Minimally invasive apparatus and method to electroporate drugs and genes into tissue
US6181964A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/325
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a "keying" element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.