Electroporation catheter with sensing capabilities
US7742809B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0575
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In general, the invention is directed to techniques for delivering macromolecules to a tissue site via electroporation. Particularly, a catheter detects contact between a distal end of the catheter and a target tissue site via a sensing electrode at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter delivers a fluid containing macromolecules to the tissue site upon detecting contact between the tissue site and the catheter. Concurrently or soon after delivery of the fluid, an electrical stimulus is applied to the tissue site. The electrical stimulus can be applied by the catheter or directly from a power supply, such as an implanted pulse generator. The electrical stimulus causes membranes of cells within the tissue site to destabilize, in turn, forming pores through which the macromolecules migrate into the cells of the tissue site.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.