Abstract: A treatment device for use in a vessel includes a catheter and a microvalve. A flexible low friction reconfigurable cover is attached at or adjacent a distal end of the microvalve. The cover is deployed between the occluder and the vessel wall to intervene between the occluder and the vessel wall during movement of the occluder relative to the vessel wall to reduce occurrence of vascular spasm.

Abstract: A vascular treatment device for use in a vessel includes a catheter and a microvalve occluder. The occluder includes braided elastic strands, each with a proximal portion, a central portion, and a distal portion, that are fixed to the outer surface of the catheter. The elastic strands. In an embodiment, the distal portions are attached circumferentially about an outer surface of the catheter at a location toward the distal end of the catheter, the central portions extend proximal and radially outward from the distal end, and the proximal portions of the strands are inverted back radially within the central portions are and coupled circumferentially about the outer surface of the catheter at a location proximally displaced from the distal portions. The proximal portion of the microvalve is coated in a fluid-impermeable membrane, and the distal portions of the strands are substantially uncoated.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system includes a catheter, a vascular occluder, a pressure sensor system, and a pump system. The vascular occluder is provided at the distal end of the catheter. The pressure sensor system is provided to sense pressure at the distal end of a catheter lumen, and provides feedback to the pump system. The pump system is adapted to control the rate of infusion of the therapeutic agent through the lumen of the catheter based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor system. A method includes deploying the occluder in a vessel, and then sensing a pressure in the vessel. The therapeutic agent is infused into the vessel at a flow rate based on the sensed pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes combination therapies comprising an antagonist of Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD-1) and a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist that is a CpG-C type oligonucleotide, and the use of the combination therapies for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system includes a catheter, a vascular occluder, a pressure sensor system, and a pump system. The vascular occluder is provided at a distal end of the catheter. The pressure sensor system is provided to sense pressure at a distal end of a catheter lumen, and provides feedback to the pump system. The pump system is adapted to control a rate of infusion of a therapeutic agent through the catheter lumen based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor system. A method includes deploying the vascular occluder in a vessel, and then sensing a pressure in the vessel. The therapeutic agent is infused into the vessel at a flow rate based on the sensed pressure in the vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods of treating cancer and methods of delivering toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to solid tumors in the pancreas using a locoregional therapy through the vasculature. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating pancreatic cancer comprising administering TLR agonists to the pancreas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for methods of treating cancer and methods of delivering toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to solid tumors in the liver using a locoregional therapy through the vasculature. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating metastases of uveal melanoma of the liver comprising administering TLR9 agonists to the liver.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for an optimized tissue homogenization buffer composition and a method of using an optimized tissue homogenization buffer for efficient quantitation of a therapeutic oligonucleotide in multiple tissues. The exemplary method comprising: mixing the tissue with a homogenization buffer composition to create a tissue homogenate; adding the tissue homogenate to a quantity of oligonucleotide-free plasma to create a tissue homogenate solution; adding a quantity of a reference standard oligonucleotide to the tissue homogenate solution to create a homogenate/plasma/standard solution; adding a quantity of a phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol to the homogenate/plasma/standard solution; employing centrifugal force to separate a supernatant from the homogenate/plasma/standard solution; and analyzing the supernatant for a concentration of the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a polymer-coated elastic braid including forming a plurality of elastic filaments into a braid. The braid is mounted within a tubular mandrel. The mandrel-mounted braid is dip-coating in a polymer solution containing a polymer and at least one solvent. The dip-coated braid is then heated to release the at least one solvent. Then, the dip-coated mandrel-mounted braid is cooled to solidify the polymer on the braid. The braid is then removed from the mandrel. The braid can be attached to a catheter for use as a microvalve in a vessel.

Abstract: Methods are provided for delivering a treatment therapy to treat an organ diagnosed with a disease state. The methods include delivering a first therapeutic agent into systemic circulation at a first flow rate, and delivering a second therapeutic agent directly into a vessel feeding the organ at a higher second flow rate than the first flow rate in a manner that prevents the second treatment agent from circulating systemically.

Abstract: The invention provides immunomodulatory polynucleotides and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory polynucleotides.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a guide sheath, and a catheter provided with a pressure-controlled element. The pressure-control element preferably includes an expanded configuration adapted to extend across a small feeder vessel branching from the splenic vein. The pressure-control element is positioned with the feeder vessel, and a therapeutic agent is delivered under pressure directly into the feeder vessel, where it is forced to penetrate deep into tissue. Pressure responsive elements for monitoring intravascular pressure are also provided to time delivery of the therapeutic agent for maximum uptake by the target organ. Methods for treating tissues and organs via vascular pathways are provided.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a dual lumen catheter system. The first lumen is open to systemic circulation. The second lumen is open to a target delivery location. In an embodiment, a pressure-control element is provided that includes an expanded configuration adapted to constrain delivery through the second lumen to the target delivery location. Methods for treating tissues and organs via vascular pathways are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides immunomodulatory polynucleotides and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory polynucleotides.

Abstract: A method is provided for infusing a therapeutic. The method includes providing a microvalve device having an inner catheter longitudinally displaceable relative to an outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the inner catheter adjacent the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters such that longitudinal displacement of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter permits the filter valve to be reconfigured from a first configuration to a second configuration. The filter valve is advanced to a target location in via a blood vessel in which the filter valve is configured under tension. Then in an embodiment, the tension is released and the filter valve is placed under compression. Then the therapeutic agent is infused through the inner catheter and out of the orifice of the inner catheter beyond the filter valve.