Abstract: A medical practitioner can specify certain parameters for a procedure that involves delivering a therapeutic agent, while leaving other parameters open. The therapeutic agent can be sensitive to biomechanical forces (or other influences) associated with delivery. The procedure can involve regenerative medicine, for example delivering progenitor or stem cells to a diseased heart using a catheter, whereby unbridled transport in the catheter may compromise efficacy. The open parameters can influence efficacy of the agent and thus therapeutic outcome. A computer-based system can apply stored information, such as from databases, to narrow the possible values of the open parameters. From the narrowed possibilities, an optimization routine can determine suitable or optimized values for the open parameters. The determined values can manage biomechanical forces incurred by the therapeutic agent, thereby promoting efficacy and healing. The optimized parameters can guide the practitioner in the procedure.

Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device. A removable treatment cartridge having a lumen forming part of the fluid path may also be provided, and a storage sleeve for the treatment cartridge may be of a radiation-blocking material, such as quartz.

Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device. A removable treatment cartridge having a lumen forming part of the fluid path may also be provided, and a storage sleeve for the treatment cartridge may be of a radiation-blocking material, such as quartz.

Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device. A removable treatment cartridge having a lumen forming part of the fluid path may also be provided, and a storage sleeve for the treatment cartridge may be of a radiation-blocking material, such as quartz.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. In one embodiment, a device for distending a blood vessel of a human or animal is provided which comprises a stretching mechanism attachable directly to a blood vessel at at least two attachment positions thereon, and a means for operating the stretching mechanism to cause the blood vessel portion between said at least two attachment positions to be stretched axially. The distended portion can then be excised and used as a graft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a vascular graft in vitro by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. The apparatus comprises a chamber containing a tissue culture medium, an inlet cannula, an outlet cannula, and a means for moving the inlet cannula, the outlet cannula, or both, to axially stretch a donor blood vessel secured between the inlet cannula and the outlet cannula in a submerged position in the tissue culture medium, wherein the inlet cannula, the outlet cannula, and the donor blood vessel are secured together to form a conduit through which the tissue culture medium can flow.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed employing ionizing radiation for forming lines of ablation or lesions in cardiac tissue to treat atrial fibrillation or other electrophysiological problems with the heart. The apparatus may include a catheter in which the radiation source is advanced hydraulically after the catheter is in place within the heart. Various fixation devices are also disclosed for fixing the location of the catheter within the heart.

Abstract: Intravascular devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. These devices advantageously can be implanted via a catheter, thereby eliminating the need for a more invasive implantation procedure when the stretching is to be done in vivo. Preferably, the device for axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth of the vessel includes an intravascular stretching mechanism attachable directly to an interior lumen portion of the blood vessel, and a means for operating the stretching mechanism to cause the vessel to distend axially. The stretching mechanism can include a pair of wires or stents that engage the blood vessel wall. Components of the stretching mechanism can include a shape memory material.