Abstract: A device and associated method for centrifuging a physiological fluid includes a syringe including a tip, a base and a barrel extending between the tip and the base to hold a physiological fluid. The syringe includes a plunger positioned within the barrel and the plunger includes a plunger seal in sealing engagement with an inside wall of the barrel. An exoskeleton is provided to support the syringe at least partially within the exoskeleton for use in a centrifuge. The syringe is removably coupled to the exoskeleton using an interference fit. The method includes holding the physiological fluid in the syringe, supporting the syringe at least partially within the exoskeleton, and centrifuging the physiological fluid in the syringe supported by the exoskeleton.

Abstract: A system and associated method for concentrating and separating components of different densities from fluid containing cells using a centrifuge includes a container defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The container has a top, a sidewall extending from the top, and a bottom disposed opposite the top and in sealing engagement with the sidewall. An insert is slidably disposed in the cavity of the container and defines a lumen through the insert. The lumen, which includes a hole and a funnel-shaped upper portion in fluid communication with the hole, forms an open fluid path between opposite ends of the insert. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the lumen. A container port is disposed in the top of the container to transfer the fluid into the container and to withdraw a fluid component other than the selected component from the container.

Abstract: A bone marrow access device includes a cannula and a sharp stylet removably positioned in the cannula. The cannula defines a distal opening at a distal tip and a side aperture in a side of the cannula, proximally from the distal opening. The stylet has a sharp distal tip and extends beyond the distal opening. A plug is receivable in the cannula distal to the side aperture to seal the distal opening when the stylet is removed. A method of accessing bone includes inserting the cannula and sharp stylet positioned in the cannula into bone; removing the sharp stylet from the cannula; pushing a plug through the cannula and distal to the side aperture to seal the distal opening of the cannula; and accessing the bone through the side aperture. Accessing the bone can include aspirating bone marrow, injecting a substance, or inserting an instrument into the bone.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and related method includes an introducer assembly and an aspiration assembly to couple to the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly includes an introducer cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The introducer cannula defines a lumen between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being configured to penetrate bone of a patient. The aspiration assembly includes an aspiration cannula that is receivable in the lumen of the introducer cannula and that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration cannula includes a port to aspirate bone marrow, the port being distal to the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration device further includes a mechanism at the introducer assembly to move the introducer cannula and the aspiration cannula in tandem relative to a distal end of the mechanism when the aspiration cannula is positioned within bone.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and associated method includes an introducer needle assembly and an aspiration needle assembly. The introducer needle assembly includes an introducer cannula having proximal and distal ends, each end including an opening, and a screw assembly coupled to the introducer handle. The screw assembly includes a threaded tube and a lead screw receivable in the threaded tube. An outer cover is disposed around and in sealing engagement with the threaded tube and the lead screw. The aspiration needle assembly is receivable in the introducer cannula and includes an aspiration cannula forming a channel for aspirating bone marrow and including a flexible portion that extends from a distal end along a length of the aspiration cannula. A length of the aspiration cannula that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula is adjustable by advancing the lead screw into or reversing the lead screw out of the threaded tube.

Abstract: A system and associated method for concentrating and separating components of different densities from fluid containing cells using a centrifuge includes a container defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The container has a top, a sidewall extending from the top, and a bottom disposed opposite the top and in sealing engagement with the sidewall. An insert is slidably disposed in the cavity of the container and defines a lumen through the insert. The lumen, which includes a hole and a funnel-shaped upper portion in fluid communication with the hole, forms an open fluid path between opposite ends of the insert. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the lumen. A container port is disposed in the top of the container to transfer the fluid into the container and to withdraw a fluid component other than the selected component from the container.

Abstract: A bone marrow access device includes a cannula and a sharp stylet removably positioned in the cannula. The cannula defines a distal opening at a distal tip and a side aperture in a side of the cannula, proximally from the distal opening. The stylet has a sharp distal tip and extends beyond the distal opening. A plug is receivable in the cannula distal to the side aperture to seal the distal opening when the stylet is removed. A method of accessing bone includes inserting the cannula and sharp stylet positioned in the cannula into bone; removing the sharp stylet from the cannula; pushing a plug through the cannula and distal to the side aperture to seal the distal opening of the cannula; and accessing the bone through the side aperture. Accessing the bone can include aspirating bone marrow, injecting a substance, or inserting an instrument into the bone.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and associated method includes an introducer needle assembly and an aspiration needle assembly. The introducer needle assembly includes an introducer cannula having proximal and distal ends, each end including an opening, and a screw assembly coupled to the introducer handle. The screw assembly includes a threaded tube and a lead screw receivable in the threaded tube. An outer cover is disposed around and in sealing engagement with the threaded tube and the lead screw. The aspiration needle assembly is receivable in the introducer cannula and includes an aspiration cannula forming a channel for aspirating bone marrow and including a flexible portion that extends from a distal end along a length of the aspiration cannula. A length of the aspiration cannula that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula is adjustable by advancing the lead screw into or reversing the lead screw out of the threaded tube.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and associated method includes an introducer needle and an aspiration needle. The introducer needle includes an introducer cannula and a removable introducer stylet that includes a sharp tip to penetrate bone. The aspiration needle includes an optionally flexible aspiration cannula and a blunt stylet. The aspiration needle is receivable in the introducer cannula when the introducer stylet is removed from the introducer needle. The aspiration cannula forms a channel for aspirating bone marrow when the stylet is removed. The aspiration device also includes a locking mechanism to lock the aspiration cannula to the introducer cannula when the aspiration cannula is received in the introducer cannula, whereby the aspiration cannula can be advanced distally relative to the introducer cannula in a controlled manner, and whereby pulling the aspiration cannula proximally causes the introducer cannula to move proximally with the aspiration cannula.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and associated method includes an introducer needle and an aspiration needle. The introducer needle includes an introducer cannula and a removable introducer stylet that includes a sharp tip to penetrate bone. The aspiration needle includes an optionally flexible aspiration cannula and a blunt stylet. The aspiration needle is receivable in the introducer cannula when the introducer stylet is removed from the introducer needle. The aspiration cannula forms a channel for aspirating bone marrow when the stylet is removed. The aspiration device also includes a locking mechanism to lock the aspiration cannula to the introducer cannula when the aspiration cannula is received in the introducer cannula, whereby the aspiration cannula can be advanced distally relative to the introducer cannula in a controlled manner, and whereby pulling the aspiration cannula proximally causes the introducer cannula to move proximally with the aspiration cannula.

