| abstract |
A barbed microcatheter includes a hollow tube having an elongated lumen, outwardly projecting barbs, fluid egress openings, a tissue anchor secured to a proximal end of the hollow tube, and a needle secured to the distal end of the hollow tube. The needle is used to form a first tissue opening at the first end of the wound. The hollow tube is pulled through the first tissue opening until the tissue anchor abuts against tissue at the first end of the wound. The needle is used to form a second tissue opening at the second end of the wound. The hollow tube is pulled through the second tissue opening so that barbs engage wound tissue. After cutting away the needle, a therapeutic fluid is introduced into the elongated lumen and passes through the fluid egress openings for infusing the wound with the therapeutic fluid. |