METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF A BLADDER

Abstract

A medical device is disclosed. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end an expandable end effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector assembly may include a plurality of end effector units each having an injector for simultaneously delivering material into tissue.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A device for treating a bladder, comprising: a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more lumens; a spherical end effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly defining a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is in communication with a corresponding lumen of the shaft; and an injection unit positioned in each aperture of the end effector assembly to direct delivery of material from the end effector assembly; wherein each injection unit includes: a frame; an injector; and a dispenser.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the frame further comprises: a first arm; and a second arm, wherein the second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm via a pivot.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the injector is fixed to a surface of the first arm and extends perpendicular to the first arm.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the injector is a needle having at least a curved portion, a distal point, and a hollow interior.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the needle is a microneedle.

26. The device of claim 22, wherein the dispenser is mounted on the first arm opposite to the injector.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the dispenser is in fluid communication with the injector via an aperture in the first arm.

28. The device of claim 26, wherein the dispenser is an elastomeric fluid container.

29. The device of claim 21, further comprising an actuation mechanism.

30. An injection unit, comprising: a frame having at least a first arm and a second arm coupled via a pivot; an injector fixed on a surface of the first arm, wherein the injector includes at least a curved needle extending away from the surface of the first arm; and a dispenser on the first arm opposite to the injector.

31. The injection unit of claim 30, wherein the dispenser further comprises an impermeable membrane or a collapsible wall between an interior of the dispenser and an aperture in the first arm connecting the dispenser to the injector.

32. The injection unit of claim 31, wherein the dispenser contains material to be delivered through the curved needle.

33. The injection unit of claim 30, wherein the injector further includes a distal point and a hollow interior.

34. The injection unit of claim 30, further comprising an actuation mechanism, wherein the actuation mechanism causes the frame to rotate and/or causes the second arm to pivot and apply force to the dispenser.

35. The injection unit of claim 30, wherein the injection unit is coupled to a spherical end effector assembly extending distally from a distal end of a shaft; and wherein the curved needle includes a curve of approximately 90 degrees.

36. A method of treating an organ, comprising: inserting a medical device within the organ, the medical device comprising: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an end effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the shaft, the end effector assembly including a plurality of end effectors each having an injection unit for delivering material between two tissue layers of an organ wall, wherein the injection unit includes a frame having a first and a second arm connected by a pivot, a curved injector extending from a side of the first arm, and a dispenser coupled to an opposite side of the first arm; expanding the end effector assembly; and positioning the frame of the injection unit adjacent to tissue such that the second arm is parallel to the tissue.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising actuating an actuation mechanism to rotate the frame such that the second arm is perpendicular to the tissue and a distal end of the curved injector contacts the tissue.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising further actuating the actuation mechanism to rotate the first arm such that the curved injector penetrates the tissue and is positioned between two layers of tissue.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising further actuating the actuation mechanism to pivot the second arm relative to the first arm about the pivot to apply force to collapse the dispenser.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the applied force on the dispenser breaks or collapses an impermeable membrane or a collapsible wall in the dispenser to introduce a material between the two layers of tissue through the curved injector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION Of THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Wherever-possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for treatment of a bladder having a medical device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the medical device along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3A is a side view of an end effector assembly of the medical device of FIG. 1, the end effector assembly including a first expandable member in a partially collapsed configuration, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 3B is a side view of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3A, with the first expandable member in the expanded configuration;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the end effector assembly along line 4-4 of FIG. 3B;

[0023] FIG. 5A is a side view of the end effector assembly of FIG. 3B, the end effector assembly including a second expandable member in a collapsed configuration;

[0024] FIG. 5B is a side view of the end effector assembly of FIG. 5A with the second expandable member in the expanded configuration;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the end-effector assembly along line 6-6 of FIG. 5B;

[0026] FIG. 7A illustrates a medical device being inserted into a bladder through an outer sheath, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 7B illustrates an end effector assembly of the medical device being positioned in the bladder and a first expandable member of the end effector assembly being in a partially collapsed configuration;

[0028] FIG. 7C illustrates the first expandable member of the end effector assembly being in an expanded configuration;

[0029] FIG. 7D illustrates a second expandable member of the end effector assembly being inflated in the first expandable member;

[0030] FIG. 7E illustrates an injection of material between two tissue layers of the bladder wall;

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a system for treatment of a bladder including a medical device, according to a second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the medical device along line 9-9 of FIG. 8:

[0033] FIG. 10 is a side view of an end effector assembly of the medical device of FIG. 8, according to a second embodiment of the disclosure:

[0034] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a portion of a leg of the end effector assembly of FIG. 10;

[0035] FIG. 12 is an end view of a catheter of an infection unit feed in an exit aperture on the leg shown in FIG. 11;

[0036] FIG. 13A is a partial side view of the injection unit with an injector in a retracted configuration;

[0037] FIG. 13B is a partial side view of the injection unit with the injector in a first position in the deployed configuration;

