Drug Delivery Catheters That Attach to Tissue and Methods for Their Use

Abstract

A drug delivery catheter suited for cardiac procedures. The catheter an anchor associated with a needle, which can be used to secure the catheter to tissue for delivery of therapeutic agents to the tissue.

1 . A catheter system comprising of:
 transendocardial catheter having a distal end and a proximal end;   a hollow penetrating element comprising a curved needle disposed near the distal end of the transendocardial catheter;   at least one aperture in said needle for the delivery of biologic or chemical or other therapeutic agents;   a reservoir of therapeutic agent comprising a cytotherapeutic agent.   
     
     
         2 . The catheter system of  claim 1  wherein the cytotherapeutic agent is chosen from the group consisting of cytotoxic agents, chemotherapeutic agents, growth inhibitory agents, apoptotic agents, and other agents to treat cancer, such as anti-HER-2, and -anti CD20. 
     
     
         3 . The catheter system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one aperture is disposed in a sidewall of the needle. 
     
     
         4 . The catheter system of  claim 1 , wherein the curved needle is a helical needle, and the at least one aperture is disposed in a sidewall of the helical needle. 
     
     
         5 . The catheter system of  claim 1  wherein the reservoir is disposed at the proximal end of the catheter, and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the hollow penetrating element through a lumen extending from the proximal end of the transendocardial catheter to the hollow penetrating element. 
     
     
         6 . A catheter system comprising of:
 a hollow penetrating element that is a straight needle;   at least one anchor associated with said needle and catheter, operable at the catheter handle to secure the transendocardial catheter to tissue for the stable delivery of biologic or chemical or other therapeutic agents;   at least one aperture in said needle for the delivery of biologic or chemical or other therapeutic agent;   a reservoir of therapeutic agent chosen from the group of metabolic agents, anti ischemic agents, growth factors, antiarrhythmic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and gene therapy preparations, said reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one aperture in the needle.   
     
     
         7 . The catheter system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one aperture is disposed in a sidewall of the needle. 
     
     
         8 . The catheter system of  claim 6 , further comprising a support structure within the delivery sheath, the support structure providing mechanical support for the hollow penetrating element. 
     
     
         9 . The catheter system of  claim 6  wherein the reservoir is disposed at the proximal end of the catheter, and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the hollow penetrating element through a lumen extending from the proximal end of the transendocardial catheter to the hollow penetrating element.