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US 8,012,116 B2Granted
Device to reduce brain edema by surface dialysis and cooling
OwnerMarc Ronald Del Bigio, Alexander Viktor Shulyakovinventors
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Abstract
We have developed a novel method of brain surface dialysis that reduces intracranial pressure and modifies movement of extracellular fluid in a rat model of brain injury. A chamber with a semipermeable membrane at the site of brain contact is perfused with a hyperosmolar solution (e.g. 15% dextran, inulin, hydroxyethyl starch). It is also capable of providing local brain cooling. In principle, osmotic forces draw water and small molecules from the injured brain into the dialysis chamber thereby reducing brain swelling. The dialysate does not move into the brain.
Claims4
A method of treating brain swelling comprising:
- opening the skull a patient of a patient who has suffered or is suspected of having suffered an injurious event sufficient to induce swelling of the brain;
- inserting an osmotic cell into a dural opening or under a dural flap onto a brain, said osmotic cell comprising:
- an osmotic cell body comprising an inner chamber for retaining a solution therein;
- a semi-permeable membrane for contacting the brain;
- an inflow port;
- and
- an outflow port;
- closing the scalp of the patient over the osmotic cell such that pressure from the scalp holds the osmotic cell in place;
- and
- flowing a solution having an osmolarity greater than that of fluid in the extracellular compartment of the brain through the inflow port, into the inner chamber, past the semi-permeable membrane and out of the inner chamber through the outflow port such that interstitial fluid from the brain proximal to the semi-permeable membrane osmotically flows across the membrane and into the inner chamber of the body.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.