NZ776713B2

NZ776713B2 - Implant placement and removal systems

Info

Publication number: NZ776713B2
Application number: NZ776713A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Michael R Cole; Scott D Lautenbach; James M Sellers; Jay S Smith; Matthew Weber; Amy K Whitson
Original assignee: Intarcia Therapeutics Inc
Filing date: 2016-06-02
Publication date: 2024-01-04

Abstract

implant removal tool comprising: a first arm; a second arm configured at least during use to be spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first arm; a first opening arranged at a distal end of the first arm; a second opening arranged at a distal end of the second arm; wherein: the first opening is configured to corral a first end of a positioned implant; the second opening is configured to corral a second end of the positioned implant; and a locking device is configured to maintain the distance between the first arm and second arm as the arms are brought together.

Description

IMPLANT PLACEMENT AND REMOVAL SYSTEMS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This ation is a divisional application of New Zealand Patent ation No. 738102, filed 6 December 2017, and is related to International Patent Application No. , filed 2 June 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/170,561, filed June 3, 2015, and entitled "Subcutaneous Implant Placement System," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/170,994, filed June 4, 2015, and entitled "Subcutaneous Implant Placement System." The t application incorporates herein by reference the disclosures of all of the above-referenced applications in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods and devices for placing and removing an implant at/from a determined depth beneath an outer e of skin.

SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0002a] In a first aspect, the t invention provides an implant removal tool comprising: a first arm; a second arm configured at least during use to be spaced apart from and ntially parallel to the first arm; a first g ed at a distal end of the first arm; a second opening arranged at a distal end of the second arm; wherein: the first opening is configured to corral a first end of a positioned implant; the second opening is configured to corral a second end of the oned implant; and a locking device is configured to maintain the distance between the first arm and second arm as the arms are brought together.

Some embodiments of this disclosure present systems, methods and devices which guide placement of implants at a determined depth within , beneath the outer surface of skin, as well as for the removal of the implants from within tissue, such as intraepidermal, subepidermal, intradermal, mal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue. Systems, methods and devices herein can be adapted for placement of implants to any determined depth.

In some embodiments, the determined depth of the implant upon placement is about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, beneath an outer surface of skin of a patient, such as a human patient. In some embodiments, systems, methods and devices are provided to guide placement of implants into or among intraepidermal, subepidermal, ermal, subdermal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue depths.

In some embodiments, a system for placing an implant at a determined depth beneath an outer e of skin is provided which comprises a placement tool including a handle portion and a placement cannula movable within or adjacent to, and relative to, the handle portion. The a has a , a proximal end arranged near the handle portion and a distal end opposite 1a followed by page 2 the proximal end, and is con?gured to govern and restrict placement of the implant to a determined depth beneath an outer surface of skin of a patient. Placement is made via an on in the outer surface of skin at an implantation site.

The system also es a ent guide having a ?rst surface and a tube. The pilot-tube includes a al end with a pilot-hole con?gured to receive the distal end of the placement cannula, a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end at a ?rst distance, a longitudinal central axis arranged relative to the ?rst surface at either or both of a second distance and an angle. The placement guide is con?gured to guide the placement cannula within an incision in tissue to govern and restrict placement of the implant to a ined placement depth. During insertion of the cannula into the incision, prior to release of the t from the cannula, the handle portion and cannula can be rotated by a practitioner, in ise and counterclockwise directions, e. g., back and forth within a span or range of between about 9 o’clock to about 3 o’clock, about 10 o’clock and about 2 o’clock, or about 11 o’clock to about 1 o’clock, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the pilot-tube on the placement guide.

Rotation in this manner, while the placement guide remains substantially stationary, without rotating, on the outer surface of the skin of the t, promotes controlled and proper progression of the cannula into the tissue of the patient beneath the outer e of skin. Thus, in some embodiments, the placement guide is red to allow substantially free rotation of the cannula within the pilot-tube of the placement guide. In some embodiments, a system is provided for placing an t into and/or among intraepidermal, subepidermal, intradermal, subderrnal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue.

In such systems (and other embodiments), one and/or another of the following features may be included: - at least one of the ?rst distance, the second distance and the angle are con?gured to guide the placement a and deliver the implant at the determined depth beneath the outer surface of the skin of the patient; - the placement guide further comprises a visualization window or opening which extends along a length and a width of the placement guide and which is con?gured to enable visualization and/or palpitation of an area of skin around the site at which the implant is being inserted; - the implant may be any implant such as, e.g., an implantable osmotic mini-pump, - the determined depth of the implant is about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, and about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, beneath the outer surface of skin of the - the tube is con?gured to receive and guide the placement cannula into tissue.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for placing an implant and comprises providing a placement system (e.g., according to embodiments sed herein). In some embodiments, the method for placing an implant r comprises at least one of: loading the implant into the distal end of the placement cannula, ng an incision in the skin at an implantation site, arranging the placement guide at the implantation site, such that the distal end of the pilot-tube is aligned with the incision, inserting the distal end of the loaded placement cannula in the proximal end of the pilot—tube, moving the placement cannula relative to the pilot- tube until at least a part of the handle portion is proximate the proximal end of the pilot-tube such that the distal end of the placement cannula is guided further into the incision and into the tissue beneath and/or adjacent to the incision, releasing the implant from the placement cannula at the ined depth, removing the placement cannula from the skin of the patient, and removing the placement guide from the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, the placement cannula is properly guided farther into the incision, at a determined depth beneath the skin’s outer e, upon rotation of the handle portion and the cannula. In some embodiments, a method for g an implant at a determined depth is provided. In some embodiments, a method is provided for placing an implant into and/or among intraepidermal, subepidermal, intradermal, subdermal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous .

The above method embodiments may additionally include one or more of the following - prior to creating the incision, the method further includes one or more of cleaning the skin at the implantation site, marking the skin for making the incision, and injecting a local anesthetic in a vicinity of the mark; - after release and/or removal of the placement cannula, and/or removal of the ent guide, the method further comprises at least one of: ng the incision, applying re to the incision, applying an adhesive to at least one side of the incision, and closing the on; and - the determined depth is about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, beneath the outer surface of the skin of the patient.

In some embodiments for g an implant, both ends of the implant are placed at a determined depth that is substantially the same, resulting in a substantially level placement of the implant. In other words, each end of the implant is placed at a determined depth that is within about 0.5 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.2 mm, or about 0.1 mm of the other end. [00 1 0] In some embodiments, a ent guide device for use with an implant placement tool is provided and includes a ?rst surface and a pilot—tube having a central udinal axis. The tube includes a proximal end red to receive the distal end of a placement cannula for delivering an implant into tissue and a distal end spaced apart from the al end at a ?rst ce. The longitudinal axis arranged relative to the ?rst surface at either or both of a second distance and an angle and the placement guide are con?gured to guide a placement cannula of a placement tool within the tissue to effect implantation of the implant at a determined placement depth beneath the outer surface of the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, the placement guide is made from a al (e.g., medical-grade plastic) that is translucent or substantially clear. In some embodiments, the placement guide is substantially rigid. For example, in some embodiments, the placement guide is suf?ciently rigid that it cannot be substantially ?exed, warped or bent, length-wise and/or width—wise, by a user during normal usage. In some embodiments, a placement guide device is provided for use with a placement tool. In some embodiments, a placement guide device is provided for placing an implant into and/or among intraepidermal, subepiderrnal, intradermal, subdermal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue. [00 1 1] The placement guide, according to some ments, may include one and/or another of the following features: - a visualization window or opening which extends along a length and a width of the ?rst surface and con?gured to enable visualization and/or palpitation of an area of skin around the site at which the implant is being inserted; - the placement guide is con?gured to provide a placement depth of the implant of about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, preferably about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, beneath the outer surface of the skin of the patient; - the pilot-tube is con?gured to receive and guide the placement cannula into tissue; and - at least one of the rigidity of the guide, the ?rst distance, the second distance and the angle are con?gured to guide the placement a and deliver the implant at the determined placement depth.

The placement guide is generally con?gured to allow substantially free rotation of the cannula within the pilot—hole/pilot—tube of the placement guide. During an implant placement procedure, this feature permits the practitioner to conveniently, safely, and accurately create a placement tract through tissue by nimbly rotating the cannula through the tissue, without, or with minimal inhibition from the guide. It was discovered that ents of implants using systems with the described placement guides occurred with minimal or no harm, and with minimal or no ng, to patients. [00 13] Such harm and bruising to patients may otherwise occur during placements of ts made, for example, with more some placement tools, such as a "one-piece placement tool," having a ?xed guide portion, and a a that cannot freely rotate relative to the ?xed guide. Placements of implants with such some one-piece placement tools, having a ?xed guide portion, and a a that cannot freely rotate relative to the ?xed guide, d with restricted motion of the cannula, due to the ?xed nature of the tool. Restricted motion of the cannula, during an ion procedure, can result in excessive or misdirected force being used to create a placement tract through tissue which may result in harm and/or bruising to the patient.

By contrast, the presently described systems have a placement guide con?gured to permit substantially free rotation of the cannula within the pilot-hole/pilot-tube of the placement guide which permits rotation of the cannula independently from the guide and, thus, relatively nimble maneuvering of the placement tool/system. During insertion of the cannula into an incision, prior to e of the implant from the cannula, the handle portion and cannula can be rotated by a practitioner, in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, e.g., back and forth within a span or range between about 9 o’clock to about 3 o’clock, about 10 o’clock and about 2 o’clock, or about 11 o’clock to about 1 o’clock relative to the central longitudinal axis of the tube on the placement guide. Rotation of a cannula in the presently described placement tool occurs independently of the placement guide, which remains ntially still on the outer surface of skin at the incision site and thus does not pull tissue at the incision site back and forth.

Free on of the a in the tly described placement tool, within the pilot tube of the placement guide, permits the practitioner to gradually ease the cannula through tissue, even ?brous connective tissue, with optimal control of the cannula’s insertion path. Thus, the presently described placement tool and placement guide allow for ient, safe and accurate placement of the cannula into . The presently described placement tool and placement guide also mitigate dif?culties encountered upon insertions of implants into different types of tissue among patients. [00 1 5] In some embodiments, an t removal tool is provided which includes a ?rst arm, a second arm con?gured at least during use to be spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the ?rst arm, a ?rst g arranged at a distal end of the ?rst arm, and a second opening arranged at a distal end of the second arm. As used herein, the term "substantially parallel" with respect to ?rst and second arms means that the ?rst and second arms need not be tly parallel; rather, the ?rst and second arms may be oriented substantially parallel to one another, for example, when the device is in an open orientation, prior to use, causing the ?rst and second openings to generally point away from one another. Alternatively, the ?rst and second arms are also oriented substantially parallel to one another when the device is in a closed orientation, during use when the arms are t together, causing the ?rst and second openings to generally point towards one another. [00 1 6] The ?rst opening is con?gured to corral or otherwise capture a ?rst end of an implanted implant, and the second opening is con?gured to corral or otherwise capture a second end of the ted implant. The tool may also include a locking device con?gured to maintain the distance between the ?rst arm and second arm as the arms are brought together and reach the user’s d spacing. The locking device permits the user/practitioner to carry out subsequent steps (e.g, incision and/or l of the implant from the incision) hands-free with respect to the removal tool. In some embodiments, an implant removal tool is provided for removing an implant from intraepidermal, subepidermal, intradermal, subdermal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue.

