摘要:
A catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a human or animal subject can include a substantially flexible and biocompatible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. An eductor can be located at the distal end of the catheter body, and a first lumen within the catheter body for housing the therapeutic agent can be in fluid communication with the eductor. A second lumen, also in fluid communication with the first lumen, can extend from the proximal end of the catheter body towards the eductor and can have an output port at the distal end of the catheter body. The eductor can be operable to induce the therapeutic agent to flow from the first lumen out of the output port in response to fluid flowing through the second lumen.
摘要:
One example scleral prosthesis includes a first free end and a second free end, each wider than a middle portion of the scleral prosthesis. Multiple first portions form the first end of the scleral prosthesis. The first portions are separated along at least half of a length of the scleral prosthesis. Multiple second portions may form the second end of the scleral prosthesis, and the second portions may be separated along less than a quarter of the length of the scleral prosthesis. An implantation device can be used to facilitate implantation of a scleral prosthesis. The implantation device includes a first end portion configured to be inserted into a scleral tunnel of an eye. The implantation device also includes a second end portion configured to receive the scleral prosthesis. A rod with a tapered and rounded end can be partially inserted into the first end portion of the implantation device.
摘要:
Technologies are generally described for the storage of biologics and other fluid materials while maintaining aseptic conditions. A system may include a storage body providing a reservoir for containing the materials. A cap may couple to the storage body forming a fluid-tight seal. A port may be provided for transferring the materials. A seal, or valve, may be provided within the port. The seal may be configured to close off the reservoir unless acted upon to release the materials through the port. A movable member may make up part of the storage body. The movable member may be configured to change a reservoir volume of the storage body in response to changes in a volume of the materials. The reservoir may become smaller as the materials are released. Multi-dose volumes of fluid materials may be stored for repeated access with reduced risk of contamination and reduction in shelf life.
摘要:
A scleral prosthesis includes a prosthesis body having first and second side surfaces and a cavity extending through the prosthesis body from the first side surface to the second side surface. The scleral prosthesis also includes a crossbar configured to be inserted into the cavity, where the crossbar is wider than the prosthesis body. The cavity could define a narrower central opening and wider end openings, and the crossbar could have a narrower central portion and wider end portions. Also, the prosthesis body could include multiple cavities, and the scleral prosthesis could include multiple crossbars configured to be inserted into the multiple cavities. Each of the cavities could be located proximate to an end of the prosthesis body. The crossbar could be substantially straight with a cylindrical cross section.
摘要:
Intravascular devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. These devices advantageously can be implanted via a catheter, thereby eliminating the need for a more invasive implantation procedure when the stretching is to be done in vivo. Preferably, the device for axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth of the vessel includes an intravascular stretching mechanism attachable directly to an interior lumen portion of the blood vessel, and a means for operating the stretching mechanism to cause the vessel to distend axially. The stretching mechanism can include a pair of wires or stents that engage the blood vessel wall. Components of the stretching mechanism can include a shape memory material.
摘要:
A medical practitioner can specify certain parameters for a procedure that involves delivering a therapeutic agent, while leaving other parameters open. The therapeutic agent can be sensitive to biomechanical forces (or other influences) associated with delivery. The procedure can involve regenerative medicine, for example delivering progenitor or stem cells to a diseased heart using a catheter, whereby unbridled transport in the catheter may compromise efficacy. The open parameters can influence efficacy of the agent and thus therapeutic outcome. A computer-based system can apply stored information, such as from databases, to narrow the possible values of the open parameters. From the narrowed possibilities, an optimization routine can determine suitable or optimized values for the open parameters. The determined values can manage biomechanical forces incurred by the therapeutic agent, thereby promoting efficacy and healing. The optimized parameters can guide the practitioner in the procedure.
摘要:
A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire.
摘要:
Methods and devices may be used to compress and fix soft tissue to bone. Exemplary embodiments described including methods of fixing tendon to bone in an anterior cruciate ligament replacement surgery. Through compressing tendon in situ within bone, tendons may be fixed to bone while limiting axial movement of tendons and adverse effects on tendon tension.