Aural catheter system including anchor balloon and balloon inflation device

A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to the round window of the inner ear, comprising introducing into the ear an apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

• an inflation lumen (22) having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one delivery lumen (12) having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inflation lumen being in fluid communication with an expandable balloon member (8), wherein the expandable balloon member, when expanded, is adapted to fit securely within the round window niche of the inner ear, the proximal end of the inflation lumen being in fluid communication with a miniature screw pump (28), wherein said miniature screw pump comprises a piston (32), a housing (34) and a threaded interface (30) for driving the piston within the housing, and further wherein the inflation lumen contains a fluid and wherein balloon inflation is accomplished by displacement of the fluid by means of the miniature screw pump, and wherein the distal end of the delivery lumen is positioned to allow delivery of the therapeutic agent to the round window of the inner ear when the balloon is secured within the round window niche, and,
• by means of the miniature screw pump, inflating the balloon to secure it within the round window niche of the inner ear, and delivering a therapeutic agent through the catheter to the round window of the inner ear.