Systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic agent
Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.
1. An apparatus for treating rhinitis in a nasal cavity, the apparatus comprising:
an elongate body, comprising:
a proximal portion; and
a distal portion configured for positioning in the nasal cavity;
multiple radiofrequency electrodes coupled with the distal portion of the elongate body; and
a radiofrequency generator coupled with the proximal portion of the elongate body for supplying radiofrequency energy to the multiple radiofrequency electrodes to treat a target tissue in the nasal cavity and thus treat rhinitis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the multiple radiofrequency electrodes comprise at least two bipolar radiofrequency electrodes.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising at least one sensing electrode.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the at least two bipolar radiofrequency electrodes comprise multiple pairs of bipolar radiofrequency electrodes.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the target tissue comprises nerve tissue.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the multiple radiofrequency electrodes is movable relative to the distal portion of the elongate body.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the multiple radiofrequency electrodes are configured to deliver energy laterally relative to the distal portion of the elongate body.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the multiple radiofrequency electrodes is configured to extend laterally from the distal portion of the elongate body.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the at least one of the multiple radiofrequency electrodes is configured to penetrate nasal mucosa lining the nasal cavity.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a thermocouple coupled with the distal portion of the elongate body for sensing temperature of a nasal tissue in the nasal cavity.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a monitoring system coupled with the distal portion of the elongate body for monitoring a degree of treatment of the target tissue.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an agent delivery element coupled with the distal portion of the elongate body for delivering a therapeutic agent to the target tissue.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the agent delivery element comprises at least one needle.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising a source of the therapeutic agent coupled with the proximal portion of the elongate body.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a neurotoxin.