Importance

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Abstract

The invention is directed to a device and method for delivering a therapeutic substance (64) to a bodily tissue in a minimally invasive manner. The device includes an elongate flexible tubular member (12) having a proximal end (14) and a distal end (16). A control lever (50) is provided for enabling the distal end (16) of the tubular member (12) to be controllably flexed in a transverse manner for positioning the distal end (16) of the tubular member (12) proximate to the bodily tissue to be treated. A hollow needle (62) is disposed at the distal end (16) of the tubular member (12) for delivering the therapeutic substance (64) into the bodily tissue. A marking device (78) is also included for indicating the location where an injection has been made in the tissue. This enables the surgeon to keep track of the areas in which injections are made so that the therapeutic substance (64) may be evenly distributed over a desired area of treatment. A method for using the device is also disclosed wherein a patient's lung (120) is partially collapsed to enable access to areas of the heart (128). The therapeutic substance (64) may be injected into the patient's myocardium (138) by passing the needle (62) directly through the patient's pericardium (126). The invention is particularly useful for treatment of ischemic heart disease by gene therapy.

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First Claim