Development of implantable micropump using ultrasound irradiation from outside the human body

An implantable micropump without electronic drive parts and has simple structures for local drug delivery has been developed. The device is designed and fabricated for drug application into cochlea at inner ear. An acoustic streaming generated by an ultrasound in a drug solution is used as the driving force. The acoustic streaming was performed by using the device and the generation of the acoustic streaming was confirmed. A magnetic valve was fabricated for prevention of drug misadministration or adverse current and the evaluation was performed. The physical and mental burdens of patients is expected to be decreased by the system.