Apparatus for treating asthma using neurotoxin

• US 20060222667A1
• Filed: 06/01/2006
• Published: 10/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nuvaira, Inc.
• Original Assignee: The Foundry Inc.
• Inventors: Deem, Mark E., Gifford, Hanson S.
• Granted Patent: US 8,172,827 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 424/239.100
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/04 combined with photographic or television appliances
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0661 Endoscope light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/2676 Bronchoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 11/00 Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes in general B05B; aerosol containers B65D83/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/00 Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes stimulating the respiratory movement by mechanical, pneumatic or electrical means, iron lungs combined with gas breathing means A61H31/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0086 the needles having bent tips, i.e. the needle distal tips are angled in relation to the longitudinal axis of the catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/105 having a balloon suitable for drug delivery, e.g. by using holes for delivery, drug coating or membranes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/049 Toxic
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1035 Bronchi
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0084 being one or more injection needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/10 Balloon catheters A61M25/0125 takes precedence; embolectomy A61B17/22032; retractors A61B17/02; inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts A61F2/958 ; stomach balloons for treatment of obesity A61F5/0003; oesophagal tubes A61J15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1452 pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/162 Needle sets, i.e. connections by puncture between reservoir and tube ; Connections between reservoir and tube in jet-action syringes A61M5/30; connectors for tubes having sealed ends and a needle for piercing them A61M39/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/30 Syringes for injection by jet action, without needle, e.g. for use with replaceable ampoules or carpules

Abstract

Apparatus for providing intrabronchial delivery of neurotoxins to control the effects of asthma comprises a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a neurotoxin applicator assembly disposed on the distal end. The neurotoxin applicator assembly comprises a deployable needle assembly, a rotating needle assembly, and a needle-less injection assembly or a nebulizer assembly.

Claims

1. A method for treating the bronchial airways of a patient, said method comprising:

endobronchially positioning a shaft at a location in a bronchial airway;

penetrating at least one needle from the shaft into tissue surrounding the bronchial airway; and

injecting a medication into the tissue through the needle.

2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the medication lessens the effects of asthma.

3. The method as in claim 2, wherein the medication comprises a neurotoxin.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the neurotoxin comprises botulinum toxin, serotype A.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the neurotoxin comprises botulinum toxin, serotype B.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the neurotoxin comprises tetanus or a tetanus derivative.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein penetrating comprises advancing at least one needle from the shaft.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein penetrating comprises rotating a needle-bearing wheel over a wall of the bronchial airway.