In general, the invention is directed to techniques for delivering
macromolecules to a tissue site via electroporation. Particularly, a
catheter detects contact between a distal end of the catheter and a
target tissue site via a sensing electrode at the distal end of the
catheter. The catheter delivers a fluid containing macromolecules to the
tissue site upon detecting contact between the tissue site and the
catheter. Concurrently or soon after delivery of the fluid, an electrical
stimulus is applied to the tissue site. The electrical stimulus can be
applied by the catheter or directly from a power supply, such as an
implanted pulse generator. The electrical stimulus causes membranes of
cells within the tissue site to destabilize, in turn, forming pores
through which the macromolecules migrate into the cells of the tissue
site.