US6358247B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Cardiac drug delivery system
Assignee: Biocardia Inc
•
Filing: 1999-03-02
•
Granted: 2002-03-19
•
Expires: 2019-03-02
Abstract
Abstract A system is disclosed, for administering a therapeutic agent locally and to a depth within cardiac tissue. An elongate, flexible catheter contains a flexible electric conductor and supports at its distal end an implantable electrode incorporating a penetrating element, typically a fixation helix or a linear needle that penetrates cardiac tissue as the electrode is implanted. A therapeutic agent is delivered through the electrode, to the cardiac tissue surrounding the penetrating element. The electrode acts as a sensor, electrically coupled through the flexible conductor, and monitors an electrical condition of the surrounding cardiac tissue. A controller is coupled to the sensor and to a pump or reservoir containing the therapeutic agent, to control delivery of the agent responsive to the sensed electrical condition. The implanted electrode further can be used to deliver RF current to ablate the surrounding tissue. Several embodiments feature a distal reservoir adjacent the electrode, for effecting transient deliveries of the therapeutic agent in minute quantities or chronic delivery of growth factors. Another embodiment incorporates a bilumen catheter and a set of unidirectional valves, to facilitate changing therapeutic agents or purging the catheter of an agent after delivery.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter A. Altman
- 👤 John D. Altman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:05
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61K; A61K9/00; A61K9/10; A61K9/127; A61K9/14; A61K9/16; A61K9/167; A61K9/1676; A61K9/48; A61K9/50; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/05; A61N1/056; A61N1/057; A61N1/0573; A61N1/0575; B; B82; B82Y; B82Y5/00; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/00247; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00273; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00392; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00839; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/1435; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0067; A61M25/0082; A61M25/0084; A61M2025/0089
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
217 words
A system for supplying a therapeutic agent locally to a depth within cardiac tissue, including: an elongate, flexible, dielectric and biocompatible catheter body; an elongate and flexible electric conductor coextensive with the catheter body; a conductive implantable electrode including a distally located penetrating element adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue, and a fixation element for securing the electrode within the cardiac tissue; a conductive coupling structure electrically coupling a proximal portion of the electrode with respect to a distal end of the flexible electric conductor; a fluid passage through the electrode, open to an exterior of the electrode at said proximal portion and at said penetrating element; a source of a therapeutic agent, fluid coupled to the fluid passage at said proximal portion to deliver a therapeutic agent to said surrounding cardiac tissue via the fluid passage; a sensor electrically coupled with respect to a proximal end of the flexible electric conductor for monitoring an electrical condition of said surrounding cardiac tissue; and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and to the source, adapted to control the delivery of the therapeutic agent responsive to the sensed electrical condition, thereby to effect a transient delivery of the therapeutic agent, on demand, and with the therapeutic effect substantially confined to cardiac tissue.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
217 words
A system for supplying a therapeutic agent locally to a depth within cardiac tissue, including: an elongate, flexible, dielectric and biocompatible catheter body; an elongate and flexible electric conductor coextensive with the catheter body; a conductive implantable electrode including a distally located penetrating element adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue, and a fixation element for securing the electrode within the cardiac tissue; a conductive coupling structure electrically coupling a proximal portion of the electrode with respect to a distal end of the flexible electric conductor; a fluid passage through the electrode, open to an exterior of the electrode at said proximal portion and at said penetrating element; a source of a therapeutic agent, fluid coupled to the fluid passage at said proximal portion to deliver a therapeutic agent to said surrounding cardiac tissue via the fluid passage; a sensor electrically coupled with respect to a proximal end of the flexible electric conductor for monitoring an electrical condition of said surrounding cardiac tissue; and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and to the source, adapted to control the delivery of the therapeutic agent responsive to the sensed electrical condition, thereby to effect a transient delivery of the therapeutic agent, on demand, and with the therapeutic effect substantially confined to cardiac tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: said penetrating element comprises a substantially linear, distally extending needle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: said source comprises a reservoir containing the therapeutic agent and a delivery component for effecting delivery of the therapeutic agent from the reservoir to the fluid passage, wherein said reservoir is disposed adjacent the proximal portion of the implantable electrode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 3 wherein: said delivery component comprises a shape memory metal ribbon surrounding the reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 3 wherein: said delivery component employs vapor pressure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system of claim 1 further including: a housing disposed near said distal end of the electric conductor and mounted with respect to the proximal portion of the electrode, wherein said source comprises a distal reservoir within said housing, adapted to contain a therapeutic agent and fluid coupled to the fluid passage for delivering the therapeutic agent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 6 wherein: said housing incorporates a component for applying pressure to the therapeutic agent in the distal reservoir to urge the therapeutic agent from the distal reservoir into the fluid passage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 7 wherein: said component comprises one of the following: an osmotic pump, a band formed of a recovery metal surrounding the housing, and a means for applying vapor pressure.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
