Patent ID: 6665563
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A61B,A61K,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
An implantable system for pacing a patient's heart and for delivering a predetermined genetic material to cells adjacent to a pacing electrode positioned in said patient's heart, comprising:a supply of genetic material comprising cells containing DNA or RNA encoding an ion channel protein; a catheter, said catheter having proximal and distal ends, a lumen through at least a part thereof and connecting to said distal end, a pacing electrode positioned at said distal end for engaging said patient's heart wall, said electrode having a channel therethrough in communication with said lumen, and a conductor connecting said proximal end to said electrode, a pulse generator connected electrically to said conductor at said catheter proximal end for delivering pace pulses to said electrode, reservoir means for holding said supply of genetic material, and delivery means for delivering said genetic material from said reservoir to said lumen, whereby said material passes through said lumen and said channel to said heart wall.