METHOD FOR RELEASING A SUBSTANCE INTO A SUBJECT USING AN INSERTION ARRANGEMENT (as amended)

Abstract

An exemplary tissue detection and location identification apparatus can include, for example, a first electrically conductive layer at least partially (e.g., circumferentially) surrounding a lumen, an insulating layer at least partially (e.g., circumferentially) surrounding the first electrically conductive layer, and a second electrically conductive layer circumferentially surrounding the insulating layer, where the insulating layer can electrically isolate the First electrically conductive layer from the second electrically conductive layer. A further insulating layer can be included which can at least partially surrounding the second electrically conductive layer. The first electrically conductive layer, the insulating layer, and the second electrically conductive layer can form a structure which has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to the first side with respect to the lumen, where the first side can be longer than the second side thereby forming a sharp pointed end via the first side at a distal-most portion. The exemplary configuration can be used for (a) determination/detection of a tissue type using impendence of the electrically conductive layers, and/or (ii) determination of a location of at least one portion or the insertion device/apparatus. Another exemplary apparatus can include, for example, a base structure comprising a lumen extending along a length thereof, and at least one optically-transmissive layer circumferentially surrounding the base structure and provided at least at a distal end of the base structure. For example, in operation, the optically-transmissive layer can be configured to transmit a particular optical radiation at the distal end thereof toward a target tissue.

1 - 56 . (canceled) 
     
     
         57 . A method for releasing a substance into a subject based on a determination of information regarding at least one tissue of the subject using an insertion arrangement, comprising:
 (a) introducing and moving the insertion arrangement into at least one target site of the subject to reach the at least one tissue, wherein the insertion arrangement is configured to (i) transmit a first electrical signal using a first electrically conductive layer thereof that at least partially surrounds a lumen of the insertion arrangement, and (ii) receives a second electrical signal using a second electrically conductive layer of the insertion arrangement that at least partially surrounds the first electrically conductive layer;   (b) determining an impedance based on the first and second electrical signals so as to obtain the information regarding the at least one tissue or the orifice of the at least one tissue of the subject; and   (c) determining if a desired region of the at least one tissue has been reached by at least one portion of the insertion arrangement, and if so, releasing the substance into or near at least one area of the desired region.   
     
     
         58 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein procedure (b) is performed by a controller. 
     
     
         59 . The method according to  claim 58 , wherein the determination of procedure (c) is performed by a processor in real time and continuously. 
     
     
         60 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the insertion arrangement is a syringe. 
     
     
         61 . The method according to  claim 60 , wherein the syringe contains the substance. 
     
     
         62 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the substance is a pharmacological agent. 
     
     
         63 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the pharmacological agent is at least one of a drug, a therapeutic, a cellular material, one or more cells, a genetic material, one or more stem cells or an immunotherapy agent. 
     
     
         64 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the substance is a filler. 
     
     
         65 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the desired region is the subcutis. 
     
     
         66 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the desired region is the dermis. 
     
     
         67 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the desired region is an intradermal region. 
     
     
         68 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the desired region is a tumor. 
     
     
         69 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the desired region is a joint. 
     
     
         70 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the determination in procedure (c) includes providing at least one of a visual indication, a sensory indication or an audio indication when the intradermal region of the at least one tissue has been reached by the at least one portion of the insertion arrangement 
     
     
         71 . The method according to  claim 57 , further comprising isolating the first electrically conductive layer from the second electrically conductive layer using at least one insulating layer. 
     
     
         72 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the release of the substance is performed via the lumen. 
     
     
         73 . The method according to  claim 57 , further comprising obtaining a biopsy sample from the subject through the lumen. 
     
     
         74 . The method according to  claim 57 , further comprising, based on the determination of the impedance, providing at least one current to at least one of the first electrically conductive layer or the second electrically conductive layer so as to generate an energy field detectable by signals detectors which transmit location information regarding the at least one portion of the insertion apparatus to a computer hardware arrangement. 
     
     
         75 . The method according to  claim 74 , further comprising determining a three-dimensional location of the at least one portion of the insertion apparatus at or in a body of the subject based on the location information. 
     
     
         76 . The method according to  claim 74 , further comprising generating an image on a display of the at least one portion of the insertion apparatus at or in a body of the subject in a three-dimensional space based on the location information. 
     
     
         77 . The method according to  claim 57 , wherein the insertion arrangement includes an insulating layer which at least partially surrounds the first electrically conductive layer. 
     
     
         78 . The method according to  claim 77 , further comprising providing the first electrical signal from an external source via an electrical connector that is permanently connected to an outer surface of a portion of the first electrically conductive layer that (i) faces away from the lumen, and (ii) is externally uncovered by the insulating layer and the second electrically conductive layer, wherein the electrical connector (i) has a terminal end, and (ii) is unconnected to the rest of the insertion arrangement.