to Figures 1-11 , this embodiment provides a cochlear implant capable of sustainable drug delivery, including: an electrode array 150 composed of a plurality of electrode contacts, a receiving coil 10, a decoding stimulator 20, an electrode lead 140, and a drug delivery component; the receiving coil 10 is connected to the decoding stimulator 20, and the decoding stimulator 20 transmits an electrical stimulation signal to the electrode array 150 through the electrode lead 140. In actual use, the receiving coil 10 receives the encoded sound signal sent by the external sound processor, generates an electrical stimulation signal after being decoded by the decoding stimulator 20, and is transmitted to the electrode array 150 connected to the cochlear implant and the auditory neurons through the connected electrode lead 140 to stimulate the auditory nerve to produce hearing. The receiving coil 10 and the electrode lead 140 are made of platinum wire or platinum-iridium wire, and the outer layer of the platinum-iridium wire is coated with an insulating material. The decoding stimulator 20 includes a power supply circuit, a decoding circuit, a feedback circuit, and a constant current source circuit. The electrode array 150 is composed of a plurality of electrical stimulation electrodes, generally made of platinum sheets or platinum rings.

[0061] As Figure 2 shown, the drug delivery component includes a drug reservoir 30 and a drug delivery tube 50. The drug reservoir 30 has elasticity; the end of the drug delivery tube 50 is connected back-to-back with the electrode array 150; the drug reservoir 30 contracts to deliver the medicine into the cochlea through the drug delivery tube 50. A one-way valve 60 is provided in the drug delivery tube 50. The one-way valve 60 is provided near the electrode array 150.

[0062] Among them, a control valve 40 for controlling the drug delivery amount is provided between the drug reservoir 30 and the drug delivery tube 50; the control valve 40 includes a piston cylinder and a piston 120; the structure of the piston cylinder is as Figure 3As shown in the figure, a drug delivery channel 402 is provided at the center of the piston cylinder. The inlet of the drug delivery channel 402 is connected to the medicine storage bag 30, and the outlet is connected to the drug delivery tube 50. An annular sliding cavity 401 is formed between the drug delivery channel 402 and the side wall of the piston cylinder. The piston 120 slides in the sliding cavity 401 to control the amount of medicine entering the drug delivery channel 402. A vent hole 407 is provided on the side wall of the sliding cavity 401, and the vent hole 407 is connected to a ventilation tube 100.

[0063] As Figures 4-5 shown, the piston 120 includes a sliding part 1202 and a sealing part 1201. The sliding part 1202 is fixedly connected to the sealing part 1201, and two arc-shaped notches 1203 are provided between the sliding part 1202 and the sealing part 1201. The sliding part 1202 is located in the sliding cavity 401. A sealing plug 1204 adapted to the inlet of the drug delivery channel 402 is provided on the side of the sealing part 1201 close to the sliding part 1202. In this embodiment, the inlet of the drug delivery channel 402 is conical. In fact, the piston 120 is generally similar to the structure of a bottle cap. When in use, the liquid medicine in the medicine storage bag 30 enters the drug delivery channel 402 through the notch 1203 and the inlet of the drug delivery channel 402, and is delivered to the ear through the drug delivery channel 402. By moving the position of the sliding part 1202, the distance between the sealing plug 1204 and the inlet of the drug delivery channel 402 can be adjusted, so as to adjust the size of the medicine inlet.

[0064] To prevent the sliding part 1202 of the piston 120 from detaching from the sliding cavity 401, a buckle plate 408 is provided at the opening of the piston cylinder. An opening is provided at the center of the buckle plate 408, and the diameter of the opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the sliding part 1202. The buckle plate 408 can be connected to the piston cylinder by gluing, or can be arranged at the opening of the piston cylinder by means of threaded connection.

[0065] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , a partition plate 405 and a spring 406 are provided in the sliding cavity 401. One end of the spring 406 is connected to the partition plate 405, and the other end is connected to the sliding part 1202. A pressure sensor 404 is provided on the side of the partition plate 405 away from the spring 406. The pressure sensor 404 is connected to a control circuit 403, and the control circuit 403 is connected to a monitor 70. The monitor 70 is arranged outside the body and is connected to the control circuit 403 via Bluetooth. A battery for power supply is provided in the control circuit 403. When in use, when the contraction force of the medicine storage bag 30 drops to the point where it cannot output medicine, the pressure sensor 404 senses the pressure change and transmits it to the monitor 70 through the control circuit 403, so as to timely remind the deaf patient to replenish the medicine.

[0066] During actual drug delivery, drug delivery can be carried out by providing a drug delivery hole 130 at the end of the drug delivery tube 50, or by direct thin-wall leakage method.

[0067] When using the drug delivery hole 130 for drug delivery, asFigures 8-10 As shown, multiple drug delivery holes 130 are provided at the end of the drug delivery tube 50, and the medicament is injected into the cochlea through the drug delivery holes 130; the multiple drug delivery holes 130 are arranged in a comb shape, fishbone shape or barbed shape; the fishbone arrangement can also be offset, and the barbed arrangement is characterized in that the outlet direction of the drug delivery hole 130 at the proximal end of the electrode faces backward, and the outlet direction of the drug delivery hole 130 at the distal end of the electrode faces forward and laterally. All arrangements can also be combined, and the arrangement forms are not limited to this. The drug delivery hole 130 is funnel-shaped and can be a through hole or a thin-walled blind hole.

