Splayed Microcannula Infusion for Single-Trajectory Putamen Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering drugs like AAV to the putamen require multiple injection sites and trajectories, extending surgical duration and cost, with suboptimal infusion and inefficient dosing.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a single outer cannula housing multiple microcannulas that can be extended and splayed to provide simultaneous infusion at multiple points, reducing the need for repeated insertions and optimizing drug distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple injection sites and trajectories are used to deliver drug to the putamen, then coverage of the target area is improved, but surgical duration and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides a single cannula into multiple microcannulas (e.g., three microcannulas) that can be extended simultaneously to create multiple injection sites. This segmentation allows coverage of the entire putamen through one surgical trajectory rather than requiring multiple separate trajectories, thereby maintaining comprehensive coverage while reducing surgical time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple microcannulas are nested within a single outer cannula during insertion. The microcannulas are housed inside the outer cannula until reaching the target position, at which point they are extended outward. This nesting approach allows multiple injection points to be delivered through a single surgical trajectory, reducing the number of insertions required while maintaining comprehensive target coverage.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple injection sites are used to improve drug distribution, then infusion coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple microcannulas are combined within a single outer cannula assembly, allowing them to be inserted and positioned as one unit. The microcannulas share common control mechanisms for extension and retraction, and can be infused through a single drug delivery system. This merging approach enables multi-point drug distribution while maintaining relatively simple device operation and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cannula serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during insertion, houses the microcannulas, and can itself function as an injection site. The microcannulas can be extended to provide additional injection sites when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for different injection scenarios, simplifying the overall system while maintaining flexible drug distribution capabilities.
3Reliability
If multiple separate cannula insertions are performed to achieve full putamenal transduction, then transfection efficiency is improved, but trauma to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple microcannulas are nested within a single outer cannula, allowing them to be inserted through one surgical trajectory rather than requiring multiple separate insertions. This reduces the number of times the brain tissue must be penetrated while still delivering drug to multiple locations throughout the putamen, thereby maintaining transfection efficiency while minimizing surgical trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The single outer cannula is segmented into multiple microcannulas that can be extended to different positions within the putamen. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the target area through one insertion site, reducing the need for multiple traumatic insertions while maintaining effective drug delivery to all required regions for full transduction.
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 device allows for uniform drug distribution across a larger area in a shorter time, minimizing surgical complexity, duration, and cost, while enhancing transfection efficiency and reducing trauma.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the microcannulas having a distal end and a proximal end and is movable relative to the outer cannula in a lengthwise direction between retracted and extended positions
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-driven drug or like substance is advanced through the microcannulas and infused into the targeted organ simultaneously from each of the plurality of microcannulas
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device (10) and method for infusing a drug or like substance in vivo within tissue of an organ of a patient are provided. The device (10) includes an outer cannula (12) having a distal and proximal ends (14, 16) and a plurality of microcannulas (20, 22, 24) extending within a length of the outer cannula (12). Each of the microcannulas (20, 22, 24) having a distal end (28) and a proximal end (26) and being movable relative to the outer cannula (12) in a lengthwise direction between retracted and extended positions such that, in the retracted position, the distal ends (28) of the microcannulas (20, 22, 24) are located within the outer cannula (12) and, in the extended position, the distal ends (28) of the microcannulas (20, 22, 24) extend beyond the distal end (14) of the outer cannula (12) in a splayed configuration.