U.S. patent application number 17/223967 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-22 for methods for using anal and perianal therapeutic substance delivery device.
This patent application is currently assigned to LK Innovations, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is LK Innovations, LLC. Invention is credited to Pedro P. Llaneza, Matthew S. Solar.
Application Number | 20210220629 17/223967 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005496995 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210220629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Llaneza; Pedro P. ; et
al. |
July 22, 2021 |
METHODS FOR USING ANAL AND PERIANAL THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE DELIVERY
DEVICE
Abstract
A method of delivering an agent to a mammal includes providing a
device with an agent for delivery of the agent to anal and/or
perianal tissues of the mammal. The device is inserted into an anus
of the mammal and then an expandable portion of the device is
expanded to anchor the device within the anus.
Inventors: |
Llaneza; Pedro P.; (Miami,
FL) ; Solar; Matthew S.; (Indialantic, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LK Innovations, LLC |
Miami |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LK Innovations, LLC
Miami
FL
|
Family ID: |
1000005496995 |
Appl. No.: |
17/223967 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16270708 |
Feb 8, 2019 |
10987498 |
|
|
17223967 |
|
|
|
|
62628589 |
Feb 9, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 31/00 20130101;
A61M 25/10186 20131105; A61M 2210/1067 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 31/00 20060101
A61M031/00 |
Claims
1. A method of delivering an agent to a mammal, comprising: a)
providing a device for delivery of the agent to anal and/or
perianal tissues of the mammal, the device provided with the agent;
b) inserting the device into an anus of the mammal; c) then
expanding an expandable portion of the device to anchor the device
within the anus of the mammal; and d) waiting until an amount of
the agent has been delivered to the anal and/or perianal
tissues.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mammal is a human.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: after the waiting,
releasing the device from the anus of the mammal.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the agent is a systemic
agent.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the agent is preloaded into the
device upon manufacture.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the agent is loaded into the
device at or adjacent a site of the inserting.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the device has a shaft defining a
longitudinal axis, and the agent is delivered in a radial direction
to the longitudinal axis.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the agent is delivered to anal
and/or perianal tissues in contact with the device.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the device has a closed distal
end that prevents passage of the agent or other flowable materials
beyond the distal end of the device.
10. A method of delivering an agent to a mammal, comprising: a)
providing a device having a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and
a distal expandable anchor portion; b) inserting the device into an
anus of the mammal; c) expanding the anchor portion to anchor the
device within the anus of the mammal; and d) delivering the agent
through the shaft relatively radially of the longitudinal axis to
the anal and/or perianal tissues of the mammal.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the agent is delivered to anal
and/or perianal tissues in contact with the device.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: after delivering,
waiting until an amount of the agent has been delivered; and then
releasing the device from the anus of the mammal.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the agent is preloaded into the
device upon manufacture.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the agent is loaded into the
device at or adjacent a site of the inserting.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the device has a closed distal
end that prevents passage of the agent or other flowable materials
beyond the distal end of the device.
16. A method of delivering an agent to a mammal, comprising: a)
providing a device having a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and
a porous wall and a distal expandable anchor portion, the device
adapted to prevents passage of the agent or other flowable
materials beyond the distal end of the device; b) inserting the
device into an anus of the mammal; c) expanding the anchor portion
to anchor the device within the anus of the mammal; and d)
delivering the agent through the porous wall of the shaft to the
anal and/or perianal tissues of the mammal.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the agent is delivered to anal
and/or perianal tissues in contact with the device.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: after delivering,
waiting until an amount of the agent has been delivered; and then
releasing the device from the anus of the mammal.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the agent is preloaded into the
device upon manufacture.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the agent is loaded into the
device at or adjacent a site of the inserting.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No.
16/270,708, filed Feb. 8, 2019, which claims benefit to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/628,589, filed Feb. 9, 2018, which
are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a delivery device for a
therapeutic and non-therapeutic agent or substance. More
particularly, the invention relates to a device that temporarily
delivers one or more of such agents or substances to or through the
anal and perianal regions.