In some embodiments the implant removal tool may include one and/or another of the following features: - a connecting structure to connect the ?rst and second arms; - any locking device such as, e.g., one that comprises a ratchet mechanism or a sliding onal g mechanism (in some embodiments, the locking device may comprise the connecting structure); - the ?rst opening and second opening are formed from stainless steel wire; - the ?rst opening and second opening can be any shape such as, e.g., a round, square or oval shape; - the ?rst opening is formed at a ?rst end of a ess steel wire and the second opening is formed at a second end of the stainless steel wire; - the wire either comprises the ?rst arm and the second arm or is ed thereto; - the connecting structure comprises a spring, coiled wire, or the like, - a handle comprising a ?rst grip attached to the ?rst arm and a second grip attached to the second arm, and - a connector piece situated along the stainless steel wire between the ?rst arm and the second arm.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for removing an implant and includes providing a removal tool (e. g., according to disclosed embodiments). In some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of: arranging the ?rst arm of the removal tool at the outer surface of skin of a patient near a ?rst end of an implant and corralling or otherwise capturing the ?rst end of the implant, and nearby skin, within the ?rst opening, and ing the second arm of the removal tool at the outer e of skin of the patient near the second end of the implant and corralling or otherwise capturing the second end of the implant, and nearby skin, with the second opening. The arranging of the ?rst and second arms of the removal tool at the ?rst and second ends of the implant may be done simultaneously (preferably) or sequentially. In some embodiments, each end is red to perform the same function and is cal or substantially identical. The method also includes ing or otherwise forcing the ?rst arm and the second arm together towards a ?rst position, where when the ?rst arm and the second arm are in the ?rst position, the implant creates a tent in the skin at or around at least one end of the implant, and preferably both ends. The locking device may be engaged to permit the ractitioner to carry out subsequent steps (e.g, incision and/or removal of the t from the incision) hands-free with respect to the removal tool. [00 1 9] fter, an incision in the skin of the t may be made in or near the tent in the skin at or around either end. Upon the incision being made, the end of the implant near the incision can project out of the skin where it can be grabbed by forceps and/or the like. In some embodiments, the arm of the removal tool at the end of the implant opposite from where the incision was made will cause, while in the ?rst position, at least the end of the implant to be pushed out of the on. In other embodiments, further ing of the ?rst arm and the second arm together towards a second position causes at least the end of implant to be pushed out of the incision. See, e.g., Figure 13. In some embodiments, a method is provided for removing an implant from pidermal, subepidermal, intradermal, subdermal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue.

In some embodiments, such methods may further e one and/or another of the following features: - the ?rst position is a wider con?guration of the ?rst and second arms than the second pos1tlon, - the locking device holds the ?rst arm and the second arm in the ?rst position while the incision is created; - the ing of the ?rst arm and the second arm to reach the second position begins at the ?rst position and ends at the second position, and - the locking device holds the ?rst arm and the second arm in the second position.

In some embodiments, a kit for placing an implant is provided and comprises a sterile (e.g., via gamma radiation) implant and sterile implant placement system, as described herein, for placing the implant. In some embodiments, the kit may r include instructions for use.

In some embodiments, the sterile implant is contained in the kit in a sealed glass vial. In some embodiments, the sterile implant placement system includes a sterile placement guide and sterile placement tool as described herein. In some embodiments, each item in the kit is ed for single-use only. In some embodiments, the sterile implant includes a unique reference number that has been assigned to a patient. In some embodiments, a kit is provided for placing an implant into or among intraepidermal, subepiderrnal, intradermal, subdermal, utaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue.

In some ments, the kit may further e, in one or more packages, one and/or r of the following sterile items: - scalpel, hemostat, gauze, strips such as Steri-StripsTM, liquid skin adhesive, bandages, syringe, needles, drapes (fenestrated and non—fenestrated), sterile gloves, an antiseptic agent such alcohol prep pads, an anesthetic agent such as lidocaine, a ruler, swabs, visual reference guide, and a writing instrument, such as a ent marker.

In some embodiments, the e nature of the kit, and its contents, minimize risk of infection and permit a practitioner to conveniently arrange a sterile ?eld (i.e., area) from which the implant may safely and properly be placed (i. e., inserted) into the patient.

These and other embodiments, objects, advantages, and features will become even more clear with reference to attached drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE EMBODIMENTS FIGURES 1A and 1B are illustrations depicting an exploded view of structures of an implant placement system according to some embodiments.

FIGURES 2A and 2B are illustrations depicting structures of an t placement system according to some embodiments.

FIGURES 3A and 3B are illustrations depicting structures in section views of an implant placement system according to some embodiments.

FIGURES 4A, 4B and 4C are illustrations depicting various views of structures of an implant placement system according to some ments.

S 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E are illustrations depicting various views of structures of an implant placement guide ing to some embodiments, FIGURE 6 is an illustration depicting structures of an implant removal tool shown in a side view according to some embodiments. [003 1] FIGURE 7 is an illustration ing structures of an implant removal tool shown in a front view according to some embodiments.

FIGURE 8 is an illustration depicting structures of an implant removal tool shown in a top view according to some embodiments.

FIGURE 9 is an illustration depicting structures of an implant removal tool shown in an alternate View according to some ments.

FIGURE 10A is an illustration of an implant removal tool, with arms in an open orientation, according to some embodiments.

FIGURE 10B is an illustration of an t removal tool and sliding frictional locking mechanism, with arms in an open orientation, ing to some ments.

FIGURE 10C is an illustration of an implant removal tool and sliding frictional locking ism, with arms in a closed orientation, according to some embodiments.

FIGURE 10D is an illustration of a side view of a sliding onal locking mechanism ing to some embodiments.

FIGURE 10E is an illustration of a top view of a sliding frictional locking mechanism according to some embodiments.

FIGURE 11A is an illustration, according to some embodiments, depicting placement of the placement tool cannula into an insertion point in the surface of a patient’s skin.

FIGURE 11B is an illustration, according to some embodiments, depicting further placement of the cannula and t beneath an outer surface of the t’s skin, until an indicator band on the placement tool a reaches the insertion point which signi?es that the implant is properly located, and the implant is ready for release from the cannula into tissue at a determined placement depth, after which the cannula may be removed from the incision, FIGURE 12A is an illustration, according to some embodiments, depicting initial stages of "tenting" of both (i.e., proximal and distal) ends of the implant, and nearby skin, with arms of the removal tool.

FIGURE 12B is an ration, according to some embodiments, of a side view of two tents being formed around both ends of an t.

FIGURE 13 is an illustration, according to some embodiments, depicting in implant emerging from an incision made at one tented end following tenting of both (i. e., proximal and distal) ends of the t, and nearby skin, with arms of the removal tool. The incision can be made "hands-free" with respect to the l tool in a relatively closed position or orientation.

FIGURE 14 is an illustration, according to some embodiments, of a placement guide as shown and described.

FIGURE 15 is an illustration depicting an additional implant removal tool according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE EMBODIMENTS Some ments of the present disclosure present an implant placement system, which includes a placement guide con?gured to aid in the placement (i.e., also referred to herein alternatively as delivery or implantation) of an implant, which may be a cylindrical or columnar shaped implant (e.g., an osmotic pump), at a determined depth of about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, beneath an outer surface of skin of a patient (for example, in the abdominal area). lly, the implant is placed (i.e., implanted) beneath an outer surface of skin of a patient to provide subcutaneous administration of a drug. The implant can be placed at a determined depth into almost any location, beneath an outer surface of skin, including at either or both legs, either or both arms (e.g., in the inside, outside, or back of the upper arm), or the back or abdomen. In some embodiments, the implant may be placed in the abdominal area within abdominal tissue, h an outer surface of skin, in the area ing below the ribs and above the belt line. To provide a number of locations for placement of one or more c delivery device within the abdomen, the abdominal wall can be divided into four quadrants as follows: the upper right quadrant extending about 5-8 centimeters below the right ribs and about -8 centimeters to the right of the e, the lower right quadrant extending about 5-8 centimeters above the belt line and about 5—8 centimeters to the right of the midline, the upper left quadrant extending about 5-8 centimeters below the left ribs and about 5-8 centimeters to the left of the midline, and the lower left quadrant extending about 5-8 centimeters above the belt line and about 5-8 centimeters to the left of the e. This provides le available locations for implantation of one or more devices on one or more occasions. ent and removal of the implant are generally carried out by medical sionals using local anesthesia (such as, e. g., ine).

In some embodiments, the determined depth at which the implant is placed is described as a mean depth below a e of skin where the mean depth can be calculated from measured depths (e.g., via ultrasound techniques) of both ends (lie, proximal and distal) of the inserted implant. The presently disclosed placement systems, methods and devices, including those that include the presently disclosed placement guides, are adaptable to provide an implant to virtually any "determined depth" beneath an outer surface of skin of a patient, In some embodiments, disclosed placement system is red to deliver an implant to any particular depth beneath an outer surface of skin. In some embodiments, the determined depth is less than about 5 mm beneath an outer surface of skin. In some embodiments, the determined depth is about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm beneath an outer surface of skin of a patient. In some embodiments, the determined depth is about 1 mm to about 4 mm beneath an outer surface of skin of a patient. In some embodiments, the ined depth is about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm beneath an outer e of skin of the patient.

In some ments, the implant is an osmotic pump comprising a metal exterior (e.g., titanium or a titanium alloy). In some embodiments, the implant is an osmotic pump sing an insulinotrophic peptide (e.g., synthetic exenatide, exendin-4). In some embodiments, the insulinotrophic peptide is exendin—4. In some embodiments, the insulinotrophic peptide is exenatide. In some ments, the insulinotrophic peptide is formulated with stabilizers. In some embodiments, the stabilizers comprise or consist of carbohydrate (e.g, sucrose), antioxidant (e.g, methionine), and buffer (e.g, sodium citrate/citric acid). The implant may comprise any one or more of a plurality of other treatments, drugs, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the implant is an osmotic pump that provides a sustained (e.g., continuous) in vitro release rate of an insulinotrophic peptide (e.g., tic exenatide, exendin- 4) of about 20 mcg/day for at least about 3 , about 40 mcg/day for at least about 6 months, or about 60 mcg/day for at least about 6 months, or an in vitro release rate of about 20 y to about 60 mcg/day for at least about 3 months to at least about 6 months. [005 1] The term "continuous ry," as used herein, may refer to a substantially continuous release of drug from an osmotic delivery device and into tissues near the implantation site, e.g., intraepidermal, subepidermal, intradermal, subdermal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissues. For example, an osmotic delivery device may release one or more drugs essentially at a predetermined rate based on the principle of osmosis. Extracellular ?uid enters the c delivery device through the semi-permeable membrane ly into the osmotic engine that expands to drive the piston at a slow and tent rate of travel. Movement of the piston forces the drug formulation to be released through the ori?ce of the diffusion tor. Thus release of the drug from the osmotic delivery device is at a slow, controlled, consistent rate.

Continuous delivery of exenatide or exendin—4 using an table osmotic delivery device may provide the following bene?ts for subjects in need of treatment: ng type 2 diabetes mellitus, improving ic control (as measured, e.g., by glucose levels, HbAlc, and/or fructosamine), reducing HbAlc, reducing fasting plasma glucose, reducing post-prandial blood glucose levels, reducing adverse gastrointestinal events (e.g., nausea and vomiting) relative to periodic, (e.g., daily), injections, weight loss, reducing LDL-C, reducing systolic blood pressure, treating hypertension, reducing fructosamine levels, improving of quality of life for subjects undergoing treatment, etc. One or more other s may also be achieved.

