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: 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: 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: A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tumor through a target vessel includes delivering the therapeutic agent through a lumen of a catheter which has been coated or otherwise structured to reduce the wall shear stress during delivery of the immunotherapy and by generating turbulent flow during the delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method for delivering an immunotherapy agent to a tumor includes advancing the delivery device into a vessel of a patient, and infusing the agent under pressure into the vessel to penetrate the tumor. The delivery device prevents reflux of the agent toward non-treatment sites.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic agent into a patient vessel with a delivery device is provided. The delivery device includes an infusion lumen through which the agent is delivered, a vessel occluder that can be operated between a collapsed and an expanded configuration, and when in the expanded configuration occludes the vessel, and a pressure sensor shielded from the effects of turbulent flow at an exit of the infusion lumen. The shield pressure sensor is able to accurately sense pressure in the vessel. The sensed pressure is used to determine a dwell time for the vessel occluder in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An endovascular treatment device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter and a vessel occluder coupled to the catheter. The occluder includes a construction of elastic filaments that are fixed to the outer surface of the catheter. The filaments extend radially and distally outward from their proximal ends and then invert and are fixed back at the catheter proximal of the distal end of the catheter. The occluder can be elastically deformed to fit vessels of various sizes. The catheter includes a lumen through which a therapeutic agent is delivered beyond the occluder.

Abstract: A guiding catheter has a proximal portion constructed of a tubular braid and a shape-retentive distal portion including a superelastic hypotube cut to define particular mating, support, shape-retentive and flexibility characteristics. A tubular liner extends through both of the tubular braid and the hypotube. The hypotube is joined to the braid using a mechanical interlock that has high torque transfer from the braid to the hypotube. A short portion of high stiffness polymer tube is provided at a joint between the braid and the hypotube. A polymeric outer jacket is provided over the proximal and distal portions, including the polymer tube. The jacket is heat set over the hypotube to remove residual stress.

Abstract: An atraumatic vessel occlusive system includes a flexible tubular member with an infusion lumen, a vessel occluder mounted at the distal end of the tubular member, and a pressure sensor located within a chamber defined by the occluder. The occluder has a braided construct provided with a fluid impermeable membrane over its proximal portion and a fluid permeable covering over its distal portion. The pressure sensor is adapted to sense pressure within the vessel through the fluid permeable membrane without being subject to the effects of turbulent flow at the exit of the infusion lumen. The accurately sensed pressure can be used to determine a dwell time for the occluder.

Abstract: A guiding catheter has a proximal portion constructed of a tubular braid and a shape-retentive distal portion including a superelastic hypotube cut to define particular mating, support, shape-retentive and flexibility characteristics. A tubular liner extends through both of the tubular braid and the hypotube. The hypotube is joined to the braid using a mechanical interlock that has high torque transfer from the braid to the hypotube. A short portion of high stiffness polymer tube is provided at a joint between the braid and the hypotube. A polymeric outer jacket is provided over the proximal and distal portions, including the polymer tube. The jacket is heat set over the hypotube to remove residual stress.

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.

Abstract: Systems with 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.