2. State of the Art
[0003] Most medical and non-therapeutic treatments of anal and
perianal ailments and disorders rely on ointments, creams,
suppositories or injections that do not provide an appropriate,
constant, reliable and predictable release of substances or
medicines to achieve a desirable effect. There is a need to provide
a local or systemic constant release and application of a substance
to achieve desired effects in this area or systemically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accord with the devices disclosed herein, a device for
delivery of a therapeutic or non-therapeutic agent or substance
(collectively "agent") to the anal and perianal regions is
provided. The delivery device includes a deployable internal anchor
adapted to comfortably anchor the device in the anal canal, a shaft
adapted to store and release the agent to the anal canal, and an
external bumper adapted to store and release the agent to the
perianal tissue and externally anchor the device. The device
optionally may be provided with a quantity of releasable agent in a
suitable form, and an anchor expander.
[0005] In embodiments, the internal anchor is an inflatable
balloon, a user-deployable retention structure, or an automatically
deployable retention structure. The balloon may be inflated through
a proximal valve. The deployable retention structure can include
one or more retainers that are stored or positioned in the shaft
and then advanced out of the shaft into an expanded state. Such
retainers may be a silicone, a non-irritating polymer, a spring
metal, or a heat-activated shape memory alloy. The deployment may
be effected by user-applied force, spring-activation,
heat-activation, or other means.
[0006] The shaft includes an agent storage portion and a system to
release the agent into surrounding tissues. In an embodiment, the
storage portion is a reservoir, and the release system includes a
porous membrane defining an outer surface of the reservoir. The
pores of the porous membrane may be filled or covered with a
heat-activated material, such as a gel, resin or wax, that melts
when the shaft is inserted into the anal canal to allow the agent
to be released from the storage portion. In another embodiment, the
porous membrane may be covered with an impermeable sheet that is
removed after the storage portion is filled and prior to inserting
the device into the anal canal. In another embodiment, the
reservoir is filled after the device is inserted into the anal
canal and the agent is permitted to release immediately. In such
case, no filler or cover is provided for the porous membrane. In
another embodiment, the storage portion includes surface area of
the shaft and the agent is applied to the external surface of the
shaft. Strips that are loaded with the agent may be provided, and
the strips may be pre-attached to the external surface or provided
with, for example, an adhesive backing that attaches the strips to
the external surface.
[0007] The external bumper functions substantially the same as the
shaft to release the agent at the perianal tissue. The bumper also
includes an agent storage portion and a system to release the agent
into contacting tissues. The storage portions in the bumper and
shaft may be in communication with each other and the external
surface of the bumper may be defined by a common porous membrane
defining the outer surface of both the bumper and the shaft, and
use similar or dissimilar agent release systems. The porous
membrane can include any openings suitable to allow an agent to
diffuse out of the reservoir to have a desired effect on the
patient. The size of the porosity can be used to control the
release rate of the agent from the reservoir. The pores can be
relatively large openings to small micropores, which allow the
agent to essentially diffuse out of the reservoir.
[0008] Where the device has an internal storage portion, the bumper
includes an injection port for the injection of the agent. The
internal storage portion can be divided into multiple compartments,
each for receiving a different type of agent or concentration of
agent.
[0009] The device also includes a proximal valve through which an
inflation medium can be injected for expansion of the balloon. A
tether is attached adjacent to the valve. The tether operates to
open the valve to release the inflation medium from the balloon,
and as a security device for the removal of the device from the
patient.
