Biologically Enhanced Irrigants

Abstract

Compositions, systems and methods utilizing engineered surgical irrigants providing delivery of components with therapeutic or other secondary benefits. Engineered irrigants provide targeted delivery of desired agents, including agents for propulsion of nano-devices, agents including molecular probes, gene expression agents, magnetically orientable agents, agents for discrete tissue temperature detection and tissue regeneration agents.

1 . A solution for use in irrigation of surgical sites, the solution comprising:
 an isotonic and buffered component; and   at least one engineered irrigant component, the engineered irrigant component selected from the group consisting of a magnetic field responsive component and a chemotactic responsive component.   
     
     
         2 . The solution of  claim 1  wherein the engineered irrigant component comprises a magnetic field responsive component. 
     
     
         3 . The solution of  claim 2  wherein the magnetic field responsive component comprises a magnetic, paramagnetic or super paramagnetic particle with nanosize dimensions. 
     
     
         4 . The solution of  claim 3  wherein a therapeutic agent is bound to the particle. 
     
     
         5 . The solution of  claim 4  wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a receptor-specific agent and a gene expression agent. 
     
     
         6 . The solution of  claim 1  wherein the engineered irrigant component comprises a chemotactic responsive component. 
     
     
         7 . The solution of  claim 5  wherein a therapeutic agent is bound to the chemotactic responsive component. 
     
     
         8 . The solution of  claim 7  wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a receptor-specific agent and a gene expression agent. 
     
     
         9 . A method for sustaining nano-device function within an aqueous medium, comprising
 providing a nano-device utilizing one or more motive components;   providing a solution containing one or more motive components; and   immersing the nano-device in the solution, whereby the nano-device utilizes the motive component.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the motive component comprises a lubricant. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the motive component comprises carbon dioxide in solution. 
     
     
         12 . A method of delivering a medically useful agent to a specific target within the body of a patient, the method comprising
 providing an irrigation solution comprising the medically useful agent bound to a magnetic field responsive component;   delivering the irrigation solution to the locus of the specific target;   inducing a magnetic field that directs the magnetic field responsive component to the specific target.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the magnetic field responsive component comprises a magnetic, paramagnetic or super paramagnetic particle with nanosize dimensions. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the medically useful agent comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a receptor-specific agent and a gene expression agent. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein inducing a magnetic field comprises use of at least one variably positionable electromagnetic reflector antenna. 
     
     
         16 . A device for delivery of a multi-component irrigation solution, the device comprising:
 at least two irrigation solution reservoirs; and   a metering valve in fluidic connection with each irrigation solution reservoir.   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein each metering valve is independently controllable at flow rates ranging from zero to a predetermined maximum. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the metering valves are controlled by electrical means. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising a mixing vane tube in fluidic connection with each metering valve, whereby fluid components of more than one irrigation solution reservoir are mixed. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising a pump in fluidic connection with each metering valve.