Modular Fluid Connector With Alignment Guide For CNS Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery systems face challenges in effectively delivering large molecules, such as proteins and viral particles, across the blood-brain barrier due to poor diffusion and the risk of infection at the skin-tissue interface, especially when multiple sites within the central nervous system need to be targeted, and existing solutions are not suitable for intermittent or long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid connector system with a male fluid connector portion featuring multiple hollow needles and an alignment guide for sterile, compact connections, allowing for separate fluid communication between multiple lumens and a female connector portion with septum seals, enabling efficient convection-enhanced drug delivery to the brain while minimizing infection risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple catheters are implanted to deliver drugs to large volumes of the central nervous system, then the treatment volume coverage is improved, but the risk of infection at the skin-tissue interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple catheter connections into a single subcutaneous access point. The connector assembly allows multiple catheters to be connected to a common hub that penetrates the skin only once, merging multiple potential infection sites into a single sealed access point. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining multi-catheter functionality while eliminating proportional increases in infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The subcutaneous connector assembly acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the implanted catheters. It provides a sealed interface that mediates fluid transfer without requiring direct skin penetration for each catheter, thereby reducing infection pathways while maintaining the ability to deliver drugs to multiple brain regions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a pump is implanted for long-term drug delivery, then continuous delivery capability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static implanted pump to a dynamic configuration where the pump can be externally connected or disconnected as needed. The connector assembly enables flexible, on-demand drug delivery without requiring a permanently implanted pump, allowing the system to adapt between continuous and intermittent delivery modes based on treatment requirements.
3Reliability
If hollow needles are used for fluid connection, then sterile connection capability is improved, but the risk of needle misalignment and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is pre-assembled with hollow needles positioned in precise alignment with septum seals before insertion. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the connector penetrates the skin, the needles are already correctly oriented and will automatically align with the corresponding catheter lumens, eliminating misalignment risks during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow needles are nested within protective sheaths or housings within the connector assembly. This nesting protects the sharp needles during handling and insertion while ensuring they emerge in the correct orientation and position, reducing the risk of misalignment and unintended tissue damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is described that comprises a male connector portion that is releasably connectable to a complimentary female connector portion. The male fluid connector portion comprises a plurality of hollow needles that are each in fluid communication with a lumen of the associated tubing. The female connector portion comprises plurality of chambers or apertures that comprise a septum seal through which a hollow needle can be passed. Tubing having a plurality of lumens is coupled to the female connector portion and each lumen is in fluid communication with one of said chambers. The male and/or female connector portions also include an alignment guide that allows the hollow needles of the male part to be uniquely aligned with the corresponding septum seals of the female part. The use of the connector for medical purposes is described.