Methods and system for ultrasonic targeted drug delivery in cystic fluids, such as the cerebrospinal fluid, using buoyancy specific drug carriers

1. A method for delivering drugs into cystic fluid, the method comprising:

injecting a drug delivery system (DDS) into a cystic fluid space at an injection site, the DDS comprising at least one therapeutic agent encapsulated in biodegradable polymers;

applying ultrasonic energy proximal to the injection site;

controlling the at least one of buoyancy, delivery location, mixing, and dispersion of the DDS to a targeted area using the ultrasonic energy; and

creating a directional current of the cystic fluid using the ultrasonic energy to deliver the DDS to the targeted area.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising guiding delivery of the DDS to the targeted area using the ultrasonic energy.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the biodegradable polymers are one of neutrally, negatively, or positively buoyant in water.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising selecting buoyancy of the DDS based on a density or specific gravity of the cystic fluid.

5. The method of claim 3 further comprising selecting buoyancy of the DDS based on one or more characteristics of the at least one therapeutic agent, therapeutic agent requirements, and the target area.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising localizing the DDS using ultrasonic imaging.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the ultrasonic energy is in the range of 1-8 MHz.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied in pulsed-wave mode.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one therapeutic agent is selected from a group consisting of calcium channel inhibitors, growth factors, fibrinolytic substances, statins, neuroprotectants, antimicrobials, steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, anti-neoplastic chemotherapeutics, and immune-modulating drugs.

10. A method for delivering drugs into cystic fluid, the method comprising:

injecting a drug delivery system (DDS) into a cystic fluid space at an injection site, the DDS comprising at least one therapeutic agent encapsulated in biodegradable polymers;

applying ultrasonic energy proximal to the injection site;

creating a directional current of the cystic fluid using the ultrasonic energy to deliver the DDS to the targeted area, and

controlling the at least one of buoyancy, delivery location, mixing, and dispersion of the DDS to a targeted area using the ultrasonic energy.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising guiding delivery of the DDS to the targeted area using the ultrasonic energy.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the biodegradable polymers are one of neutrally, negatively, or positively buoyant in water.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising selecting buoyancy of the DDS based on a density or specific gravity of the cystic fluid.

14. The method of claim 10 further comprising selecting buoyancy of the DDS based on one or more characteristics of the at least one therapeutic agent, therapeutic agent requirements, and the target area.

15. The method of claim 10 further comprising localizing the DDS using ultrasonic imaging.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein the ultrasonic energy is in the range of 1-8 MHz.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied in pulsed-wave mode.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein the at least one therapeutic agent is selected from a group consisting of calcium channel inhibitors, growth factors, fibrinolytic substances, statins, neuroprotectants, antimicrobials, steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, anti-neoplastic chemotherapeutics, and immune-modulating drugs.