Abstract:
Various embodiments of a pelvic treatment system and method are provided. The present invention can include one or more drug eluting darts or barbs that are lodged into the wall and will elute the drug over a desired time period (weeks, months for example) to treat OAB, BPH, tissue weaknesses, or other disorders or diseases.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    The present non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from United States Provisional Patent Application having U.S. Ser. No. 61/445,807, filed Feb. 23, 2011, entitled “DRUG ELUTING PELVIC TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to surgical methods and apparatus and, more specifically, to implantable devices adapted to provide therapeutic treatment to pelvic tissue or organs. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Pelvic health for men and women is a medical area of increasing importance, at least in part due to an aging population. Examples of common pelvic ailments include incontinence (e.g., fecal and urinary), pelvic tissue prolapse (e.g., female vaginal prolapse), and conditions of the pelvic floor. 
         [0004]    Urinary incontinence can further be classified as including different types, such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, among others. Other pelvic floor disorders include cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, and prolapse such as anal, uterine and vaginal vault prolapse. A cystocele is a hernia of the bladder, usually into the vagina and introitus. Pelvic disorders such as these can result from weakness or damage to normal pelvic support systems. 
         [0005]    Urinary incontinence can be characterized by the loss or diminution in the ability to maintain the urethral sphincter closed as the bladder fills with urine. Male or female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) generally occurs when the patient is physically stressed. 
         [0006]    In its severest forms, vaginal vault prolapse can result in the distension of the vaginal apex outside of the vagina. An enterocele is a vaginal hernia in which the peritoneal sac containing a portion of the small bowel extends into the rectovaginal space. Vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele represent challenging forms of pelvic disorders for surgeons. These procedures often involve lengthy surgical procedure times. 
         [0007]    Urinary incontinence can be characterized by the loss or diminution in the ability to maintain the urethral sphincter closed as the bladder fills with urine. Male or female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when the patient is physically stressed. 
         [0008]    Treatments using Botox are available for Overactive Bladder (OAB). For this treatment standard needles and syringes are used to inject Botox into the bladder wall through a catheter. Several injections need to be made over the desired treatment area like nodes on a grid pattern. Obviously, the use of injections, single or multiple, can be difficult, time consuming and potentially increase the occurrence of human error. 
         [0009]    There is a desire to obtain a minimally invasive yet highly effective implantable treatment device that can be used to over active bladder (OAB) syndrome and other conditions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention describes therapeutic agent delivery systems and methods for treating pelvic conditions such as active bladder (OAB) syndrome, bladder infection, bladder cancer, incontinence, prostrate disease, uterine fibroids, and other conditions caused by tissue weaknesses, disease, or other abnormalities. As a general matter, the delivery system and methods, unlike conventional injection methods and devices, uses an alternative way to deliver therapeutic agent into pelvic tissue, such as into the bladder wall or the endometrial tissue of the uterus. The system and methods can use one or more tissue penetrating members, such as darts or barbs, that are lodged into the target pelvic tissue and that release a therapeutic agent over a desired time period, such as over the course of weeks or months. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the invention provides a system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a pelvic tissue that comprises a delivery device configured for insertion through a pelvic passageway in a patient. The device has a distal end comprising an expandable elastic portion having a tissue-contacting surface configured to come in contact with pelvic tissue. Tissue penetrating members project from the tissue-contacting surface of the expandable elastic portion, the tissue penetrating members configured for detachment from the expandable elastic portion after the members have penetrated the pelvic tissue. Tissue penetrating members include a therapeutic agent that is released following implantation of the members in the tissue to treat the condition. 
         [0012]    The invention also provide a method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a pelvic tissue in which the system comprising the expandable elastic portion is delivered to a target pelvic tissue in a patient, and then expanded so the tissue-contacting surface comes in contact with the target pelvic tissue and the tissue penetrating members enter the pelvic tissue. The tissue penetrating members are then allowed to become detached from the expandable elastic portion and reside in the target tissue. Therapeutic agent is then released from the tissue penetrating members to treat the condition. 
         [0013]    In further embodiment, the invention provides another system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a pelvic tissue. The system includes a delivery device configured for insertion through the pelvic area passageway in a patient and delivery of tissue penetrating members to a pelvic tissue. The device comprises a lumen, a distal end, and an ejection member for forcing the tissue penetrating members out of the distal end. A series of tissue penetrating members are loaded in the lumen in a proximal to distal arrangement, with the tissue penetrating members configured for deployment from the distal end of the device and penetration into pelvic tissue. The tissue penetrating members include a therapeutic agent. 
