Patent ID: 6217554
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A catheter for directly delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent into extravascular tissue, the catheter comprising:(a) a sheath;(b) a tubular member slidably disposed within the sheath, the tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending therebetween; and(c) means for both penetrating extravascular tissue, and for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent into said extravascular tissue, without piercing a vessel wall, said means comprising a plurality of hollow needles arrayed around a portion of a circumference of said tubular member, each hollow needle having a sharpened tip capable of penetrating the extravascular tissue, said plurality of hollow needles being disposed on the distal end in fluid communication with the first lumen, the plurality of hollow needles having a delivery position wherein the plurality of hollow needles are disposed within the sheath, and an extended position wherein the plurality of hollow needles extend beyond a distal endface of the sheath, the plurality of hollow needles being biased to curve outwardly from the tubular member in the extended position to penetrate into the extravascular tissue, said plurality of hollow needles being configured such that when in said extended position only extravascular tissue is penetrated, while said vessel wall is not penetrated.