Multi-lumen Drug Delivery Device Water Diffusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravesical drug delivery devices face challenges in achieving controlled and extended drug release due to limitations in water permeability and mechanical properties, particularly when trying to slow down drug release without complicating manufacturing or impacting device deployment.
Innovation Solution
The development of new tubular system designs that incorporate secondary lumens filled with gas or diffusion-resistant materials, which reduce trans-wall water imbibition without affecting mechanical properties or complicating manufacturing, allowing for controlled drug release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a conformal coating or sheath is added over the housing to reduce water permeability, then the drug release rate is controlled and extended, but the manufacturing complexity increases and the coating may delaminate or crack during device deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates secondary lumens within the wall structure of the drug reservoir, nesting functional elements inside the existing device geometry. This allows water permeability control without adding external coatings or sheaths, thereby avoiding the manufacturing complexity and reliability issues associated with conformal coatings while achieving extended drug release duration
2Duration of action of moving object
If the wall thickness is increased to reduce water permeability, then the drug release rate is controlled, but the device size increases and deployment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wall structure into multiple functional lumens (secondary lumens) that control water permeability. Instead of uniformly increasing wall thickness, the wall is divided into regions with and without secondary lumens, allowing precise control of water diffusion while maintaining overall device compactness and facilitating easier deployment through catheters
3Duration of action of moving object
If the wall thickness is increased to reduce water permeability, then the drug release rate is controlled, but the mechanical properties and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating secondary lumens in specific regions of the wall structure where water permeability control is needed, rather than uniformly thickening the entire wall. This localized approach maintains the mechanical flexibility and strength of the overall device while achieving the desired water permeability reduction for extended drug release in specific areas
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
These designs effectively retard or prevent water diffusion into the drug reservoir, thereby controlling the drug release rate over an extended period, while maintaining the device's mechanical integrity and ease of deployment.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more secondary lumens are effective to retard or prevent in vivo diffusion of (i) water into the drug reservoir lumen and/or (ii) solubilized drug out of the drug reservoir lumen
Implementation Method 2
release of the drug in vivo may occur by water from the bladder diffusing into drug reservoir lumen to solubilize the drug
Implementation Method 3
an osmotic pressure building up in the drug reservoir lumen to drive the solubilized drug out of the device through a release aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Drug delivery devices are provided herein and include an elongated, elastic body extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the elastic body comprises a water permeable wall structure having defining an elongated drug reservoir lumen extending between the first and second ends. One or more secondary lumens are structured (e.g., positioned, sized, shaped, and optionally filled) to be effective to retard or prevent in vivo diffusion of (i) water into the drug reservoir lumen and/or (ii) solubilized drug out of the drug reservoir lumen.