[0010] One anticipated use is for the device to be used to treat
anal fissures and/or hemorrhoids. For such treatment, the agent can
include one or more of a pain relief agent, an anti-inflammatory
agent, and a muscle relaxant. It is further anticipated that the
device can be used to deliver drugs systemically, particularly
where a patient's condition indicates that the anal mucosa and
underlying vasculature may be a suitable pathway for delivery of
the agent. For example, the device can deliver pain relievers,
fever reducers, and anesthetics. Additionally, the device can be
used to deliver nutrients and herbal remedies. Moreover, any agent
currently delivered via suppositories can be delivered by the
device described herein. It is also anticipated that the device can
be used to deliver systemic therapeutic and non-therapeutic agents
to patients that are unconscious, such as those that are in a
coma.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a system including a agent
delivery device in a non-expanded configuration, an agent, and an
inflation device.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the agent delivery device in
an expanded configuration.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section view across line 3-3 in
FIG. 2 of the agent delivery device in the expanded
configuration.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged section view of a proximal portion of
the agent delivery device.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the agent delivery
device in the expanded configuration.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the agent delivery
device in the expanded configuration.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the agent delivery device in
the expanded configuration.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the
agent delivery device in the expanded configuration.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal section view of the inflation
member of the device in FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a section view across line 10-10 in FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the
agent delivery device in the expanded configuration.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal section view of the inflation
member of the device in FIG. 11.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a section view across line 13-13 in FIG. 12.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a side elevation of an agent delivery device in a
collapsed configuration with the agent loaded in strips extending
in a first direction about an exterior surface of the device.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a side elevation of an agent delivery device in a
collapsed configuration with the agent loaded in strips extending
in a second direction about an exterior surface of the device.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a side elevation of an agent delivery device in a
collapsed configuration with the agent loaded in strips extending
in a third direction about an exterior surface of the device.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
an anchor member of an agent delivery device in a collapsed
configuration.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the anchor member of
FIG. 17 in an expanded configuration.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
an anchor member of an agent delivery device in a collapsed
configuration.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the anchor member of
FIG. 19 in an expanded configuration.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a side elevation of another embodiment of an
agent delivery device.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a longitudinal section view of the device of FIG.
21 across line 22-22.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a side elevation of another embodiment of an
agent delivery device.
[0034] FIG. 24 is a longitudinal section view of the device of FIG.
23 across line 24-24.
[0035] FIG. 25 is an assembly view of another embodiment of an
agent delivery device.
[0036] FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment
of an agent delivery device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 1 through 4, a device 10 for delivery
of a flowable agent to the anal and perianal tissues of a patient
is provided. The delivery device 10 includes a deployable internal
anchor 12 adapted to comfortably anchor the device in the anal
canal, a shaft 14 adapted to store and release the agent to the
anal canal, and an external bumper 16 adapted to store and release
the agent to the perianal tissue and externally anchor the device.
The device 10 optionally may be in a system 10a provided with a
quantity of the agent 17 in a suitable form, such as a syringe 18,
and an anchor expander, such as a fluid bulb 20.
[0038] In an embodiment of the delivery device 10, the internal
anchor 12 is an inflatable balloon. The balloon 12 includes a
proximally extending stem 22, and a valve 24 that opens into the
stem, described further below. The balloon 12 may be compliant or
non-compliant, and is preferably adapted to automatically collapse
when empty of an inflation medium, and expand to a suitable size
that operates to retain the device in the anal canal when inflated.
The balloon may be made of a biodegradable material. Exemplar
expanded sizes for the balloon 12 to anchor the device is 3 to 6
cm; other sizes may also be implemented. The inflation medium can
be a liquid or gas. By way of example only, the inflation medium
can be saline solution or air. When collapsed, a distal end 26 of
the internal anchor presents a smooth, rounded, and atraumatic
insertion tip 28. When expanded, the balloon 12 is larger in
diameter than the shaft 14.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the shaft 14 is hollow,
including an agent storage portion 30 and a system or means by
which to release the agent into tissue contact. In one exemplar
embodiment, the shaft 14 has a length of 3.5 cm between its
proximal and distal ends; i.e., between the internal anchor 12 and
the bumper 16, and defines a longitudinal axis along such length
and a diameter transverse to its longitudinal axis. As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the storage portion is a reservoir 30 defined by a
soft, porous membrane 32 surrounding the stem 22 and defining an
outer surface of the reservoir. The membrane 32 may be made from
silicone or other porous materials. The pores 34 of the porous
membrane may be pre-filled or pre-covered with a heat-activated
material 36, such as a gel, resin or wax, that melts when insertion
tip 28 and the shaft 14 are inserted into the anal canal; i.e., at
body temperature, to allow the flowable agent to be released from
the reservoir 30 and out through the pores 34.