132 words
A device for controllably delivering a therapeutic agent locally to a depth within cardiac tissue, including: a fixation structure including a proximal portion and a distal penetrating element adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue; a housing mounted adjacent the fixation structure and having a reservoir for containing a therapeutic agent; a fluid passage through the fixation structure, having an entrance port at said proximal portion of the fixation structure for receiving the therapeutic agent from the reservoir, and having an exit port along a distal portion of said penetrating element for delivering the therapeutic agent to said surrounding cardiac tissue; and an active component adjacent the housing, for urging the therapeutic agent out of the reservoir and through the fluid passage to the surrounding cardiac tissue.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
132 words
A device for controllably delivering a therapeutic agent locally to a depth within cardiac tissue, including: a fixation structure including a proximal portion and a distal penetrating element adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue; a housing mounted adjacent the fixation structure and having a reservoir for containing a therapeutic agent; a fluid passage through the fixation structure, having an entrance port at said proximal portion of the fixation structure for receiving the therapeutic agent from the reservoir, and having an exit port along a distal portion of said penetrating element for delivering the therapeutic agent to said surrounding cardiac tissue; and an active component adjacent the housing, for urging the therapeutic agent out of the reservoir and through the fluid passage to the surrounding cardiac tissue.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 9 wherein: the active component comprises an osmotic pump disposed inside of the housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 9 wherein: said active component comprises a band formed of a recovery metal and surrounding the housing, and a means for heating the band at least to a thermal activation temperature.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 9 wherein: said active component includes a vapor pressure source.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 9 wherein: said fixation structure and said housing are adapted for mounting at a distal end portion of an elongate flexible catheter, and the active component is controllable from a proximal end of the catheter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
175 words
A drug delivery catheter including: an elongate and flexible length of catheter tubing; a supply lumen along the catheter tubing for conveying a therapeutic agent from a proximal end of the catheter tubing to a distal end of the catheter tubing; a clearing lumen along the catheter tubing for conveying a clearing fluid from the proximal region of the catheter tubing to the distal end of the catheter tubing; a fluid passage near the distal end of the catheter tubing for fluid coupling the supply lumen and the clearing lumen; a first unidirectional valve structure proximate the distal end of the catheter tubing, adapted to allow a flow of fluids out of the supply lumen while substantially preventing a proximal flow of fluids to the supply lumen; and a second unidirectional valve structure, in the fluid passage adapted to allow a flow of fluids through said fluid passage from the clearing lumen to the supply lumen while substantially preventing a flow of fluids through the fluid passage from the supply lumen to the clearing lumen.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
175 words
A drug delivery catheter including: an elongate and flexible length of catheter tubing; a supply lumen along the catheter tubing for conveying a therapeutic agent from a proximal end of the catheter tubing to a distal end of the catheter tubing; a clearing lumen along the catheter tubing for conveying a clearing fluid from the proximal region of the catheter tubing to the distal end of the catheter tubing; a fluid passage near the distal end of the catheter tubing for fluid coupling the supply lumen and the clearing lumen; a first unidirectional valve structure proximate the distal end of the catheter tubing, adapted to allow a flow of fluids out of the supply lumen while substantially preventing a proximal flow of fluids to the supply lumen; and a second unidirectional valve structure, in the fluid passage adapted to allow a flow of fluids through said fluid passage from the clearing lumen to the supply lumen while substantially preventing a flow of fluids through the fluid passage from the supply lumen to the clearing lumen.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
The catheter of claim 14 wherein: said supply lumen and said clearing lumen are substantially parallel to one another, and extend from a proximal end of the catheter tubing to a distal end thereof.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The catheter of claim 14 wherein: each of said first and second valve structures comprises a ball valve.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
43 words
The catheter of claim 14 further including: a reservoir disposed at the distal end region of the catheter, and a first fluid conduit extending from the supply lumen to the reservoir, wherein the first unidirectional valve structure is disposed within the first conduit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
55 words
The catheter of claim 17 further including: a second fluid conduit extending between the reservoir and the clearing lumen, and a third unidirectional valve structure in the second conduit to allow a flow of fluids from the reservoir to the clearing lumen while preventing a flow of fluids from the clearing lumen into the reservoir.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The catheter of claim 18 wherein: said first fluid conduit extends distally to a distal region of the reservoir, while said second fluid conduit terminates at a proximal portion of the reservoir.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
