A Passive Refillable Intraocular MEMS Drug Delivery Device

This paper presents the first passive implantable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device for targeted intraocular delivery of therapeutic compounds. In particular, this device addresses the treatment of chronic, difficult to reach diseases that affect the retina including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. The device is composed of three structural polymethyldisiloxane (PDMS) layers that are irreversibly bonded without the use of any adhesives. These layers form an integrated drug delivery device consisting of a refillable reservoir, tube, check valve, and suture tabs. This device requires a single implantation surgery and is capable of repeated delivery of multiple drugs. Characterization of the refillable reservoir and check valve performance is presented. Preliminary surgical implantation results of a mechanical test structure are also presented