In addition, the continuous ry of an notrophic peptide (e.g., ide, exendin-4) may be used in the practice of the following methods: treating obesity, controlling te, reducing caloric intake, reducing food intake, suppressing appetite, treating impaired glucose tolerance, treating post-prandial hyperglycemia, treating post-prandial g syndrome, treating hyperglycemic conditions, reducing triglycerides, reducing cholesterol, increasing urine ?ow, decreasing potassium concentration in the urine, alleviating toxic hypervolemia, inducing rapid diuresis, pre-surgical patient preparation, post-surgical patient treatment, increasing renal plasma ?ow and glomerular ?ltration rate, ng pre-eclampsia or eclampsia during pregnancy, increasing cardiac contractility, treating renal failure, treating congestive heart failure, treating nephrotic syndrome, ng pulmonary edema, ng systemic edema, treating cirrhosis, treating impaired glucose tolerance, treating pre-diabetes (blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes), treating type 1 diabetes mellitus (e.g, in combination with insulin), ng risk of a cardiovascular event due to impaired glucose tolerance, reducing risk of a cerebrovascular event due to impaired glucose tolerance, delaying the progression of diabetes, ameliorating diabetes, delaying diabetes onset, inducing B-cell preservation and restoring B-cell functionality, restoring normoglycemia, providing euglycemic control, treating peripheral vascular disease, treating acute coronary syndrome, treating cardiomyopathy, treating gestational diabetes, ng polycystic ovary syndrome, treating or preventing nephropathy, and treating diabetes induced by a y of diseases or conditions (for example, d induced diabetes, human immunode?ciency virus treatment—induced diabetes, latent autoimmune es in adults, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hypoglycemia unawareness, restrictive lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases, e.g., heart failure, atherosclerosis, and acute ry me, lipoatrophy, metabolic syndrome, treating mer’s disease), etc.

The implant may be any type of implant intended for insertion beneath the surface of the skin. In some embodiments, the implant is a cylindrical or columnar shaped implant. In some embodiments, the implant is other than an osmotic pump. For example, in some embodiments, the implant is a diffusion-controlled t. The diffusion-controlled implant may include, for example, a polymer matrix core having a solid dosage form of an active substance that diffuses from the implant to provide a substantially nt dosage of the active substance. The diffusion-controlled implant may include, for example, a substantially or completely non-porous polymer matrix such as a thermoplastic, from which the active substance diffuses.

In some embodiments, the diffusion—controlled implant is a cylindrical or columnar shaped t. In some embodiments, the diffusion-controlled implant ns a contraceptive as the active substance. In some embodiments, the diffusion-controlled implant ns an active substance, for use in treating opioid addiction, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, and/or the like.

The implant may be of any suitable size for ion into a t, particularly a human patient. The size of the implant may range, for example, from about 1 mm to about 6 mm wide (e.g., diameter) and about 10 mm to about 60 mm long. In some embodiments, the implant may have a width of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, about 2 mm to about 3 mm, about 3 mm to about 4 mm, or about 5 mm to about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the implant has a length of about 10 mm to about 20 mm, about 20 mm to about 30 mm, 30 mm to 40 mm, about 40 mm to about 50 mm, about 50 mm to about 60 mm. In some embodiments, the implant is about 4 mm in diameter (lie, wide) and about 44 mm long. Systems, methods and s herein can be adapted for placement of any implant having any shape, ing a substantially cylindrical or columnar shaped implant, or having a shape that is amenable to tenting under the skin with a removal tool. Any device/implant suitably sized for implantation/removal can be used.

In one aspect, a system is provided for g an implant, comprising: a placement tool comprising a handle portion, and a placement cannula movable within or adjacent, and relative to, the handle portion, the cannula having a length, a proximal end arranged near the handle portion and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the ent cannula con?gured to deliver the implant within a tissue of a patient via an incision in the skin of a patient at an implantation site, and a placement guide having a ?rst surface and pilot-tube, wherein the tube includes a proximal end con?gured to receive the distal end of the placement cannula, a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end at a ?rst distance; a udinal central axis arranged relative to the ?rst surface at either or both of a second distance and an angle, and the placement guide is red to guide the placement a within the tissue to effect implantation of the implant at a determined placement depth beneath the outer surface of the skin of the patient.

In some embodiments of the system, at least one of the ?rst distance, the second distance and the angle are con?gured to guide the placement cannula and deliver the implant at the determined placement depth. In some ments of the system, the ined placement depth is about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm beneath the outer surface of the skin of the t. In some embodiments of the system, the placement guide further ses a visualization window or opening, wherein the visualization window or opening extends along a length and a width of the placement guide and is con?gured to allow visual observation and/or palpitation of an area of an outer surface of skin around the implantation site.

In some embodiments of the system, the placement guide further comprises a visualization opening, wherein the visualization opening extends along a length and a width of the placement guide and is con?gured to allow visual observation and ation of an area of an outer surface of skin around the implantation site. In some embodiments of the system, the implant is an c mini-pump. In some embodiments, the system is con?gured to permit the placement cannula to rotate within the pilot—tube.

In another aspect, a method is provided for placing an implant, comprising: providing a ent system described herein. In some ments, the method further comprises at least one of: loading the implant into the distal end of the ent cannula; creating an incision in the skin at an implantation site; ing the placement guide at the implantation site, such that the distal end of the pilot—tube is aligned with the incision; inserting the distal end of the loaded placement cannula in the proximal end of the pilot—tube; moving the placement cannula relative to the pilot-tube until at least a part of the handle portion is proximate the proximal end of the pilot-tube such that the distal end of the placement cannula is guided farther into the incision and into the tissue beneath and/or adjacent the incision; releasing the t from the placement cannula; removing the placement cannula from the skin of the patient; and removing of the placement guide from the skin of the patient.

In some embodiments of the method for placing an implant, the placement cannula is guided into the incision and into the tissue with rotation of the handle portion and ent cannula within the pilot-tube. In some embodiments, prior to creating the incision, the method further comprises: cleaning the skin at the implantation site; marking the skin for making the incision; and injecting a local anesthetic in a vicinity of the mark.

In some ments of the method for placing an implant, after release and/or removal of the placement cannula, and/or removal of the placement guide, the method further comprises at least one of: cleaning the incision; applying pressure to the incision; applying an adhesive to at least one side of the incision; and g the incision. In some embodiments of the method, the implant is released from the ent cannula at the determined depth. In some embodiments of the method, the determined depth is between about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm beneath the outer e of the skin of the patient. In some ments of the method, both ends of the implant are placed at a determined depth that is substantially the same. In some embodiments of the method, both ends of the t are placed at a determined depth that is within about 0.3 mm of one another.

In r aspect, a placement guide device is provided for use with a placement tool, the guide comprising: a ?rst surface; and a tube having a central longitudinal axis, wherein the tube includes a proximal end con?gured to receive the distal end of a placement cannula for delivering an t to tissue; a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end at a ?rst distance; the longitudinal axis arranged relative to the ?rst e at either or both of a second distance and an angle; and the ent guide is con?gured to guide a placement cannula of a placement tool within the tissue to effect implantation of the implant at a determined placement depth beneath the outer surface of the skin of the patient.

In some embodiments, the placement guide is con?gured to permit rotation of the placement cannula within the pilot—tube. In some embodiments, the placement guide further comprises a visualization window or opening that extends along a length and a width of the ?rst surface and con?gured to enable visual observation and/or palpitation of an area of the outer e of skin around the site at which the implant is being inserted. In some embodiments, the visualization window or opening has a length that extends beyond the tip of the a when the cannula is inserted into, and fully extended through, the pilot-tube. In some embodiments, the placement depth is from about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm beneath the outer surface of the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, the pilot-tube is con?gured to receive and guide the placement cannula into tissue. In some embodiments, the placement guide is made from a material that is translucent or substantially clear. In some embodiments, the pilot-tube is con?gured at an incline relative to the underside of the guide. In some embodiments, the placement guide cannot readily be ?exed or bent, length—wise or width-wise, by a user.

In r aspect, an implant l tool is provided comprising: a ?rst arm; a second arm con?gured at least during use to be spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the ?rst arm; a ?rst g arranged at a distal end of the ?rst arm; a second opening ed at a distal end of the second arm; wherein: the ?rst opening is con?gured to corral a ?rst end of a positioned implant; the second opening is con?gured to corral a second end of the positioned implant; and a locking device is red to maintain the distance n the ?rst arm and second arm as the arms are brought together.

In some embodiments, the implant removal tool further comprises a connecting structure to connect the ?rst and second arms. In some embodiments, the locking device ses a t mechanism. In some embodiments, the g device comprises a frictional locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the ?rst opening and second opening are formed from stainless steel wire. In some embodiments, the ?rst opening and second opening are generally round, oval or square shaped. In some embodiments, the ?rst opening is formed at a ?rst end of a stainless steel wire and the second opening is formed at a second end of the stainless steel wire. In some ments, the wire either comprises the ?rst arm and the second arm or are attached thereto. In some embodiments, the connecting structure comprises a spring or coil. In some embodiments, the implant removal tool further comprises a handle, wherein the handle comprises: a ?rst grip attached to the ?rst arm; a second grip attached to the second arm; and a connector piece situated along the stainless steel wire between the ?rst arm and the second arm. In some embodiments, the ?rst and second arms, the ?rst and second ends, and the connecting structure are made from one or more lengths of wire, In some embodiments, the ?rst and second arms, the ?rst and second ends, and the connecting structure are made from a single length of wire. [0067 ] In another , a method is provided for removing an implant, comprising: providing a l tool as described herein. In some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of: ing the ?rst arm at a ?rst end of an implant, wherein the implant is under an outer surface of skin of a patient, corralling the ?rst end of the implant and nearby skin within the ?rst opening, locating a second end of the implant; ling the second end of the implant and nearby skin within the second opening; squeezing or otherwise forcing the ?rst arm and the second arm together towards a ?rst position, wherein when the ?rst arm and the second arm are in the ?rst position, the implant s a tent in the skin that includes the ?rst and/or second end of the implant; creating an incision in the skin of the t near the tent in the skin at the ?rst or second end of the implant, and squeezing the ?rst arm and the second arm together towards a second position, wherein when the ?rst arm and second arm are in the second position, the second end of the implant exits the skin of the patient through the incision.

In some ments of the method for ng an implant, the ?rst and second ends of the implant are located within the ?rst and second openings. In some embodiments of the method, the ?rst position is a wider con?guration of the ?rst and second arms than the second position. In some embodiments of the method, the locking device holds the ?rst arm and the second arm in the ?rst position while the incision is created, In some embodiments of the method, the squeezing of the ?rst arm and the second arm to reach the second on begins at the ?rst position and ends at the second position. In some embodiments of the method, the locking device holds the ?rst arm and the second arm in the ?rst and second positions.

In some ments, the placement guide interfaces with a placement tool, for example, along the a of the placement tool, to deliver the implant at a determined depth (e.g., into or among one or more of intraepidermal, subepidermal, intradermal, mal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue). The placement tool may include a cannula red to house the implant for delivery. Some embodiments of the placement tool are described in US. Patent No. 6,190,350, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The design of the placement guide, according to some embodiments, may be con?gured to direct the cannula, and thereby deliver the implant, at a particular/determined depth beneath an outer surface of skin. FIGURE 1A shows an exemplary con?guration of an ment of the implant placement system including a placement tool 120 and placement guide 100 in an exploded view. The placement tool 120 includes a handle portion and a placement cannula 115. FIGURE 1B illustrates an exploded view that also shows internal components of the placement tool 120 which provide functionality for (at least) dispensing an implant at a determined depth beneath the outer surface of skin (e.g., into or among intraepidermal, dermal, intraderrnal, subdermal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue.) See US. Patent No. 6,190,350.

The placement guide 100 may comprise a relatively rigid material which may be made from plastic or metal (e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The placement guide 100 may include, according to some embodiments, some or all of the following features: a ?rst surface which during use is placed adjacent the skin, a pilot-tube 105 located on one end (proximal end) of the guide 100 for ing the placement tool cannula 115, and a visualization g 110.

It was discovered that vely rigid, rather than ?exible guides 100, best govern and ct insertion of the cannula and placement of the implant to a determined depth beneath an outer surface of skin. For example, in some embodiments, the placement guide is suf?ciently rigid that it cannot be substantially ?exed, warped or bent, length-wise and/or width-wise, by a user during normal usage (e.g., during an insertion procedure). [007 1] On the other hand, relatively ?exible or pliant guides made, for example, from relatively thin plastic, tend to ?ex during the insertion procedure and permit the cannula to drift deeper than desired beneath the outer surface of skin, resulting in uncontrolled and overly deep placement of the implant (e.g, greater than 5 mm beneath the outer surface of skin). [007 2] Thus, in some embodiments, placement guide 100 is con?gured to enhance rigidity.