[0040] The external bumper 16 is preferably oriented substantially
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 14, and joins the
shaft at the center of the bumper. The bumper 16 may be circular or
any other shape that prevents inward migration of the device into
anus and preferably provides comfort to the patient. The bumper 16
may have a same or different hardness and flexibility than the
shaft. In one exemplar embodiment, the bumper 16 is 4 cm in
diameter or other largest dimension (each of which is considered a
`diameter` for purposes herein). In an embodiment, the bumper 16
functions to supply and release agent at the external perianal
tissue and also to prevent migration of the device 10 into the
rectal vault. Similar to the shaft 14, the bumper 16 includes an
agent storage portion 40 and a system to release the agent into
contacting tissues. The storage portions 30, 40 in the shaft and
bumper may be in communication with each other and the external
surface of the bumper may be defined by a common porous membrane 32
defining the outer surface of both the bumper and the shaft, and
use similar or dissimilar agent release systems. A proximal end 42
of the bumper 16, enclosing its storage portion 40, includes an
injection port 42 for the injection of the agent into the
reservoir. The injection port 44 is adapted to snugly receive the
tip 46 of the syringe 18 carrying the agent 17 to facilitate
filling the storage portions 30, 40. The bumper 16 may be
constructed to have no storage portion; or even when provided with
a storage portion 40, provided with no agent therein or
thereon.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplar assembly of the balloon 12
with stem 22 (assembled as one piece) is shown relative to the
shaft 14 and bumper 16 (a unitary piece). The common reservoir of
the storage portions 30, 40 is defined as the space around the stem
22 and within the shaft 14 (reservoir 30) and around the stem 22
and within the bumper 16 (reservoir 40).
[0042] Alternatively, the storage portions 30, 40 in the shaft and
bumper may be separated into discrete portions such that different
agents may be provided for separately dispensing to the anal canal
and the perianal tissue. In such manufacture, separate injection
ports may be provided for the separate storage portions. Turning to
FIGS. 8 through 10, the stem 22a is provided with two longitudinal
spines 23a that once inserted into and assembled relative to shaft
and bumper operate to define two reservoirs about the stem. By way
of another example, referring to FIGS. 11 through 13, the stem 22b
is provided with four spines 23b that once inserted into and
assembled relative to shaft and bumper operate to define four
reservoirs about the stem.
[0043] Turning back to FIGS. 1 through 4, the proximal valve 24,
preferably accessed through an opening 48 in the proximal end 42 of
the bumper 16, is adapted to permit injection of an inflation
medium for expansion of the balloon. For that purpose, the tip of
the inflation bulb 20 and the opening 48 are adapted and configured
to be snugly fit together so that the inflation medium is
effectively transferred under pressure from the inflation bulb 20,
through the valve 24 and into the balloon 12.
[0044] A tether 50 extends from the valve 24 and out of the
proximal end of the device. The tether 50 is attached to a leaflet
of the valve 24 and operates to open the valve to release the
inflation member from the balloon. The tether 50 also operates as a
security device for the removal of the device from the patient.
Referring to FIG. 26, as an alternative to tether 50, a deflectable
tab 950 may be integrated with bumper 16'. When the free end 952 of
the tab 950 is pressed, the tab 950 includes internal structure
(not shown) that interacts with the valve 24 (not shown) to open
the valve; e.g., by deforming one of the valve leaflets. The free
end 952 of the tab 950 may include raised ridges 954 so that it can
be readily identified by user's touch when the device is inserted
into the anus and not viewable.
[0045] Variations to the above described system are anticipated.
Instead of filling the pores prior to implant, porous membrane 32
may be covered with an impermeable sheet 60 that is removed after
the storage portion 30, 40 is filled with the agent and prior to
inserting the device into the anal canal.
[0046] In another embodiment, the reservoir is filled after the
device is inserted into the anal canal and the medicine is
permitted to release immediately. In such case, no filler or cover
is provided for the porous membrane.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 15, in another embodiment, the storage
portion is defined by an external surface area 158 of the shaft 116
and the agent is applied to the external surface of the shaft. The
agent may be loaded in strips 162 that can be attached to the
external surface to the shaft and tissue-contacting surface of the
bumper prior to insertion of the device. The strips may include a
diffusible form of the agent, similar to a transdermal patch. The
strips 162 may include adhesive backing 164 for such application.
