Devices and methods for monitoring and delivering therapeutics to the spinal cord

Abstract

This invention is a continuous monitor of the spinal cord and brain microenvironment in injury and disease that also allows therapeutic interventions. It utilizes a multiport catheter that contains a transducer at the tip for monitoring spinal physiological parameters and also allows via additional ports for sampling and exchange of spinal fluid, as well as drug delivery to the central nervous system. This invention allows for more precise therapeutic interventions in spinal cord and brain injury and disease.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a continuous monitor of the spinal cord and brain microenvironment in injury and disease that also allows therapeutic interventions. It utilizes a multiport catheter that contains a transducer at the tip for monitoring spinal physiological parameters and also allows via additional ports for sampling and exchange of spinal fluid, as well as drug delivery to the central nervous system. This invention allows for more precise therapeutic interventions in spinal cord and brain injury and disease.

While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teaching of the invention. Additionally, any combination of the above examples may be possible.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than the examples given.

Claims

1. A method of treating the central nervous system in injury and disease in a vertebrate organism by providing a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an intervening elongate shaft that is placed along a spinal fluid pathway or cistern, particularly the lumber cistern

2. A method of claim 1 wherein said catheter is placed extadurally

3. A method of claim 1 wherein said catheter is placed intradurally

4. A method of claim 1 where said catheter has at least one port

5. A method of claim 4 where one port contains a transducer at the distal end of the catheter

6. A method of claim 4 where one port contains a biosensor at the distal end oil the catheter

7. A method claim 4 where one port is utilized for outflow of fluid

8. A method of claim 4 wherein one port is utilized for inflow of fluid

9. A method of claim 4 wherein at least one port is used for introduction of a surgical tool

10. A method of claim 7 wherein the outflow tract is used for delivery of a therapeutic substance to the cerebrospinal fluid for treatment of a brain or spinal cord disease

11. A method of claim 5 wherein said transducer can transmit and collect electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the ultrasonic and infrared range, but also visible range

12. A method of claim 11 wherein said transducer continuously monitors structural characteristics of the spinal cord, such as central canal size and parenchymal edema

13. A method of claim 11 wherein said transducer continuously monitors flow characteristics of the spinal cord, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid velocity

14. A method of claims 2 and 5 wherein said transducer is an applanation pressure sensor

15. A method of claim 3 and 5 wherein said transducer can monitor spinal fluid pressure

16. A method of claims 3 and 5 wherein said transducer can monitor spinal dural compliance

17. A method of claims 12 and 13 wherein the physiologic parameters of a patient are monitored pre- and post-valsalva maneuver in order to compare to responses in control subjects

18. A method of claims 7 and 8 wherein cerebrospinal fluid is drained and exchanged with an inflow of artificial cerebrospinal fluid

19. A method of claim 7 and 8 wherein cerebrospinal fluid is drained, treated (e.g., dialyzed of a substance) and re-circulated into the subarachnoid space

20. A method of claim 3 and 7 wherein cerebrospinal fluid is monitored for physiological parameters, such as pH, glucose, protein, cell count and CSF gas values