186 words
A process for delivering a treatment agent to a depth within myocardial tissue, including: using an elongate and flexible carrier that supports at its distal end a fluid delivery structure including a distal penetrating element, to intralumenally deliver the fluid delivery structure to a selected myocardial tissue site and to insert the penetrating element to a depth within myocardial tissue at said site, whereby the penetrating element is surrounded by the myocardial tissue; selecting a controlled release drug delivery mechanism from the group consisting of: a gene therapy preparation, microsphere encapsulation, and micelle encapsulation; selecting a treatment agent from the group of treatment agents consisting of: an angiogenic growth factor, a metabolic agent, an anti ischemic agent, and an anti-inflammatory agent; and after inserting the penetrating element, delivering a fluid incorporating the selected delivery mechanism, and incorporating the selected treatment agent via the selected delivery mechanism, through a fluid passage in the fluid delivery structure and to the surrounding myocardial tissue through an opening in the penetrating element, thus to effect a sustained delivery of the selected agent that is localized to the surrounding myocardial tissue.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
186 words
A process for delivering a treatment agent to a depth within myocardial tissue, including: using an elongate and flexible carrier that supports at its distal end a fluid delivery structure including a distal penetrating element, to intralumenally deliver the fluid delivery structure to a selected myocardial tissue site and to insert the penetrating element to a depth within myocardial tissue at said site, whereby the penetrating element is surrounded by the myocardial tissue; selecting a controlled release drug delivery mechanism from the group consisting of: a gene therapy preparation, microsphere encapsulation, and micelle encapsulation; selecting a treatment agent from the group of treatment agents consisting of: an angiogenic growth factor, a metabolic agent, an anti ischemic agent, and an anti-inflammatory agent; and after inserting the penetrating element, delivering a fluid incorporating the selected delivery mechanism, and incorporating the selected treatment agent via the selected delivery mechanism, through a fluid passage in the fluid delivery structure and to the surrounding myocardial tissue through an opening in the penetrating element, thus to effect a sustained delivery of the selected agent that is localized to the surrounding myocardial tissue.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of claim 20 wherein: the penetrating element comprises a helical needle, and said using the elongate and flexible carrier to insert the penetrating element includes rotating the helical needle.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The process of claim 21 wherein: the penetrating element has a plurality of openings formed therethrough, and said delivering the fluid includes delivering the fluid through different ones of the openings at different depths within the myocardial tissue.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
57 words
The process of claim 20 wherein: the penetrating element comprises a substantially linear and distally extending needle, the fluid delivery device further includes a fixation element for securing the needle within the myocardial tissue, and wherein the insertion of the penetrating element to a depth within myocardial tissue includes inserting the fixation element into the myocardial tissue.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The process of claim 23 wherein: the fixation element comprises a helical coil, and the insertion of the fixation element into the myocardial tissue comprises using the elongate and flexible carrier to rotate the helical coil.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 20 further including: delivering the fluid to the fluid passage through a lumen in the carrier.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 20 further including: providing a reservoir for containing the fluid at the distal end of the elongate and flexible carrier, and delivering the fluid from the reservoir to the fluid passage.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
39 words
The process of claim 20 further including: locating at least one ischemic site in the myocardial tissue, and selecting the ischemic site as the myocardial delivery site for subsequent penetration of the penetrating element and delivery of the fluid.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 20 further including: after delivering the fluid, removing the penetrating element from the myocardial tissue and intralumenally withdrawing the carrier and the delivery structure.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 20 further including: using an electrically active element disposed near the distal end of the elongate and flexible carrier to electrically characterize the surrounding myocardial tissue.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 29 wherein: the electrically active element comprises a mapping electrode, and the characterizing of the myocardial tissue comprises sensing an electrical condition in the myocardial tissue.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 29 wherein: the electrically active element comprises an ultrasound transducer, and the characterizing of the myocardial tissue comprises generating an ultrasound image of the myocardial tissue.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of claim 20 further including: electrically activating at least one piezoelectric crystal disposed near the distal end of the flexible carrier to effect the delivery of the selected treatment agent.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
164 words
