Implantatable component having an accessible lumen and a drug release capsule for introduction into same

摘要

A method for delivering drugs from an implantable medical device to an implantee, comprising implanting the medical device having a receptacle configured to receive a drug release capsule, the drug release capsule having at least one drug disposed thereon, placing the drug release capsule in the receptacle subsequent to the implanting, and permitting the release of the at least one drug from the drug release capsule to the recipient.

主权项

1. An implantable component of a cochlear implant comprising:
a carrier member comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed along said carrier member and, said carrier member having an accessible lumen and one or more drug release ports fluidically coupling the lumen with an exterior environment of the implanted component; and a drug-delivery capsule that carries at least one drug and is configured to release the at least one drug, wherein the capsule and lumen are correspondingly configured such that the capsule may be securely retained within the lumen and the capsule may be introduced into the lumen so that when the drug-delivery capsule releases the at least one drug, the at least one drug may travel through the lumen and exit the implantable component via at least one of the one or more drug release ports.