Drug delivery device for ovarian cancer

摘要

A drug delivery device has been designed to directly deliver an agent to the ovaries through direct contact with the fallopian tubes. The device consists of three main components: a tubular inserter, a cylindrical chamber and a plunger. The device is a single-use applicator designed in a shape similar to a tampon to facilitate its insertion through the vagina and into the uterus. Positioning of the device centrally in the uterus is accomplished through the use of ultrasound. The chamber is inserted into the tubular inserter. Adjusting the length of the chamber inserted into the tubular inserter controls the amount of tubing released from the apertures in the tubular inserter. Ultrasound is used to ensure the proper placement of each tube at the entrance of each fallopian tube. The plunger is inserted into the chamber and adjustment of the plunger controls the amount of the agent released into the tubes.

主权项

1. A drug delivery device comprising:
a tubular inserter having a first insertion end and a first opposing end wherein a distalmost portion of the first insertion end is rounded and the first opposing end has a first flange disposed thereon; a pair of apertures disposed in the first insertion end of the tubular inserter; at least one tubing channel disposed within the first insertion end of the tubular inserter wherein the at least one tubing channel terminates at the pair of apertures; a pair of tubes disposed in the at least one tubing channel; a cylindrical chamber having a second insertion end and a second opposing end having a second flange disposed thereon wherein the cylindrical chamber is slidably received and retained within the first opposing end of the tubular inserter; and a plunger having a third insertion end and a third opposing end wherein the plunger is slidably received and retained within the second opposing end of the cylindrical chamber.