A process for delivery of a treatment agent to a depth within selected tissue, including: locating at least one ischemic site in tissue; using an elongate and flexible carrier that supports at its distal end a fluid delivery structure including a distal penetrating element, to intralumenally deliver the fluid delivery structure to the ischemic site and to insert the penetrating element to a depth within the tissue at said site, whereby the penetrating element is surrounded by the tissue; selecting a treatment agent from the group of treatment agents consisting of an anti-restenosis agent, an angiogenic growth factor gene therapy preparation, a microsphere encapsulated therapeutic agent and a micelle encapsulated therapeutic agent; and after inserting the penetrating element, delivering a fluid including the selected treatment agent through a fluid passage in the fluid delivery structure and to the surrounding tissue through an opening in the penetrating element, thus to effect a delivery of the selected treatment agent that is localized to the surrounding tissue.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
164 words
A process for delivery of a treatment agent to a depth within selected tissue, including: locating at least one ischemic site in tissue; using an elongate and flexible carrier that supports at its distal end a fluid delivery structure including a distal penetrating element, to intralumenally deliver the fluid delivery structure to the ischemic site and to insert the penetrating element to a depth within the tissue at said site, whereby the penetrating element is surrounded by the tissue; selecting a treatment agent from the group of treatment agents consisting of an anti-restenosis agent, an angiogenic growth factor gene therapy preparation, a microsphere encapsulated therapeutic agent and a micelle encapsulated therapeutic agent; and after inserting the penetrating element, delivering a fluid including the selected treatment agent through a fluid passage in the fluid delivery structure and to the surrounding tissue through an opening in the penetrating element, thus to effect a delivery of the selected treatment agent that is localized to the surrounding tissue.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of claim 33 wherein: the penetrating element comprises a helical needle, and said using the elongate and flexible carrier to insert the penetrating element includes rotating the helical needle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
The process of claim 34 wherein: the penetrating element has at least two openings formed therethrough, and said delivering the fluid includes delivering the fluid through at least two of the openings at different depths within the tissue.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
48 words
The process of claim 33 wherein: the penetrating element comprises a substantially linear, distally extending needle, the fluid delivery device further includes a fixation element for securing the needle within the vascular tissue, and insertion of the penetrating element comprises penetrating the myocardial tissue with the fixation element.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 36 wherein: the fixation element comprises a helical coil, and the penetrating of the myocardial tissue with the fixation element comprises using the flexible carrier to rotate the helical coil.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 33 further including: delivering the fluid to the fluid passage through a lumen in the carrier.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
40 words
The process of claim 38 further including: providing a reservoir near the distal end of the flexible carrier for containing the fluid, wherein said delivery of the treatment agent comprises providing the fluid from the reservoir to the fluid passage.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 33 wherein: after delivering the fluid, removing the penetrating element from the tissue and intralumenally withdrawing the carrier and the delivery structure.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 33 further including: using an electrically active element near the distal end of the flexible carrier to characterize the surrounding tissue.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 41 wherein: the electrically active element comprises a mapping electrode, and the characterizing of the surrounding tissue comprises sensing an electrical condition in the surrounding tissue.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 41 wherein: the electrically active element comprises an ultrasound transducer, and the characterizing of the surrounding tissue comprises generating an ultrasound image of the surrounding tissue.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 33 further including: electrically activating a piezoelectric crystal mounted near the distal end of the flexible carrier to effect the delivery of the selected treatment agent.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
171 words
A system for altering heart tissue locally at a depth within the heart tissue, including: an elongate, flexible, biocompatible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a fluid delivery structure mounted to said distal end having a distally located tissue penetrating element adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue, and a passage through the fluid delivery structure open to an exterior of the fluid delivery structure at least at said penetrating element; and a fluid source containing a fluid that includes a treatment agent selected from the group consisting of angiogenic growth factors, metabolic agents, anti ischemic agents, antiarrhythmic agents and anti-inflammatory agents, wherein the selected treatment agent is incorporated in a sustained delivery mechanism selected from the group consisting of gene therapy preparations, microsphere encapsulation, and micelle encapsulation; wherein the fluid source is coupled to the passage for delivering the fluid to the surrounding cardiac tissue via the passage when the penetrating element has penetrated to a depth within the cardiac tissue.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
171 words
