| abstract |
A drug delivery catheter suited for cardiac procedures including transmyocardial revascularization. The catheter includes a distal helical coil or other fixation and penetrating element, which can be operated from the proximal end of the catheter to engage and penetrate the myocardium. Once delivered to the inside of the heart, the catheter can be used to created several helical wounds in the myocardium, and also inject small doses of therapeutic agents to the wounds. The TMR accomplished by the procedure provides for large wound to penetration ratio, and limits the potential of perforating the heart wall. |