Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices used to recognize the extent and deepness of infarcted tissue, such as chronic myocardial infarcted tissue. This applies to the heart tissue, but can also be used to assess cicatricial processes in other organs. Examples include injecting pulses of alternating current at a broadband of frequencies while measuring the voltage signal continuously (at a very high sampling rate) to obtain the electrical impedance (Z(f,t)) during the entire cardiac cycle. The impedance measurements may be taken using an intracavitary electrocatheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for stimulating mechanically or electromechanically stem cell monolayer and 3D cultures for tissue engineering applications are disclosed. A bracket is proposed to be used in a disposable stimulation device. A disposable stimulation device is also proposed for accommodating a cell culture in a flexible area. Finally, an apparatus is proposed to mechanically extend the disposable stimulation device to induce mechanical stimulation. Additionally, a pair of electrodes placed at two opposing sides of the flexible area creates an electric field to induce electrical stimulation. Accordingly, a method to stimulate electromechanically a cell culture is proposed.