Abstract: Anti-resorptive bone cements, comprising an anti-resorptive amount of one or more anti-resorptive agents, preferably the anti-resorptive agent is a bisphosphonate. The anti-resorptive bone cements are useful for reducing bone voids and bonding prosthetic devices to bone. The invention also relates to anti-resorptive allogeneic, autografic, and xenografic bone grafts, which bone grafts comprise an anti-resorptive amount of an anti-resorptive agent such as a bisphosphonate. The anti-resorptive bone grafts are useful for reconstructive bone surgery.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for growing cells under static or dynamic physiological pressure which contains a cell culture cassette having a cassette frame; two side walls secured to each side of the cassette frame to form a cell growing chamber, and at least one side wall comprises a cell growth surface. The apparatus also contains a means for adjusting fluid pressure or flow, for providing culture media or cell culture, or for sampling cell culture or culture media within the cell growing chamber. The apparatus further contains an adapter which contains two side assemblies where each side assembly includes a frame with a rigid support that fits over the cell culture cassette. The side assemblies joined by a hinge at one end and positioned over the two side walls of the cell culture cassette. The apparatus further contains a means to secure the two side assemblies over the two side walls of the cell culture cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing cells in a 2-D cell cassette having a matrix for cell growth under pressure comprising two side assemblies which include a frame with a rigid support that fits over the 2-D cell cassette, with said assemblies positioned on either side of the cassette over the solid support sides, and a means to secure the sides of the cassette. The invention also provides different uses of this apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing cells in a 2-D cell cassette having a matrix for cell growth under pressure comprising two side assemblies which include a frame with a rigid support that fits over the 2-D cell cassette, with said assemblies positioned on either side of the cassette over the solid support sides, and a means to secure the sides of the cassette. The invention also provides different uses of this apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for reducing interstitial fluid pressure in tissue, particularly in tumors. The apparatus includes an aspiration probe with at least one slit along its body to provide fluid communication between the aspiration probe and the tissue. Suction in the chamber of the aspiration probe generated by a suction source reduces the interstitial fluid pressure. Compared to prior art devices, the geometry of the slit of the aspiration probe is less likely to become blocked. The present invention also includes a cleaning obturator to unclog the slit and a blocking obturator to prevent accumulation of tissue in the aspiration probe chamber when suction is off. The blocking obturator can be made of a number of biocompatible materials, including a material impregnated with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for reducing interstitial fluid pressure in tissue, particularly in tumors. The apparatus includes an aspiration probe with at least one slit along its body to provide fluid communication between the aspiration probe and the tissue. Suction in the chamber of the aspiration probe generated by a suction source reduces the interstitial fluid pressure. Compared to prior art devices, the geometry of the slit of the aspiration probe is less likely to become blocked. The present invention also includes a cleaning obturator to unclog the slit and a blocking obturator to prevent accumulation of tissue in the aspiration probe chamber when suction is off. The blocking obturator can be made of a number of biocompatible materials, including a material impregnated with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for reducing interstitial fluid pressure in tissue, particularly in tumors. The apparatus includes an aspiration probe with at least one slit along its body to provide fluid communication between the aspiration probe and the tissue. Suction in the chamber of the aspiration probe generated by a suction source reduces the interstitial fluid pressure. Compared to prior art devices, the geometry of the slit of the aspiration probe is less likely to become blocked. The present invention also includes a cleaning obturator to unclog the slit and a blocking obturator to prevent accumulation of tissue in the aspiration probe chamber when suction is off. The blocking obturator can be made of a number of biocompatible materials, including a material impregnated with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing interstitial fluid pressure in tissues, particularly in tumors, by applying suction to the interior of the tissue. The method comprises inserting into the tissue one or more needle-like, elongated tubes, each having at least one hole at or near the end that is inserted into the tissue and each having means to apply suction to the protruding end. The reduced pressure produced inside the tissue by this method is useful to: facilitate penetration by drugs and therapeutic macromolecules into the tissue; enhance radiation treatment of tumors by increasing the oxygen supply in the tumor; and remove fluid to reduce edema in tissues, e.g. brain edema. Means may be provided to measure the pressure within the tissue and to use this measurement to control the suction applied to the tissue through the tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for monitoring the perfusion rate of a liquid through the tissue of a living animal. The apparatus and method involve contacting the tissue with an electrode probe and at least one sensor probe at a predetermined spaced relation to the electrode probe. A continuous electrical current is applied to the electrode probe to generate in situ in the tissue a gaseous substance the concentration of which may be measured by the sensor member. The electrical current is applied at a rate which maintains the concentration at a selected level, the perfusion rate being derived as a function of the quantum of electrical current required to be applied. The diffusion rate of the substance through the fluid may be mathematically derived through the use of additional sensor probes and the diffusion rate may be subtracted from the measured perfusion rate. In this manner a constant monitoring of perfusion rate is obtained.