         [0014]    The invention also provides a method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a pelvic tissue in which the distal end of the device is delivered to a target pelvic tissue, and a tissue penetrating member ejected from the distal end into pelvic tissue. The distal end of the delivery device is moved to a different tissue location, and the step of ejection is repeated. Therapeutic agent is allowed to be released from the tissue penetrating members in the tissue. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a delivery device having distal end balloon with drug-containing tissue penetrating members on its surface, partially inflated in a patient bladder. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  are illustrations of the transfer of drug-containing tissue penetrating members from a balloon surface to a target tissue. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  are illustrations of the transfer of drug-containing tissue penetrating members from a balloon surface to a target tissue. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 4-6  are illustrations of drug-containing tissue penetrating member on a balloon surface. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7   a - 7   c  are illustrations of the transfer of drug-containing tissue penetrating members from a balloon surface to a target tissue. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of a delivery device with drug-containing tissue penetrating members loaded in series in the device lumen. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of a delivery device providing drug-containing tissue penetrating members to sites on the inner wall of a patient&#39;s bladder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-9 , various embodiments of system and devices for delivering a therapeutic agent to a pelvic tissue are shown, for treatment of a pelvic tissue disorder. The pelvic implants can release therapeutic agent to provide therapeutic benefits for the surrounding tissue. The delivery system and methods use one or more tissue penetrating members that are released from a portion of the delivery device, and become implanted into target pelvic tissue. Over time, a therapeutic agent is released and produces a desired effect in the tissue area the tissue penetrating members are implanted in. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a delivery system  10  that includes a catheter tube  11  shown within the urethra  18  of a patient. The distal end  12  of the catheter tube  11  is attached to a catheter balloon  14 , which is shown as partially inflated within the bladder  17  of a patient that is being treated. The catheter balloon  14  has a tissue-contacting surface  13  on which are attached tissue penetrating members  15 . All or a portion of the tissue-contacting surface  13  can be covered with tissue penetrating members  15 . The location of the tissue penetrating members  15  can be determined by the areas in the target tissue in need of treatment. Also, the dose of the therapeutic agent can be controlled by the density of tissue penetrating members  15  on the tissue-contacting surface  13 . 
         [0024]    The catheter tube  11  can be made from a flexible material, sufficient to be manipulated and bent during insertion into the urethra. Exemplary flexible materials which can be made into catheter tubing include polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone, and polyester, which can provide adequate rigidity and flexibility for the insertion process. The surface of the catheter can also have a lubricant applied to the surface, such as silicone oil, or can have a thin lubricious coating, such as a hydrogel coating on the device surface, to facilitate insertion by reducing frictional forces on the surface. 
         [0025]    The catheter tube can have dimensions suitable for insertion and operation of the inflatable balloon in the bladder. Common sizes of urethral catheters range from 10 French to 28 French (F) (1 F=0.33 mm), with sizes in the range of 12 F-16 F being common for use in adult humans, and having an inner diameter (lumen) in the range of about 1-3 mm. 
         [0026]    The catheter can be adapted for either male or female use. Some urethral catheters are referred to as “Foley catheters,” and catheters of these types can be modified to provide the desired features in accordance with aspects of the invention. Normally, a urethral catheter tube is navigated through the urethra so urine can be drained from the bladder from the distal end of the catheter tube, which is located within the bladder. The catheter tube of delivery devices of the current invention can include a drainage lumen for urine, in addition to a separate lumen for providing an air or a liquid for inflation of the balloon (e.g., an inflation lumen). The balloon  14  can be attached to the distal end  12  of the catheter tube  11  and in fluid or gaseous communication with the inflation lumen. The proximal end (not shown) of catheter tube  11  has features for controlling movement of the catheter and balloon during insertion, and controlling inflation of the balloon. 