For example, rigid plastic and or metal materials for placement guide 100 are preferred. onally, in other ments, guide 100 has raised sides 150 (e.g., 5-30 mm tall) and/or one or more reinforcing gussets (i.e., reinforcing ribs) 140 that confer stability and ty to guide 100. In some embodiments, guide 100 comprises one or more reinforcing gussets 140, running perpendicular to tube 105 and/or running perpendicular to the length of visualization g 110, to add and/or reinforce rigidity to guide 100. See, e.g., Example 1.

Guide 100 may comprise, for example, one gusset, two gussets, four gussets, six gussets, eight gussets, ten gussets, twelve gussets, etc. Multiple gussets are generally evenly spaced along the length of guide 100, as rated by the eight gussets shown in the guide of Figure 5A. Gussets 140 may be situated along the entire width of the guide (such as some of those shown, closest to the tube, in the guide of Figure 14). In some embodiments, each gusset 140 does not span the entire width of the guide, as shown in the guide of Figure 5A.

Pilot-tube 105 es a proximal opening near the proximal end of guide 100, and a distal opening spaced apart from the proximal opening. Tube 105 is substantially straight, and es a longitudinal central axis. The placement guide 100 may be any color, white or, in some embodiments, translucent or substantially clear, to enhance visualization of the implant procedure. In some embodiments, the placement guide is made from material(s) (e. g., medical- grade plastic) that is/are translucent or substantially clear.

Pilot-tube 105 receives ent tool cannula 115, such that placement tool cannula 115 can freely rotate within pilot-tube 105. During insertion of placement tool cannula 115 beneath the skin of the patient, the handle portion of placement tool 120 and, thus, placement tool cannula 115 can be d by the practitioner, in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, e.g., back and forth within a span or range between about 9 o’clock to about 3 o’clock, between about 10 o’clock and about 2 o’clock, or between about 11 o’clock to about 1 k,, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the pilot-tube on placement guide 100, while placement guide 100 remains substantially stationary on the outer surface of skin of the patient.

In some embodiments, the rotation may be between about 10 o’clock and about 2 o’clock.

Rotation of the handle of placement tool 120 and placement tool cannula 115, while placement guide 100 remains substantially stationary on the outer surface of the skin, can be used to ensure controlled placement of an t at a determined depth that is about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, and in some embodiments, about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm h the surface of skin of the patient. In some embodiments, the ined depth at which the implant is placed is a depth into or among intraepidermal, subepidermal, errnal, subdermal, intracutaneous, and/or subcutaneous tissue.

In some embodiments, placement guide 100 is con?gured to be long enough for the visualization opening 110 to extend at least past the tip of the placement a 115, when fully extended, through the pilot-tube beneath the guide. A guide and ization opening of such length causes the guide to overhang the sharp tip of the fully extended cannula and thus provides some tion from the sharp tip. Further, in some ments, placement guide 100 is red for the visualization g 110 to be long enough, past the tip of a fully extended placement cannula, to allow the practitioner see and/or touch, through visualization opening 110, skin above the entire inserted length of the cannula, to con?rm proper placement of the cannula/implant to a determined placement depth (e.g., less than about 5 mm from the outer surface of skin). In some embodiments, placement guide 100 has a length of about 60 mm to about 120 mm. In some embodiments, placement guide 100 has a length of about 80 mm to about 100 mm. In some embodiments, ent guide 100 has a length of about 90 mm.

Insertion of the implant proceeds ularly smoothly when the practitioner uses one hand, for example, the ant" hand, to grip the handle of placement tool 120, to drive cannula 115 into an incision, and simultaneously uses their remaining hand, the "non-dominant" hand, to apply reverse traction directly to points on the patient’s skin as close as possible to advancing cannula 115 on either side of, or on both sides of, the guide. During such preferred methods, insertion of the cannula and placement of the implant proceed substantially hands-free with respect to the placement guide. See Figure 11A. Thus, the practitioner may place his or her hand on both or either side of the guide 100, without touching or without substantially touching the guide 100, applying pressure in a direction that is opposite (or substantially opposite) of the direction that the cannula 115 is being inserted into the patient. Applying reverse traction in this way, without substantially gripping placement guide 100, keeps the patient’s skin tight, on either or both sides of the incision, while cannula 115 creates an insertion channel as it smoothly advances into tissue. Accordingly, in some embodiments, placement guide 100 is relatively , For example, in some embodiments, the placement guide has a width of about 10 mm to about 80 mm. In some embodiments, the placement guide has a width of about 15 mm to about 35 mm. In some embodiments, the ent guide has a width of about 25 mm. [007 7] The ined depth of an implant may be controlled or otherwise determined by con?guring at least one of: the rigidity of the guide, Spacing A of the al and distal ends of the pilot-tube 105 (and/or the placement guide 100 as a whole; see, e.g., FIGURE 5E), ce B, i.e., the longitudinal axis (or, in other words, the diameter of the pilot tube), is spaced from the ?rst surface (i.e., the bottom surface that is placed adjacent to the skin; see, e.g., FIGURE 5B, 5E), Angle C, the pilot-tube angle; and the longitudinal axis relative to at least one of the skin and the ?rst surface (and/or the angle of the ?rst surface relative to the skin, see, e. g., FIGURE 5E). Distance B (i.e., the inner diameter of pilot—tube 105) is sized so that there is minimal spacing or play between the cannula 115 and pilot—tube 105. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of pilot-tube 105 includes one or more notches, splines, grooves spokes or ?attened area(s) to make cannula 115 ?t more snugly within the pilot-tube 105 and provide just enough friction against cannula 115 to inhibit cannula 115 from ng too easily into/from pilot-tube Spacing A and Distance B are con?gured to make the placement cannula ?t snugly within the pilot-tube. In some embodiments, Spacing A is from about 10 mm to about 30 mm. In some embodiments, g A is from about 15 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, g A is about 18.5 mm. In some embodiments, Distance B is a diameter of from about 4 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, Distance B is a diameter of from about 2 mm to about 8 mm. In some embodiments, Distance B is a diameter of about 3.8 mm.

In some embodiments, Angle C, the pilot-tube angle, is con?gured to cant the central longitudinal axis of the pilot—tube in a slightly upward ion relative to the substantially level underside of guide 100. As such, the proximal end of the pilot-tube is a greater distance from the underside of the guide than is the distal end of the pilot—tube from the underside of the guide. To illustrate, passage of a cannula through each pilot-tube at a slight incline, or upward cant, relative to the level plane of the ide of the guide, causes the tip of the a to move closer to the underside of the guide as it proceeds through and past the pilot-tube and towards the distal end of the placement guide. Placement guides may have pilot-tubes may be con?gured with Angle C at a slight incline relative to the underside of the guide, or the pilot-tubes may be con?gured with Angle C at a decline (i.e., negative), or even parallel (i.e., 0 0), relative to the underside of the guide. In some embodiments, pilot-tubes con?gured with Angle C at a slight incline relative to the underside of the guide may be preferred. Placement guides having pilot- tubes con?gured with Angle C at a slight incline relative to the underside of the guide resulted in a shallow placement of implants to determined depths.

In some ments, Angle C is from about 0.25 ° to about 5.0 °. In some ments, Angle C is from about 1.0 0 to about 3.0 °. In some ments, Angle C is about 1.2 0. In some embodiments, Angle C is about 1.17 ° i 0.35 °.

Thus, by con?guring such parameters of the guide, one can target a determined depth and/or ?nal location of an implant using placement guide 100. In some embodiments, the t is placed just beneath the outer surface of skin (e.g., less than 5 mm) to ensure relatively easy identi?cation and removal of the device when it is time to replace it.

For most patients, a distance of between about 1 mm and about 4 mm (and in some embodiments, between about 1.5 mm and about 3 mm) is an appropriate depth beneath the surface of the skin. To that end, one or more of the above-noted parameters can be adjusted so as to e one and/or another of these values, and/or a range of values between them. In some embodiments, a kit is provided that can include placement guides 100 having combinations of these parameters red for speci?c depths.

In some embodiments, to insert an implant into a patient’s tissue, beneath an outer surface of skin, at an implantation site, the ing procedure may be used, using sterile techniques. Prior to making an incision (for the cannula 115 of the placement tool 120 to be received), a selected implantation site is cleaned with an alcohol solution (or the like, e.g., ChloraPrep®; exidine gluconate solution). The location of the incision may be marked and a local anesthetic applied or injected in the ty of the implantation site; thereafter, the incision is made. The incision location may be ined by placing placement guide 100 on the skin at the implantation site, and through the visualization opening 110, for example, the skin is marked at the distal end of pilot-tube 105. The visualization opening 110 may also be used to view and/or palpitate the implantation during placement. In some embodiments, visualization g 110 is suf?ciently long and wide for the practitioner to view and/or touch an entire outer surface of skin below which the cannula advances. In some embodiments, the visualization opening 110 has a length of about 50 mm to about 100 mm. In some embodiments, ization opening 110 has a length of about 60 mm to about 80 mm. In some embodiments, visualization opening 110 has a length of about 62 mm. In some embodiments, visualization opening 110 has a width of about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, ization opening 110 has a width of about 8 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, visualization opening 110 has a width of about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, a scalpel, the sharp tip of a cannula, or the like can be used to make the incision and/or otherwise pierce the skin at the implantation site (with or without marking). In other embodiments, a 115 of placement tool 120 can be con?gured to make the incision and/or otherwise pierce the skin at the implantation site (with or without marking).

In still other embodiments, a scalpel, the sharp tip of a cannula, or the like can be con?gured to work through pilot-tube 105 to pierce or ise make an incision into the skin. In some embodiments, the incision that is made is about 5 mm deep. Once the incision is made, the distal end of cannula 115 housing the implant is received in the proximal end of the pilot-tube 105 and then pushed through the pilot-tube 105, into the incision and beneath the outer surface of skin.

As the practitioner grasps the handle portion of placement tool 120, for example with their nt hand, cannula 115 is continually pushed into pilot-tube 105, beneath an outer surface of skin, until the al end of cannula 115 which meets the handle portion abuts (for example) a portion of the placement guide 100 and/or the pilot-tube 105. Alternatively, cannula 115 may include markings which indicate the distance cannula tube 115 must travel relative to at least one of pilot-tube 105, ent guide 100, visualization opening 110 and the incision. In some embodiments, cannula 115 is inserted by a practitioner by grasping the handle portion of placement tool 120 with their dominant hand, and potentially rotating a 115 back and forth, within a span or range between about 9 o’clock to about 3 o’clock, between about 10 k and about 2 o’clock, or n about 11 o’clock to about 1 o’clock, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the pilot—tube on placement guide 100. With the other non-dominant hand, the practitioner may apply counter—traction directly to the outer surface of skin on either side (or on both sides) of placement guide 100 (e.g., hands-free with respect to the ent guide or, in other words, without substantially grasping placement guide 100). By contrast, it was discovered that ts to ctly apply counter traction, by using the non-dominant hand to press directly onto the sides of a placement guide, and thus put ct pressure, via the guide, onto the outer surface of skin beneath placement guide 100 proved to be less ive because the outer surface of skin around the incision rolled back and bunched up during the insertion procedure.

At any point during the insertion procedure, the practitioner may con?rm proper placement of cannula 115, to a determined depth below an outer surface of skin, by palpitating the skin above cannula 115 through visualization opening 110 of placement guide 100.

