the invention provides a steerable device for the delivery of a therapeutic solution , in particular , an angiogenesis - promoting substance into a heart , and a method of delivering such a substance into the heart . the device includes an elongated needle which the physician may steer by asserting a tensioning force on a steering cable coupled to the needle toward its distal end . a axially - slidable steering sleeve is disposed about the needle and the steering cable , and the position of the steering sleeve may be adjusted to control the radius of flexure of the needle . the needle body is flexible enough to maneuver around thoracic and cardiac geometry , yet sufficiently rigid to facilitate such maneuvering . the needle may also have a stop , or platform , spaced from the distal needle tip to stabilize the needle in the cardiac tissue . according to a method of the invention , the needle may be inserted into the heart tissue through lung tissue adhering to the heart , as is common in re - operative patients . the platform may either transit the needle as the platform contacts the lung or heart tissue , or the platform may move forward to contact tissue as needle contact with heart tissue is confirmed .