Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient includes a catheter, a stop feature, a container and a bar. The catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a body defining a lumen that extends to the distal end of the catheter. The stop feature is in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. The container is configured to house the therapeutic agent and is insertable and slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. The container is also configured to engage the stop feature of the catheter. The bar is slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. Sliding of the bar distally in the lumen forces the therapeutic agent out of the container and out of the lumen when the container is engaged with the stop feature. The stop feature is configured to inhibit the container from exiting the lumen.

Abstract: A method for adjusting delivery of a therapeutic fluid to a patient suffering from or at risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension includes introducing the therapeutic fluid to a patient via a catheter at a predetermined rate. The catheter is positioned to deliver the fluid to the right ventricle or the pulmonary artery. The catheter a one-way valve configured to allow the fluid to flow from the catheter to the target location. The method further includes monitoring pressure of the target location by monitoring internal catheter pressure, and adjusting the rate at which the therapeutic fluid is introduced to the catheter based on the monitored pressure. The rate at which the fluid is introduced to the catheter is increased if internal catheter pressure increases, and the rate at which the fluid is introduced to the catheter is decreased if the internal catheter pressure decreases.

Abstract: An apparatus to carry an infant against a chest of a person that includes a central panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a first infant seat and a fastening mechanism. The first side panel is attached to the central panel and has a first aperture formed therein. The second side panel is attached to the central panel and has a second aperture formed therein. The first infant seat is attached to the central panel. The first infant seat is adapted to receive a portion of the infant. The fastening mechanism is operably attached to at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel for securing the first side panel and the second side panel around a torso of the person.

Abstract: A self-fixating scaffold delivers therapeutic material to tissue for treating various diseases/conditions. A scaffold holds the therapeutic material and is implanted into the tissue. A fixation element anchors the scaffold in the tissue making the scaffold less likely to become dislodged.

Abstract: A method for adjusting delivery of a therapeutic fluid to a patient suffering from or at risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension includes introducing the therapeutic fluid to a patient via a catheter at a predetermined rate. The catheter is positioned to deliver the fluid to the right ventricle or the pulmonary artery. The catheter a one-way valve configured to allow the fluid to flow from the catheter to the target location. The method further includes monitoring pressure of the target location by monitoring internal catheter pressure, and adjusting the rate at which the therapeutic fluid is introduced to the catheter based on the monitored pressure. The rate at which the fluid is introduced to the catheter is increased if internal catheter pressure increases, and the rate at which the fluid is introduced to the catheter is decreased if the internal catheter pressure decreases.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a method for treating infracted/ischemic injury to a myocardium by injecting a substance into the myocardium. The injected substance helps to prevent negative adaptive remodeling by providing mechanical reinforcement or mechanical reinforcement combined with biological therapy. A number of substances for injection are disclosed, including multi component substances such as platelet gel, and other substances. The substances disclosed may contain additives to augment/enhance the desired effects of the injection. The invention also discloses devices used to inject the substances. The devices can include means for ensuring needles do not penetrate beyond a desired depth into the myocardium. The devices can also include needles having multiple lumens such that the components of the platelet gel will be combined at the injection site and begin polymerization in the myocardium.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient includes a catheter, a stop feature, a container and a bar. The catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a body defining a lumen that extends to the distal end of the catheter. The stop feature is in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. The container is configured to house the therapeutic agent and is insertable and slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. The container is also configured to engage the stop feature of the catheter. The bar is slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. Sliding of the bar distally in the lumen forces the therapeutic agent out of the container and out of the lumen when the container is engaged with the stop feature. The stop feature is configured to inhibit the container from exiting the lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for injecting biological agents into tissue. Devices are provided having elongate shafts and distal injection heads for driving needles into tissue and injecting medical agents into the tissue through the needles. A longitudinal force directed along the shaft can be translated to a needle driving force. Some devices provide controllably variable needle penetration depth. Devices include mechanical needle drivers utilizing four link pantographs, rack and pinions, and drive yokes for driving a first needle bearing body toward a second tissue contacting body. Other devices include inflatable members for driving and retracting needles. Still other devices include magnets for biasing the needles in extended and/or retracted positions. The invention includes minimally invasive methods for epicardially injecting cardiocyte precursor cells into infarct myocardial tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for injecting biological agents into tissue. Devices are provided having elongate shafts and distal injection heads for driving needles into tissue and injecting medical agents into the tissue through the needles. A longitudinal force directed along the shaft can be translated to a needle driving force. Some devices provide controllably variable needle penetration depth. Devices include mechanical needle drivers utilizing four link pantographs, rack and pinions, and drive yokes for driving a first needle bearing body toward a second tissue contacting body. Other devices include inflatable members for driving and retracting needles. Still other devices include magnets for biasing the needles in extended and/or retracted positions. The invention includes minimally invasive methods for epicardially injecting cardiocyte precursor cells into infarct myocardial tissue.

Abstract: An injection needle comprises an elongated body having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a longitudinal channel through the tubular body. The elongated body further comprises a distal end and at least one lateral delivery port extending from the inner surface to the outer surface proximate the distal end and fluidly coupled to the longitudinal channel. A distal tip is coupled to the distal end and comprises a radio-opaque material.

Abstract: An infant carrier includes a plurality of sections to wrap around a wearer's torso, in order to hold an infant against a chest of a wearer. The sections include a front panel, to enclose the chest, and a back section, extending from the front panel, to traverse across a back of the wearer. An inner seat for the infant is attached to an interior surface of the front panel. The front panel may include a layer of insulation and be waterproofed so that the infant carrier may function as an incubator. The carrier may be held around the torso by an attachment element having first and second mating parts, located along a width of the front panel and along the back section, respectively. The sections may also include a sash to wrap across the front panel from beneath a first shoulder to over a second shoulder of the wearer.