[0068] When drug delivery is carried out by the thin-wall leakage method, as Figure 11 shown, at this time, the thickness of the thin wall is controlled within a few μm.

[0069] In this embodiment, drug delivery is carried out by means of the drug delivery holes 130, and the multiple drug delivery holes 130 are arranged in a comb shape.

[0070] As Figure 6 shown, an injection seat 110 is provided on the medicine storage bag 30, and the injection seat 110 is connected with an injection assembly for replenishing medicine into the medicine storage bag 30. In actual setting, the injection seat 110 is arranged on the side of the medicine storage bag 30 away from the control valve 40.

[0071] Specifically, the injection assembly includes a syringe 80, a needle 90 is installed at the front end of the syringe 80, and the needle 90 passes through the injection seat 110 and enters the medicine storage bag 30. When the medicine in the medicine storage bag 30 is insufficient, the needle 90 of the syringe 80 is inserted into the medicine storage bag 30, and the piston 120 is squeezed by the end of the needle 90 to make the sealing plug 1204 seal the inlet of the drug delivery channel 402, and then a certain amount of medicine is injected into the medicine storage bag 30. The selection of the drug injection agent can be various, such as dexamethasone and neurotrophic factor. When injecting the drug, an external micro-flow control pump and an injection needle can also be used, and the drug delivery dose and time can be controlled through the external control pump.

[0072] In this embodiment, both the drug delivery tube 50 and the ventilation tube 100 are made of biocompatible materials, specifically made of silica gel.

[0073] The drug delivery principle of the implant in this embodiment is as follows: During use, a certain amount of medicament is injected into the medicine storage bag 30, and the injected medicament increases the volume of the medicine storage bag 30. The medicine storage bag 30 sends the medicament into the cochlea through the drug delivery tube 50 under the action of its own contraction force. During the drug discharge process of the medicine storage bag 30, as the drug is output, the contraction force of the medicine storage bag 30 slowly decreases, and the flow rate of the medicament decreases; the piston 120 slowly moves under the action of the force of the spring 406 and the contraction force of the medicine storage bag 30 in order to reach the force balance state. At this time, the distance between the sealing plug 1204 and the inlet of the drug delivery channel 402 increases, and the medicine inlet slowly becomes larger, so as to control the medicine in the medicine storage bag 30 to be output more evenly through the control valve 40, so as to achieve the purpose of long-term continuous and balanced drug delivery.

[0074] In summary, the overall structure of the cochlear implant with sustainable drug delivery of the present invention is simple and convenient to use, and can continuously and evenly deliver drugs into the scala tympani of the cochlea for a long time, so as to achieve the long-term treatment effect and is conducive to promoting the hearing rehabilitation of patients.

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery, characterized in that, it includes: an electrode array composed of multiple electrode contacts and a drug delivery component; the drug delivery component includes a drug reservoir and a drug delivery tube, the drug reservoir is elastic; the end of the drug delivery tube is connected back-to-back with the electrode array; the drug reservoir contracts to deliver the drug through the drug delivery tube into the cochlea; a control valve for controlling the drug delivery amount is arranged between the drug reservoir and the drug delivery tube; the control valve includes a piston cylinder and a piston; a drug delivery channel is arranged at the center of the piston cylinder, the inlet of the drug delivery channel communicates with the drug reservoir, and the outlet communicates with the drug delivery tube; an annular sliding cavity is formed between the drug delivery channel and the side wall of the piston cylinder; the piston slides in the sliding cavity to control the amount of drug entering the drug delivery channel; the piston includes a sliding part and a sealing part, the sliding part is fixedly connected to the sealing part and two arc-shaped notches are arranged between the sliding part and the sealing part; the sliding part is located in the sliding cavity; a sealing plug adapted to the inlet of the drug delivery channel is arranged on one side of the sealing part close to the sliding part; a partition plate and a spring are arranged in the sliding cavity, one end of the spring is connected to the partition plate, and the other end is connected to the sliding part; a clamping plate is arranged at the mouth of the piston cylinder, an opening is arranged at the center of the clamping plate, and the diameter of the opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the sliding part.

2. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 1, characterized in that, a pressure sensor is arranged on the side of the partition plate away from the spring, the pressure sensor is connected with a control circuit, and the control circuit is connected with a monitor.

3. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 1, characterized in that, a ventilation hole is arranged on the side wall of the sliding cavity, and the ventilation hole is connected with a ventilation pipe.

4. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 1, characterized in that, a plurality of drug delivery holes are arranged at the end of the drug delivery tube, and the drug is injected into the cochlea through the drug delivery holes.

5. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 4, characterized in that, the plurality of drug delivery holes are arranged in a comb shape, a fishbone shape or a barbed shape.

6. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 4, characterized in that, the drug delivery holes are funnel-shaped.

7. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 4, characterized in that, the drug delivery holes are through holes or thin-walled blind holes.

8. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 1, characterized in that, an injection seat is arranged on the drug reservoir, and the injection seat is connected with an injection component for supplementing drugs into the drug reservoir.

9. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 8, characterized in that, the injection component includes a syringe, a needle is installed at the front end of the syringe, and the needle passes through the injection seat and enters the drug reservoir.

10. The artificial cochlear implant for sustainable drug delivery according to claim 1, characterized in that, a one-way valve is arranged in the drug delivery tube.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Artificial cochlea implant capable of continuously dosing

    CN217988162U