Patent ID: 8147480
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A therapeutic agent delivery system comprising: a catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the catheter having a body with a lumen defined therein; the body including a non-bulbous region having a substantially uniform outer diameter and a radially closed bulbous region, the bulbous region being made from an elastically deformable material; while in a first state the bulbous region having a maximum outer diameter greater than the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region; and while in a second state the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region being reduced relative to that while in the first state; wherein the bulbous region of the body of the catheter is adapted to transition between the first and second states prior to introduction of a therapeutic agent via the lumen, wherein the first state in a non-stressed state and the second state is a stressed state, wherein the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region while in the second state is substantially equal to the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region.