摘要:
An electroporation apparatus for introducing molecules into cells at a selected location within a cavity in the body of a patient includes an elongated catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a guide wire extending from the proximal end to the distal end, an inflatable balloon carried by the distal end, the balloon having an inner inflatable bladder and an outer perforated bladder defining a chamber between the two bladders, a first electrode on an outer surface of the outer perforated bladder, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, a remote electrode, a lumen for delivering a predetermined quantity of a fluid medium carrying preselected molecules into the chamber to be infused into the body cavity at the predetermined location; and a source of power for applying a voltage pulse between selected pairs of the electrodes for transport of the molecules by iontophoresis and/or repeatedly generating electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration inducing the walls of a plurality of cells at the predetermined location to be transiently permeable to enable the molecules to enter the cells.
摘要:
A method of transtissue molecular delivery comprises encapsulating molecules to be delivered in a microbubble carrier, contacting a selected area of a tissue surface with a solution of the encapsulated molecules, and applying an electric field of sufficient amplitude to induce electrofusion between the tissue and the membrane of the microbubble.
摘要:
An apparatus for implanting macromolecules such as genes, DNA or pharmaceuticals into a preselected surface tissue region of of a patient. An applicator having a plurality of electrodes is provided for contacting a surface tissue region of a patient. A mechanism associated with the applicator delivers a predetermined quantity of a fluid medium carrying the preselected macromolecules. A signal generator is provided for generating a predetermined electric signal. The electrodes of the applicator are connected to the signal generator for applying an electric field in the surface tissue region. The field has a predetermined strength and duration in order to make the walls of a plurality of cells in the surface tissue region transiently permeable to permit the macromolecules to enter said preselected cells without damaging said cells. This enhances the uptake of macromolecules and thus enhances the therapeutic effect achieved.
摘要:
A catheter device is inserted into a selected blood vessel of a patient and advanced to a preselected location within the blood vessel where the endothelial cells on the inner wall of the vessel are to be treated. Once in place, the catheter device is expanded so that a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced electrodes carried thereby are in contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel. A fluid medium is then infused into the blood vessel adjacent the electrodes via a conventional pump. A power pack connected to the electrodes is energized to apply a predetermined electric signal to the electrodes. This subjects the endothelial cells to electric fields of predetermined amplitude and duration in order to make the walls of the endothelial cells transiently permeable to permit therapeutic genes or drugs carried by the fluid medium to enter the endothelial cells without killing them.
摘要:
A device for in vivo electroporation therapy comprising an electrode applicator with at least two pairs of electrodes arranged relative to one another to form an array and a power supply. The device is used to generate an electric field in a biological sample and effect introduction of selected molecules into cells of the sample.
摘要:
The invention provides methods for inducing or increasing the vasodilation of a vessel. The invention further provides methods for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel. An electrical impulse is applied to the vessel in order to induce or increase vessel vasodilation or to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel. In a particular embodiment, a novel double-balloon catheter system incorporating electroporation technology has been designed and is used to apply the electrical impulse endoluminally.
摘要:
The invention provides methods for inducing or increasing the vasodilation of a vessel. The invention further provides methods for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel. An electrical impulse is applied to the vessel in order to induce or increase vessel vasodilation or to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel. In a particular embodiment, a novel double-balloon catheter system incorporating electroporation technology has been designed and is used to apply the electrical impulse endoluminally.
摘要:
An electrode assembly for an apparatus for and a method of trans-surface molecular delivery, including a non-conductive carrier having a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a plurality of through holes from the proximal surface to the distal surface, a first electrode disposed on at least a portion of the distal surface and extending through at least a portion of the plurality of through holes and onto at least a portion of the proximal surface, a second electrode disposed on at least a portion of the proximal surface and in closely spaced relation with the first electrode for engaging a tissue surface through which to apply an electric field, and an insulating barrier that is disposed on at least a portion of the proximal surface of the carrier between the first electrode and the second electrode.
摘要:
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.
摘要:
A method and apparatus are provided for introducing molecules such as genes and pharmaceutical compounds into living blood cells of a patient for therapeutic purposes. A device is placed into contact with the body of the patient for generating an electric field at a preselected location within a selected blood vessel. Preselected molecules are infused into the selected blood vessel. Simultaneously an electric signal is applied to the applied device to repeatedly subject a quantity of blood flowing within the selected blood vessel past the preselected location to electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration. The parameters of the electric fields are precisely controlled in order to make the walls of preselected cells in the blood transiently permeable to permit the molecules to enter said preselected cells without killing said cells. The device can include either an induction coil that is placed into contact with the body over a blood vessel, or alternatively, an induction coil that surrounds the blood vessel. The electric signal is supplied by a power pack and the preselected molecules are infused with a supply pump.