Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a cleavable microneedle for delivery of therapeutic agent, wherein the needle includes a longitudinal body having a detachable portion that comprises at least one therapeutic agent. The microneedle may be configured to administer the therapeutic agent to the inner ear of a subject. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a microneedle using two-photon polymerization lithography.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for delivery of therapeutic agents across membranes such as to the inner ear. The system includes a plurality of microneedles that can be delivered to the round window membrane by a delivery device, e.g. catheter, and is capable of controlled penetration of the round window membrane to create temporary and self-closing perforations.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear having a distal portion including a plurality of apices and a plurality of valleys therebetween defining a plurality of serrated blades. An apparatus for controlled penetration of a membrane of the inner ear includes a member having a distal portion, and an outer surface defining a circumference around the member, the member defines a plurality of apices extending from a distal end of said member, a plurality of valleys, wherein each valley is disposed between neighboring apices, a plurality of cutting edges defined by the plurality of apices and the plurality of valleys disposed on the outer circumference of the member; a tip at a most distal end of each of the apices, and a trailing edge extending from the tip to the center of the member.

Abstract: A microneedle having a body including a base, shaft and pointed tip, and at least one lumen disposed within the shaft. The lumen having an opening that is offset from the tip and open to the exterior of the microneedle.

Abstract: A transcatheter dilatable valve tube prosthesis is provided including a tubular member capable of plastic deformation from a first dimension to a second dimension; a valve component having a plurality of leaflets. The valve component is capable of expansion from the first dimension to the second dimension, and the valve component is secured to an interior portion of the tubular member by an elastomeric glue at two circumferential portions defining an annular cavity therein. An expandable stent is positioned in the annular cavity between the valve component and the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear having a distal portion including a plurality of apices and a plurality of valleys therebetween defining a plurality of serrated blades.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a cleavable microneedle for delivery of therapeutic agent, wherein the needle includes a longitudinal body having a detachable portion that comprises at least one therapeutic agent. The microneedle may be configured to administer the therapeutic agent to the inner ear of a subject. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a microneedle using two-photon polymerization lithography.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for delivery of therapeutic agent to the inner ear. The system includes a plurality of micro-needles which can be delivered to the round window membrane by a delivery device, e.g. catheter, and is capable of controlled penetration of the round window membrane to create temporary and self-closing perforations. In some embodiments the micro-needles are hollow with a lumen for local drug delivery into the perforations. In other embodiments the micro-needles are solid and include a coating of therapeutic agent on exterior surface for delivery into the perforations.

Abstract: A silver coated needle, a medical device comprising the needle and a method for electrochemically detecting penetration through a semi-permeable membrane such as the round window membrane of a subject are described. Penetration through the membrane by the needle can be detected by observing the voltage change as the needle penetrates through the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium to provide a passage for blood to flow from a heart chamber to a coronary artery. The conduit has a sphincter to open or close the passage in response to an electric current applied from a control unit and a one-way valve positioned therein to prevent the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber. Also disclosed is an implantable system or device comprising the conduit, a sensor unit to measure at least one physiological condition and a control unit to analyze signals form the sensor unit and open the sphincter for improving coronary blood flow in order to increase myocardial oxygen delivery during periods of high myocardial demand.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled perforation and aspiration of the inner ear.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for delivery of therapeutic agent to the inner ear. The system includes a plurality of micro-needles which can be delivered to the round window membrane by a delivery device, e.g. catheter, and is capable of controlled penetration of the round window membrane to create temporary and self-closing perforations. In some embodiments the micro-needles are hollow with a lumen for local drug delivery into the perforations. In other embodiments the micro-needles are solid and include a coating of therapeutic agent on exterior surface for delivery into the perforations.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a blanket metallic nanoporous film positioned a substrate in an electrochemical cell using a galvanostatic dealloying method where areal current density is directly controlled and the process is terminated when the potential reaches a predetermined cut-off value. A blanket metallic nanoporous film attached to a substrate that is substantially crack free, has a bicontinuous porous structure with the interconnecting ligaments having a length scale from 10 nm to 30 nm, and has a continuous interconnected porous region having a length scale from 10 nm to 30 nm.