         [0027]    The balloon  14  can be formed from a suitable elastomeric material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, including styrene-butadiene copolymers, polyisoprene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymers (butyl rubber), including halogenated butyl rubber, butadiene-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, silicone and fluorosilicone elastomers, polyvinylchloride, polyester, or polyurethane, and polyamides. Combinations of more than one elastomeric material can be used to make the balloon. Multi-layered balloon constructions can also be used. Exemplary multi-layered balloon constructions are described in various references such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,396 which describes a three layer wall, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,721. Many manufacturing processes for catheter balloon construction involve molding of thermoplastic material. For example thermoplastic material can be expanded in association with a mold to provide a balloon that in its inflated configuration has the shape of the inside of a bladder. 
         [0028]    The catheter balloon can be constructed to have a cross-sectional thickness of the elastic material that is appropriate for the therapeutic agent delivery method and apparatus. Exemplary thicknesses of the elastic material range from about 5 μm to about 100 μm, and more specifically are in the range of about 5 μm to about 25 μm. The thickness refers to the elastic balloon material and does not take into consideration the length of the therapeutic agent-containing members that are attached to the tissue-contacting surface of the balloon. The cross-sectional thickness of the elastic material can vary based on factors such as the balloon&#39;s pressure ranking, expansion attributes, and pliability. 
         [0029]    Portions of the catheter balloon with attached tissue penetrating members are discussed in more detail with reference to a cross-section of the balloon in  FIG. 2 . Referring to  FIG. 2   a , the elastomeric material of the balloon has a thickness (T), a tissue-contacting surface  23 , an inner surface  24 . Each tissue penetrating member ( 25   a - 25   c ) has a length (L) from its distal end  28  to its proximal end  29 , and an average width (W) as calculated over the entire length of the member.  FIG. 2   a  shows the proximal end  29  of the member is attached to the tissue-contacting surface  23  of the balloon, but in other arrangements the proximal end  29  can be located within the elastomeric material of the balloon, at the inner surface  24  of the balloon, or with the inner space of the balloon. 
         [0030]    In various embodiments of the invention, and with reference to  FIGS. 2-7 , the tissue penetrating members that include a therapeutic agent are initially attached to the material of the balloon during the delivery process, such as reflected in  FIG. 2   a . During the delivery process, as illustrated in  FIG. 2   b , the tissue penetrating members become lodged in the tissue by pushing the distal end  28  of the member into the tissue. The tissue surface  27  can become flush with the tissue-contacting surface  23  of the balloon during the implantation process. The tissue penetrating members can then enter the tissue so that the entire length L, or a portion of the length L, is within the tissue. After the tissue penetrating members have penetrated to a sufficient depth in the tissue, the balloon is withdrawn from the tissue surface  27 , as shown in  FIG. 2   c . The proximal ends ( 29   a - 29   c ) of the tissue penetrating members ( 25   a - 25   c ) become detached from the tissue-contacting surface  23 . The balloon is then removed from the treatment area and the tissue penetrating members release therapeutic agent into the tissue over a desired time period. 
         [0031]    The invention also contemplates various shapes, configurations, and surface features of tissue penetrating members as shown in  FIGS. 2-7 . For example, in various configurations, the tissue penetrating members can have a shape that resembles a dart, a barb, a spear, a spike, a lance, or an arrow point. As such, the member can include a conical, pyramidal, or rod shape. Generally, a distal end of a tissue penetrating member (e.g., distal end  28  of member  25   a  in  FIG. 2   a ) can be sharpened to facilitate entry of the member into the tissue. The sharpening can be reflected by a beveled, a pointed, or tapered end. The member can have a diameter or cross sectional area at its distal end  28  that is less than the diameter or cross sectional area at its proximal end  29 . 
         [0032]    The member can also be described in terms of dimensional attributes such as height, width, cross sectional area, volume, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the member has a height in the range of about 50 μm to about 2000 μm, about 100 μm to about 1500 μm, about 200 μm to about 1000 μm, or about 250 μm to about 750 μm. 
         [0033]    An average diameter or cross sectional area for the member can also be determined. If the member has a pointed shape, the diameter or cross sectional area can change from the proximal to distal end, and the average diameter or cross sectional area can be determined knowing the shape and dimensions of the member. For example, in some embodiments, the member has an average diameter in the range of about 15 μm to about 1000 μm, about 25 μm to about 750 μm, about 50 μm to about 500 μm, or about 100 μm to about 250 μm. In some embodiments, the member has an average cross-sectional area in the range of about 175 μm 2  to about 0.785 mm 2 , 490 μm 2  to about 0.440 mm 2 , about 1950 μm 2  to about 0.195 mm 2 , or about 7850 μm 2  to about 50,000 μm 2 . 
