Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes introducing a catheter device into a target artery within a patient where the target artery is near a tumor. The catheter device includes a distal occlusion member and a proximal occlusion member spaced apart from the distal occlusion member. The distal occlusion member is positioned relative to the proximal occlusion member such that an isolated region of the target artery is defined between the distal occlusion member and the proximal occlusion member causing cessation of blood flow in the isolated region. A contrast agent is injected into the target artery and travels to at least one feeder vessel leading to the tumor. A target region in the patient, including the target artery and the tumor, is imaged and a tumor feeder vessel is identified within an image based on the contrast agent visible within the tumor feeder vessel within the image.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inner catheter that is coupled to a handle and defines a lumen configured to receive a guidewire. An outer catheter is movably coupled to the handle and defines a first lumen in fluid communication with a distal opening and that is configured to introduce a therapeutic agent through the distal opening and into a target pancreatic artery(ies). The outer catheter defines a second lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the inner catheter. An actuator is coupled to the handle and configured to move the outer catheter relative to the handle. A first occlusion element is coupled to the inner catheter and a second occlusion element is coupled to the outer catheter and disposed proximal to the first occlusion element. A distance between the first occlusion element and the second occlusion element is adjustable when the outer catheter is moved relative to the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inner catheter that is coupled to a handle and defines a lumen configured to receive a guidewire. An outer catheter is movably coupled to the handle and defines a first lumen in fluid communication with a distal opening and that is configured to introduce a therapeutic agent through the distal opening and into a target pancreatic artery(ies). The outer catheter defines a second lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the inner catheter. An actuator is coupled to the handle and configured to move the outer catheter relative to the handle. A first occlusion element is coupled to the inner catheter and a second occlusion element is coupled to the outer catheter and disposed proximal to the first occlusion element. A distance between the first occlusion element and the second occlusion element is adjustable when the outer catheter is moved relative to the handle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein for engraftment of stem cells into a pancreas using an endovascular approach. Targeted intra-arterial injection of stem cells selectively in a splenic artery can achieve engraftment of insulin producing cells in the tail of the pancreas with high efficiency and without systemic circulation of these cells to other organs. In one embodiment, a catheter device includes expandable occlusion elements in the form of inflatable balloons that can be used to isolate a proximal and distal end of a pancreatic portion of the splenic artery. In another embodiment, the occlusion elements include a filter element instead of a balloon. In some embodiments, targeted delivery of stem cells to the pancreatic tail can be achieved for treatment of, for example, diabetes. In some embodiments, an arterial section of the splenic artery can be isolated for selective perfusion of therapeutic cells/drugs to the tail of the pancreas.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein for engraftment of stem cells into a pancreas using an endovascular approach. Targeted intra-arterial injection of stem cells selectively in a splenic artery can achieve engraftment of insulin producing cells in the tail of the pancreas with high efficiency and without systemic circulation of these cells to other organs. In one embodiment, a catheter device includes expandable occlusion elements in the form of inflatable balloons that can be used to isolate a proximal and distal end of a pancreatic portion of the splenic artery. In another embodiment, the occlusion elements include a filter element instead of a balloon. In some embodiments, targeted delivery of stem cells to the pancreatic tail can be achieved for treatment of, for example, diabetes. In some embodiments, an arterial section of the splenic artery can be isolated for selective perfusion of therapeutic cells/drugs to the tail of the pancreas.