Patent ID: 6358247
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: A61B,A61K,A61M,A61N,B82Y

Abstract:
A system for supplying a therapeutic agent locally to a depth within cardiac tissue, including:an elongate, flexible, dielectric and biocompatible catheter body; an elongate and flexible electric conductor coextensive with the catheter body; a conductive implantable electrode including a distally located penetrating element adapted to penetrate cardiac tissue to a depth within surrounding cardiac tissue, and a fixation element for securing the electrode within the cardiac tissue; a conductive coupling structure electrically coupling a proximal portion of the electrode with respect to a distal end of the flexible electric conductor; a fluid passage through the electrode, open to an exterior of the electrode at said proximal portion and at said penetrating element; a source of a therapeutic agent, fluid coupled to the fluid passage at said proximal portion to deliver a therapeutic agent to said surrounding cardiac tissue via the fluid passage; a sensor electrically coupled with respect to a proximal end of the flexible electric conductor for monitoring an electrical condition of said surrounding cardiac tissue; and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and to the source, adapted to control the delivery of the therapeutic agent responsive to the sensed electrical condition, thereby to effect a transient delivery of the therapeutic agent, on demand, and with the therapeutic effect substantially confined to cardiac tissue.