초록 ▼

An apparatus for delivery of biologically active materials comprises a catheter and balloon having micro-needles or pores. In the apparatus, the balloon can have a polymer coating containing the biologically active material, and the apparatus can include a sheath surrounding the balloon. In one embo

An apparatus for delivery of biologically active materials comprises a catheter and balloon having micro-needles or pores. In the apparatus, the balloon can have a polymer coating containing the biologically active material, and the apparatus can include a sheath surrounding the balloon. In one embodiment the biologically active material is delivered through lumens in the micro-needles. Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for delivery of biologically active materials comprising a catheter with a balloon disposed thereon and a shockwave generator for producing a shockwave for delivering the biologically active material to a body lumen. Methods for delivery of biologically active materials are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. An apparatus for delivering a biologically active material to a body lumen comprising: a catheter having a distal portion and a proximal portion; a balloon, having a balloon wall including a layer defining an outer surface and an inner surface, disposed at the distal portion of the cat

We claim: 1. An apparatus for delivering a biologically active material to a body lumen comprising: a catheter having a distal portion and a proximal portion; a balloon, having a balloon wall including a layer defining an outer surface and an inner surface, disposed at the distal portion of the catheter; and a plurality of micro-needles disposed upon the outer surface of the balloon, wherein the micro-needles are capable of contacting the body lumen to deliver the biologically active material to the body lumen; and the micro-needles are disposed upon a plate, which is attached to the inner surface of the layer of said balloon wall in a manner such that the micro-needles project through the layer of the balloon wall. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate is attached to the balloon in a manner such that the micro-needles are capable of being retracted when the balloon is deflated and capable of being projected through the balloon wall when the balloon is expanded. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate is solid. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate is porous. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the balloon wall also includes an additional layer and the plate is between the layer and the additional layer. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the biologically active material is contained in the layer of the balloon wall. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the balloon includes a first compartment for storing the biologically active material and a second compartment for inflating the balloon. 8. An apparatus for delivering a biologically active material to a body lumen comprising: (a) a catheter having a distal portion, a proximal portion and a first lumen therethrough; (b) a balloon disposed at the distal portion of the catheter, wherein the balloon has an interior compartment in fluid communication with the first lumen of the catheter; the balloon has an outer surface having a plurality of micro-needles disposed thereon; and each micro-needle of said plurality of micro-needles has a lumen in fluid communication with the interior compartment and wherein the micro-needles are capable of being ruptured; and (c) a triggering source to rupture the micro-needles when activated to deliver the biologically active material from the interior compartment of the balloon through the micro-needle lumens to the body lumen, wherein the triggering source is selected from the group consisting of a shockwave, ultrasound energy and energy source for delivering a detachable coil. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the balloon outer surface is part of a balloon wall, and the micro-needles are disposed upon a plate attached to the balloon wall in a manner such that the micro-needles project through the balloon wall. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the triggering source is disposed at the proximal portion of the catheter. 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the triggering source is a shockwave.