Device and method for improving retention of a therapy in the bladder

Abstract

Devices that are placed within fluid filled organs, such as the bladder, which reduce the risk of bacterial infections using a combination of active agents and mechanical disruption of bacteria.

1 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for treating and/or preventing urinary tract infections in an individual, the method comprising:
 providing a plurality of particles each having therapeutic properties where at least each particle of the plurality of particles has a buoyancy resulting in flotation of the plurality of particles in a urine contained in a bladder of the individual, where a size of each particle of the plurality of particles falls within a pre-determined size range; and   delivering the plurality of particles through a urethra of the individual into the bladder wherein the plurality of particles float to a surface of the urine, such that upon contraction of the bladder one or more rugae on a wall of the bladder contracts to form a fold in tissue, where a combination of the buoyancy and the pre-determined size range of the plurality of particles causes the one or more rugae to encase the plurality of particles in the fold of tissue such that a number of particles is retained in the bladder over a series of cycles in which the bladder refills and empties with urine.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein each particle of the plurality of particles includes a therapeutic substance. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , where the therapeutic substance is selected from a group consisting of a urease inhibitor, a chelating agent, an antibacterial agent, an enzyme, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein each particle of the plurality of particles further includes a carrier substance. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the carrier substance comprises a degradable material. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , where the carrier substance comprises a degradable material. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the therapeutic substance is located within the carrier substance. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the therapeutic substance coats the carrier substance. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the carrier substance comprises a polymer. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the carrier substance comprises a glass material. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the carrier substance is porous. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising providing a plurality of secondary particles each having therapeutic properties where at least each secondary particle of the plurality of secondary particles has a buoyancy resulting in sinking of the plurality of particles in the urine contained in the bladder of the individual. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 17 , where a density of each particle of the plurality of particles is less than 1 kg/m{circumflex over ( )}3. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 17 , where the pre-determined size range is less than 400 micrometers. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 17 , where delivering the plurality of particles through a urethra of the individual into the bladder causes a mechanical disruption of a biofilm within the urethra or bladder. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 17 , where delivering the plurality of particles through the urethra comprises delivering the plurality of particles using a syringe.