Inner Ear Drug Delivery Plug Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drug delivery techniques for the inner ear often result in limited drug distribution, necessitating higher dosages that increase side effects, due to the challenges of targeting the inner ear effectively and safely.

Innovation Solution

A securable inner ear drug delivery plug with passive drug delivery mechanisms and anchoring features that secure the plug within the ear, allowing direct drug delivery and preventing withdrawal without surgical intervention, using materials like Polydimethylsiloxane and biocompatible polymers for drug reservoirs and delivery tubes, and anchoring components like annular depressions and expandable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional drug delivery techniques are used for the inner ear, then drug distribution is limited, but higher dosages are required which increase side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug dosageVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a plug as an intermediary device that is inserted into the inner ear to enable direct drug delivery. This mediator overcomes the limitation of conventional techniques by providing a direct pathway for drug administration, thereby improving drug distribution and reducing the need for high dosages that cause side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the drug delivery function from conventional systemic administration and places it directly into the inner ear through the plug. This extraction of the delivery mechanism to the target site enables localized drug action, improving distribution efficiency and minimizing systemic side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a plug is inserted into the inner ear for direct drug delivery, then targeted delivery is improved, but the plug may be withdrawn or dislodged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug delivery consistencyVSAvoidplug position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates anchoring features in the plug design that are prepared in advance to secure the plug within the inner ear. These pre-designed anchoring structures prevent dislodgement before drug delivery is complete, ensuring both reliable drug delivery and plug stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the drug delivery function with anchoring features in a single integrated plug structure. This merging of delivery and retention functions ensures that the plug remains securely in place while consistently delivering the drug, addressing both reliability and stability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12121415B2Inner ear plug

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

Embodiments are generally directed to a securable inner drug delivery plug or stopper that is configured to be inserted into, and secured (retained) within, an opening of the inner ear of a recipient. The securable inner drug delivery plug is configured to deliver drugs directly into the inner ear.