Drug Delivery System Synchronizing Infusion with CSF Pulsation

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional drug delivery methods, particularly for intrathecal delivery, face challenges due to the oscillatory and pulsatile nature of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, leading to inefficient distribution and potential harm to patients, as they rely on natural diffusion with large drug quantities.

Innovation Solution

A drug delivery system that synchronizes drug infusion with physiological parameters like CSF pulsation, heart rate, and respiration, using a combination of infusion and aspiration through a catheter with a helical slit fluid port and a controller that coordinates delivery to optimize drug distribution within the intrathecal space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional diffusion-based delivery is used, then drug distribution occurs passively, but large drug quantities are required and distribution efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic pulsatile flow generated by synchronizing drug delivery with the patient's physiological rhythms (heart rate, respiration, CSF pulsation). The controller delivers drug in pulsatile bursts that coincide with natural CSF flow cycles, creating periodic propulsion that enhances distribution efficiency and reduces the total drug quantity needed compared to passive diffusion methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Area of stationary object

If large quantities of drug are delivered to overcome CSF flow challenges, then distribution coverage improves, but patient harm and side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors physiological parameters (heart rate, respiration rate, CSF pulsation characteristics) and adjusts the pulsatile delivery parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures optimal drug distribution coverage while preventing excessive drug accumulation that could cause harm, as the delivery is continuously adapted to the patient's real-time physiological state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes delivery parameters (flow rate, pulse frequency, amplitude) based on the patient's physiological state and response. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system achieves adequate distribution coverage while minimizing the total drug quantity administered, thereby reducing potential harm and side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If drug delivery is not synchronized with physiological rhythms, then delivery simplicity is maintained, but distribution effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces simple mechanical infusion with a智能化 control system that integrates sensors, a controller, and a pump. This substitution of mechanical simplicity with intelligent control enables synchronization with physiological rhythms, dramatically improving distribution effectiveness despite the increased system complexity. The controller processes physiological signals and coordinates pulsatile delivery to match natural CSF flow patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If natural CSF flow is relied upon for drug transport, then no active pumping is needed, but drug movement and distribution are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static passive diffusion to dynamic pulsatile delivery that mimics and leverages natural physiological dynamics. The controller adjusts the timing, frequency, and amplitude of drug delivery pulses to synchronize with the dynamic CSF flow patterns driven by heart rate and respiration. This dynamic approach significantly enhances drug transport speed while utilizing the body's own physiological energy rather than requiring high-power external pumping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables more efficient and targeted drug delivery with smaller quantities, reducing side effects and improving distribution patterns within the intrathecal space, allowing for precise control over drug placement and movement within the spinal canal.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid port formed in the delivery device, the fluid port being defined by a helical slit formed in a wall of the delivery device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

a pump configured to infuse fluid through the catheter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10653442B2Drug delivery systems and methods

Publication Date: 2020.05.19

AI summary

Drug delivery systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to deliver a drug to a patient in coordination with a physiological parameter of the patient (e.g., the patient's natural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation or the patient's heart or respiration rate). In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to use a combination of infusion and aspiration to control delivery of a drug to a patient. Catheters, controllers, and other components for use in the above systems are also disclosed, as are various methods of using such systems.