Convection-enhanced delivery to the central nervous system.
Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a bulk flow-driven process. Its properties permit direct, homogeneous, targeted perfusion of CNS regions with putative therapeutics while bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Development of surrogate imaging tracers that are co-infused during drug delivery now permit accurate, noninvasive real-time tracking of convective infusate flow in nervous system tissues. The potential advantages of CED in the CNS over other currently available drug delivery techniques, including systemic delivery, intrathecal and/or intraventricular distribution, and polymer implantation, have led to its application in research studies and clinical trials. The authors review the biophysical principles of convective flow and the technology, properties, and clinical applications of convective delivery in the CNS.
Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio;
Russell R
RR
Lonser
Malisa
M
Sarntinoranont
Paul F
PF
Morrison
Edward H
EH
Oldfield
D001703:Biophysics; D002490:Central Nervous System; D018481:Convection; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections
BBB = blood-brain barrier; CED = convection-enhanced delivery; bulk flow; central nervous system; convection-enhanced delivery; drug delivery; technique