Importance

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Abstract

A fluid delivery and extraction device enables the remote transfer of fluid to or from biological tissue. The device comprises an elongated member, a syringe movable relative to the elongated member and a pair of hypodermic needles movable relative to the elongated member. The elongated member has a distal portion which is adapted to be inserted into a biological structure. A steer wire or guide wire can be used to navigate the distal portion within cavernous biological structures, particularly body lumens. The distal portion has at least one retractable hypodermic needle that is configured to pierce the interior surface of a tubular biological structure and transfer fluid to or from the walls of the tubular biological structure. A physician can use a handle or other control mechanism provided at a proximal portion of the device to remotely move the hypodermic needles. A plunger can be used to transfer fluid through the hypodermic needles to or from the syringe. In operation, the hypodermic needles are deployed simultaneously or individually from the distal portion of the device. As the hypodermic needles move, they pierce the interior surface of the tubular biological structure. The hypodermic needles can also be configured to pass beyond the exterior surface of the tubular biological structure. The plunger is then used to transfer fluid either from the syringe to the patient or from the patient to the syringe. The hypodermic needles are then moved back to their retracted positions within the distal portion, and the device is withdrawn from the patient's body.

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First Claim