초록 ▼

The present invention provides a system for delivering a therapeutic agent in combination with an implanted device to maximize a therapeutic benefit offered by each. Preferably, the therapeutic agent is contained within a solid matrix form such as a pellet or gel to facilitate its handling, and to r

The present invention provides a system for delivering a therapeutic agent in combination with an implanted device to maximize a therapeutic benefit offered by each. Preferably, the therapeutic agent is contained within a solid matrix form such as a pellet or gel to facilitate its handling, and to regulate its rate of dissipation into the tissue after delivery. The implant device is specially configured to receive retain the matrix but permit blood to interact with the matrix so that the agent can be released to the blood in, around the device, and the surrounding tissue. A delivery system comprises an implant delivery device having an obturator capable of piercing the tissue and an agent matrix delivery device to place a matrix form, such as a pellet, into the interior of the implant after it has been implanted. Preferably, the implant delivery device and the matrix delivery device are contained in one apparatus to facilitate delivery of the pellet into the embedded implant. The present invention is useful for treating tissue in any area of the body, especially ischemic tissue experiencing reduced blood flow. The present devices and methods are especially useful for treatment of ischemia of the myocardium. In treatment of the myocardium, the present implant device and matrix combination may be delivered surgically through the epicardium of the heart.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A tissue implant and agent carrying matrix delivery system comprising:a hollow tubular body defining an interior, distal end and distal port; an obturator shaft having a proximal end, distal end, an implant device support section adjacent its distal end, a sharp distal tip and a handle at its pro

1. A tissue implant and agent carrying matrix delivery system comprising:a hollow tubular body defining an interior, distal end and distal port; an obturator shaft having a proximal end, distal end, an implant device support section adjacent its distal end, a sharp distal tip and a handle at its proximal end for grasping and being advanceable through the interior of the body; a matrix delivery tube, also advanceable through the interior of the body, having an interior lumen adapted to slidably receive an agent matrix, a push rod slidable through the lumen to advance the matrix through the tube and a distal end opened to the lumen; a slide slidably mounted on the body and connected with the matrix delivery tube to advance the tube through the interior of the body with movement of the slide; the obturator and matrix delivery tube being arranged so that each may be alternately advanced through the interior of the body to be placed in communication with the distal port. 2. A delivery device as defined in claim 1 further comprising:a conical taper on the interior of the body near its distal end to help guide the obturator and matrix delivery tube to the distal port. 3. A delivery device as defined in claim 1 further comprising:biasing members to bias the obturator and matrix delivery tube in retracted positions such that they do not extend through the distal port of the body. 4. A delivery device as defined in claim 1 wherein the device support section of the obturator is adapted to releaseably retain a tissue implant.5. A delivery device as defined in claim 1 wherein the tubular body is rigid.