A system for altering heart tissue locally at a depth within the heart tissue, including: an elongate, flexible, biocompatible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a fluid delivery structure mounted to said distal end having a distally located tissue penetrating element adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue, and a passage through the fluid delivery structure open to an exterior of the fluid delivery structure at least at said penetrating element; and a fluid source containing a fluid that includes a treatment agent selected from the group consisting of angiogenic growth factors, metabolic agents, anti ischemic agents, antiarrhythmic agents and anti-inflammatory agents, wherein the selected treatment agent is incorporated in a sustained delivery mechanism selected from the group consisting of gene therapy preparations, microsphere encapsulation, and micelle encapsulation; wherein the fluid source is coupled to the passage for delivering the fluid to the surrounding cardiac tissue via the passage when the penetrating element has penetrated to a depth within the cardiac tissue.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 45 wherein: the fluid source is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter body, and is coupled to the passage through a fluid supply lumen in the catheter body.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 45 wherein: the fluid source comprises a reservoir in the fluid delivery structure.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 47 further including: a fluid lumen along said catheter body for supplying the fluid to the reservoir.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 48 further including: a clearing lumen along the catheter body, and a valve means adapted to allow a flow of fluids from the clearing lumen to the fluid supply lumen via a fluid path near the distal end of the catheter body.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system of claim 47 further including: an active component for transferring the fluid from the reservoir to the surrounding cardiac tissue via the passage, selected from the group consisting of: an osmotic pump; a vapor pressure source; and a recovery metal band surrounding the reservoir, in combination with a means for heating the band at least to a thermal activation temperature.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 45 further including: a lumen in the catheter body for accommodating a stylet.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 45 wherein: the penetrating element comprises a helical needle inserted into the cardiac tissue by rotating the fluid delivery structure.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 45 wherein: the penetrating element comprises a substantially linear needle, and the fluid delivery structure further includes a fixation element for securing the penetrating element within the cardiac tissue.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 53 wherein: the fixation element comprises a helical coil inserted into the cardiac tissue by rotating the fluid delivery structure.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
157 words
A system for altering cardiac tissue locally at a depth within the cardiac tissue, including: an elongate, flexible, biocompatible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a penetrating element supported with respect to the distal end of the catheter body and adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue, said penetrating element being hollow to define an internal passage and including at least one opening through which an internal passage communicates with an exterior of the penetrating element; and a fluid source for providing fluids to the surrounding tissue via the internal passage, said fluid source containing a fluid including a sustained delivery mechanism selected from a group of: gene therapy preparations, microsphere encapsulation, and micelle encapsulation, wherein the selected sustained delivery mechanism incorporates a treatment agent selected from the group of: an angiogenic growth factor, an anti-inflammatory agent, a metabolic agent, an anti ischemic agent, and an antiarrhythmic agent.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
157 words
A system for altering cardiac tissue locally at a depth within the cardiac tissue, including: an elongate, flexible, biocompatible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a penetrating element supported with respect to the distal end of the catheter body and adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue, said penetrating element being hollow to define an internal passage and including at least one opening through which an internal passage communicates with an exterior of the penetrating element; and a fluid source for providing fluids to the surrounding tissue via the internal passage, said fluid source containing a fluid including a sustained delivery mechanism selected from a group of: gene therapy preparations, microsphere encapsulation, and micelle encapsulation, wherein the selected sustained delivery mechanism incorporates a treatment agent selected from the group of: an angiogenic growth factor, an anti-inflammatory agent, a metabolic agent, an anti ischemic agent, and an antiarrhythmic agent.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 55 wherein: the fluid source comprises a reservoir at the distal end of the catheter body.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system of claim 56 further comprising: an active component for transferring the fluid from the reservoir to the surrounding cardiac tissue via the passage, selected from the group consisting of: an osmotic pump; a vapor pressure source; and a recovery metal band surrounding the reservoir, in combination with a means for heating the band at least to a thermal activation temperature.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 55 wherein: the penetrating element comprises a helical needle insertable into the cardiac tissue by a rotation of the needle.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 55 further including: a fixation element mounted at the distal end of the catheter body for securing the penetrating element within the cardiac tissue, wherein the penetrating element comprises a substantially linear needle.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 59 wherein: the fixation element comprises a helical coil insertable into the cardiac tissue by rotating the catheter body.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-03-18 | 2005-09-17 | 2006-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-03-18 | 2009-09-17 | 2010-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-03-18 | 2013-09-17 | 2014-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |