Patent ID: 6758828
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: A61B,A61K,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for delivering an agent to a treatment region, whereas the apparatus comprises:(i) an outer cannula that has an internal surface and an external surface, the external surface being substantially smooth to penetrate tissue whereas the distal end is tapered (ii) an inner cannula, coaxial to the outer cannula, providing a common fluid path at the distal end with the inner surface of the outer cannula, (iii) a source of fluid to be passed through the common fluid path, the source of fluid comprising at least a reservoir of nutrients and gases for maintaining cells contained in a lumen coaxial and internal to the inner cannula, (iv) a semipermeable membrane comprises the surface of the lumen, thus allowing transport across the lumen surface, (v) a source of cells or other biologically active material mass flow connected to the proximal lumen so that the cells or other biologically active material can exit the distal portion upon entering the target tissue (vi) a first flow distributor located at the proximal end of the outer cannula to provide substantially uniform flow through the outer cannula (vii) a second flow distributor located at the proximal end of the inner cannula to provide substantially uniform flow through the inner cannula (viii) a fluid path from the proximal end to the distal end along the outer surface of the semipermeable lumen to facilitate mass transport between the cell or active material within the lumen and the reservoir.