Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue
First Claim
1. A device for injecting cells into tissue, the device comprising:
- a suction member for grasping an area of tissue;
an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, a proximal region and a distal region, the distal region coupled to the suction member;
a plurality of hollow needles having a sharp distal end and at least one discharge port, the needles operably coupled to the elongate shaft distal region;
means for driving the sharp distal ends of the needles into the area of tissue grasped by the suction member; and
means for discharging cells from the needle discharge ports into the area of tissue grasped by the suction member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for injecting biological agents into tissue. Devices are provided having elongate shafts and distal injection heads for driving needles into tissue and injecting medical agents into the tissue through the needles. A longitudinal force directed along the shaft can be translated to a needle driving force. Some devices provide controllably variable needle penetration depth. Devices include mechanical needle drivers utilizing four link pantographs, rack and pinions, and drive yokes for driving a first needle bearing body toward a second tissue contacting body. Other devices include inflatable members for driving and retracting needles. Still other devices include magnets for biasing the needles in extended and/or retracted positions. The invention includes minimally invasive methods for epicardially injecting cardiocyte precursor cells into infarct myocardial tissue.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A device for injecting cells into tissue, the device comprising:
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a suction member for grasping an area of tissue;
an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, a proximal region and a distal region, the distal region coupled to the suction member;
a plurality of hollow needles having a sharp distal end and at least one discharge port, the needles operably coupled to the elongate shaft distal region;
means for driving the sharp distal ends of the needles into the area of tissue grasped by the suction member; and
means for discharging cells from the needle discharge ports into the area of tissue grasped by the suction member. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A device for injecting a biological substance into tissue, the device comprising:
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an elongate shaft including a longitudinal axis, a proximal region, and a distal region;
a suction member coupled to the shaft distal region, the suction member having a surface sized and shaped for contacting the tissue;
one or more needles slidably disposed through the suction member for injecting the substance into the tissue; and
a needle driver for driving the one or more needles past the suction member and into the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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- 26. A device as in claim 18, wherein the biological substance comprises cells.
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26-1. A method for epicardially injecting a substance into an area of tissue of a heart having an epicardial surface and disposed within a torso, the method comprising:
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providing a substance-injecting device including a suction member, a plurality of needles slidably coupled to the suction member, an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, a proximal region, a distal region, and a needle driver coupled to the elongate shaft distal region for driving the needles substantially parallel to the elongate shaft distal region longitudinal axis, through the suction member and into tissue;
making an opening into the torso;
advancing the injecting device through the opening to the epicardial surface of the heart;
grasping an area of tissue of the heart via the suction member;
driving the needles into the area of tissue grasped by the suction member; and
injecting the substance from the device into the area of tissue grasped by the suction member.
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27-2. A method as in claim 26, wherein the making opening step includes making an intercostal opening.
Specification