         [0034]    The volume of the member can also be described. In some embodiments, the member has a volume in the range of about 3000 μm 3  to about 0.55 mm 3 , 0.01 mm 3  to about 0.45 mm 3 , or 0.05 mm 3  to about 0.45 mm 3 . 
         [0035]    The member can also have features that facilitate its implantation in the target tissue. Once the member penetrates into the tissue, such features can prevent the member from becoming dislodged, or moving in the opposite direction from which the member was introduced. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3   a , the member can include one or more projections ( 135   a  and  135   b ; e.g., tines or barbs) on the lateral or elongate surface of the tissue penetrating member which are directed outward and towards the proximal end of the member. The projections prevent backwards movement of the member once in the tissue. 
         [0036]    The invention contemplates various arrangements and constructions for associating the tissue penetrating members with the balloon material, and releasing the members after they have penetrated into tissue. For example, one approach uses a tissue penetrating member that has a fracturable portion near the proximal end of the penetrating member. The fracturable portion can have a material or structural weakness that causes the tissue penetrating member to break near its proximal end so it can be released from the elastic substrate. 
         [0037]    For example, with reference to  FIG. 3   a , the tissue penetrating member  30  has a fracturable portion  32  that is near the proximal end of the member. The fracturable portion can be formed by treating the tissue penetrating member in this area such as to weaken the material. Alternatively, the tissue penetrating member can be constructed from two different materials that are weaky bonded or adhered to each other. For example, the tissue penetrating member is constructed of a first material in portion  34  towards the distal end  38  of the member, and of a second material in portion  35  towards the proximal end  39  of the member. First and second materials are weaky bonded or adhered to each other in the member, and the member is breakable at the point where these two materials meet. As illustrated in  FIG. 3   b , the tissue penetrating members become lodged in the tissue, and the surface projections  135   a  and  135   b  hinder their movement out of the tissue. When the balloon is withdrawn from the tissue surface  37 , as shown in  FIG. 3   c , the tissue penetrating members fracture at fracturable portion  32  and portion  34  remains lodged in the tissue, while portion  35  remains with the balloon surface. The balloon is then removed from the treatment area and the tissue penetrating members release therapeutic agent into the tissue over a desired time period. 
         [0038]    In another configuration, with reference to  FIG. 4 , the tissue penetrating member has a fracturable portion  42  having a cross sectional area that is less than a cross sectional area in portion  44  distal to the fracturable portion  42 . Similar to the method as reflected in  FIGS. 3   b  and  3   c , after the tissue penetrating members are lodged in the tissue, and when the balloon is withdrawn from the tissue surface  47 , the tissue penetrating members fracture at fracturable portion  42  and portion  44  remains lodged in the tissue, while portion  45  remains with the balloon surface. The balloon is then removed from the treatment area and the tissue penetrating members release therapeutic agent in to the tissue over a desired time period. 
         [0039]    In other constructions, such as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the tissue penetrating member is attached to the elastic portion using an absorbable (degradable) material. Generally, the absorbable material is used to attach the tissue penetrating member during the delivery process, and then it undergoes degradation during the process to weaken or remove the absorbable material, which loosens the tissue penetrating member from the surface of the device to that it can be released into tissue. 
         [0040]    For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , the proximal end  59  of the tissue penetrating member  50  is attached to the surface of the balloon using an absorbable material  52 , such as an absorbable polymer, that acts as a temporary adhesive. During the delivery process, during which the tissue penetrating member  50  becomes lodged into target tissue, the absorbable material partially or completely erodes so that the member is detached from the elastic surface. The erosion can result in weakening of the absorbable material  52  so that it fractures, similar to the mechanisms discussed with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0041]    As another example, referring to  FIG. 6 , a proximal portion  65  of the tissue penetrating member  60  is partially embedded in a layer of absorbable material  63  formed on the surface of the balloon  62 . During the delivery process, during which the tissue penetrating member  60  becomes lodged into target tissue, the layer of absorbable material  63  absorbable material partially or completely erodes so that the proximal portion of the tissue penetrating member  60  is loosened and detaches from the elastic surface. 
