Implantable fluid delivery apparatus and implantable electrode
A fluid delivery system for delivering fluid to an inner ear of a subject includes a septum configured to be embedded in the inner ear or on a promontory bone of the subject, a spear connector having a needle for insertion into the septum, a catheter in fluid communication with the spear connector, a fixation device configured to secure the septum to the inner ear or the promontory bone.
1. A fluid delivery system for delivering fluid to an inner ear of a subject, the system comprising:
a conical septum configured to be embedded in the inner ear or on a promontory bone of the subject;
a spear connector having a needle for insertion into the conical septum;
a catheter in fluid communication with the spear connector;
a compression ring configured to compress the conical septum in the inner ear or on the promontory bone; and
a fixation device configured to secure the conical septum to the inner ear or the promontory bone.
2. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the fixation device is coupled to the compression ring.
3. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising a stopper adjacent to the conical septum and configured to prevent a bottom portion of the spear connector from contacting the conical septum.
4. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the fixation device includes a metal flap or a facial recess.
5. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising a switch, in communication with the catheter, for stopping fluid flow through the fluid delivery system.
6. The fluid delivery system according to claim 5 , wherein the switch is magnetically activated.
7. The fluid delivery system according to claim 5 , wherein the switch is manually activated.
8. The fluid delivery system according to claim 5 , wherein the switch is activated by fluid pressure.
9. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising a fluid source in fluid communication with the catheter.
10. The fluid delivery system according to claim 9 , wherein the fluid source includes a pump.
11. The fluid delivery system according to claim 9 , wherein the fluid source includes a reservoir.
12. The fluid delivery system according to claim 11 , wherein the reservoir is refillable.
13. The fluid delivery system according to claim 9 , further comprising a switch, in communication with the fluid source, for stopping fluid flow through the fluid delivery system.
14. The fluid delivery system according to claim 13 , wherein the switch is magnetically activated.
15. The fluid delivery system according to claim 9 , wherein the fluid source is a removable canister connected to the catheter.
16. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising an electrode in communication with the catheter.
17. The fluid delivery system according to claim 16 , wherein the electrode is part of a cochlear implant.
18. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the compression ring is made of titanium, shape memory metal and/or shape memory polymer material.
19. The fluid delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the conical septum is configured to fit within a 2 mm or smaller bore formed in the promontory bone.