[0038] FIG. 13C is a partial side view of the injection unit with the injector in a second position in the deployed configuration;

[0039] FIG. 14A illustrates an end effector assembly of the medical device being positioned in the bladder, according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 14B illustrates the end effector assembly in an expanded configuration;

[0041] FIG. 15A illustrates an individual injection unit contacting the bladder wall;

[0042] FIG. 15B illustrates an injector being deployed from a catheter of the injection unit with the injector in a first position;

[0043] FIG. 15C illustrates the injector in a second position;

[0044] FIG. 15A-E illustrate alternative configurations of the end effector assembly of the medical device of FIG. 8, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 17A is a partial side view of a catheter of an injection unit, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a distal facing surface of the catheter;

[0047] FIG. 17C is a partial side view of the catheter and an injector disposed in the catheter;

[0048] FIG. 18A is schematic view of an injection unit, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 18B is a schematic view of the injection unit of FIG. 18A, with an injector inserted into tissue of the bladder wall;

[0050] FIG. 18C is a schematic view of the injection unit of FIG. 18A, with a collapsed dispenser;

[0051] FIG. 18D is a schematic view of the injection unit of FIG. 18A, with the injector retracted from the tissue;

[0052] FIG. 19A is a schematic view of an injection unit with an injector in a refracted position, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0053] FIG. 19B is a schematic view of the injection unit of FIG. 19B, with the injector in a deployed position.

DESCRIPTION

[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for treating a bladder within a patient. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for treating bladder overactivity. Bladder overactivity is characterized by involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle during bladder filling, which result in a sudden urge to urinate. The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for treating bladder overactivity by a hydro-dissection procedure, which separates the muscarinic and cholinergic receptors located in the mucosa (e.g., the urothelial and mucosal layers) from the detrusor muscle by injecting a compound into certain areas of the urinary bladder wall. The injected compound may be saline or a similar inert compound, in the form of a fluid or get other applications that disclose methods for treating bladder overactivity by hydro-dissection include U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 81/535,710, filed Sep. 16, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,590, filed Jul. 31, 2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that systems and methods described herein may be used to treat conditions of the bladder other than bladder overactivity such as, for example, bladder sphincter dyssynergia, stress incontinence, or painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). In addition, the same systems and methods may be employed in treating other organs such as, for example, the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or the oral cavity, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. illustrates an exemplary system 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 5 includes a medical device 10, at least one fluid source 12 connected to medical device 10 by way of at least one fluid conduit 14, and an outer sheath 18 surrounding at least a portion of medical device 10. For purposes of this disclosure, outer sheath 18 may he constructed from an insulating polymer material such as polyamide, polyurethane, or any other suitable material.

[0058] Medical device 10 includes an elongate member 20, a handle portion 18, and an end effector assembly 22. Elongate member 20 has a proximal end 20a and a distal end 20b. For purposes of this disclosure, proximal refers to the end closer to the device operator during use, and distal refers to the end further from the device operator during use. Handle portion 18 is disposed at proximal end 20a of elongate member 20 and end effector assembly 22 is disposed at distal end 20b of elongate member 20. End effector assembly 22 includes one or more injection units 28 for delivering material to tissue layers of a bladder.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of elongate member 20 along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1. Elongate member 20 is a solid rod or tube, made from any suitable biocompatible material known to one of ordinary skill in the art having sufficient flexibility to traverse an anatomical lumen such as a urethra. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, rubbers silicon, synthetic plastics, stainless steel, metal-polymer composites, and metal alloys of nickel, titaniums copper cobalt, vanadium, chromium, and iron. In one embodiment, the material forming elongate member 20 may be a superelastic material such as nitinol, which is a nickel-titanium alloy. Elongate member 20 may have any cross-sectional shape and/or configuration and may be any desired dimension that can be received in the urethra and/or other portions of the urinary tract. Elongate member 20 includes at least one lumen 28 extending from proximal end 20a of the elongate member 20 to distal end 20b of the elongate member 20 for passage of fluid and/or tools to end effector assembly 22.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, end effector assembly 22 includes a first expandable member 24. The phrase expandable member generally relates to any expandable structure, such as a balloon or other inflatable structure, regardless of the elasticity of the material comprising the structure. For example, the phrase expandable member may denote a thin-walled structure made of material of low elasticity (which does not stretch significantly during inflation) or highly elastic material (which does stretch significantly during inflation). For example, first expandable member 34 may be made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethanes, polyethylenes and ionomers, copolyesters, rubbers, polyarmdes, silicone, latex, or any other suitable materials known in the art.

[0061] First expandable member 24 may be made integral with elongate member 20 through connection of a proximal end 22a of the end effector assembly 22 to a region of elongate member 20, such as distal end 20b of elongate member 20. The connection at proximal end 22a of end effector assembly 22 may be accomplished through any suitable means of fixedly connecting end effector assembly 22 to elongate member 12. For example, possible connections may include, but are not limited to, welding, soldering, and/or crimping.

