Drug Delivery Systems and Methods

Abstract

A delivery system includes a housing along with a tip connected to one end of the housing. A first cannula extending from the tip is provided for inserting a rod implant into tissue. A second cannula, concentrically disposed within the first cannula, is utilized to force the rod implant from the first cannula and for ejecting a fluid behind the inserted rod implant in the tissue.

1 .- 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A drug delivery system for introducing a bioerodible implant into the vitreous of an eye, the system comprising:
 a housing;   a tip connected to one end of said housing;   a first piston slideably disposed within said housing;   a first cannula extending from said tip and having a lumen extending therethrough;   a bioerodible implant disposed within the first cannula lumen;   a first plunger fixed to said first piston and slideably disposed within said housing for ejecting said implant from the first cannula lumen as the first plunger is moved toward said tip;   a second cannula extending from said first piston and concentrically disposed within said first cannula and extendable through the first cannula lumen for forcing said implant out of the first cannula lumen as the first plunger is moved forward;   a second piston slideably disposed within said first plunger;   a chamber within said first plunger, said chamber being defined between said first piston and said second piston, said second cannula being in fluid communication with said chamber;   a rod stabilizing fluid, disposed in said chamber, for preventing movement of the ejected implant in the vitreous as the first and second cannulas are withdrawn from the vitreous; and   a second plunger fixed to said second piston for ejecting the rod stabilizing fluid through said second cannula and behind the ejected implant by movement of said second plunger and second piston toward said tip;   wherein the rod stabilizing fluid includes a sodium hyaluronate.   
     
     
         11 . The drug delivery system according to  claim 10 , wherein said first cannula has an angulated end for facilitating penetration of the vitreous of an eye and said second cannula has a blunt end to facilitate engagement with said implant. 
     
     
         12 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of introducing a bioerodible implant into the vitreous of an eye, said method comprising:
 introducing a bioerodible implant into the vitreous of an eye using the drug delivery system of  claim 10  or  11 ; and   stabilizing a position of the implant in the vitreous by ejection of the rod stabilizing fluid.   
     
     
         16 .- 23 . (canceled)