DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY LYSING CELLS
A device, comprising a housing defining a mixing chamber; means for mixing solution contained in the mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution; a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with the mixing chamber, the needle array including at least one needle; and tissue apposition means for pulling the needle array into apposition with tissue.
1 . A device, comprising:
a housing defining a mixing chamber;
means for mixing solution contained in said mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution;
a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with said mixing chamber, said needle array including at least one needle; and
tissue apposition means for pulling the needle array into apposition with tissue.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said tissue apposition means includes at least one vacuum orifice defined in at least one of the housing and the needle array, whereby the vacuum orifice transmits suction from a source of partial vacuum to tissue bringing the needle array into apposition with the tissue.
3 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum orifice is formed in the needle array, and the at least one needle is positioned within the vacuum orifice.
4 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum orifice defines a receptacle, whereby tissue is pulled at least partially into the receptacle when the vacuum orifice transmits suction from the source of partial vacuum.
5 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the at least one needle is positioned within the receptacle.
6 . The device of claim 2 , wherein:
said needle array includes a tissue apposition surface; and
said tissue apposition means further comprises at least one flange mounted on said tissue apposition surface and surrounding the vacuum orifice.