Abstract:
The present embodiments relate to systems and methods for treating lumenal valves. Particularly, and in accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for partial or complete replacement of lumenal valves. An exemplary catheter in accordance with the disclosure includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a retractable sheath mounted on the elongate body proximate the distal end. The sheath and elongate body cooperating to define a first annularly-shaped compartment between the body and sheath. The catheter further includes a valve prosthesis mounted in the compartment, the prosthesis having proximal and distal ends connected to a means for deploying the valve prosthesis from the catheter.
Abstract:
A fixture facilitates using a linear force of a uni-axial test machine to subject a test sample to bending forces. The test machine includes a frame and a crosshead. To generate the linear force, the crosshead translates with reference to the frame in a plane of motion. The fixture includes an upper connecting link, a lower connecting link, and two transverse arms. The upper connecting link is configured to attach to the crosshead for receiving the linear force, and the lower connecting link is configured to attach to the frame. The two transverse arms are pivotably carried between the upper and lower links. Each transverse arm has an inner end configured to attach to the test sample, the test sample being suspended between the arms. The transverse arms pivot in opposite directions in response to the linear force applied to the upper connecting link, exposing the sample to bending forces.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are materials and methods for modulating an immunologically adverse response to an exogenous or endogenous immunogen, including a cell, tissue, or organ associated immunogen. An implantable material comprising cells, such as but not limited to endothelial cells, anchored or embedded in a biocompatible matrix can modulate an adverse immune or inflammatory reaction to exogenous or endogenous immunogens, including response to non-syngeneic or syngeneic cells, tissues or organs, exogenous immunogens or stimuli, as well as ameliorate an autoimmune condition. The implantable material can be provided prior to, coincident with, or subsequent to occurrence of the immune response or inflammatory reaction. The implantable material can induce immunological acceptance in a transplant patient, reduce graft rejection and reduce donor antigen immunogenicity.
Abstract:
Endothelial implants restore vascular homeostasis after injury without reconstituting vascular architecture. Endothelial cells line the vascular epithelium and underlying vasa vasorum precluding distinction between cellular controls. Unlike blood vessels, the airway epithelium is highly differentiated and distinct from endothelial cells that line the bronchial vasa allowing investigation of the differential control tissue engineered cells may provide in airways and blood vessels. Through airway injury and cell culture models, tissue engineered implants of the bronchial epithelium and endothelium were found to promote synergistic repair of the airway through biochemical regulation of the airway microenvironment. While epithelial cells modulate local tissue composition and reaction, endothelial cells preserve the epithelium; together their relative impact was enhanced suggesting both cell types act synergistically for airway repair.
Abstract:
An expandable medical device has elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of the strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decrease, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles.
Abstract:
Endothelial implants restore vascular homeostasis after injury without reconstituting vascular architecture. Endothelial cells line the vascular epithelium and underlying vasa vasorum precluding distinction between cellular controls. Unlike blood vessels, the airway epithelium is highly differentiated and distinct from endothelial cells that line the bronchial vasa allowing investigation of the differential control tissue engineered cells may provide in airways and blood vessels. Through airway injury and cell culture models, tissue engineered implants of the bronchial epithelium and endothelium were found to promote synergistic repair of the airway through biochemical regulation of the airway microenvironment. While epithelial cells modulate local tissue composition and reaction, endothelial cells preserve the epithelium; together their relative impact was enhanced suggesting both cell types act synergistically for airway repair.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are materials and methods suitable for treating sites of pathological angiogenesis and abnormal neovascularization. Sites of pathological angiogenesis or abnormal neovascularization can be treated by contacting a surface at or adjacent or in the vicinity of an area of pathological angiogenesis or abnormal neovascularization with an implantable material. The implantable material comprises a biocompatible matrix and cells and is in an amount effective to treat the affected site. The composition can be a flexible planar material or a flowable composition. Diseases susceptible to treatment with the present invention include, for example, macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic inflammatory diseases, and treatment of tumors by surgical resection, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Abstract:
An apposition sensing system including a stent; a catheter assembly to which the stent is coupled for deployment into a lumen; and a sensor positioned on the catheter assembly adjacent to an end of the stent. The sensor is adapted to provide an electrical parameter which is indicative of apposition of the end of the stent to the inner wall of the lumen. In one aspect of the invention, the sensor includes first and second pressure sensors positioned at proximal and distal portions of the catheter assembly adjacent to proximal and distal ends of the stent. A monitoring unit monitors pressure changes sensed by the sensors. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, there is provided an expansion sensing system including a stent having an electrically conductive region; an expandable insulating sleeve; a catheter assembly to which the stent is coupled for deployment into a lumen; and at least one electrode associated with the catheter assembly. The sleeve is positioned between the electrode and the conductive region, the electrode and conductive region being adapted to provide an electrical parameter which varies in correspondence with expansion of the stent. In one aspect of the invention, the sleeve positioned between the electrode and the conductive region define a variable capacitor. A monitoring unit monitors variations in capacitance between the electrode and conductive region which is directly proportional to the change in stent diameter.
Abstract:
An endoluminal device slippage sensor system including an electrically conductive endoluminal device and a catheter assembly to which the device is coupled for deployment into a lumen. First, second and third electrodes are associated with the catheter assembly, each respectively in direct electrical contact with a proximal, a middle and a distal portion of the device. A potential source generates a potential between the first and second electrodes and between the second and third electrodes. The potential between the electrodes is varied in accordance with a change of position of the device along the axis of the catheter assembly during deployment in which the proximal or distal portion of the device is disconnected from the first or third electrode, respectively. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided an endoluminal device slippage sensor system including an electrically conductive endoluminal device and a catheter assembly to which the device is coupled for deployment into a lumen. At least two electrodes are mounted longitudinally along the length of the catheter assembly, each of the electrodes being in direct electrical contact with the device. A potential source generates a potential between the electrodes, the potential between the electrodes being varied in accordance with a change of position of the device along the axis of the catheter assembly.
Abstract:
A method of regulating repair in a physiological system following injury to the lumen of a tubular structure in that system, and of testing the effectiveness of regulatory agent, is presented. The method includes administering a modulator of cell or tissue growth to an extraluminal site adjacent the injured tissue.