Placement tool 120 includes a 115 within which is a ?xed pusher rod 125 for releasing the implant. Pusher rod 125 is longitudinally ?xed within the handle while cannula 115 slides over pusher rod 125 to e the implant. Cannula 115 is moved over pusher rod 125 by a sliding actuator l30a/b mounted in a track of the handle. Following con?rmation of proper placement of the cannula, ion mechanism 130a/b of placement tool 120 can be operated to retract cannula 115 over the ?xed pusher rod, causing the implant to pushed (1'.e., dispensed) from the tip of cannula 115, and into the patient’s tissue. In some embodiments, actuation mechanism l30a/b is locked in an extended position to prevent nded release of the implant.

Subsequently, in some embodiments, at least a substantial portion of the a 115 is withdrawn from the tissue. In one embodiment, following dispensing of the implant, the tip of pusher 125 barely extends from the end of cannula 115, and is visible to the practitioner as con?rmation that the implant was properly dispensed from cannula 115 and thus delivered into the tissue. During and/or after dispensing of the implant, the proper determined depth of the implant beneath the outer surface of the patient’s skin can be ed by manual palpitation of the skin above the implant (see US. Patent No. 6,190,350). In some embodiments, placement tool 120 is con?gured to place the al end of the implant about 6.4 mm (0.25 inch) to about 19.1 mm (0.75 inch) from the site of the incision. In some embodiments, placement tool 120 is con?gured to place the proximal end of the implant about 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) from the site of the incision.

In some embodiments, the visualization opening 110 is provided. Visualization opening 110 provides an unobstructed opening through which skin above the advancing cannula 115 can be seen under the skin and/or palpitated to con?rm proper placement of cannula 115, and thus the implant itself, to a particular/predetermined depth during dispensing of the implant.

In some embodiments, ization opening 110 is replaced by a visualization window that provides a substantially clear or transparent (e.g, plastic) ?lm or screen h which skin above advancing cannula 115 can be seen but not palpitated during dispensing of the implant.

Thereafter, placement guide 100 (and tool 120) are removed from the implantation site, observation (e.g., visual observation) and/or palpitation of the site can be used to con?rm proper placement of the implant to a determined depth, the site can be cleaned, optionally a skin adhesive applied to at least one side of the incision, and then the ends of the incision held together for a period of time to e hemostasis. SteIi-StripsTM and/or a bandage may thereafter applied. lly, the incision is suf?ciently , being just wide enough to accommodate the cannula, that stitches are unnecessary and Steri-StripsTM will suf?ce.

FIGURES 2A-B show exemplary con?gurations of the implant placement system.

FIGURE 3 shows an ary section view of placement cannula 115 inserted through pilot-tube (not shown) 105 into placement guide 100. Placement cannula 115 is connected to the handle of ent tool 120 and extends through pilot-tube 105 such that placement cannula 115 is primarily disposed under visualization opening 110 of placement guide FIGURES 4A-C show various views (top, side, bottom, respectively) of a system prior to dispensing of an implant from cannula 115.

S SA-E show placement guide 100 of an implant placement system according to some ments.

FIGURE 5A shows a top view of an embodiment of placement guide 100 illustrating portions of tube 105 and visualization opening 110. In some embodiments, Visualization opening 110 is a cut out from within placement guide 100, while in others, opening 110 is replaced by a ization window that may be a substantially clear window made from transparent material. Also shown are one or more s 140 (i.e., reinforcing ribs, for example, four on each side are shown) and raised sides 150 for increasing the rigidity of placement guide 100. Gussets 140 are generally oriented in a perpendicular direction relative to the length of pilot-tube 105 and/or the length of visualization opening 110.

FIGURE 5B shows a side view of an embodiment of ent guide 100 rating the ?rst surface which is placed nt the skin during use, and pilot-tube 105 extending h the ?rst surface.

FIGURE 5C shows a bottom view of an embodiment of placement guide 100 illustrating tube 105 and visualization opening 110. [0097 ] FIGURE 5D shows a back view of an embodiment of placement guide 100, illustrating an exemplary pro?le of the back edge of placement guide 100 with proximal g of pilot- tube 105.

FIGURE 5E shows a section view of an embodiment of placement guide 100, illustrating Spacing A of the proximal and distal ends of pilot-tube 105, Distance B, i.e., the inner diameter of pilot-tube 105, and Angle C of the longitudinal axis of pilot-tube 105 at least to the ?rst surface, i.e., of the underside of placement guide 100.

In some embodiments, tube angles may be measured or d using either a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) or by inserting a steel rod h the pilot-tube and measuring the distance from the top of the rod to two or more points on the underside of the guide. With two or more of such measured distances, pilot-tube angles can be derived.

Exemplary distances for the illustrated placement guide of Figures 5A-E, having a length of 86 mm, include 0.35 mm i 0.5 mm at a point on the underside of the guide that was 76.0 mm from the proximal end of the pilot-tube, and 1.28 mm i 0.2mm at a point on the underside of the guide that was 30.0 mm from the proximal end of the pilot-tube.

Regarding Figures 5A-E, exemplary materials/speci?cations that can be used in the manufacture of guide 100 include clear plastic (PC; Dow Calibre 2081-15). A-side and B-side ?nishes: SPI B-2. Part volume: 7.6 cm3. General comer radius: 0.1 mm. Upon manufacture of the guide, parts are generally clean and free from burrs, sharp edges, machine oil and debris.

Surfaces generally do not have visible indications of foreign matter, rints, abrasions, corrosion, scratches, voids, dents, inclusions, knit lines, or discoloration. Flash and ejector vestiges (maximum 0.25 mm) generally lack sharp edges.

As shown in FIGURES 6-9, in some embodiments, an implant removal tool 200 is provided which is con?gured to remove an implant from tissue beneath the outer surface of skin of a patient (which may have been implanted into the patient using placement tool 120 and placement guide 100 as described above). In some embodiments, implant removal tool 200 includes two opposing arms 5 ted by a connecting structure 235, and such structure 235 may be ?exible to provide spring-like functionality between opposed arms 205/215. Each arm 205/215 may include thereon an open end 210/220, or ally, open ends 210/220 may each be provided at the end of a wire which spans along each of arms 205/215 from one to the other via connecting structure 235 ("wire form features" 0 are also referred to herein as "ends,77 (4 open ends" or "distal ends"). Wire form features 210/220 need not be wire; they may atively be made from stiff plastic wiring, tubing or the like. In some embodiments, implant removal tool 200 is substantially made from a single wire. [0 1 02] The connecting structure 235 and/or arm ures 205/215 may be con?gured with a handle like structure 225 to allow ease of use of device 200. In some embodiments, the connecting structure 235 and/or arm structures 205/215 may be con?gured t a handle like structure 225. For example, the sides of handle 225 that extend along the ?rst opposing arm 205 and the second opposing arm 215 may be ergonomically shaped to a con?guration that allows a user to more comfortably grip handle 225. In some embodiments, handle 225 may be a te item being ted to opposing arms 205/215 at several discrete locations along the length of arms 5, while in other ments, handle 225 may be connected to opposing arms 205/215 along the entire length of arms 205/215. In some embodiments, handle 225 may parallel connecting structure 235 without being attached to connecting structure 23 5, or handle 225 may be connected to connecting structure 235 at one or more discrete locations along ting structure 235. In some embodiments, ting 235 and/or arm structures 205/215 may be con?gured from metal wire or relatively rigid plastic tubing, without having additional handles 225. [0 1 03] FIGURE 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of an implant removal tool 200. The wire form feature 210/220, which in some embodiments is made from stainless steel wire, is shown, as well as a side view of handle 225 that surrounds one of the opposing arms 205/215.

The portion of the handle 225 covering connector 235 between the ?rst and second arms 205/215 can also be seen.

FIGURE 7 shows a top view of an ment of implant removal tool 200. The opposing wire form features 210/220 ("ends") are shown. The ends 210/220 are each connected to one of opposing arms 205/215, which may be connected using tor 235. In some embodiments, the wire that forms the ends 210/220 also forms, or is an extension from opposing arms 205/215 and connector 235. In some embodiments, ends 210/220, ng arms 205/215 and connector 235 are made from a single length of wire. The handle 225 may be disposed around the ?rst arm 205 and the second arm 215. In some embodiments, the handle 225 may also run along connector 235. In some embodiments, handle 225 may be ergonomically shaped so as to ?t a user’s grip when squeezing handle 225 to move opposing arms 205/215 closer er. The opposing arms 205/215 and/or opposing sides of handle 225 are connected using a locking device 230. In some embodiments, the locking device 230 may extend across the middle, such as between opposing arms 205/215. The g device 230 may provide stability and rigidity to the structure. The locking device 230 may include a sliding frictional locking mechanism or a ratchet mechanism. In some embodiments, sliding frictional locking mechanism or a ratchet mechanism of locking device 230 may be activated by the user when the user wants the locking mechanism to engage. In some embodiments, locking mechanism may automatically engage as handles 225 are squeezed together, regardless of input from the user.

FIGURE 8 shows a front view of an ment of implant l tool 200. An exemplary bottom pro?le of ng handles 225 and wire form features 210/220 can be seen on either side of the ?gure. The g device 230 is ed between the two sides. In some embodiments, locking device 230 may include a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism of locking device 230 may be comprised of two pieces that have a plurality of one or more opposing teeth, such that one or more teeth on each side engage with one or more teeth on the opposing side, thereby preventing opposing arms 5 from pulling apart or separating beyond a certain point once locking device 230 is engaged.

FIGURE 9 shows an embodiment of implant removal tool 200. Wire form features 210/220 are shown at each end of the opposing arms 5, and handle 225 is attached to opposing arms 205/215. In some embodiments of the implant removal tool 200, s 225 are omitted from substantially bare (e. g., wire) opposing arms 205/215. The arms 205/215 may be connected along the bottom curved edge (e.g., potentially also made from wire). For example, the opposing arms 205/215 and tor 235 may be made from a single wire. The g device 230, which may include, for example, a ratchet mechanism (as shown) or a sliding frictional locking mechanism (e.g., 330 in Figures 10B-E), is disposed between two arms 205/215. When a user squeezes opposing arms 205/215 and/or handles 225, ng arms 205/215 are pushed closer together. The locking device 230 will hold opposing arms 205/215 at a particular distance from one another, such that arms 5 cannot readily separate once the user has squeezed arms 205/215 into a particular position.

FIGURES 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate, in another ment, an implant removal tool 300, where the material (e.g., wire) that forms the ends 310/320 also forms, or is an extension from opposing arms 325 and connector 335. Opposing arms 325 can be identical or non-identical. In preferred embodiments, opposing arms 325 are con?gured to be d by a user, e. g., in the absence of additional handles (although some embodiments may also include handles). In some ments, wire form es 310/320 and opposing arms 325, connected by connecting structure 335, are all made from metal wire, such as stainless steel metal wire, and potentially a single length of wire. Wire form features 310/320 are shown at each end of opposing arms 325 connected by connecting structure 335. The wire form es 310/320 may be substantially circular, as shown, or may be substantially polygonal, ing polygons with curved sides. In some ments, connecting structure 335 is a coil or spring that provides tension. In some embodiments, arms 325, wire form features 310/320 and connecting structure 335 (e. g., con?gured into a coil or spring) are made from a single length of wire or the like. In some embodiments, arms 325, wire form features 310/320 and connecting structure 335 (e.g., con?gured into a coil or spring) are made from two or more lengths of wire or the like. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 10A-C, locking device 330 is readily removable from removal tool 300. The locking device may include sliding onal locking mechanism disposed between the two arms 325 in an open orientation, as shown in Figure 10B. When a user squeezes opposing arms 325, sliding frictional locking mechanism and locking device 330 may be slid along opposing arms 325, s wire form features 0, to hold opposing arms 325 at a closer distance from one another as shown in Figure 10C, relative to the distance shown in Figure 10B, such that arms 325 cannot readily separate further once the user squeezes arms 325 into a particular position. In some embodiments, locking device 330 may be slid by the practitioner as the practitioner squeezes the opposing arms 325 together and/or locking device 330 may slide down the opposing arms 325 as the practitioner squeezes opposing arms together. [0 1 08] FIGURES 10D and 10E illustrate, side and top views of a locking device 330 having a sliding frictional locking mechanism. In some embodiments, locking device 330 is made from, or comprises, one or more esistant materials that prevent or ze slipping of the locking device along arms 325. Exemplary slip-resistant materials include rubber, silicone, or the like. In some embodiments, locking device 330 comprises a complete or partial slip-resistant coating of rubber, silicone, or the like. In some ments, locking device 330 comprises a slip-resistant insert of rubber, silicone, or the like. In some embodiments, locking device 330 may have a directional g or a directional pattern (and/or the like) that allows the locking device 330 to easily slide in one direction (for example, may easily slide towards the closer on, as the locking device moves from the position shown in Figure 10B towards the position of Figure 10C), but provides more friction in the opposite direction (moving from the on shown in Figure 10C towards the position of Figure 10B).