[0062] First expandable member 24 may be in fluid communication with lumen 28 of elongate member 20. Lumen 28 may provide a fluid pathway through which a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, may pass to expand (inflate) and contract or collapse (deflate) first expandable member 24. The inflation fluid may be air, water, carbon dioxide, saline solution, or a contrast agent. In alternative embodiments; first expandable member 24 may be mechanically, electrically, or pneumatically expanded and collapsed without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 3A shows first expandable member 24 in a partially collapsed configuration, and FIG. 3B shows first expandable member 24 in an expanded configuration. The particular expanded exterior configuration of first expandable member 24, such as the volume, width, radius, length, or other dimension, may be selected so that first expandable member 24 substantially fills the interior of a bladder in the expanded configuration to position the one or more injection units 28 adjacent a bladder wall. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, first expandable member 24 in its expanded configuration may be substantially spherical in shape. It is understood that the outer profile of first expandable member 24 may have an oval, elliptical, square, rectangular or any other shape known to one skilled in the art.

[0064] The one or more injection units 26 may be uniformly distributed on first expandable member 24 in the partially collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. First expandable member 24 may act as a positioning mechanism to position the one or more injection units 28 adjacent the bladder wall. Although the depicted embodiment includes twelve injection units 28, end effector assembly 22 may include a greater or lesser number of infection units 28. Referring to FIG. 4, each individual injection unit 28 may be fixed in an exit aperture 27 on first expandable member 24 and extend outwardly of an exterior surface 24a of first expandable member 24.

[0065] Each individual injection unit 28 includes an injector 30. Injector 30 may be a conventional needle, including, for example, a micro-needle, having a proximal end 30a, a sharpened distal point 30c, and a hollow interior. Injector 30 may be provided within exit aperture 27 with proximal end 30a of injector 30 positioned within an interior space 24b of first expandable member 24, and distal point 30c extending outwardly of exterior surface 24a of first expandable member 24. The portion of injector 30 within exit aperture 27 may be fixed to exit aperture 27 by welding, soldering, and/or crimping. First expandable member 24 may be a positioning mechanism configured to position each individual injector unit 26 adjacent the bladder wall as first expandable member 24 expands from the partially collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.

[0066] Injector 30 may have any size, shape, and/or configuration, in the exemplary embodiment, injector 30 may have a generally cylindrical shape. The particular dimensions of injector 30, such as the length and/or diameter, may be selected to penetrate tissue and deliver materials at a predetermined depth. In particular, injector 30 may be dimensioned to enter a bladder wall as deep as the mucosa-detrusor junction without penetrating the detrusor muscle. It is contemplated that injector 30 may have any other shape and/or configuration that may accommodate the desired depth.

[0067] A dispenser 32 may be a part of injector 30 and may be positioned adjacent proximal end 30a of injector 30 within interior space 24b of first expandable member 24. Dispenser 32 may be a fluid container configured to retain material for injection between tissue layers of a bladder. The material may be saline or a similar inert compound, or in the form of a fluid, gas, gel, or composite fluid. In some embodiments, the material may be a hydrogel.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser 32 may be a fluid bulb having an impermeable membrane. In other embodiments, dispenser 32 may be an elastomeric container. In alternative embodiments, dispenser 32 may have a housing, and at least a portion of the housing may have a collapsible wall. In each of these embodiments, dispenser 32 may be positioned adjacent proximal end 30a of injector 30 so that, as the dispenser collapses and/or ruptures, the material may he delivered into an opening at proximal end 30a of injector 30 for delivery to tissue via an opening at distal point 30c.

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B, an injection mechanism 34 may be positioned within first expandable member 24 adjacent to distal end 20b of elongate member 20. The phrase injection mechanism generally relates to any known structure or mechanism configured to exert a force on dispenser 32 or a like fluid reservoir so as to deliver the material from dispenser 32 into injector 30 for delivery into the tissue. In this embodiment, injection mechanism 34 includes a second expandable member 38. Second expandable member 36 is connected to a tube 38 which extends proximally through lumen 28 of elongate member 20. In some embodiments, tube 39 may be operably connected to an actuator (not shown) on handle portion 18 and may be movable relative to elongate member 20 in order to advance second expandable member 38 from a refracted position within lumen 28 of elongate member 20 to a deployed position distally of distal end 20b of elongate member 20. In other embodiments, injection mechanism 34 may be inserted into lumen 28 of elongate member 20 via a port 19 (FIG. 1) on handle portion 18, and may be manually deployed and/or retracted.

