초록 ▼

A method and apparatus are disclosed for the in vivo transfer of therapeutic genes to internal body sites. An operating head of a catheter or endoscope contains a particle bombardment device for accelerating DNA-coated particles into a target tissue. With either endoscopy or arterial catheterization

A method and apparatus are disclosed for the in vivo transfer of therapeutic genes to internal body sites. An operating head of a catheter or endoscope contains a particle bombardment device for accelerating DNA-coated particles into a target tissue. With either endoscopy or arterial catheterization, the operating head may be guided to diseased or deficient organs, or other lesions, and deliver the gene coated particles in a targeted manner. In one embodiment, a double balloon catheter is employed to isolate an intravasular space containing the lesion to be treated, with the space being cleared of blood and filled with gas before operation of the particle bombardment device. The method and apparatus may also be employed to deliver other therapeutic agents to intracellular targets.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A catheter for transferring medical material in vivo to a target tissue comprising:an elongated hollow flexible tubular member adapted to be inserted within a blood vessel;an operating head attached to said tubular member and containing a particle bombardment device dispo

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A catheter for transferring medical material in vivo to a target tissue comprising:an elongated hollow flexible tubular member adapted to be inserted within a blood vessel;an operating head attached to said tubular member and containing a particle bombardment device disposed therein for discharging particles coated with medical material so that particles impinge in vivo on target tissue and deliver the medical material intracellularly thereto;a discharge port disposed on said operating head out through which are discharged said particles wherein said operating head further comprises telescoping proximal and distal sections which act to seal and unseal said discharge port;a hydraulic cylinder within said operating head for moving one of said telescoping sections with respect to the other so as to seal and unseal said discharge port;proximal and distal balloons girthing said tubular member supported adjacent said operating head; anda balloon inflation line running through said tubular member and communicating with said proximal and distal balloons so as to provide inflation pressure thereto wherein inflation of said proximal and distal balloons against the walls of an artery or other body duct in which said catheter is inserted serves to isolate a space therebetween into which coated particles may be discharged from said operating head toward a target tissue.