A carrier device and methods of use are described. The device and methods are directed toward implanting in biological tissue and optionally for propelling in a biological tissue and for releasing a medical payload in a biological tissue according to remote trigger. The carrier device includes at least one element sensitive to the external stimuli. When external stimuli are sent through the tissue, the responsive element provides release of the functional material. In some embodiments, payload release can be started, stopped, and restarted at a later time or place. Individual carrier devices can be selectively triggered by implementing different elements in the devices, each element is sensitive to different stimuli. In addition to payload release, devices of this invention are equipped with a propelling element, the propelling element is responsive to external stimuli that enables propulsion and navigation of the device.

Fluid delivery systems and methods of delivering an agent and treating a disorder are disclosed that include a subcutaneously implantable port having a body defining a chamber with an open top and a delivery opening and a septum coupled to the body to extend over the open top of the chamber. The systems and methods can further include an intrathecal catheter having an proximal end configured to be coupled to the port and fluidly coupled to the delivery opening of the chamber and a plug having a body with a passage to receive the intrathecal catheter therethrough. The plug can be configured to be inserted into the fascia to protect against leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Systems and methods for systems and methods for focal cooling of the brain and spinal cord are disclosed. Some embodiments may be directed to a neuroprotection system that includes a cerebrospinal fluid processing platform. Embodiments may provide rapid and selective spinal cord hypothermia and drainage. Embodiments may be tailored to selective spinal cord cooling, pressure monitoring and automated drainage. Embodiments may enable local hypothermic neuroprotection, limit the stress of systemic cooling, minimize secondary neuronal damage and achieve maximal neuroprotection while at the same time improving workflow as a result of automated drainage. Embodiments may include a multi-lumen catheter, a drainage collection reservoir bag, a pump to circulate coolant, sensor hardware and controllers to modulate the flow of a heat transfer fluid for cooling to modulate therapeutic hypothermia and re-warming. Certain embodiments may include extracorporeal cooling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Certain embodiments may include circulating heat transfer fluid within a CSF-containing space near the brain or spinal cord using a catheter. Particular methods may be used to determine the length and amount of cooling.

The present invention provides methods and systems for conditioning cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by removing target compounds from CSF. The systems provide for a catheter flow path and exchange of a majority volume portion of CSF in the CSF space. The removal and/or delivery of specific compounds can be tailored to the pathology of the specific disease. The removal is targeted and specific, for example, through the use of specific size-exclusion thresholds, antibodies against specific toxins, and other chromatographic techniques, as well as delivery and/or removal of targeted therapeutic agents.

Systems, catheters, and methods for accessing and treating along the central nervous system are disclosed. An example method may manage inflammation of the patient to treat a condition of the patient by processing values related to one or more physiological parameters of a patent, identifying when an inflammation condition of the patient has reached a treatment condition based on the processed values, and automatically providing an indication that the inflammation condition has reached the treatment condition. An example indication may include actuation of a treatment protocol. The example method may be performed with an inflammation management system.

Systems, catheters, and methods for accessing and treating along the central nervous system are disclosed. An example method may manage inflammation of the patient to treat a condition of the patient by processing values related to one or more physiological parameters of a patent, identifying when an inflammation condition of the patient has reached a treatment condition based on the processed values, and automatically providing an indication that the inflammation condition has reached the treatment condition. An example indication may include actuation of a treatment protocol. The example method may be performed with an inflammation management system.

Systems, catheters, and methods for accessing and treating along the central nervous system are disclosed. An example method may control operation of a pump of pump/filtration system to facilitate removing cerebrospinal fluid from a patient, filtering the cerebrospinal fluid with a filter module to remove waste product, and returning the filtered cerebrospinal fluid to the patient. Operation of the pump may be adjusted based on a value related to a measure sensed by a sensor in communication with a lumen carrying cerebrospinal fluid through the filtration system.

A hydrocephalus shunt arrangement for draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a patient includes a ventricle catheter, a first drainage line, a control valve, a second drainage line, and an intracranial device. The ventricle catheter is inserted into a ventricle space of the brain of a patient. The first drainage line is connected to the ventricle catheter. The control valve is connected to the first drainage line and controls the drainage of CSF from the cranium of the patient through the second drainage line into a drainage area inside an abdominal cavity of the patient. The intracranial device is implanted under the skin of the patient in or at the cranium and connected to the ventricle catheter or the control valve. The intracranial device includes a corrugated metal membrane covering a chamber disposed within a rigid housing. The control valve produces a desired, controlled, drainage of excess CSF.

A method for treatment of a brain and/or spinal cord includes inserting a flexible catheter into a cerebrospinal fluid space, the flexible catheter including two lumens adapted to allow a fluid to circulate therein in a closed loop within the flexible catheter and the flexible catheter being adapted to be connected to a device for cooling and circulating the fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebrospinal fluid space is cooled with the flexible catheter to enable selective central nervous system cooling. The functional status of the brain and/or spinal cord is monitored, and the treatment of the brain and/or spinal cord is modified to adjust for any change in the functional status of the brain and/or spinal cord.

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods of use for draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a brain or a spinal canal in a subject, for example, to treat hydrocephalus or other conditions. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a device comprising a flow controller positioned within a conduit that allows CSF to flow through the conduit from a first end to a second end. This may allow the CSF to drain, for example, from an intradural space (such as a thecal sac) into, for example, a paraspinal space, paraspinal vein or other venous space, or peritoneal cavity. A variety of methods may be used to hold or anchor the device in place, for example, an expansion apparatus. In some embodiments, the device can be implanted percutaneously at a location along or within a subject's spinal column, thus reducing the need for surgery, general anesthesia, and hospitalizations.