[0070] Tube 38 includes a lumen 39 in fluid communication with the same and/or different fluid source 12. Lumen 39 provides a fluid pathway for a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, to pass to expand (inflate) and contract or collapse (deflate) second expandable member 36. FIG. 5A shows second expandable member 38 in a partially collapsed configuration, and FIG. 5B shows second expandable member 24 in an expanded configuration. The particular expanded, exterior configuration of second expandable member 36, such as the volume, width, radius, length, or other dimension, may be selected so that second expandable member 38 substantially fills the volume within interior space 24b of first expandable member 24.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of end effector assembly 22 along lines 6-6 in FIG. 5B. As shown in FIG. 6, when second expandable member 38 is expanded to the expanded configuration, second expandable member 36 may exert a force on dispenser 32. Upon further expansion of second expandable member 36, pressure may rise on dispenser 32 and rupture impermeable membrane 32a. The material may then be introduced into injector 30 for delivery through distal point 30c.

[0072] FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a method for treating a bladder in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a method for treating bladder overactivity by separating two tissue layers within the bladder wall. Those of skill in the an will readily recognize that the principles of the disclosed embodiments may have utility relative to any organ within a patient's body, such as the uterus, stomach, lung, etc.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, medical device 10 is inserted into the urethra of a patient after bladder emptying, and may be advanced to bladder 50 through outer sheath 16 (FIG. 7A). Once a distal end of outer sheath 18 is positioned in bladder 50, end effector assembly 22 is advanced distally out of outer sheath 18 (FIG. 7B). This may be achieved by, for example, pushing elongate member 20 distally relative to outer sheath 16, or polling outer sheath 18 proximally relative to elongate member 20. Any suitable actuator on handle portion 18 may be used to effect deployment of end effector assembly 22.

[0074] Once end effector assembly 22 has been removed from outer sheath 16, inflation fluid is delivered through lumen 28 to first expandable member 24 to inflate first expandable member 24 from a partially collapsed configuration (FIG. 7B) to an expanded configuration (FIG. 7C). When fully expanded, expandable member 24 may have a substantially spherical shape, positioning each injection unit 26 adjacent an interior surface of bladder wall 40 (FIG. C). It is understood that the expandable member may have alternative shapes, such as shapes mimicking the shape of the organ the medical device 10 is being inserted into. Further expansion of first expandable member 24 causes injector 30 of each injection unit 28 to pierce bladder wall 40. In some embodiments, injector 30 may be configured to pierce the bladder wall 40 as deep as the mucosa-detrusor junction without penetrating the detrusor muscle. The penetration depth may be monitored in a number of ways. For example, injector 30 may be dimensioned to penetrate bladder wall 40 and deliver material at a predetermined depth (i.e., injector 30 may be a single predetermined length). Additionally and/or alternatively, injector 30 may be provided with radiopaque markers that can be visualized as injector 30 is penetrating tissue. In further embodiments, the device may include an actuator that may enable operator to simultaneously advance injectors 30 in known increments. Alternatively, the injector 30 may include a flange, stop, or shoulder to press up against tissue to control the depth of penetration of the injector 30.

[0075] The procedure continues with the physician advancing injection mechanism 34 within lumen 28 of elongate member 20. In particular, the physician may move tube 38 of actuation mechanism 34 relative to elongate member 20 in order to advance second expandable member 36 from a retracted position within lumen 28 of elongate member 20 to a deployed position within interior space 24b of first expandable member 24. The mechanisms for extending second expandable member 38 into interior space 24b of first expandable member 24 are well known in the art and need not be discussed here.

[0076] Once second expandable member 38 is in the deployed position, inflation fluid may be delivered through lumen 39 of tube 38 to inflate second expandable member 36 from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration (FIGS. 7D and 7E). As second expandable member 36 expands, second expandable member 38 may come into contact with the one or more dispensers 32 associated with the one or more injection units 28. Further expansion of second expandable member 38 may exert a force on dispensers 32. Upon application of sufficient force, the impermeable membrane 32a of each dispenser 32 may rupture injecting material from dispensers 32 into injectors 30 for delivery between tissue layers of the bladder. It is understood that dispensers 32 may take any number of shapes other than that disclosed in the figures, such as, for example, a bellows shape.

[0077] The injected material or compound may be a liquid (e.g., saline), a gel, or a liquid/gel that cures into a solid or fluid. For example, the material may include a hydrogel (e.g., PEG, hyaluronic acid, polyacrylarmde gel, chitosan, sodium alginate, PLA or hydrogel mixture) which, after injection, may be cured by cross-linking as is known in the art. The injected material may have any desired composition, viscosity, and/or biodegradability characteristics so as to permit the injected material such as a cured hydrogel, to carry and deliver a drug over an extended period of time, such as, for example, several months or years. Further, the injected material, such as a hydrogel, may include high expansion properties (e.g. expanding between approximately five to approximately ten times its original volumetric size). As such, a large physical barrier may be achieved while using a small volume/amount of the injected material. Additionally, such a hydrogel may be absorbable into bladder wall 40.

