Patent ID: 6233482
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A61N,A61P

Abstract:
A method for the therapeutic application of electroporation to a tissue of a subject for introducing molecules into cells therein, comprising:a) providing a system for electroporation comprising the following components in electrical communication:(i) an electrode applicator having at least two opposing pairs of electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes comprises a needle electrode for penetrating tissue and introducing molecules into the tissue;(ii) at least one identification element for providing information about the electrode applicator to the system;(iii) a variable power supply to selectively supply voltage pulses to the electrodes; and(iv) at least one switching element in electrical communication with each electrode,wherein the switching element directs pulses of opposite polarity voltage to selected opposing pairs of electrodes;b) introducing molecules into selected tissue through the at least one needle electrode;c) positioning the at least two opposing pairs of electrodes in conductive relation to the selected tissue; andd) simultaneously applying the opposite polarity voltage pulses to the selected opposing electrode pairs;wherein the applied voltage is proportionate to the distance between the electrode pairs, thereby causing electroporation of the tissue and introducing the molecules into the cells therein.