Patent ID: 9415189
Filing Date: 2016-08-16
CPC Classification: A61B,A61M

Claim Text:
1. An improved apparatus for injecting a therapeutic agent into cardiac tissue at a precise location wherein the apparatus comprises a handle, a catheter, an end effector and a flexible needle; the handle comprising a set of motion controllers, including a means for advancing the flexible needle; the catheter comprising a means for carrying a vacuum tube, the flexible needle, and a set of guide wires; wherein the motion controllers manipulate the set of guide wires to guide the end effector to the precise location; the catheter further having a longitudinal axis; the end effector having a proximal end and a distal end comprising at least a leading face at its distal end, a trailing face at its proximal end, where it is connected to the catheter, and a working face disposed in a sidewall between, and substantially orthogonal to, the leading face and the trailing face; a suction aperture formed in the working face is in fluid communication with a vacuum port in the trailing face; the vacuum port fittingly coupled with the vacuum tube carried in the catheter, for selectively affixing the end effector to the cardiac tissue using suction, wherein the direction of suction flow is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the catheter; a deflecting needle tunnel extending from an injection needle port on the trailing face to a working face needle port; whereby advancement of the flexible needle through the tunnel causes the needle to be deflected at an angle before emerging from the needle tunnel at the working face needle port and penetrating the cardiac tissue when extended.