[0078] The material may be injected into a space between two tissue layers 40a, 40b in bladder wall 40 to separate and maintain the two layers. For example, the material may be injected between the mucosal layer 40b and the detrusor layer 40a to create a semi-permanent barrier between the layers that may prevent the detrusor muscle contraction and expansion. The injections may be performed at sites spaced equidistantly from one another along bladder wall 40 so as to uniformly treat bladder 50. It is contemplated, however, that first expandable member 24 may be partially expanded, and end effector assembly 22 may be positioned adjacent a site of abnormal activity, to selectively treat that portion of bladder 50.

[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system 105 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. System 105 has similar components as the embodiment discussed above. In this embodiment, however, at least one external dispenser 113 may be connected to medical device 110 via injector 130. Dispenser 113 maybe a syringe, vial, or other known container configured to retain the material to be injected between tissue layers of the bladder.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, medical device 110 include an elongate member 120, a handle portion 118, and an end effector assembly 122. Elongate member 120 has a proximal end 120a and a distal end 120b. Handle portion 118 is disposed at proximal end 120a of elongate member 120 and includes at least one actuator 117. End effector assembly 122 is disposed at distal end 120b of elongate member 120. End effector assembly 122 includes one or more injection units 126.

[0081] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of elongate member 120 along lines 9-9 in FIG. 8. As discussed above, elongate member 120 may be a solid rod or tube, made from any suitable biocompatible material known to one of ordinary skill in the art having sufficient flexibility to traverse an anatomical lumen such as a urethra. In this embodiment, elongate member 120 includes one- or more lumens 128 extending from proximal end 120a of the elongate member 120 to distal end 120b of the elongate member 120. It is to be understood that lumens 128 may have any size, cross-sectional area, shape, and/or configuration. Although the depicted embodiment includes sixteen lumens, elongate member 120 may include a greater or lesser number of lumens 128. It is to be understood that the number of lumens 128 may depend on the number of injection units 126 on end effector assembly 122.

[0082] FIG. 10 depicts a side view of end effector assembly 122. As shown in FIG. 10, end effector assembly 122 extends distally from distal end 120b of elongate member 120, and includes a plurality of legs 124a extending from a proximal end 122a of end effector assembly 122 to a distal end 122b of end effector assembly 122 in some embodiments, end effector assembly 122 may also include one or more circumferentially extending legs, such as legs 124b. In this disclosure, descriptions of legs 124a also pertain to legs 124b, and vice versa.

[0083] End effector assembly 122 may he made out of the same piece of material as elongate member 120. Alternatively, end elector assembly 122 may be fabricated independently by any known means and may be made integral with elongate member 120 through connection of a proximal end 122a of the end effector assembly 122 to a region of elongate member 120, such as the distal end 120b of elongate member 120. The connection of proximal end 122a of end effector assembly 120 may be accomplished through any suitable means of fixedly connecting end effector assembly 122 to elongate member 120. For example, possible connections may include, but are not limited to welding, soldering, and/or crimping.

[0084] End effector assembly 122 may have any shape and/or configuration and may be any desired dimension that can be received in a bladder. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, legs 124a are configured so that end effector assembly 122 forms a three-dimensional sphere in an expanded state. Legs 124a may be constructed from a material such as: for example, elastic, a shape memory, or super elastic material so that legs 124a may collapse to have a smaller cross-section in a collapsed state.

[0085] Although FIG. 10, shows that that end effector assembly 122 comprises six legs 124a extending from proximal end 122a of end effector assembly 122 to distal end 122b of end effector assembly 122 (and four circumferential legs 124b), end effector assembly 122 may include any number of legs 124a (or 124b) having any desired pattern and/or configuration. For example, legs 124a may form a cylinder, square, semi-circle, rectangle, or any other suitable shape. In addition, legs 124a may be any cross-sectional shape known in the art including, but not limited to, circular, square, or ovular.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 11, each leg 124a of end effector assembly 122 includes one or more lumens 125 located longitudinally therein. Lumens 125 may have any size, cross-sectional area, shape, and/or configuration. Each lumen 125 is in communication with a corresponding lumen 128 of elongate member 120, and extends from proximal end 122a of end effector assembly 122 to an exit aperture 127 on leg 124a.

[0087] An individual injection unit 128 is fixed in each exit aperture 127. In the exemplary embodiment, injection unit 128 includes a catheter 132 and an injector 130 disposed therein. Catheter 132 may include a proximal end (not shown) terminating proximally of exit aperture 127 in lumen 125, and a distal facing surface 132b flush with, or protruding from, exit aperture 127. Distal facing surface 132b may be configured to contact tissue. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, catheter 132 may move relative to exit aperture 127. In these embodiments, catheter 132 may extend proximally through lumen 125 of legs 124a and a corresponding lumen 128, and may be connected to a push and/or pulling mechanism in handle portion 118.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 12, catheter 132 includes a lumen 133 extending longitudinally therein. Lumen 133 may have any size, cross-sectional area, shape, and/or configuration, and may extend from the proximal end (not shown) to an aperture 133b on distal facing surface 132b. In the exemplary embodiment, aperture 133 may have a substantially ovular shape to permit lateral movement of injector 130. It will be understood, however, that aperture 133 may have any other size, shape, and/or configuration.

