Abstract: Measuring microvascular pulsatility using velocity-selective ASL. An example method includes: magnetically labelling blood flow in a target area of a subject using a velocity-selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) technique with a cutoff velocity by performing operations including: applying a first velocity-selective (VS) pulse sequence with the cutoff velocity to mark a leading edge of a blood bolus; and applying a second VS pulse sequence with the cutoff velocity to mark a trailing edge of the blood bolus; acquiring VSASL signals of the blood bolus for voxels corresponding to the target area; for each of the voxels, obtaining signal intensity information over a cardiac cycle by performing retroactive cardiac gating on the acquired VSASL signals corresponding to the voxel; and determining a pulsatility index for the voxel based on the signal intensity information; and generating a voxel-wise pulsatility index map for the target area using the pulsatility indexes of the voxels.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein concern a device for implantation of a cellular transplant into a target region of a subject. The device includes: a handpiece; a shaft anchored with the handpiece and extending distally therefrom; and a tubular sheath. The shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, a curved portion, and forceps at the distal end thereof. The forceps include a pair of distal tips configured to releasably grasp the cellular transplant. The tubular sheath is movably coupled to and extending distally from the handpiece. The tubular sheath includes a distal opening and a lumen configured to slidably receive the shaft and the forceps therein. In a non-deployed state, the distal tips of the forceps are positioned within the lumen of the tubular sheath, and, in a deployed state, the distal tips of the forceps are positioned partially outside the distal opening of the tubular sheath.

Abstract: A cell transplant carrier including a carrier plate and a carrier housing. The carrier plate includes a body and one or more chambers defined in the body. Each of the one or more chambers is configured to receive a cell transplant and is shaped to cause the cell transplant to be at least partially exposed in order to permit removal of the cell transplant therefrom. The carrier housing includes a carrier plate opening leading to an inner compartment configured to removably receive the carrier plate.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for performing Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). The device includes a tray for loading a corneal graft, a permeable cap, and a handle for facilitating delivery of the corneal graft into the eye of the recipient. The tray is configured such that the corneal graft is tri-folded on the tray or folded on the donor cornea. The permeable cap allows for hydration and protection of the graft during transit. When it is time to deliver the corneal graft into the eye of the recipient, the tray can be loaded onto the handle after the caps are be removed. A method according to the present invention includes a corneal graft being loaded onto the tray, covered with the permeable cap, and transmitted to the facility doing the corneal transplant.