Implantable fluid delivery apparatus with micro-valve
A fluid delivery system includes an implantable fluid source, a first catheter in fluid communication with the implantable fluid source, and an implantable micro-valve in fluid communication with the first catheter, the micro-valve configured to be located within a round window or to be secured to a promontory bone of a cochlea.
1. A fluid delivery system comprising:
a fluid source configured to be implanted within a subject;
a first catheter in fluid communication with the fluid source;
a micro-valve, in fluid communication with the first catheter, having an inner ear side and a middle ear side that extends from an inner ear to a middle ear of the subject, the micro-valve providing a sealable fluid path through a round window or through a promontory bone of a cochlea that enables fluid flow through the micro-valve and into the inner ear; and
a fixation device configured to secure the micro-valve to the round window or promontory bone.
2. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid source includes a reservoir.
3. The fluid delivery system according to claim 2 , wherein the reservoir is refillable.
4. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid source includes a pump.
5. The fluid delivery system according to claim 4 , wherein the pump is an osmotic pump.
6. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising a second catheter in fluid communication with the micro-valve.
7. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the micro-valve includes a magnet.
8. The fluid delivery system according to claim 7 , further comprising a magnetic control system configured to control the magnet by magnetic forces in order to close the micro-valve.
9. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the micro-valve is self-closing.
10. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising a switch, in communication with the fluid source, for stopping fluid flow through the fluid delivery system.
11. The fluid delivery system according to claim 10 , wherein the switch is activated by magnetic forces.
12. The fluid delivery system according to claim 10 , wherein the switch is activated by fluid pressure.
13. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising an electrode in communication with the fluid source.
14. The fluid delivery system according to claim 13 , wherein the electrode is part of a cochlear implant.
15. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising an electrode in communication with the first catheter.
16. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15 , wherein the electrode is part of a cochlear implant.
17. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid source is a removable canister connected directly to the micro-valve on the middle ear side.
18. The fluid delivery system according to claim 17 , further comprising a switch, in communication with the fluid source, for stopping fluid flow through the fluid delivery system.
19. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the micro-valve includes a sphere attached to a spring on the inner ear side of the micro-valve, the sphere configured to contact the first catheter in order to stop fluid flow through the micro-valve.