         [0042]    As another example, referring to  FIG. 7   a , the tissue penetrating member  70  comprises a proximal portion  72  that traverses material of balloon. The tissue penetrating member  70  has a distal portion  174  that is on the tissue-contacting surface  73  of the balloon. The proximal end  79  of the tissue penetrating member  70  is on the inner surface of the balloon  74  and is associated with an absorbable material  75  which allows the tissue penetrating member  70  to be fastened to the balloon. As illustrated in  FIG. 7   b , the portion  174  of the tissue penetrating member becomes lodged in the tissue, and the surface projections  175   a  and  175   b  hinder movement of the member out of the tissue. Further, the inner surface of the balloon  74  can be treated to cause erosion of the absorbable material  75 . For example, a liquid composition that is acidic can be delivered to the inner space in the balloon, and the low pH condition can enhance erosion of the polymeric material. 
         [0043]    When the balloon is withdrawn from the tissue surface  77 , as shown in  FIG. 7   c , proximal portion  72  of the tissue penetrating member is able to be withdrawn from the balloon and portion  174  remains lodged in the tissue. The balloon is then removed from the treatment area and the tissue penetrating members release therapeutic agent into the tissue over a desired time period. 
         [0044]    The absorbable material used to fasten the tissue penetrating member  70  can be one that is has sufficient adhesion strength, but that dissolves or erodes quickly after the tissue penetrating member has been lodged in the tissue. For example a non-crosslinked polysaccharide, or a rapidly eroding polymer such as a polyorthoester or a poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) polymer can be used to fasten the tissue penetrating member to elastic material of the balloon. 
         [0045]    The tissue penetrating member can be formed from one or a combination of biocompatible materials along with a therapeutic agent. Various types of absorbable polymeric materials can be used to modulate release of therapeutic agent from the tissue penetrating members. The terms “bioabsorbable,” “degradable,” and “biodegradable,” can also be used to describe a material that is absorbable, such as an absorbable polymer. Many absorbable polymers include hydrolytically unstable chemical groups such as ester groups in the polymeric backbone. The hydrolytic cleavage of these chemical groups leads to degradation of the polymer. Absorbable polymers, such as those described in Table  1 , can be used in any of the embodiments of the invention. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Polyhydroxyalkanoates (e.g., poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), poly(3- 
               
               
                 hydroxyvalerate, poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate); polyesters 
               
               
                 (e.g., polylactic acid, poly(lactide-co-glycolide), polycaprolactone, 
               
               
                 poly(valerolactone), poly(glycolic acid), (poly(glycolide)), and 
               
               
                 poly(dioxanone); polyorthoesters; polyalkeneanhydrides (e.g., 
               
               
                 poly(sebacic acid); polyanhydrides, polyphosphazine. Hyaluronic acid, 
               
               
                 alginate, dextran, starch, amylopectin, cellulose, xanthan, pullulan, 
               
               
                 chitosan, pectin, inulin, and heparin. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0046]    Polyhydroxyalkanoates include homopolymers such as poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), poly(3-hydroxyvalerate), and hydroxyalkanoate copolymers such as poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (Organ, S. J. (1994) Polymer, 35, 1:86-92) Blends of hydroxyalkanoate polymers with other absorbable polymers have also been prepared, such as poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(ε-caprolactone) blends (Gassner, F., and Owen, A. J. (1994) Polymer, 35, 10:2233-2236). 
         [0047]    Poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) is a highly crystalline and has a melting point in the range of 225-230° C. While higher molecular weight forms are insoluble in common organic solvents such as acetone, dicholomethane, chloroform, and tetrahydrofuran, its lower molecular weight forms generally have better solubility in common organic solvents. Glycolide copolymers also can have better solubility in common organic solvents. For example, star block copolymers based on glycerol and glycolide show solubility in organic solvents such as DMF and DMSO (see, for example, Wolf, F. K., et al. (2010)  Beilstein J. Org. Chem.  6, No. 67). Copolymers of lactic acid and glycolic acid (e.g., 50:50 mol percent) have solubility in chloroform (U.S. Pat. No. 3,867,190). Copolymerization of lactic acid and glycolic acid reduces the degree of crystallinity and results in an increased rate of hydration and hydrolysis. Copolymers of lactic acid and glycolic acid can be manipulated into a desired form by techniques such as extrusion, injection and compression molding as well as particulate leaching and solvent casting. 