[0089] Injector 130 may be positioned in lumen 133 of catheter 132. In particular, injector 130 may extend proximally from catheter 132 through lumen 125 of leg 124a, a corresponding lumen 128 of elongate member 120, and handle portion 118 (FIG. 8), injector 130 may be a conventional needle, including, for example, a micro-needle, having a proximal end 130a, a sharpened distal point 130c, and a hollow interior. Referring back to FIG. 8, proximal end 130a may extend proximally of handle portion 118 for coupling to dispenser 113. In some embodiments, proximal end 130a may include a luer fitting or any other fitting to facilitate coupling between proximal end 130a and dispenser 113.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, injector 130 may include a distal portion 130b. The particular shape, configuration, and/or dimensions of distal portion 130b of injector 130 may be selected to penetrate issue and deliver material at a predetermined depth. In the exemplary embodiment, distal portion 130b of injector 130 may have a right angle bend and terminate at distal point 130c, it will be understood that the bend of distal portion 130b may be abrupt or curved and may have an angle greater or lesser than 90. Distal portion 130b may have any other shape and/or configuration that may penetrate tissue at the desired depth.

[0091] Injector 130 may be operatively connected to the at least one actuator 117 on handle portion 118 to move distal portion 130b of injector 130 longitudinally relative to lumen 133 from the retracted configuration in FIG. 13A to the deployed configuration in FIG. 13B. In the deployed configuration, distal portion 130b of injector 130 may extend beyond distal facing surface 132b of catheter 132 (FIG. 13B). The same actuator 117 or a different actuator 117 may be configured to move injector 130 laterally within lumen 133 and aperture 133b between a first position (FIG. 13B) and a second position (FIG. 13C) to facilitate placement of distal point 130c between tissue layers of the bladder. In some embodiments, distal portion 130b of injector 130 and/or aperture 133b may include one or mere retaining mechanisms to retain distal portion 130b in the second position during the injection procedure.

[0092] A method of treating a bladder in a patient will now be described. Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, medical device 110 may be inserted into the urethra of a patient after bladder emptying, and may be advanced to bladder 60 through outer sheath 118 (FIG. 14A). Once a distal end of outer sheath 116 is positioned in bladder 50, end effector assembly 122 may be advanced distally out of outer sheath 118. This may be achieved by, for example, pushing elongate member 120 distally relative to outer sheath 118, or pulling outer sheath 118 proximally relative to elongate member 120.

[0093] Once end-effector assembly 122 has been removed from outer sheath 118, end effector assembly 122 may be expanded to an expanded configuration (FIG. 14B). In some embodiments, end effector assembly 122 may self-expand. In other embodiments, an expansion mechanism such as, for example, a balloon may be used to facilitate expansion of end effector assembly 122. When fully expanded, end effector assembly 122 may have a substantially spherical shape, positioning each injection unit 128 adjacent an interior surface of bladder wall 40.

[0094] The procedure continues with the physician inserting distal portion 130a of each injector 130 into bladder wall 40. In particular, the physician may engage the at least one actuator 117 on handle portion 118 to move injectors 130 relative to lumens 128 in elongate member 120, lumens 125 in legs 124a (or legs 124b), and lumens 133 in catheters 132 in order to advance distal portion 130b of injectors 130 from a retracted position within lumen 133 of catheter 132 to a deployed position distal to a distal facing surface 132b of catheter 132 (FIGS. 15A and 15B).

[0095] As distal portion 130b extends out of aperture 133b, distal point 130c may be configured to penetrate tissue. As discussed in the embodiment described above, it may be desirable to penetrate tissue and inject material at a predetermined depth. For example, injector 130 may be configured to penetrate the bladder wall 40 as deep as the mucosa-detrusor junction without penetrating the detrusor muscle. The penetration depth may be monitored in a number of ways. For example, distal portion 130b of injector 130 may be shaped and/or dimensioned to piece bladder wall 40 to a desired depth so that material may be delivered at the predetermined depth (i.e., between the detrusor layer and the mucosal layer). Additionally and/or alternatively, injector 130 may be provided with radiopaque markers that can be visualized as distal portion 130b is penetrating tissue. In further embodiments, actuator 117 may enable operator to advance injectors 130 simultaneously or individually in known increments.

[0096] Once injectors 130 are in the deployed position, the same actuator 117 or a different actuator 117 may be configured to drive distal portion 130b of each injector 130 laterally in apertures 133b. Lateral movement of injector 130 between a first position shown in FIG. 15B and a second position shown in FIG. 15C may facilitate positioning of distal point 130c between mucosal layer 40b and the detrusor layer 40a of bladder wall 40. Material may then be injected from dispenser 113 through the proximal end 130a of each injector 130 to deliver the material between the two tissue layers.