In some embodiments, wire form features 210/220 or 310/320 may be approximately round, r, such features may be approximately oval, square, polygonal polygonal with curved sides, or any shape which is aids the removability functionality. In some embodiments, wire form features 210/220 or 310/320 are substantially wider than the width of the implant. This may help to prevent pinching of the skin around the tented implant during removal. In some embodiments, wire form es 210/220 or 310/320 are from about 2 to about 100 times wider than the width of the implant. In some embodiments, wire form features 210/220 are from about 2 to about 50, about 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 10, times wider than the width of the implant.

Implant removal tool 200 or 300 can be readily adapted for the l of any appropriately shaped implant, capable of tenting under skin, including any ntially cylindrical or columnar shaped implant. [01 10] In some embodiments, ?rst and second arms 5 or 325 may be con?gured to be approximately the same width as the length of the implant being retrieved, or may be con?gured to allow for a wider stance than the length of the implant being retrieved, such as having a stance only slightly wider than the length of the implant (for example). [0 1 1 1] In some embodiments, a method for removing an implant is provided and may include ing a l tool as described herein. In some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of: arranging the ?rst arm of the removal tool at a ?rst end of an implant and corralling or ise capturing the ?rst end of the implant, and nearby skin, within the ?rst opening or wire form feature 210/220 or 310/320, and ing the second arm of the removal tool at the second end of the t in a patient and corralling or otherwise capturing the second end of the implant, and nearby skin, with the second opening or other wire form feature 210/220 or 310/320. In some embodiments, the ?rst and second arms of the removal tool may be arranged at the ?rst and second ends of the implant simultaneously, or it may be done sequentially. In some embodiments, simultaneous placement may be preferred.

Once the wire form features 210/220 or 310/320 are aligned with the ends of the implant, a user may squeeze the two opposing arms 205/215 or 325 er. As the two opposing arms 205/215 or 325 are ed together, one/?rst wire form feature 210 or 310 and the other/second wire form feature 220 or 320 move closer together. In some embodiments, the ?rst wire form feature 210 or 310 and the second wire form feature 220 or 320 are con?gured to perform the same function(s), and the ?rst and second wire form features 210/220 or 310/320 may be identically con?gured or substantially identically con?gured. [0 1 1 3] When the ?rst and second wire form features 210/220 or 310/320 are squeezed together to a ?rst position, at least one end of the implant may create a tent(s) in the skin of the patient at or around the end(s) of the implant. In some embodiments, when the ?rst and second wire form features 210/220 or 310/320 are squeezed together to a ?rst position, the implant may create tents in the skin of the patient at or around the ends of the implant. Locking and/or ratcheting device 230 or 330 may be engaged to permit the user/practitioner to carry out subsequent steps (e.g., incision and removal of the implant from the incision) hands-free with respect to the l tool. Thus, once the removal tool 200 or 300 is in its locked on (the ?rst on), the removal tool holds its position and the practitioner need not hold it. [01 14] An incision is made in or near the tent in the skin of the patient near one end of the implant. Once the incision has been made, the end of the implant near the incision may project out of the skin where it can be d by forceps and/or the like. In some embodiments, the arm of the removal tool at the end of the implant te where the on was made causes at least the end of the implant to be pushed out of the incision when the ?rst and second wire form features 210/220 or 310/320 are in the ?rst position. In some embodiments, force may be applied via the wire form feature 210/220 or 310/320 at the end of the t opposite the incision, and the force may help drive the implant out of the incision. In some embodiments, the force may be applied by further squeezing the ?rst and second arms 205/215 or 325 together towards a second position, which causes at least the end of the implant to be pushed out of the incision. See Figure 13. [01 15] As noted, locking and/or ratcheting device 230 or 330 may be included with removal tool 200 or 300 to retain the distance between arms 205/215 as they are squeezed together. In some ments, the locking and/or ratcheting device 230 or 330 retains the distance between arms 205/215 or 325 in the ?rst position and the second position. In this way, the tioner need not hold the removal tool 200 or 300 in either the ?rst position or the second position. It should also be noted that the removal tool 200 or 300 may also hold intermediate positions, such as any position between the con?guration shown in Figure 10B, the ?rst position, the second on, and the position shown in Figure 10C.

In some embodiments, locking device 330 may comprise a sliding frictional g mechanism (alternatively described herein as a "sliding locking mechanism" or "frictional locking mechanism") that engages, hooks, loops or wraps around opposing arms 325 at points relatively close to connecting structure 335 when removal tool 300 is in an open orientation. In some embodiments, the sliding frictional locking mechanism 330 is engaged by a user, as opposing arms 325 are being squeezed er, by sliding locking mechanism 330 along opposing arms 325, towards wire form features 310/320. Upon release of opposing arms 325 by a user, tension (e.g., spring-like or coil-like tension) from connecting ure 335 pushes opposing arms 325 t the g frictional locking mechanism 330. In some embodiments, locking device 330 is made from, or comprises, one or more slip-resistant materials, e.g., rubber, silicone, or the like, that prevent or minimize slipping of the locking device along arms 325.

Locking device 330 thus holds opposing arms 325 at a particular distance from one another, such that the arms 325 cannot y separate. Tension from connecting structure 335, and friction between locking mechanism 330 against opposing arms 325, prevent the sliding frictional g mechanism 330 from unintended sliding along opposing arms 325 during the tenting procedure. In some embodiments, the practitioner slides the frictional locking mechanism 330 as the practitioner squeezes the arms 325 together, and in some embodiments, the frictional locking mechanism 330 slides down the arms 325 as the tioner squeezes the arms 325 together (1'. 6., without the practitioner sliding the locking mechanism 330).

FIGURE 11A illustrates, in one embodiment, placement of an implant beneath a surface of skin of a patient, where placement tool cannula 115, having indicator band 170 has been inserted into an insertion point 160 on the surface of skin 155 while placement guide 100 remains substantially nary on an outer e of skin 155 of the patient. During an insertion procedure, the handle of placement tool 120 and, thus, placement tool cannula 115 can be rotated by the practitioner, in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, e.g., within a span or range between about 9 o’clock to about 3 o’clock, between about 10 o’clock and about 2 o’clock, or about 11 k to about 1 o’clock, relative to the central longitudinal aXis of the pilot-tube on placement guide 100. In some embodiments, the on may be between about 10 o’clock to about 2 o’clock. Rotation of the handle portion of placement tool 120 and of the placement tool cannula 115, while placement guide 100 remains substantially stationary on the outer surface of skin 155, provides controlled placement of an implant at a determined depth, such as about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm (e.g., and in some embodiments, about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm) beneath the surface of skin 155 of the patient. As placement tool cannula 115 is being inserted into tissue in the direction shown (illustrated by the single arrow, from right to left, in Figure 11A), counter traction may be applied with the practitioner’s ?ngers directly to the outer surface of skin 155. (Counter on is illustrated by the four smaller arrows, from left to right, in Figure 11A.) [0 1 1 8] FIGURE 11B further illustrates, in one embodiment, placement of an t beneath a surface of skin 155 of a t, until an indicator band 170 on placement tool cannula 115, reaches or ches insertion point 160 on the surface of skin 155 of the patient. When the indicator band 170 reaches the point of ion 160 on the surface of skin 155 of the patient, the user/practitioner can see/con?rm that the cannula is fully inserted into the tissue and the implant can be sed from the cannula.

FIGURES 12A, 12B and 13 show some embodiments of a method for implant removal. FIGURE 12A rates, in one ment, an initial stage in the method for removing an implant, where "tenting" is initiated at both ends of an implant and the nearby skin with implant removal tool 300. Opposing wire form ends 310/320 are each corralled around skin 350 at either end of an implant (shown in broken lines beneath skin 350), causing the implant and nearby skin 350 to form a raised section of skin 360. In some embodiments, connecting structure 335 is a coil that provides tension to counteract force applied by a user upon squeezing er arms 325. In some embodiments, g device 330 comprises a sliding frictional locking mechanism such as that exempli?ed. As shown in Figure 12A, arms 325 are in a relatively open ation/position and locking device 330 is not fully ed," rather locking device 330 is positioned, on arms 325, relatively close to connecting structure 335 and far from ends 310/320. [0 120] FIGURE 12B illustrates, in one embodiment, a side view of tents formed around each end of implant 370, beneath a raised section of skin 360, where each end of implant 370, and nearby skin, are corralled by tool ends 310 and 320. A practitioner may make an incision in the corralled skin at either tented end of implant 370.

FIGURE 13 illustrates, in one embodiment, a subsequent stage in the method for removing an implant, where the implant is emerging from an incision that was made via scalpel 380 near one tented end in the skin 350 that is corralled by tool end 310. In some embodiments, the incision can be performed "hands-free" with respect to the implant removal tool 300. That is, the tented con?guration of the t is ined without the l tool being held or further operated by the user/practitioner during incision and removal steps. As shown in Figure 13, arms 325 are a closed orientation/position (e.g., the second position), locking device 330 is "engaged," and the implant has begun to emerge from the incision. Locking device 330 is positioned, on arms 325, farther from connecting structure 335 and closer to ends 310/320, than the position of locking device 330 shown in Figure 12A.

FIGURE 14 illustrates, in another ment, placement guide 500 illustrating portions of a pilot-tube 505 and a ization opening 510. Also shown are gussets 540 and raised sides 550 for increasing rigidity of ent guide 500. Gussets 540 are generally oriented in a perpendicular direction, some gussets, near the pilot tube opening 505, span the full width of guide 500, and others span a l width of guide 500, oriented in a perpendicular direction relative to the central longitudinal axis of the pilot-tube and relative to the length of visualization opening 510. Also shown is an incision opening 590 through which an incision can be made in the patient’s skin for insertion of cannula 115. In some embodiments, an ve liner 595 is af?xed to the underside of placement guide 500; the ve liner 595 has adhesive layers on both sides of the liner in order to adhere both to the underside of placement guide 500 and to outer surface of the patient’s skin. In some embodiments, the adhesive liner provides counter traction to the skin of the patient upon insertion of the cannula 115 into an incision.

FIGURE 15 illustrates, in another embodiment, an t removal tool 400, Where wire form features 410/420 and opposing arms 425, all made from metal wire, such as stainless steel metal wire. Wire form features 410/420 are shown at each end of opposing arms 425 connected by connecting structure 435. In some embodiments, connecting structure 435 is a coil or spring that provides tension. In some embodiments, arms 425, wire form features 410/420 and connecting structure 435 (e. g., con?gured into a "substantially symmetrical," e.g., circular, coil or spring) are made from a single , or two or more lengths, of wire or the like.

Examples 1. Placement Guides: Rigid vs. Flexible Construction Implantation depths were compared using Placement Tools with two ent Placement Guides, A (rigid) and B (?exible). Speci?cally, osmotic pumps (approximately 4 mm in diameter x 44 mm long) were implanted into a live porcine model using representative ent Tools and the two different Placement Guides A and B. Placement Guide A, the substantially rigid guide, resembled the guide illustrated in Figure 5A-E. Placement Guide B (not shown), was a relatively ?exible guide. Placement Guide A was made from rigid molded plastic that was nearly twice as thick as the more ?exible plastic of Placement Guide B.

