Gas-Powered Bellows Infusion Pump for Intrathecal Drug Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable intrathecal drug delivery systems are bulky, heavy, and require long catheter lengths, leading to increased surgical trauma and potential catheter dislocation, with a need for remote monitoring and reduced reservoir filling frequency due to high medication volume requirements.

Innovation Solution

A compact, lightweight intrathecal infusion pump powered by a gas-filled bellows, featuring a microchannel panel for flow control, RFID for remote interrogation, and a reinforced catheter, allowing for reduced catheter length and frequency of reservoir filling, with a palpation ring for easy fluid injection and polymer materials compatible with MRI systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional implantable intrathecal drug delivery systems are used, then drug delivery function is achieved, but the devices are bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of implantable pumpVSAvoidmedication volume required

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by using a gas-filled bellows mechanism instead of traditional mechanical pumps, and by optimizing the catheter dimensions. This allows for reduced medication volume (from mL to microL ranges) while maintaining delivery effectiveness, thereby reducing overall device weight and size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional implantable pumps, retaining only the essential drug delivery function through a simplified gas-driven mechanism. This removal of extraneous parts directly reduces device weight and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If traditional catheter lengths are used, then drug delivery to spinal space is achieved, but surgical trauma is increased and catheter dislocation risk is higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter placement stabilityVSAvoidcatheter length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the catheter length parameter to the minimum necessary length for effective drug delivery to the intrathecal space. By precisely calculating and implementing the shortest functional length, the device reduces surgical trauma and minimizes displacement risk while maintaining delivery reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If reservoirs are filled frequently, then medication supply is maintained, but patient burden and surgical interventions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereservoir filling intervalVSAvoidease of reservoir filling

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the reservoir duration parameter by optimizing drug concentration and volume, allowing intervals between refilling to be extended from weekly to monthly or longer. This is achieved through precise dosing calculations and efficient drug delivery mechanics that maintain therapeutic levels with less frequent intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If larger implantable pumps are used, then sufficient medication volume is stored, but cosmetic appearance and patient comfort are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication storage volumeVSAvoiddevice size and profile

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the storage parameter from volume-based (mL) to concentration-based (mg/mL), allowing sufficient medication quantity to be stored in a compact form factor. The gas-filled bellows mechanism enables high-density drug storage while maintaining a small, cosmetically acceptable device profile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides a smaller, more cosmetically acceptable implantable pump with reduced surgical trauma, improved catheter placement, and remote monitoring capabilities, enhancing pain management and reducing side effects through efficient drug delivery with lower dosages.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a microchannel panel for flow control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20230201454A1Implantable intrathecal drug delivery system for chronic pain control

Publication Date: 2023.06.29 BEXAR BIOMEDICAL INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an improved implantable drug delivery device, method, and system that is powered by compression and expansion of an inert gas contained within a compressible bellows and surrounded by a biocompatible housing that forms a reservoir which is connected to restricted channel for flow rate control and further connected to a flexible reinforced catheter that delivers medicants from the reservoir to the intrathecal space or other desired bodily tissue.