[0097] In some embodiments, the physician may uniformly treat bladder 50 by simultaneously delivering material through all of the injection units 126. In other embodiments, the physician may selectively deliver material through one or more specific injection units 128 to treat areas of abnormalities within bladder 50. In these embodiments, medical device 110 may include a sensing element to detect an area of abnormal function in the bladder and transmit the data via a cable or wirelessly to the physician.

[0098] As in the prior embodiment, the material may be delivered between the mucosal layer 40b and the detrusor layer 40a to separate and maintain the two layers. In additional and/or alternative embodiments, the medical device may include a suction lumen positioned at a distal end 120b of elongate member 120, a distal end 122b of end effector assembly 122, and/or in each catheter 132 to assist in the lifting of tissue layers through suction to separate the two tissue layers. The suction procedure is followed with fluid/material insertion between the layers.

[0099] Alternative non-limiting examples of end effector assemblies having various shapes and/or distal configurations are shown in FIGS. 18A-18E, FIGS. 18A and 18D depict end effector assemblies having wire configurations. In particular, end effector assembly 522a, as shown in FIG. 16A, may have a substantially linear configuration. A single end effector unit 126 may be disposed at a distal end of end effector assembly 522a. In another embodiment, end effector assembly 522d, as shown in FIG. 16D, may have a helical configuration preferably tapering from a larger diameter at a distalmost end thereof to a smaller diameter proximally of the distalmost end thereof. A kink may be disposed adjacent a proximal end of end effector assembly 522d. FIG. 16C depicts an end effector assembly 522c having a plurality of legs curving away from a longitudinal axis of end effector assembly 522c. FIGS. 16B and 16E depict end effector assemblies having a mesh configuration. In particular, end effector assembly 522b, as shown in FIG. 16B, may have a circular shape. And in yet another embodiment, end effector assembly 522e, as shown in FIG. 16E, may have a semi-circular shape. End effector assemblies 522c and 522e may be additionally planar, concave, or convex.

[0100] Alternative embodiments of injection units will now be described, it will be noted that at least certain aspects of the embodiments discussed below may be combined with other aspects of the embodiments discussed above. For example, one or more of the following injection units may be provided on one of the end effector assemblies discussed above to position the injection units within the bladder.

[0101] FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate an injection unit 228. Injection unit 228 includes a catheter 232 and an injector 230. Catheter 232 may have a proximal end (not shown), a distal end 232b, and a lumen 233 extending therethrough. In the exemplary embodiment, distal end 232b of catheter 232 may be wedge shaped. It is contemplated that distal end 232b may be sharpened to facilitate insertion into tissue.

[0102] Lumen 233 may terminate at an aperture 233b on a distal facing surface 232c of catheter 232. Distal facing surface 232c may include one or more features to drive injector 230 to a desired position and orient injector 230 relative to catheter 232. For example, distal facing surface 232c may include a ramp 232d adjacent aperture 233b. Ramp 232d may be shaped to drive injector 230 from a first position on one end (side) of distal end 232b of catheter 232 to a second position on an opposing end (side) of distal end 232b of catheter 232, in particular, ramp 232 may be disposed in a plane that is not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of catheter 232 (FIGS. 17A). Furthermore, ramp 232d may be sized and shaped to interact with one or more aligning members 235 on injector 230 to orient injector 230 relative to catheter 232. For example, the width of ramp 232d may be sized to receive an aligning member 235 and to prevent rotation of the aligning member 235 and injector 230.

[0103] FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate an injection unit 326. In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, injection unit 326 may include a frame 340 having a first arm 340a and a second arm 340b pivotably connected to the first arm 340a via a pivot 340c. An injector 330 may be provided on first arm 340a. In particular, injector 330 may be fixed to a surface of first arm 340a and may extend in a direction generally perpendicular to first arm 340. Frame 340 may be a positioning mechanism configured to position injector 330 adjacent tissue and facilitate insertion of injector 330 into tissue.

[0104] In this embodiment, injector 330 may be a curved needle, including, for example, a micro-needle, having a sharpened distal point 330c and a hollow interior, injector 330 may be sized to penetrate tissue and inject material at a predetermined depth. It is understood that injector 330 may have any other size and/or configuration to penetrate tissue at the predetermined depth.

[0105] A dispenser 332 may be mounted en first and 340a opposite to injector 330. Dispenser 332 may be in fluid communication with injector 330 via an aperture (not shown) in first arm 340a. In this embodiment, dispenser 332 may be an elastomeric fluid container retaining material to be injected between two tissue layers of the bladder. Dispenser 232 may have an impermeable membrane or a collapsible wall configured to collapse on application of sufficient force by an injection mechanism such as, for example, second arm 340b. As dispenser collapses, the material may be introduced into injector 330.

