초록 ▼

The present invention provides for the needleless delivery of selected agents to target tissues within a subject body by providing the agents in one or more high-energy jets or streams directed against selected wall or surface regions of such tissues. One general embodiment of the apparatus includes

The present invention provides for the needleless delivery of selected agents to target tissues within a subject body by providing the agents in one or more high-energy jets or streams directed against selected wall or surface regions of such tissues. One general embodiment of the apparatus includes (i) an elongate jacket having (a) proximal and distal ends, (b) a lumen extending between such ends, and (c) a blunt, distal-end face defining one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the lumen; (ii) an introduction port for feeding such agent(s) into the lumen; and (iii) a pump communicating with a proximal end of the jacket. The pump is operable to generate an increased pressure within the lumen such that an agent introduced therein will be propelled out of the distal outlet port(s), thereby forming respective high-energy, narrow, fluid jets or streams capable of penetrating a selected tissue. In an exemplary use, wherein a patient's heart is treated with an agent for transferring genetic information to the heart tissue, the distal end of the jacket is positioned adjacent a selected region of the heart wall, and high-energy fluid jets are directed thereagainst in a manner effective to penetrate the wall, thereby delivering the agent into the myocardium.

대표청구항 ▼

The present invention provides for the needleless delivery of selected agents to target tissues within a subject body by providing the agents in one or more high-energy jets or streams directed against selected wall or surface regions of such tissues. One general embodiment of the apparatus includes

The present invention provides for the needleless delivery of selected agents to target tissues within a subject body by providing the agents in one or more high-energy jets or streams directed against selected wall or surface regions of such tissues. One general embodiment of the apparatus includes (i) an elongate jacket having (a) proximal and distal ends, (b) a lumen extending between such ends, and (c) a blunt, distal-end face defining one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the lumen; (ii) an introduction port for feeding such agent(s) into the lumen; and (iii) a pump communicating with a proximal end of the jacket. The pump is operable to generate an increased pressure within the lumen such that an agent introduced therein will be propelled out of the distal outlet port(s), thereby forming respective high-energy, narrow, fluid jets or streams capable of penetrating a selected tissue. In an exemplary use, wherein a patient's heart is treated with an agent for transferring genetic information to the heart tissue, the distal end of the jacket is positioned adjacent a selected region of the heart wall, and high-energy fluid jets are directed thereagainst in a manner effective to penetrate the wall, thereby delivering the agent into the myocardium. o removably engage a second end of the at least one member. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the mechanical securement area is constructed and arranged to removably engage a second end of the at least one flap. 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the mechanical securement area is removably secured to the second end of the at least one member, and the second end of the at least one flap by hook-and-loop material. 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body is at least partially constructed from an elastic material selected from at least one member of the group consisting of: laminate material, neoprene, elastic cotton, rubber, foam rubber, latex, and any combination thereof. 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one member is at least partially constructed from an elastic material selected from at least one member of the group consisting of: laminate material, neoprene, elastic cotton, rubber, foam rubber, latex, and any combination thereof. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one flap is at least partially constructed from a substantially non-elastic material selected from the group consisting of: cotton, canvas, vinyl, nylon and any combination thereof. 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the at least one flap is more flexible than the at least one member. 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one member is adjustably disposable about a heel region of the human foot and the at least one flap is adjustably disposable about an arch region of the human foot. 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the human foot comprises a plantar fascia, when the at least one member is disposed about the heel region of the human foot and when the at least one flap is disposed about the arch region of the human foot, the sock supports the plantar fascia in a substantially normal biomechanical position.