Placement Guide A was ently rigid that it could not be ntially ?exed, warped or bent, length-wise or width-wise, by the practitioner, during the insertion ure. By contrast, Placement Guide B could readily be ?exed and bent, -wise and width-Wise, by the practitioner during the insertion procedure. ent Guides A and B were approximately the same length (about 86 mm), but Placement Guide B was approximately half as wide as Placement Guide A (about 25 mm wide), and had raised sides that were approximately half as tall as those of Placement Guide A. Placement Guide B lacked the visualization opening and gussets that were present in Placement Guide A.

Use of Placement Guide A consistently resulted in placement of osmotic pumps at depths of about 3 mm or less below the outer surface of skin. Speci?cally, the depth of each end (i.e., proximal and ) of the implanted implant was recorded and mean depths were ated, See, e.g., Table 1 below.

By contrast, use of Placement Guide B resulted in erratic placement of osmotic pumps at various depths below the outer surface of skin, many of which appeared too deep upon visual inspection and upon ation. Consequently, guides having a relatively rigid design, such as those resembling Placement Guide A, may be preferred. 2. Placement Guides: Direct vs. Indirect Counter-Traction Implantation depths using Placement Tools with two different Placement Guides, A (narrow, about 25 mm) and C (about twice as wide) were compared. Speci?cally, osmotic pumps (approximately 4 mm in diameter x 44 mm long) were implanted into a live porcine model using representative Placement Tools and the two different Placement Guides A and C.

Placement Guide A, a relatively narrow guide, resembled the guide illustrated in s 5A-E.

Placement Guide C, a relatively wide guide, resembled the guide illustrated in Figure 14. ent Guides A and C exhibited substantially r rigidity. Both were signi?cantly more rigid than Placement Guide B of Example 1. [0 128] A ent Tool, red with relatively narrow Placement Guide A, was used to implant osmotic pumps into the live porcine model using direct counter-traction. Speci?cally, a practitioner grasped the handle of the Placement Tool with their dominant hand and inserted the cannula of the Placement Tool into tissue by rotating the handle of the Placement Tool and, thus, the cannula back and forth, relative to the l longitudinal axis of the pilot-tube on the placement guide. With one or more ?ngers/thumb from the minant hand, the practitioner applied counter-traction directly to the outer surface of skin on either or both sides of the placement guide. In doing so, the practitioner created an ion channel within tissue via the cannula, and placed the osmotic pump, while working hands-free with respect to the placement guide.

Use of placement Guide A consistently resulted in ent of osmotic pumps at depths of about 3 mm or less below the outer surface of skin. Speci?cally, the depth of each end (i.e., proximal and ) of the implanted implant was recorded and mean depths were calculated. See, e.g., Table 1 below. [0 130] A second Placement Tool, red with the relatively wide Placement Guide C, was used to implant osmotic pumps into the live porcine model using indirect counter-traction.

Speci?cally, a practitioner grasped the handle of the Placement Tool with their dominant hand and inserted the cannula of the Placement Tool into tissue by rotating cannula back and forth, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the pilot—tube on the ent guide. With the non- dominant hand, the practitioner indirectly applied counter-traction, by pressing one or more ?ngers/thumb ly onto the outer edge of Placement Guide C, and thus pressing the guide itself onto the outer surface of skin over the incision. [0 1 3 1] Placement Guide C proved problematic during ent procedures because skin near the on exhibited an "accordion effect" by which it bunched up and rolled back, in the same direction as the inserting cannula, as the practitioner tried to insert the cannula into . In response to this ?nding, placement procedures were repeated with Placement Tools having a modi?ed version of Placement Guide C, itself having a double-sided adhesive layer (layer 595 in Figure 14) af?xed to its underside which, in turn, af?xed Placement Guide C to the outer surface of skin around the insertion site during the insertion/placement procedure. The practitioner again indirectly applied counter-traction, by pressing a ?nger and thumb directly onto the outer edge of modi?ed Placement Guide C, and thus pressing the guide/adhesive layer onto the outer surface of skin over the incision. [0 132] This modi?ed version of Placement Guide C, having an ve layer, likewise proved problematic because skin near the incision rly bunched up and rolled back as the tioner tried to insert the cannula into tissue.

Accordingly, guides that resembled Placement Guide A were further optimized and tested. These optimized guides were relatively rigid, and suf?ciently narrow to allow counter- traction to be applied by a practitioner directly to the outer surface of skin on one or both sides of the incision and placement guide. 3. Measurement ofImplantation Depths in a Live Porcine Model [0 1 34] Depth measurements were taken of forty—eight osmotic pumps (approximately 4 mm in diameter, e.g. wide, X 44 mm long) implanted into a live porcine model using representative Placement Tools and Placement Guides described herein. Placement Guides having six ent dimensions were used, [0 1 35] The six Placement Guides had designs resembling the guide illustrated in s SA-E.

Three of the guides had a length of 81 mm; three had a length of 86 mm. The guides had slightly different pilot-tube angles, but all such angles were con?gured at a slight incline (i.e., greater than 0 °). As such, a passed h each pilot—tube at a slight incline, or upward cant, relative to the level plane of the underside of the guide. Passage of the cannula at this slight incline caused the tip of the cannula to move closer to the underside of the guide as it proceeded through and past the pilot-tube and towards the distal end of the placement guide.

By contrast, placement guides having pilot—tubes that were parallel (i.e., O o) to the underside of the guide, or having pilot-tubes angled at a decline (i.e., less than 0 0) relative to the underside of the placement guide may guide the cannula more deeply, sometimes too , into tissue beneath the outer surface of skin.

Proper pilot-tube angles, having slight inclines, or upward cants, were con?rmed by ing "offset dimensions" of the placement guide. Offset dimensions were measured by placing a steel rod through the tube and measuring the average distance between the top of the ed rod to each of two points along the underside of the guide, for e at 30.0 mm and 76.0 mm from the proximal end of the pilot—tube. Placement guides with proper pilot-tube angles, having an upward cant, have a distance between the top of the ed rod to the underside of the guide at 30.0 mm that is greater than the corresponding distance measured at 76.0 mm. [0 138] Eight different placement sites (Ll-L8) on the belly of a live porcine model were used, with six placements (Pl-P6) at each site, resulting in the placement of forty-eight osmotic pumps. Additionally, two additional Placement Guides and Placement Tools were selected at random by an experienced user who tried to intentionally place two osmotic pumps deeper than the determined depth (e. g., deeper than about 5 mm below the outer surface of skin). Despite attempts to place these two ts too deeply into tissue, these implants were placed at depths that appeared substantially similar upon visual inspection, and felt substantially similar upon palpitation, to the proper depths of the forty—eight ts reported in Table 1, illustrating that the disclosed placement guides ively prevent a user/practitioner from being able to rately insert an osmotic pump too deep below an outer surface of skin.

After placing the forty-eight osmotic pumps, ound measurements were used to measure and record the depth below the outer surface of skin at which each osmotic pump was placed. Speci?cally, the depth of each end (i.e., proximal and ) was recorded and mean depths for the osmotic pumps were calculated and tabulated in Table 1 below.

Table 1. MeasuredPlacement Depths ofImplants (as mean depths in mm) aananm nannna nammma nmuunn unumnu anammn mannmm nunnuu mammmm The average depth for all forty-eight implantations was 1.85 mm below the outer surface of skin. The average proximal depth was 1.87 mm and average distal depth was 1.84 mm. The shallowest implantation was 1.2 mm (at a proximal end, occurring once) and the deepest was 3.2 mm (at a proximal end, also occurring once). All of the inserted osmotic pumps, even the two osmotic pumps that the experienced user tried to place deeper than desired, could be easily removed.

The data of Table l, and data from the two osmotic pumps that the experienced user tried but failed to place deeper than desired, demonstrate that all six ent Guides, having lengths of 81 mm or 86 mm, ensured proper placement of an osmotic pump below the outer surface of skin and which could be easily removed. 4. Phase 1 Study Evaluating the Placement afan Osmotic Mini-Pump with Placebo in Healthy Adult Subjects Primary Objective [0 1 42] To assess the ability of the clinician to correctly use the disclosed Placement System to consistently deliver placebo osmotic ump nt" (sometimes referred to herein as a "placebo osmotic mini-pump") into the subdermis of the abdominal wall of a patient at a depth that tated easy removal of the implant. The Placement System was used to place (i.e., insert) the osmotic mini-pump beneath the skin in the subject’s abdominal wall. The Placement System included a Placement Tool and Placement Guide, both resembling those shown in Figure 1A. The Placement Guide interfaced with the Placement Tool and was designed to control and con?ne the placement depth of the o osmotic mini-pump.

Primary Endpoint 0 Number and percentage of placebo osmotic mini-pumps that were correctly placed with the Placement .

Secondary Objectives To assess the y to remove a placebo osmotic mini-pump placed with the Placement System.

To assess the tolerability of the procedure to place the placebo osmotic mini-pump using the Placement . [0 1 45] To assess the ease of use of the Placement System based on the previous experience of the operator with an embodiment of the Placement Tool. ary Endpoints 0 Number and percentage of placebo osmotic mini—pumps placed with the Placement System that were correctly removed. 0 Mean depth of placebo osmotic mini—pump placement (determined immediately after placement on Day 0 and just prior to l at Week 2). 0 Consistency of the depth of the proximal and distal ends of the inserted placebo osmotic mini-pump as measured in mm. 0 Assessment of the tolerability of the procedure to place the o osmotic mini-pump using an embodiment of the Placement System. 0 Assessment of the ease of use of a Placement System described herein.

Additional ments 0 Time taken for placement of the inserted placebo osmotic ump, 0 Time taken for l of the inserted placebo osmotic mini-pump.

Duration of Treatment Approximately 5 weeks: Screening Visit (Visit 1, Week -2 [Day -14 to Day -2]), Placement Visit (Visit 2, Day 0), Removal Visit (Visit 3, Week 2 :3 days), Post-Treatment Telephone Follow-Up (Visit 4, Week 3 17 days).

Methodology This was a Phase 1, open-label, single-site study in healthy, normal volunteers. A total of 20 healthy adult subjects (male and female subjects) between the ages of 18 and 60, inclusive, were enrolled. Subjects were required to participate in 3 visits, including 1 Screening Visit, 1 Placement Visit and 1 l Visit, followed by 1 Follow up telephone call 1 week after the Removal Session. The total duration of participation for each subject was approximately 5 weeks. [0 1 48] ts were iewed at the Screening Visit to review l history and to verify inclusion and exclusion criteria. ts who met screening criteria at Visit 1 (Week -2 [Day - 14 to Day -2]) reported to the ch facility on Visit 2 (Day 0) for the Placement Visit. Each subject had a placement (i.e., insertion) of the placebo osmotic mini-pump in the left upper abdomen quadrant of the abdominal wall using an embodiment of the Placement System. A trained and certi?ed clinician performed the placement using proper sterile technique. A certi?ed ultrasound technician veri?ed the proximal and distal depths of the placed placebo osmotic mini- pump. The subject was then prepared for discharge by the clinician. Following a 2-week period to allow the incision to heal, the subject returned on Visit 3 (Week 2 i3 days) for a second ultrasound reading to con?rm the depth of the placebo osmotic mini-pump. Immediately thereafter on Visit 3, the placebo osmotic mini-pump was removed by the clinician.

Experienced Clinicians and Novice Clinicians were recruited to perform the device placement and removals. Both had had a m of 2 years of sional experience.

Novice Clinicians had no prior experience with placement and l procedures of the osmotic mini-pump. Experienced Clinicians had been trained and certi?ed by Applicant and performed at least 10 placements and removal procedures of the osmotic mini-pump. The enced Clinician Group contained 2 clinicians. This group performed 50% of the placements and 50% of the ls of the device. The Novice ian Group also contained 2 clinicians. This group likewise performed 50% of the placements and 50% of the removals of the device. The same clinician performed placement and removal ures in the same subject.