Abstract: A bone marrow access device includes a cannula and a sharp stylet removably positioned in the cannula. The cannula defines a distal opening at a distal tip and a side aperture in a side of the cannula, proximally from the distal opening. The stylet has a sharp distal tip and extends beyond the distal opening. A plug is receivable in the cannula distal to the side aperture to seal the distal opening when the stylet is removed. A method of accessing bone includes inserting the cannula and sharp stylet positioned in the cannula into bone; removing the sharp stylet from the cannula; pushing a plug through the cannula and distal to the side aperture to seal the distal opening of the cannula; and accessing the bone through the side aperture. Accessing the bone can include aspirating bone marrow, injecting a substance, or inserting an instrument into the bone.

Abstract: The anatomic and functional arrangement of the gastrointestinal tract suggests an important function of this organ is its ability to regulate the trafficking of metabolites as well as control the equilibrium between tolerance and immunity through gut-associated lymphoid tissue, the neuroendocrine network, and the intestinal epithelial barrier. Combining nucleated cells from various tissues and introducing them directly into the small intestine will have a positive effect on diabetes.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and associated method includes an introducer needle assembly and an aspiration needle assembly. The introducer needle assembly includes an introducer cannula having proximal and distal ends, each end including an opening, and a screw assembly coupled to the introducer handle. The screw assembly includes a threaded tube and a lead screw receivable in the threaded tube. An outer cover is disposed around and in sealing engagement with the threaded tube and the lead screw. The aspiration needle assembly is receivable in the introducer cannula and includes an aspiration cannula forming a channel for aspirating bone marrow and including a flexible portion that extends from a distal end along a length of the aspiration cannula. A length of the aspiration cannula that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula is adjustable by advancing the lead screw into or reversing the lead screw out of the threaded tube.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and related method includes an introducer assembly and an aspiration assembly to couple to the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly includes an introducer cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The introducer cannula defines a lumen between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being configured to penetrate bone of a patient. The aspiration assembly includes an aspiration cannula that is receivable in the lumen of the introducer cannula and that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration cannula includes a port to aspirate bone marrow, the port being distal to the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration device further includes a mechanism at the introducer assembly to move the introducer cannula and the aspiration cannula in tandem relative to a distal end of the mechanism when the aspiration cannula is positioned within bone.

Abstract: The anatomic and functional arrangement of the gastrointestinal tract suggests an important function of this organ is its ability to regulate the trafficking of metabolites as well as control the equilibrium between tolerance and immunity through gut-associated lymphoid tissue, the neuroendocrine network, and the intestinal epithelial barrier. Combining nucleated cells from various tissues and introducing them directly into the small intestine will have a positive effect on diabetes.

Abstract: A system and associated method for concentrating and separating components of different densities from fluid containing cells using a centrifuge includes a container defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The container has a top, a sidewall extending from the top, and a bottom disposed opposite the top and in sealing engagement with the sidewall. An insert is slidably disposed in the cavity of the container and defines a lumen through the insert. The lumen, which includes a hole and a funnel-shaped upper portion in fluid communication with the hole, forms an open fluid path between opposite ends of the insert. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the lumen. A container port is disposed in the top of the container to transfer the fluid into the container and to withdraw a fluid component other than the selected component from the container.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and associated method includes an introducer needle and an aspiration needle. The introducer needle includes an introducer cannula and a removable introducer stylet that includes a sharp tip to penetrate bone. The aspiration needle includes an optionally flexible aspiration cannula and a blunt stylet. The aspiration needle is receivable in the introducer cannula when the introducer stylet is removed from the introducer needle. The aspiration cannula forms a channel for aspirating bone marrow when the stylet is removed. The aspiration device also includes a locking mechanism to lock the aspiration cannula to the introducer cannula when the aspiration cannula is received in the introducer cannula, whereby the aspiration cannula can be advanced distally relative to the introducer cannula in a controlled manner, and whereby pulling the aspiration cannula proximally causes the introducer cannula to move proximally with the aspiration cannula.

Abstract: The anatomic and functional arrangement of the gastrointestinal tract suggests an important function of this organ is its ability to regulate the trafficking of metabolites as well as control the equilibrium between tolerance and immunity through gut-associated lymphoid tissue, the neuroendocrine network, and the intestinal epithelial barrier. Combining nucleated cells from various tissues and introducing them directly into the small intestine will have a positive effect on diabetes.