The strips 162 may be provided separately from the device, and
applied by the patient to the device prior to insertion, or the
strips may be pre-attached to the device. The strips 162 may be
loaded with one or more therapeutic agents, or strips with
different agents can be separately supplied. The strips 162 can be
applied longitudinally (FIG. 14), applied circumferentially (strips
162a in FIG. 15), or applied in a helical arrangement (strips 162b
in FIG. 16).
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, another exemplar
embodiment of a deployable anchor 212 for the device is shown. The
deployable anchor 212 includes a plurality of resilient retainers
270 that are stored or positioned in the shaft 214 during insertion
of the device into the anal canal, and then deployed out of the
shaft into an expanded state upon full insertion. The retainers 270
may be a silicone, a non-irritating polymer, a spring metal, or a
heat-activated shape memory. The deployment may be effected by
user-applied force to longitudinally displace a spring-release
hinge 272 of the retainer beyond the distal end of the shaft 214,
heat-activation, or other means. Then, when it is necessary to
remove the device, an opposing force is applied to collapse the
retainers back into the shaft.
[0049] Turning now to FIGS. 19 and 20, yet another exemplar
embodiment of a deployable anchor for the device is shown. The
anchor includes a self-expanding basket 312 that is stored in the
shaft 314 and when advanced distally out of the shaft expands into
a larger diameter anchoring configuration (FIG. 20). The basket may
be optionally covered with a sheet material 374, such that it
operates as a self-expanding balloon. The basket may be made from
resilient plastic or a superelastic metal alloy.
[0050] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 17 through 20, the device
does not require an inflation valve.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, another embodiment,
substantially similar to the device shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, is
shown. The device 410 includes an inflatable anchor 412, a shaft
414, and a bumper 416. The shaft 412 includes an interior agent
storage volume 430 open to communicate with a primary agent storage
volume 431 within the anchor 412. The bumper 416 includes an
additional storage volume 433 in fluid communication with the agent
storage volume 430. A one-way valve 424 is provided into the
interior volume 430 of the shaft 414, preferably at or adjacent the
bumper 416. An outer wall 432 of the shaft 414 includes a plurality
of pores 434, and a tissue-contacting surface of the bumper also
includes pores 439. The pores 434, 439 are filled with a meltable,
dissolvable, bioabsorable or other releasable material 436 that
temporarily prevents release of agent from within storage volumes
430, 431 to outside the device 410. In use, the device 410 is
inserted into the anus, and a flowable agent 437 is injected
through the shaft 414 and into the balloon anchor 412 to
sufficiently inflate the anchor 412 to retain the device in the
anus. Then, at a determined rate, the filler material 436 in the
pores 434 of the outer wall 432 melts, dissolves or is otherwise
removed in situ to permit the agent 437 to be dispensed from the
pores over a short period of time. Different types of filler
materials 436 may be used in different holes of the device in order
to open select pores at different rates and times. The pores 434
are sufficiently small that even when opened, a measured flow rate
of agent from inside the device to outside the device and into the
anus is provided. The release rate is controlled by the size of the
opening of the pore 434, the rate of melting, absorption, or
dissolution of the filler material 436, the viscosity of the agent
437, and the contractile force of the balloon anchor 412 on the
agent 437, as contraction of the anchor forces the agent 437
through the pores 434. Once the storage portion 431 of the anchor
412 is depleted of agent 435 and collapsed inward, the device 410
is automatically releasable from the anus.
[0052] Turning now to FIGS. 23 and 24, another embodiment of a
device 510 substantially similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.
21 and 22 is provided. The device 510 is distinguished from device
410 in that the shaft 514 includes an inner tubular wall 533 within
its outer wall 532, and the valve 524 is provided at or adjacent
the boundary between the shaft 514 and the anchor 512. The device
510 is filled with agent 537 in a manner similar to device 410,
with the agent 537 stored in the storage volume 531 of the anchor
512, as well as the ring-shaped space 530 (in cross-sectional
shape) defined between the inner and outer tubular walls 532, 533.
As filler located in the pores of the outer wall 532 melts,
dissolves, or is otherwise released, the contractile force of the
expanded anchor 512 forces the agent into the toroidal space 530
and out of the pores 534 at a designed rate. Once the anchor 512 is
depleted of agent 537 and collapsed, the device 510 is
automatically releasable from the anus.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 25, another embodiment of a device 610
for releasing an agent into the anal and perianal region is shown.
