Microneedle for cochlear implant delivery

Unmet Need: Tool for precise, circular perforation of the round window membrane

Accessing the inner ear for cochlear implant surgery requires perforating the round window membrane (RWM), a structure that forms a barrier between the middle ear and the cochlea. Currently available surgical tools include Rosen needles, hypodermic needles, and beaver blades. These large tools create perforations of imprecise shapes and dimensions, potentially leading to surgical complications. There remains a need for a device that creates precise, circular perforations in the RWM in order to improve surgical procedures for the inner ear such as cochlear implant delivery.

The Technology: Tool for controlled perforation through the RWM

This technology employs a crown-shaped punch needle that safely creates circular perforations of precise dimensions through the RWM to facilitate access into the inner ear for cochlear implant delivery. The design minimizes damage and trauma to the cochlea, thereby reducing risk of surgical complications during the procedure.

This technology has been tested in preclinical animal and human tissue samples, as well as clinical trials.

Applications:

Delivery of cochlear implant
Inner ear fluid drainage
Tool for precise perforation of membranes

Advantages:

Precision of perforation size and shape
Minimizes trauma to inner ear
Minimizes risk of surgical complications
Designed for easy access to inner ear

Lead Inventors:

Anil Lalwani, M.D. Jeffrey Kysar, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status Patent Status

Related Publications:

[Stevens JP, Watanabe H, Kysar JW, Lalwani AK. “Serrated needle design facilitates precise round window membrane perforation” J Biomed Mater Res A. 2016 Jul; 104(7): 1633-7.] (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26914984)
Watanabe H, Cardoso L, Lalwani AK, Kysar JW. “A dual wedge microneedle for sampling of perilymph solution via round window membrane” Biomed Microdevices. 2016 Apr; 18(2): 24.

Tech Ventures Reference:

IR CU15002, CU15244, CU18321, CU19313, CU19314, CU19315
Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik