Fiberoptic Microneedle Device for Convection-Enhanced Thermochemotherapy of Malignant Glioma

This invention allows diffuse convection-enhanced delivery of chemotherapy to tumors unreachable by direct surgical intervention. The device employs simultaneous co-delivery of fluid agents and laser energy at multiple infusion points to improve coverage of tumor margins. Previous similar methods have recently failed to meet clinical endpoints in Phase 3 FDA trials due to insufficient tumor coverage. This problem is caused by the differing hydraulic conductivities found in various cerebral structures, causing preferential fluid diffusion down certain pathways and insufficient fluid penetration in others. Our design seeks to overcome this difficulty by spreading many small volume injection points around a localized area in place of 1-4 large injection points. Our design also utilizes engineering solutions to improve diffusion from each injection point by raising local diffusion rates in the area and ensuring local pressure fields do not approach tissue damage thresholds.

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