Abstract: The present invention provides a method for repairing damaged myocardium. The method comprises using a combination of cellular cardiomyoplasty and electrostimulation for myogenic predifferentiation of stem cells and to synchronize the contractions of the transplanted cells with the cardiac cells. The method comprises the steps of obtaining stem or myogenic cells from a donor, culturing and electrostimulating the isolated cells in vitro, and implanting the cells into the damaged myocardium.

Abstract: A method for deploying an endoluminal prosthesis by introducing into a bifurcated vessel a sheath introducer having therein a bifurcated graft with a primary and contralateral limb. The contralateral limb being radially retained independent of the sheath introducer. The graft being positionable by an insertion catheter. When the graft is in position within the vessel, a retaining device about the contralateral limb is broken and the graft takes the shape of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying an endoluminal prosthesis for engrafting a blood vessel. The apparatus includes a bifurcated graft that is able to conform to the interior surface of the blood vessel and can be deployed through a single entry site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: A biological pacemaker and implantation catheter for restoring normal or near normal heartbeat function without a mechanical pacemaker. The biological pacemaker is provided by a bridge of implantation cells, such as nerve cells, stem cells or ganglion cells, that are introduced into an area of electrical malfunction, such as an impaired SA node or a blocked AV node. The implantation cells grow to form a conductive cell bridge around the malfunction area so that a new pathway is provided for the electrical signals responsible for triggering heart beat contractions. The implantation catheter has a central nerve cell injection needle connected to a syringe or the like via a cell injection tube, and two elongated lateral stabilizing needles. The catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in a patient's leg, arm, shoulder or the like, and advanced until the catheter's distal end is located above the malfunction area.

Abstract: A catheter-based deployment system for deploying cellular material (22) into the heart muscle (25). The deployment system includes a guiding catheter (19) and a needle assembly (31) capable of sliding within the guiding catheter. The needle assembly (31) terminates in a tip (34) having at least one side with an opening (43) in communication with a lumen (20) disposed within the needle assembly (31). Once the guiding catheter (19) is positioned the needle assembly (31) is advanced until the tip (34) penetrates the muscle wall (25). At a predetermined depth the cellular material (22) may be deployed into the muscle wall (25) via a push rod (46) disposed through the lumen of the needle assembly (31).

Abstract: A multi-stage stent graft for implantation into a blood vessel is disclosed. Each stage or layer may comprise radially compressible spring stents with or without a fabric covering, or may comprise a foamed tube. The various stages or layers may also have an adhesive coated thereon. The multi-stage stented graft and the adhesive coatings provide a surface for the ingrowth of cells and promote healing. Also disclosed is a coaxial delivery system for the delivery and endovascular assembly of the multi-stage stented graft during one trip into the vasculature.

Abstract: A method of autogenous cell patch cardio myoplasty using noninvasive thoracoscopy is disclosed. A patient's greater omentum is separated from its point of attachment to either the greater curvature of the stomach or the transverse colon. All open blood vessels in the greater omentum are ligated to permanently arrest bleeding. The greater omentum is introduced into the left pleural cavity through an opening in the diaphragm. Muscle grafts are removed from skeletal muscle tissue of the patient and an opening is formed in the pericardium to expose an area of damaged myocardium. Following attachment of the skeletal muscle grafts to either the greater omentum or the damaged myocardium area, preferably using an advanced muscle graft implantation system, the greater omentum is wrapped around the heart and attached thereto in order to reinforce the muscle grafts and enrich them with blood flow from the greater omentum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: A multi-stage stent graft for implantation into a blood vessel is disclosed. Each stage or layer may comprise radially compressible spring stents with or without a fabric covering, or may comprise a foamed tube. The various stages or layers may also have an adhesive coated thereon. The multi-stage stented graft and the adhesive coatings provide a surface for the ingrowth of cells and promote healing. Also disclosed is a coaxial delivery system for the delivery and endovascular assembly of the multi-stage stented graft during one trip into the vasculature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engrafting a blood vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with an interior surface of the vessel, with bifurcated and adjustable length embodiments being disclosed. Apparatus for deploying the graft includes an insertion catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon-at a remote end thereof for dilation and occlusion of the vessel, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions into conformance with the interior surface of the vessel. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed graft, and a micro-emboli filter tube, are usable with the deployment apparatus. A method of percutaneously implanting a graft, including a single-entry method for percutaneously implanting a bifurcated graft, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-stage stent graft for implantation into a blood vessel is disclosed. Each stage or layer may comprise radially compressible spring stents with or without a fabric covering, or may comprise a foamed tube. The various stages or layers may also have an adhesive coated thereon. The multi-stage stented graft and the adhesive coatings provide a surface for the in growth of cells and promote healing. Also disclosed is a coaxial delivery system for the delivery and endovascular assembly of the multi-stage stented graft during one trip into the vasculature.

