Invention

The Microfabricated Catheter is a device created to improve convection enhanced delivery (CED). CED is a method of drug delivery where compounds are delivered along a pressure gradient as opposed to the more common diffusion gradient method. The Microfabricated Catheter is particularly useful for CED when attempting to overcome the blood-brain barrier. The device itself is a fabricated silicon shank with polymer (particularly paralene) channels adhered. The channels can be multiplexed for further enhancement as well as the silicon shank can be functionalized with sensors, electronics or MEMS devices. The Microbabricated Catheter is an improvement over conventional CED needles for the following reasons: 1. Smaller cross section causing less trauma to tissues 2. improves drug delivery by reducing reflux along the channel walls 3. prevents occlusion of the fluid channel 4. multiplex possibilities for sequential or simultaneous delivery of compounds 5. the shank can be functionalized with sensors, electronics or MEMS devices to measure a. location b. pressure c. pH d. ion concentration e. temperature f. etc.

Additional Information (publications, web sites, and patent links)

• Neeves KB, et al (2007) Dilation and Degradation of the Brain Extracellular Matrix Enhances Penetration of Infused Polymer Nanoparticles. Brain Research, 1180: 121-132.
• Neeves KB, Lo CT, Foley CP, Saltzman WM, Olbricht WL (2006) Fabrication and characterization of microfluidic probes for convection enhanced drug delivery. Journal of Controlled Release, 111: 252-262.
• Patent Application: PCT/US08/53716

Supporting Documents

• D4005 Technology Brief (96KB PDF)

Innovators & Portfolio

• William Olbricht | Web Site | more technologies from William Olbricht
• Conor Foley | Web Site
• Russell T. Matthews
• Keith Neeves
• W. Mark Saltzman
• Andrew Sawyer

Licensing Contact

Jeff Fearn, Senior Technology Commercialization and Liaison Officer
jcf55@cornell.edu
607-254-4502