[0106] Injection unit 328 may be introduced into the bladder and positioned adjacent bladder wall 40 using the procedures discussed above. Injection unit 326 may be placed adjacent the bladder wall 40 with second arm 340b parallel to the detrusor layer 40a and mucosal layer 40b of bladder wail 40, in order to insert injector 330 into tissue, frame 340 may be rotated, so that second arm 340b is generally perpendicular to the tissue. Any known actuation mechanism, such as an electrical actuator or linear actuator, may be attached to frame 340 and may be configured to apply sufficient force to rotate frame 340. As frame 340 rotates, distal point 330c of injector 330 may be inserted into the tissue.

[0107] The procedure may continue by collapsing dispenser 332. For example, the same actuation mechanism or a different actuation mechanism may apply a force to second arm 340b to pivot second arm 340b relative to first arm 340a about pivot 340c. As second arm 340b pivots towards the first arm 340a, second arm 340b may apply sufficient force to collapse dispenser 332. In this manner, material 42 may be injected into injector 330 for delivery between tissue layers of the bladder. Injector 330 may be removed by rotating first arm 340a, so that first arm 340a and second arm 340b are generally perpendicular to the tissue.

[0108] FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate an injection unit 428 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, injection unit 426 includes a housing 440 having a closed top 450, an open bottom 480, and a space 470 extending therebetween. The closed top 450 may be closed by, for example, a cap. In some embodiments, the cap may include a breathable membrane. The open bottom 460 may be configured to be oriented towards tissue and contact tissue.

[0109] A first magnetic disk 444 may be disposed in space 470, and may be configured to move relative to housing 440 between the closed top 450 and open bottom 480. The first magnetic disk 444 may sealingly engage the inner walls of housing 440. For example, first magnetic disk 444 may have radial seals, such as, for example an O-ring or a lip seal, to engage housing 440. A second magnetic disk 442 may be disposed between the first magnetic disk 444 and the open bottom 460. Second magnetic disk 442 may have similar seals.

[0110] An injector 430 may be fixed to second magnetic disk 442. In particular, a proximal end 430a of injector 430 may extend through an aperture (not shown) in second magnetic disk 442 and may be fixed to the aperture. In this embodiment, injector 430 may be a cylindrical needle, such as, for example, a micro-needle, having a sharpened distal point 430c and a hollow interior, injector 430 may be sized to penetrate tissue and inject material at a predetermined depth. It is understood that injector 430 may have any other size and/or configuration to penetrate tissue.

[0111] A dispenser 432 may be disposed between the first magnetic disk 444 and the second magnetic disk 442. In this embodiment, dispenser 432 may be a collapsible dispenser retaining fluid in, for example, a collapsible, impermeable membrane. The membrane may be configured to collapse and rupture on application of sufficient force to inject the material into proximal end 430a of injector 430.

[0112] Housing 440 may further include coil windings 446 disposed on an outer surface of housing 440. Coil windings 446 may attach to an electrical wire (not shown) that may extend proximally through a medical device to a source of electricity, in operation, housing 440, first magnetic disk 444, second magnetic disk 442, and coil windings 448, together, may be a positioning mechanism configured to position injector 430 adjacent tissue and facilitate insertion of injector 330 into tissue. In particular, current may pass through the coil windings 448 inducing an electrical field whose electromotive force may be used to drive first magnetic disk 444 and second magnetic disk 442 downward. The force may be sufficient to insert injector 430 into the adjacent tissue.

[0113] After injector 430 has been inserted into tissue, the electromotive force may continue to drive the first magnetic disk 444 downward. First magnetic disk 444 may act as an injection mechanism by applying sufficient pressure on dispenser 432 to rupture dispenser 432 disposed between the first magnetic disk 444 and the second magnetic disk 442. In this manner, material may be injected into injector 430 for delivery between two tissue layers of the bladder.

[0114] The same deployment may be accomplished with an electrical coil and a spring recoil. In particular, current may be applied to the coil windings of the injection unit in/only one direction to insert injector into tissue and inject material between the two tissue layers. The recoil spring (placed between second magnetic disk 442 and open bottom 460) may then retract injector 430. In another embodiment, deployment may be accomplished with a compressed fluid end a spring recoil. In this embodiment, the compassed fluid, applied to first magnetic disk 444, may be configured to apply sufficient force to deploy injector 430 and inject the material. As in the embodiment described above, the recoil spring may retract injector 430 once the fluid pressure is relieved.

[0115] Other injection units are contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, each of the one or more injection units may have a micro-needle array in place of a single injector. In this manner, the injection unit may target a wider area of tissue within the bladder. In additional and/or alternative embodiments, the material may be dispersed through the injector (or needle array device) onto tissue adjacent the injection units without perforating the bladder wall. This procedure may be performed for a set duration at varying amplitudes to increase the permeability of the mucosal layer (e.g., the urothelium).

[0116] Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0117] In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser 32 does not rupture, but rather fluid is releasable upon application of pressure which forces fluid through pores in the wall of the dispenser. The pores may be elastic or nonelastic, and may be holes, slots, or slits. Alternatively, the fluid dispenser 32 may remain sealed and the needle includes pores, slots, holes, or slits that open with increased pressure and convey fluid from the dispenser to the tissue.