Abstract: A method for delivery of an agent to a cell using electroporation is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first electrode and a second electrode such that an electrical signal passed between the first electrode and the second electrode passes through the cell. The method also includes passing an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical signal having a frequency greater than about 10 kHz. In one embodiment of the method, the electrical signal has a bipolar waveform. In another embodiment of the method, the electrodes are positioned at a treatment site, e.g., a tumor, for in vivo delivery of an agent.

Abstract: A method is provided for introducing nucleic acid into a cell, by contacting the cell with a nucleic acid and applying a low electrical field impulse for a long pulse length. A method is provided for introducing a polypeptide into a cell, by contacting the cell with the polypeptide and applying a low electrical field impulse for a long pulse length.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: An electroporation method and apparatus generating and applying an electric field according to a user-specified pulsing and temperature profile scheme. The apparatus includes a cuvette holder with a Peltier device forming part of the electrode structures that form part of the holder. Advantageously, one such pulse includes a low voltage pulse of a first duration, immediately followed by a high voltage of a second duration, immediately followed by a low voltage of a third duration. The low voltage electroporation field accumulates molecules at the surface of a cell, the appropriately high voltage field creates an opening in the cell, and the final low voltage field moves the molecule into the cell. The molecules may be DNA, portions of DNA, chemical agents, the receiving cells may be eggs, platelets, human cells, red blood cells, mammalian cells, plant protoplasts, plant pollen, liposomes, bacteria, fungi, yeast, sperm, or other suitable cells.

Abstract: A method for sustained intravascular delivery via electroporation is provided. The method is useful for delivery of therapeutic compositions such as antithrombotic and anticoagulant agents. The invention also provides a catheter apparatus for introducing a composition into at least one cell in a vessel in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a non-invasive method and apparatus for delivery of drugs into the penile erectile tissue to induce or enhance penile erection, which affords an alternative treatment for patients afflicted with erectile dysfunction (ED). Sufficient electric pulses temporarily create new pathways in the penile skin thereby driving a composition, such as a vasoactive or androgenic medication, into the corporal cavernosum.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the delivery of at least one chromosome into a cell. Invention methods and apparatus employ FACS or MACS technology for rapidly processing cells and for confirming the introduction of chromosome(s) into a cell. The introduction of the chromosome(s) into the cell is mediated by one or more of a laser, a linear accelerator or electrically induced fusion of a cell and encapsulated chromosome(s). Invention methods provide for the rapid and reliable processing associated with FACS and MACS technology to process thousands of cells a minute, thereby enabling large scale gene transfer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing or increasing the vasodilation of a vessel. The invention further provides methods for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel. An electrical impulse is applied to the vessel in order to induce or increase vessel vasodilation or to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel. In a particular embodiment, a novel double-balloon catheter system incorporating electroporation technology has been designed and is used to apply the electrical impulse endoluminally.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a method for cosmetic delivery of L-ascorbic acid-containing compositions to the layer of the skin wherein collagen formation takes place to enhance production of collagen and thereby combat some of the effects of aging and oxy-radical damage on skin. Sufficient electric pulses applied to a region of skin surface temporarily create new pathways through the lipid skin barrier, thereby delivering an L-ascorbic acid-containing composition through the lipid skin barrier and enhancing production of collagen in the region of the skin so treated. A handheld electrical pulser apparatus, optionally table-top adaptable, and methods of use for cosmetic treatment of degenerative skin conditions are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A non-invasive method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction using electroporation enhanced with delivery of a vasoactive or androgenic composition applied to the penis which affords an alternative treatment for patients afflicted with erectile dysfunction (ED). Sufficient electric pulses temporarily create new pathways in the penile skin thereby driving a composition, such as a vasoactive or androgenic medication, into the corporal cavernosum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a “keying” element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. A disposable needle tip array may be implemented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a “keying” element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a “keying” element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.

Abstract: An electrode template apparatus, includes a three dimensional support member having opposite surfaces, a plurality of bores extending through the support member and through the opposite surfaces, a plurality of conductors on the member separately connected to the plurality of bores, a plurality of needle electrodes selectively extendable through the plurality of bores and into tissue to be electroporated so that each electrode is comcected to at least one conductor for connecting the electrodes to a power supply.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an apparatus for and a method of trans-surface molecular delivery, including a non-conductive carrier having a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a plurality of through holes from the proximal surface to the distal surface, a first electrode disposed on at least a portion of the distal surface and extending through at least a portion of the plurality of through holes and onto at least a portion of the proximal surface, a second electrode disposed on at least a portion of the proximal surface and in closely spaced relation with the first electrode for engaging a tissue surface through which to apply an electric field, and an insulating barrier that is disposed on at least a portion of the proximal surface of the carrier between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a “keying” element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.

Abstract: An electroporation method and apparatus generating and applying an electric field according to a user-specified pulsing and temperature profile scheme. The apparatus includes a cuvette holder with a Peltier device forming part of the electrode structures that form part of the holder. Advantageously, one such pulse includes a low voltage pulse of a first duration, immediately followed by a high voltage of a second duration, immediately followed by a low voltage of a third duration. The low voltage electroporation field accumulates molecules at the surface of a cell, the appropriately high voltage field creates an opening in the cell, and the final low voltage field moves the molecule into the cell. The molecules may be DNA, portions of DNA, chemical agents, the receiving cells may be eggs, platelets, human cells, red blood cells, mammalian cells, plant protoplasts, plant pollen, liposomes, bacteria, fungi, yeast, sperm, or other suitable cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for introducing molecules such as genes and pharmaceutical compounds into living blood cells of a patient for therapeutic purposes. A device is placed into contact with the body of the patient for generating an electric field at a preselected location within a selected blood vessel. Preselected molecules are infused into the selected blood vessel. Simultaneously an electric signal is applied to the applied device to repeatedly subject a quantity of blood flowing within the selected blood vessel past the preselected location to electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration. The parameters of the electric fields are precisely controlled in order to make the walls of preselected cells in the blood transiently permeable to permit the molecules to enter said preselected cells without killing said cells.

Abstract: A method is provided for the introduction of an agent to a neoplastic cell for electroporating the cell, including contacting the cell with an electrode template apparatus. The electrode template apparatus is utilized to apply an electric field to the cell in order to introduce the agent into the cell. A method is also provided for the introduction of an agent to a tissue for electroporating a cell in the tissue, including contacting the tissue with an electrode template apparatus. The tissue is contacted with the agent and a pulse of high amplitude electric signals is applied to the cell utilizing the apparatus, for electroporation of the cell with the agent.