Abstract: A radiation delivery catheter with inflatable chambers which provide a layer of radiation of minimum effective dose possible to be delivered as close as possible to the origin of disease within a blood vessel. The device can be centered within the true lumen of a vessel to provide even dispersion of the radiation agent to the outer wall of the vessel. The catheter comprises two central self centering balloons, one thin radiation agent inflatable chamber, and one radiation spread cloaking inflatable chamber with high strength properties resistant to rupture.

Abstract: An artificial valve stent for maintaining patent one way flow within a biological passage is disclosed. The artificial valve includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with the interior surface of a generally tubular passage. Also disclosed is a deployment catheter including an inner catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon at its the distal end for dilation and occlusion of the passage, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of and proximal to the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions in conformance with the interior surface of the passage. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed or functioning artificial valve, and a microembolic filter tube are usable with the deployment catheter.

Abstract: A method whereby a programmable signal source produces a desired output signal which is transferred by a conduit means or conducting means into a patient by percutaneous venous insertion. The output signal is either vibrational or electrical. If vibrational, the conduit means or one or more transducers radiates the output signal into the treatment site within a patient. If electrical, one or more transducers receive the output signal and convert the output signal into vibration and then radiate it into the treatment site within a patient. The treatment site is the location of a catheter or other intravenous device, residing within the patient for the purposes of gas exchange in the blood stream or for other long-term treatment. The presence of the vibration increases the efficiency of intravenous gas exchanging devices significantly, and prevents clot formation on the surface of intravenous devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engrafting a blood vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with an interior surface of the vessel, with bifurcated and adjustable length embodiments being disclosed. Apparatus for deploying the graft includes an insertion catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon at a remote end thereof for dilation and occlusion of the vessel, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions into conformance with the interior surface of the vessel. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed graft, and a micro-emboli filter tube, are usable with the deployment apparatus. A method of percutaneously implanting a graft, including a single-entry method for percutaneously implanting a bifurcated graft, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible and kink-proof intra-cavity delivery catheter for precise placement and injection of therapeutic agent(s) into and/or through the wall of a body cavity at a precise treatment site with even distribution throughout. One or more needle assemblies are disposed around a calibrated balloon which, when inflated, brings each needle assembly into contact with and enables the piercing of the cavity wall to a calibrated depth. Each needle assembly consists of a plurality of tissue insertion needles along the longitudinal axis of the needle assembly. Precise amounts of the therapeutic agent are then quickly delivered through the needle assembly directly into the diseased body tissue. When the calibrated balloon is deflated, retraction members pull the needle assemblies back into the catheter body for catheter repositioning or catheter withdrawal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for engrafting a blood vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tubular graft of a preselected cross section having a proximal and distal end containing compressable and expandable nitinol springs, and connecting bars to facilitate physical communication between both springs. Furthermore, the apparatus contains a transport and deployment member for delivering said hollow tublar graft to an engrafting site within a blood vessel. The transport and deployment apparatus is comprised of an insertion catheter having a graft balloon and a tip balloon, as well as multiple inner tracks for injection of fluid into said balloons and the blood vessel interior. The method includes transport and deployment of said graft, as well as non surgical movement and removal of said graft in the event of misplacement.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a polyurethane balloon catheter from a length of tubing of such material wherein the tubing is placed in a mold of the desired final expanded shape, the mold and tubing are immersed in a bath of warm water, and air pressure is introduced into the tubing to effect the expansion and then withdrawn to allow the removal of the balloon.