Genetronics, Inc.

Btx Inc.

Lois J Crandell

Gunter A Hofmann

An electroporation apparatus for introducing molecules into cells at a selected location within a cavity in the body of a patient includes an elongated catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a guide wire extending from the proximal end to the distal end, an inflatable balloon carried by the distal end, the balloon having an inner inflatable bladder and an outer perforated bladder defining a chamber between the two bladders, a first electrode on an outer surface of the outer perforated bladder, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, a remote electrode, a lumen for delivering a predetermined quantity of a fluid medium carrying preselected molecules into the chamber to be infused into the body cavity at the predetermined location; and a source of power for applying a voltage pulse between selected pairs of the electrodes for transport of the molecules by iontophoresis and/or repeatedly generating electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration inducing the walls of a plurality of cells at the predetermined location to be transiently permeable to enable the molecules to enter the cells.

Electroporation and iontophoresis catheter with porous balloon

A catheter device having a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced electrodes carried thereby, infusion means for infusion of fluid medium for carrying genes and drugs, and expandable sealing means at each end of the electrodes for sealing off and confining the therapeutic medium to the area to be treated is inserted into a selected blood vessel of a patient and advanced to a preselected location within the blood vessel where cells on or near the wall of the vessel are to be treated. Once in place, the catheter device is expanded so that the plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced electrodes carried thereby are in contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel and seals at each end of the electrodes expand and seal the catheter device in the preselected location. A quantity of therapeutic genes or drugs is infused into the area of the electrodes via a tube and a conventional pump. A power pack connected to the electrodes is energized subjecting the cells to electric fields of predetermined amplitude and duration making the walls of the cells transiently permeable to enabling therapeutic genes or drugs carried by the fluid medium to enter the cells without killing them.

Electroporation and iontophoresis apparatus and method for insertion of

A catheter device is inserted into a selected blood vessel of a patient and advanced to a preselected location within the blood vessel where the endothelial cells on the inner wall of the vessel are to be treated. Once in place, the catheter device is expanded so that a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced electrodes carried thereby are in contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel. A fluid medium is then infused into the blood vessel adjacent the electrodes via a conventional pump. A power pack connected to the electrodes is energized to apply a predetermined electric signal to the electrodes. This subjects the endothelial cells to electric fields of predetermined amplitude and duration in order to make the walls of the endothelial cells transiently permeable to permit therapeutic genes or drugs carried by the fluid medium to enter the endothelial cells without killing them.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Lois J Crandell