Remote sensing gene therapy delivery device and method of administering a therapeutic solution to a heart
US6508802B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0089
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides a steerable device for the delivery of a therapeutic solution, in particular, an angiogenesis-promoting substance into a heart, and a method of delivering such a substance into the heart. The device includes an elongated needle which the physician may steer by asserting a tensioning force on a steering cable coupled to the needle toward its distal end. A axially-slidable steering sleeve is disposed about the needle and the steering cable, and the position of the steering sleeve may be adjusted to control the radius of flexure of the needle. The needle body is flexible enough to maneuver around thoracic and cardiac geometry, yet sufficiently rigid to facilitate such maneuvering. The needle may also have a stop, or platform, spaced from the distal needle tip to stabilize the needle in the cardiac tissue. According to a method of the invention, the needle may be inserted into the heart tissue through lung tissue adhering to the heart, as is common in re-operative patients. The platform may either transit the needle as the platform contacts the lung or heart tissue, or the platform may move forward to contact tissue as needle contact with heart tissue is confirme…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.