Apparatus and methods for gene therapy

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed for the in vivo transfer of therapeutic genes to internal body sites. An operating head of a catheter or endoscope contains a particle bombardment device for accelerating DNA-coated particles into a target tissue. With either endoscopy or arterial catheterization, the operating head may be guided to diseased or deficient organs, or other lesions, and deliver the gene coated particles in a targeted manner. In one embodiment, a double balloon catheter is employed to isolate an intravasular space containing the lesion to be treated, with the space being cleared of blood and filled with gas before operation of the particle bombardment device. The method and apparatus may also be employed to deliver other therapeutic agents to intracellular targets.