Apparatus for treating asthma using neurotoxin

Abstract

Apparatus for providing intrabronchial delivery of neurotoxins to control the effects of asthma comprises a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a neurotoxin applicator assembly disposed on the distal end. The neurotoxin applicator assembly comprises a deployable needle assembly, a rotating needle assembly, and a needle-less injection assembly or a nebulizer assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Apparatus for intrabronchial delivery of medication to treat lung disease, the apparatus comprising:
 a shaft having a proximal end including at least one inlet port, a distal end and a lumen extending between the inlet ports and the distal end; and   a medication applicator comprising a needle assembly disposed on the distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with the lumen.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the needle assembly has a retracted delivery position and a deployed position wherein at least one needle extends radially outward from the shaft to penetrate bronchial tissue. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the needle assembly comprises a wheel having a circumference and a plurality of needles disposed around the circumference, wherein the plurality of needles are in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the wheel further comprises a hub that forms an axis of rotation for the wheel. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the wheel is adapted to be rolled across a target treatment area within a patient's bronchial airways. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the needle assembly further comprises a fender that protects an area of the patient's bronchial' airways opposite the target treatment area. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a deflection means disposed on the shaft to position, the port adjacent to the target treatment area. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the deflection means is an inflatable balloon. 
     
     
         9 . A system comprising the apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a bronchoscope having proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, wherein the shaft is dimensioned to slidably pass through the lumen of the bronchoscope.