         [0048]    Lactic acid is a chiral molecule and L-lactide and D-lactide optically active forms can be polymerized to form poly-L-lactide (PLLA), poly-D-lactide (PDLA), and poly-D,L-lactide (PDLLA). PLLA has a crystallinity of about 37%, a glass transition temperature between 60-65° C., and a melting temperature between 173-178° C. PDLLA is amorphous and has a glass transition temperature of 55-60° C. 
         [0049]    Another polyester, polydioxanone (PDS) is made by a ring-opening polymerization of the p-dioxanone monomer that forms a polymer of multiple repeating ether-ester units. PDS has a glass transition temperature in the range of −10 to 0° C. and a degree of crystallinity of about 55%. The presence of an ether oxygen within the polydioxanone backbone of the polymer chain can provide materials with enhanced flexibility. 
         [0050]    Exemplary erodible polyorthoesters polyorthoesters can be formed by reacting an orthoester (or orthocarbonate) with a diol (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,079,038, and 4,138,344), or by reacting a reacting a polyol with a polyfunctional ketene acetal (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,767). 
         [0051]    In many cases, the degradation rate of a homopolymer (i.e., one formed from a particular monomer type is) slower than copolymer (formed from the particular monomer a different monomer). Various embodiments of the invention can use copolymers and homopolymers, which share a common monomer type, to form the tissue penetrating members. 
         [0052]    The tissue penetration members can be fabrication by various process, such as by molding. For example, a composition including an absorbable polymer, a therapeutic agent, and a solvent can be disposed in a mold to cast a tissue penetration member with a desired shape. Solvent can be removed to harden the member. The tissue penetration member can then be removed from the mold and associated with the elastic substrate of the device. In some modes of fabrication, the tissue penetration member can be pulled out of the mold using the elastic substrate. 
         [0053]    Exemplary therapeutically-active compounds include steroid hormones, antimuscarinic agents, antiproliferative agents, angiogenesis inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-cancer drugs, anti-fibrotic agents, anti-microbial agents, immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics, etc. 
         [0054]    Therapeutic agents having a steroid ring system are referred to as steroids, which can include naturally occurring compounds and synthetic analogues based on steroid ring structures. Steroids which can be used in the therapeutic agent-releasing implant include glucocorticoids, estrogens and androgens. Table 1 lists exemplary therapeutic agents that can be associated with and released from various embodiments of therapeutic agent-releasing implants as described herein. 
         [0055]    In some systems and methods, the therapeutic agent comprises a compound that affects nerve function. One class of compounds that affect nerve function are antimuscarinic compounds that affect the activity of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Antimuscarinic agents include those such as oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin, and hyoscyamine. Another class of therapeutic agents that affects nerve function is nerve toxins. An exemplary nerve toxin is such as Botulinum toxin. Antimuscarinic compounds and nerve toxins is such as Botulinum toxin can be releasable from the tissue penetrating members of the invention, and can be used to treat over active bladder syndrome. 
         [0056]    In some systems and methods, the therapeutic agent comprises a chemotherapeutic compound. Chemotherapeutic agents include those such as N,N′,N′-triethylenethiophosphoramide (ThioTEPA), adriamycin (doxorubicin, ADM), epirubicin (EPI), mitomycin C (MMC), valrubicin (AD32), pirarubicin (THP), gemcitabine, apaziquone (EOquin™), and Vicinium™ (anti-Ep-CAM humanized scFv-exotoxin A fusion protein). Chemotherapeutic agents can be releasable from the tissue penetrating members of the invention, and can be used to treat various tumors and cancers, including those of the bladder, prostrate, cervical, and vaginal tissues. 
         [0057]    In some systems and methods, the therapeutic agent comprises an antiproliferative agent or angiogenesis inhibitor such as taxol, rapamycin, tacrolimus, ABT-578, everolimus, paclitaxel, taxane, 13-cis retinoic acid, and 5-fluorouracil. Antiproliferative agents or angiogenesis inhibitors can be releasable from the tissue penetrating members of the invention, and can be used to treat abnormal pelvic tissue growth. 
         [0058]    In some systems and methods, the therapeutic agent comprises a steroid such as dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, triamcinolone methylprednisolone, beclomethasone, betamethasone, chloroprednisone, corticosterone, desoxycorticosterone, estradiol, fluorocortisone, androsterone, aldosterone, methyl testosterone, norethandrolone, estriol, estrone, hydroxyprogesterone. Steroids can be releasable from the tissue penetrating members of the invention, and can be used to treat tissue disorders of the female reproductive tract. 
