Injectable controlled release fluid delivery system

摘要

Embodiments of a material delivery device including a deformable reservoir and associated controllable output mechanism are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, a material delivery device may be placed in an animal in order to controllably dispense at least one material into the animal. The material delivery device may include a programmable mechanism to control the release of the material into the animal. In selected embodiments, a remote controller may be used to program or to control the material delivery device. Some embodiments are described wherein a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.

主权项

1. A method of delivering at least one material to an animal, comprising:
percutaneously injecting at least one material delivery device into an in vivo environment of the animal using a percutaneous injection mechanism, the percutaneous injection mechanism having a hollow body enclosing the at least one material delivery device, the at least one material delivery device including at least one collapsible reservoir having a biologically inert collapsible outer surface, the collapsible reservoir configured to receive, retain and controllably dispense the at least one material, a processor configured to cause emission of an electromagnetic control signal, and at least one controllable output mechanism coupled to the at least one collapsible reservoir, wherein the at least one controllable output mechanism defines or is located within at least one outlet through which the at least one material may be released; delivering a quantity of the at least one material into the at least one collapsible reservoir having a biologically inert collapsible outer surface; wherein the at least one controllable output mechanism includes a thermally-responsive material that absorbs an electromagnetic control signal and changes its shape to dispense the at least one material in response to at least one electromagnetic control signal; and delivering at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one material to the animal through the at least outlet responsive to the thermally-responsive material absorbing the electromagnetic control signal.