The device 610 includes a deformable silastic plug 612 and a core
element 650. The plug 612 forms a shaft 614 and a bumper 616. The
shaft 614 has an outer surface 630 provided with a coating or other
releasable layer 637 of an agent. The plug 612 includes an inner
bore 640 having a distal first cylindrical portion 642, an ovoid
second portion 644 having one end communicating with the first
portion, a third cylindrical portion 646 extending from an opposite
end of the second portion, and a proximal frustoconical fourth
portion 648 extending from the third portion and having its largest
diameter opening at the bumper. The core element 650 is provided
for insertion into the inner bore 640. The core element 650
includes a bulbous portion 652 adapted to be inserted within the
ovoid portion 644 of the inner bore, a distal first cylindrical tip
654 adapted to enter the first cylindrical portion 642, and a
proximal second cylindrical portion 656 adapted to reside within
the third and fourth portions 646, 648 of the bore. The bulbous
portion 652 is preferably larger in diameter than the ovoid portion
644 of the bore such that it is adapted to deformably expand the
plug 612 when the core element 650 is inserted into the inner bore
640. In use, the plug 612 with agent 637 thereon is inserted into
the anus; then the core element 650 is inserted into the inner bore
640 to enlarge the diameter of the plug 612 and provide retention.
The retained plug 612 is placed in the anus until the agent is 637
released from the surface 630 of the plug 612. A tether 660 is
preferably coupled to a proximal end of the core element to aid in
removal of the core element and subsequent release of the plug.
Alternatively, a bumper (as shown with respect to the plug) may be
integrated with the core element to aid in its removal. The core
element 650 optionally includes lumen 662 to vent gas while the
device is in use.
[0054] It is anticipated that the device will be used to treat anal
fissures and/or hemorrhoids. For such treatment, the agent can
include one or more of a pain relief agent, an anti-inflammatory
agent, and a muscle relaxant. It is further anticipated that the
device can be used to deliver drugs systemically, particularly
where a patient's condition indicates that the anal mucosa and
underlying vasculature may be a suitable pathway for delivery of
the agent. By way of example, such agents may include pain
relivers, fever reducers, and anesthetics. Additionally, any agent
currently delivered via suppositories can be delivered by the
device described herein. Moreover, natural substances and nutrients
in refined and unrefined forms (e.g., herbal tinctures, extracts,
solutions, oils, and foods) can be used to treat conditions of the
anus and rectum, as well as systemic conditions or needs via
trans-anal and rectal absorption. By way of example only, aloe vera
gel and cannabinoid oils can be delivered. By way of further
example, it is anticipated that the device also can be used to
deliver systemic therapeutic and non-therapeutic agents, including
natural substances, nutrients, foods, and medications, to patients
that are unconscious, such as those that are in a coma, or
otherwise unsuitable for oral and/or intravenous administration. In
one method of delivering a systemic agent to an unconscious
patient, a device for delivery of an agent to anal and/or perianal
tissues of the patient is provided with the agent and inserted into
the anus of the patient. The agent may be provided loaded into or
on the device or in a separate container that can be used to fill
the device pre- or post-insertion into the anus. A portion of the
device is expanded to anchor the device until a dose of the agent
has been delivered to the anal and/or perianal tissues. Then the
device is removed from the anus of the patient.
[0055] There have been described and illustrated herein several
embodiments of an agent delivery device for use in the anal canal
and methods of treatment. While particular embodiments of the
invention have been described, it is not intended that the
invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention
be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the
specification be read likewise. Thus, it is intended that the
disclosure include each of the several embodiments provided with a
tether or tab for valve release (and device removal, in the case of
the tether); various therapeutic, non-therapeutic or combinations
of agents, and different types of anchors, where appropriate. In
addition, it is intended that each of the embodiments is also
provided with in a dedicated suitable kit form. Further, it is
intended that all of the embodiment be provided in any suitable
sizes and shapes appropriate to treatment for various adult, child
and other mammalian populations. It will therefore be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be
made to the provided invention without deviating from its
scope.
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