         [0059]    In some systems and methods, the therapeutic agent comprises an antibiotic such as amoxicillin, ephalexin, cefadroxil, cefuroxime, loracarbef, cefixime, pivmecillinam, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, nitrofurantoin, or azithromycin. Antibiotics can be releasable from the tissue penetrating members of the invention, and can be used to treat infections of the genitourinary tract, including bladder, cervical, and vaginal infections. 
         [0060]    In another embodiment of the invention the tissue penetrating members are delivered to a target pelvic tissue from the distal end of a hollow conduit, such as a catheter tube, rather than from the surface of a balloon. With reference to  FIG. 8 , the delivery device comprises a tube  81 , a series of tissue penetrating members ( 80   a - 80   d ) loaded in the catheter tube  81 , and an ejection member  86  for forcing the tissue penetrating members out of the distal end  85 .  FIG. 8  shows that ejection member  86  comprises a spring, but other mechanisms or features can be used to force the tissue penetrating members out of the distal end, such as a rod, a compressed air mechanism, or a pneumatic mechanism. 
         [0061]    The tube  81  can also be made from a flexible material, sufficient to be manipulated and bent during insertion into a pelvic passageway, such as the urethra or vaginal tract. Exemplary flexible materials which can be made into catheter tubing include polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone, and polyester, which can provide adequate rigidity and flexibility for the insertion process. The surface of the catheter can also have a lubricant or a lubricious coating applied to the surface. The tube  81  can be configured for insertion into the urethra and can have a diameter in the range from 10 French to 28 French (F) (1 F=0.33 min), with sizes in the range of 12F-16 F being common for use in adult humans, and having an inner diameter (lumen) in the range of about 1-3 mm. The tube can be larger for insertion into passageways such as the vagina and uterus. 
         [0062]    The embodiments as exemplified in  FIGS. 8 and 9  can use tissue penetrating members having various configurations, including shapes that resemble a dart, a barb, a spear, a spike, a lance, or an arrow point. Any tissue penetrating members configuration as shown in  FIGS. 2-7  can be used for the embodiments as exemplified in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0063]    Preferably, the tissue penetrating members used in the embodiments as exemplified in  FIGS. 8 and 9  are larger than the tissue penetrating members used for the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-7 . For example, in some embodiments tissue penetrating members  80   a - 80   e  have a length in the range of about 500 μm to about 1 cm, about 1 mm to about 1 cm or about 2 mm to about 8 mm. In some embodiments tissue penetrating members  80   a - 80   e  have average diameter in the range of about 150 μm to about 5 mm, about 500 μm to about 5 mm, or about 750 to about 3 mm. Cross sectional areas and volumes of the tissue penetrating members can be determined accordingly. 
         [0064]    Tissue penetrating members useful for the embodiments as exemplified in  FIGS. 8 and 9  can be prepared from any absorbable polymer and therapeutic agent as described herein. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , to eject a tissue penetrating member from the distal end  85  of the device, the ejection member  86  is actuated. The ejection member  86  can be is actuated from an actuating member (not shown), such as a trigger, on the proximal end of the device. For example, a spring and flexible shaft combination can be used to eject a single tissue penetrating member from the distal end, and advance the series of tissue penetrating members in a distal direction following ejection. The actuating member can cause reloading of the spring for each ejection event, and the flexible shaft can progressively be advanced to cause movement of the tissue penetrating members. The distal end  85  can also include a flange or stopper to provide resistance to movement of the tissue penetrating members so can be ejected with sufficient force and speed. 
         [0066]      FIG. 9  illustrates delivery shows a delivery device that is inserted into the bladder and that uses a flexible tube  91  to eject tissue penetrating members into the bladder wall  97 . In use, the distal end  92  of the flexible tube  91  is inserted into the bladder and placed at a first tissue location  94  on the bladder wall. The device is actuated to eject a tissue penetrating member from the distal end and into the bladder wall at a first tissue location  94 . The distal end  92  of the flexible tube  91  is then moved to a second tissue location  95  on the bladder wall and the ejection step is repeated. The ejections can be performed a desired number of times at desired locations to provide a tailored tissue treatment. The tissue penetrating members release therapeutic agent in to the tissue over a desired time period.