The ability of the Placement System to consistently deliver the placebo osmotic mini- pump at proper (e.g., < 5 mm) depths that facilitated the easy removal was evaluated by ultrasound at the time of placement and at the time of removal. Ultrasound was done both upon placement and prior to removal since it was le that the ?uid from lidocaine could impair the ability to evaluate the actual depth at the time of initial placement. This ?uid from lidocaine generally diminished within two weeks. The ability to remove the placebo osmotic mini-pump initially placed with the Placement System was demonstrated by having subjects return within two weeks after placement in order to have the device removed. [0 1 5 1] The amount of time for the clinician to perform the placement task using the Placement System was ed, and the location of the o osmotic mini—pump was documented.

The c Mini-Pump of the Study The c mini-pump, described herein, is part of an investigational combination product consisting of exenatide in the osmotic ump that is being developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A placebo osmotic mini—pump was used for this study, The placebo osmotic mini-pump was placed in the abdominal wall by trained and certi?ed medical personnel during a clinic visit using a ent System. [0 1 53] The placebo osmotic mini-pump ted of a cylindrical um alloy reservoir with external dimensions of about 4 mm in diameter (e.g., wide) by about 44 mm in length. The reservoir was capped at one end by a controlled—rate, semi-permeable membrane and capped at the other end by a diffusion moderator through which placebo was released from the drug reservoir. The o formulation, piston, and osmotic engine were contained inside the cylinder. The placebo c mini-pump released the placebo at a predetermined rate based on the principle of osmosis. Water from the extracellular space entered the device h the semi- permeable membrane directly into the osmotic engine that expanded to drive the piston at a slow and consistent rate of . Movement of the piston forced the placebo to be released through the ori?ce of the diffusion moderator. The placebo osmotic mini pump did not n exenatide or any biologically active drug.

Screening Procedure (Visit 1, Day -14 to -2) [0 1 54] ts reported to the study site for a Screening Visit within 2 to 14 days before the Placement Session. The Screening Visit consisted of obtaining the subject’s consent, reviewing the subject’s medical history, collection of laboratory specimens, and ensuring that the subject met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Subjects were assigned to a clinician after ility was con?rmed by assessments done at the Screening Visit.

Placement Session (Visit 2, Day 0 i0 days) [0 1 55] The site staff interviewed the subjects to af?rm inclusion ia restrictions were not ed since screening. Subjects underwent testing in the following order: 0 A clinician-administered marking and cleaning of the testing area. 0 Injection of lidocaine and placement of the placebo osmotic mini-pump using the Placement System. 0 Hemostasis was achieved by applying steady direct pressure to the incision site with sterile gauze for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. 0 Mastisol® Skin Adhesive was applied to either side of the incision. o The edges of the incision were opposed and closed with Steri-StripsTM and a rd bandage.

The depths of the proximal and distal ends of the o osmotic mini pump were veri?ed by an ultrasound technician using an ultrasound machine and probe.

Once proximal and distal depths of the placebo osmotic mini-pump were veri?ed the clinician ed the subject for discharge. The subject was scheduled to return in 2 weeks for the Removal Session. The clinician was asked scripted questions regarding the clinician’s impressions concerning the Placement System, and also asked to complete several questionnaires.

Removal Session (Visit 3, Week 2 i3 days) [0 1 57 ] Subjects underwent testing in the following order: A ian located the placed (i.e., inserted) placebo osmotic mini-pump marked it.

An ultrasound technician veri?ed the depth of the placebo osmotic mini-pump using ultrasound.

The removal site was cleaned with Prep®, followed by the clinician immobilizing and tenting the tip of the placebo osmotic mini—pump where the incision was to be made.

Lidocaine was injected to the tented tip of the device followed by a small (nick) incision with a scalpel blade down on the device until the clinician felt the blade ting the metal tip. The device was then removed through the incision.

Hemostasis was achieved by applying steady direct pressure to the incision site with sterile gauze for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

Once asis was achieved, the on was closed with Steri-StripsTM and a standard After the Removal Session, clinicians were asked questions to obtain subjective impressions regarding their experience of removing the placebo osmotic mini-pump, and they were asked to complete several questionnaires.

Results Placement and Removal ure Summary The primary endpoint was the same between enced and Novice Groups. Both groups properly placed all placebo osmotic mini—pumps (Table 2, n=20, 10 subjects in each group, 100%).

Table 2. Primary Endpoint , Number and Percentage of Correctly Placed Placebo Osmotic Mini- Pumps (100%) 10(100% 20(100%) The secondary endpoint regarding the number and tage of correctly removed placebo osmotic mini-pumps was similar between enced and Novice Groups: 9 subjects (90%) by the Experienced Group (see below) and 10 subjects (100%) by the Novice Group.

Secondary endpoints of mean depth and consistency of the depth of the proximal and distal ends of the o osmotic mini-pump were similar n clinician groups. See Tables 3 and 4.

Data regarding additional endpoints are summarized in Tables 5 and 6.

Table 3. Secondary Endpoints at Day 0 3.2 3.3 3.2 6.9 4.7 6.9 3.7 (0.9) 4.0 (0.9) 3.8 (0.9) Table 4. ary Endpoints at Week 2 2.5 2.4 2.4 .6 4.0 5.6 -0.8 (0.5) —0.7 (0.5) —0.7 (0.5) -1.4 -1.3 -1.4 0.3 0.2 0.3 2.5 (0.6) 2.9 (0.6) 2.7 (0.6) 1.7 2.1 1.7 3.3 4.2 4.2 - —1.2 0.7 —1.1 0.7 —1.1 0.7 Table 5. Additional nts at Day 0 20 4.0 (0.7) 4.0 (0.5) 4.0 (0.6) Table 6. Additional Endpoints at Week 2 (07) 3.1(0.5) 3..1(06) 3.2 3.8 3.2 6.9 5.4 6.9 Conclusions [0 1 60] There were no clinically cant laboratory or physical examination ?ndings during the study. Placebo osmotic mini-pump ent and removal was well tolerated in subjects during the study. No unexpected safety concerns were identified.

Use of one embodiment of the Placement System described herein ed in proper ent of the placebo osmotic mini—pump implant at determined depths of less than about 5 mm that allowed convenient and safe removal of the implant from all ts regardless of the clinician’s prior experience with the placement procedure. Certain aspects of the Placement System and implantation techniques were found to optimize placement of the implant within tissue beneath the outer surface of skin: (i) The ability of the placement a to rotate freely within the pilot tube of the placement guide was found to improve the ease and accuracy of insertion of the implants.

During insertion of the cannula into an incision, prior to implantation of the implant, the handle portion and a of the placement tool were generally rotated back and forth by the dominant hand of the practitioner, in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, e.g., back and forth within a span or range between about 10 o’clock and about 2 o’clock, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the pilot-tube on the placement guide. Rotation in this manner, while the ent guide remained substantially stationary, without rotating, on the e of the skin of the patient, d nimble usage of the placement tool and guide, and promoted smooth and controlled progression of the cannula into various shapes and types of tissue in different patients, with minimal or no harm or bruising. (ii) vely free operation of the placement guide, with the non-dominant hand, was found to optimize the placement procedure. Proper insertions of the implants into tissue of live human subjects, whose tissue is more hydrated than the drier tissues of human cadavers and live porcine models, generally required some degree of counter-traction to t an "accordion effect" from occurring, by which the outer surface of skin "bunches-up" or "rolls back" on both sides of the insertion as the cannula advances into tissue, Counter-traction proved particularly troublesome for live human tissue, which is more prone to this effect than drier tissues of human cadavers and live porcine models. It was ered that such r-traction was best applied, by use of fingers/thumb from the non-dominant hand, directly to the outer surface of skin on one or both sides of the insertion, as close to the insertion as possible. Thus, guides that were relatively wide (e.g., greater than about 80 mm), or those that were ed to be grasped or pressed with the non-dominant hand onto the outer surface of skin of the patient, proved problematic because they did not prevent the outer surface of skin from bunching-up or rolling back on both sides of the ion. By contrast, relatively narrow guides (e.g., about 15 mm to about 35 mm), such as that, for example, shown in Figures SA-E, proved superior because they d the ian to apply counter-traction, with fingers/thumb the non-dominant hand, directly to the outer surface of a patient’s skin, relatively close to the insertion, on one or both sides of the relatively narrow guide. (iii) The ization opening on the placement guide was also found to improve the ease and accuracy of insertion of implants. Guides were preferred that had a visualization opening that was longer than the entire length of the cannula, fully extended, through the pilot- tube beneath the guide. A visualization opening of such length caused the guide to overhang the sharp tip of the fully extended cannula and thus provided some protection from the sharp tip.

Further, a visualization opening of this length allowed the clinician to watch and touch the outer surface of skin immediately above the full length of the advancing cannula during insertion.

Visualization and palpitation, of the entire length of inserted cannula beneath the skin surface, allowed the clinician to monitor and con?rm proper insertion of the cannula, and thus proper placement of the implant, during the entire course of the procedure. [0 1 62] Any and all references to publications or other documents, ing but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, webpages, books, etc, presented in the present ation, are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Example embodiments of the devices, systems and methods have been described herein. As noted elsewhere, these ments have been described for illustrative es only and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible and are covered by the disclosure, which will be apparent from the teachings contained herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the disclosure should not be limited by any of the above—described embodiments but should be de?ned only in accordance with claims supported by the present disclosure and their equivalents.

Moreover, ments of the subject disclosure may include methods, systems and devices which may further include any and all elements from any other disclosed methods, systems, and devices, including any and all ts corresponding to target particle separation, focusing/concentration. In other words, elements from one or another sed embodiments may be interchangeable with elements from other disclosed embodiments. In addition, one or more es/elements of disclosed ments may be removed and still result in patentable t matter (and thus, resulting in yet more embodiments of the subject disclosure).

Correspondingly, some embodiments of the present disclosure may be patentably ct from one and/or another prior art by speci?cally lacking one or more elements/features. In other words, claims to certain embodiments may contain negative limitation to speci?cally exclude one or more elements/features resulting in embodiments which are patentably distinct from the prior art which include such features/elements.

Claims

Claims:

1. An implant removal tool comprising: a first arm; a second arm configured at least during use to be spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first arm; a first opening arranged at a distal end of the first arm; a second opening arranged at a distal end of the second arm; wherein: the first opening is configured to corral a first end of a positioned implant; the second opening is ured to corral a second end of the positioned implant; a locking device is ured to maintain the distance n the first arm and second arm as the arms are brought together.

2. The t removal tool of claim 1, further comprising a connecting structure to connect the first and second arms.

3. The implant removal tool of claim 1, wherein the locking device comprises a ratchet mechanism.

4. The implant removal tool of claim 1, wherein the g device comprises a frictional locking mechanism.

5. The implant removal tool of claim 1, wherein the first opening and second opening are formed from stainless steel wire.

6. The implant removal tool of claim 5, wherein the first opening and second opening are generally round, oval or square shaped.

7. The implant removal tool of claim 1, wherein the first opening is formed at a first end of a stainless steel wire and the second opening is formed at a second end of the stainless steel wire.

8. The t l tool of claim 7, wherein the wire either ses the first arm and the second arm or are ed thereto.

9. The implant removal tool of claim 2, wherein the connecting structure comprises a spring or coil.

10. The implant removal tool of claim 1, further sing a handle, wherein the handle comprises: a first grip attached to the first arm; a second grip attached to the second arm; and a connector piece situated along the stainless steel wire between the first arm and the second arm.

11. The implant removal tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms, the first and second ends, and the connecting structure are made from one or more lengths of wire.

12. The implant removal tool of claim 11, wherein the first and second arms, the first and second ends, and the connecting structure are made from a single length of wire.