Abstract: An occlusion treatment device is disclosed that is configured and dimensioned for the treatment of a lumen that is at least partially blocked by an occlusion. The occlusion treatment device comprises a catheter including a body portion with proximal and distal ends, at least one expandable element that is secured to the body portion of the catheter, and a material removal element that extends distally from the distal end of the body portion including a debriding member in communication with an energy source to facilitate selective energizing of the debriding member. The catheter is axially movable through the lumen, and rotatable within the lumen, such that the material removal element selectively imparts non-mechanical and/or mechanical energy to the occlusion to effect debriding of the occlusion.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus for restoring patency in a body vessel is provided. The tissue treatment apparatus includes an elongated catheter dimensioned for insertion within a body vessel having an at least partial occlusion. Proximal and distal expandable segments are mounted to the elongated catheter and are positionable adjacent the occlusion and are configured to transition from a first condition to a second expanded condition. A mesh in operative engagement with the proximal and distal expandable segments is expandable radially outwardly from the catheter upon corresponding transition of the proximal and distal expandable segments to the second condition. The mesh includes a conductive material adapted to transmit electrosurgical energy to treat and facilitate removal of the occlusion, to thereby assist in restoring patency within the body vessel.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic fluid to the tissue of a mammal using pulsatile flux to prevent fluid backflow.

Abstract: A real time tissue sampling and analysis system includes a catheter including an elongated body defining at least one internal lumen, a sampling device positionable within the at least one internal lumen of the catheter for collecting a tissue sample, and a biochip disposed within the at least one internal lumen. The biochip includes a substrate for receiving the tissue sample, a marker for interacting with the tissue sample, and a sensor for identifying a characteristic of the tissue sample and transmitting data about the tissue sample to a processing unit for analysis.

Abstract: An occlusion treatment device is disclosed that is configured and dimensioned for the treatment of a lumen that is at least partially blocked by an occlusion. The occlusion treatment device comprises a catheter including a body portion with proximal and distal ends, at least one expandable element that is secured to the body portion of the catheter, and a material removal element that extends distally from the distal end of the body portion including a debriding member in communication with an energy source to facilitate selective energizing of the debriding member. The catheter is axially movable through the lumen, and rotatable within the lumen, such that the material removal element selectively imparts non-mechanical and/or mechanical energy to the occlusion to effect debriding of the occlusion.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus for restoring patency in a body vessel is provided. The tissue treatment apparatus includes an elongated catheter dimensioned for insertion within a body vessel having an at least partial occlusion. Proximal and distal expandable segments are mounted to the elongated catheter and are positionable adjacent the occlusion and are configured to transition from a first condition to a second expanded condition. A mesh in operative engagement with the proximal and distal expandable segments is expandable radially outwardly from the catheter upon corresponding transition of the proximal and distal expandable segments to the second condition. The mesh includes a conductive material adapted to transmit electrosurgical energy to treat and facilitate removal of the occlusion, to thereby assist in restoring patency within the body vessel.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system that includes a catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The catheter has a body with a lumen defined therein. The body of the catheter includes a non-bulbous region having a substantially uniform outer diameter and a bulbous region made from an elastically deformable material. While in a first state the bulbous region has a maximum outer diameter greater than the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region; and while in a second state the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region is reduced relative to that while in the first state.

Abstract: A real time tissue sampling and analysis system includes a catheter including an elongated body defining at least one internal lumen, a sampling device positionable within the at least one internal lumen of the catheter for collecting a tissue sample, and a biochip disposed within the at least one internal lumen. The biochip includes a substrate for receiving the tissue sample, a marker for interacting with the tissue sample, and a sensor for identifying a characteristic of the tissue sample and transmitting data about the tissue sample to a processing unit for analysis.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system that includes a catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The catheter has a body with a lumen defined therein. The body of the catheter includes a non-bulbous region having a substantially uniform outer diameter and a bulbous region made from an elastically deformable material. While in a first state the bulbous region has a maximum outer diameter greater than the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region; and while in a second state the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region is reduced relative to that while in the first state.

Abstract: Increasing intranasal lymphatic circulation as a means of decreasing intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system that includes a catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The catheter has a body with a lumen defined therein. The body of the catheter includes a non-bulbous region having a substantially uniform outer diameter and a bulbous region made from an elastically deformable material. While in a first state the bulbous region has a maximum outer diameter greater than the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region; and while in a second state the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region is reduced relative to that while in the first state.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery of a therapeutic agent directly into a targeted tissue that reduces or substantially prevents reflux and back flow by providing rigidity and strength via a stylet thereby eliminating the need for a guide or delivery sheath during positioning. The catheter has a flexible proximal section and a substantially rigid distal section formed from a plurality of distal subsections. The proximal and distal sections having decreasing outer diameters starting from the proximal end and advancing towards the distal end. The distal subsection closest to the distal end providing an adjustable flow rate via multiple output ports defined radially therein while the distal end itself is closed off.

Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic fluid to the tissue of a mammal using pulsatile flux to prevent fluid backflow.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system that includes a catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The catheter has a body with a lumen defined therein. The body of the catheter includes a non-bulbous region having a substantially uniform outer diameter and a bulbous region made from an elastically deformable material. While in a first state the bulbous region has a maximum outer diameter greater than the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region; and while in a second state the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region is reduced relative to that while in the first state.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery of a therapeutic agent directly into a targeted tissue that reduces or substantially prevents reflux and back flow by providing rigidity and strength via a stylet thereby eliminating the need for a guide or delivery sheath during positioning. The catheter has a flexible proximal section and a substantially rigid distal section formed from a plurality of distal subsections. The proximal and distal sections having decreasing outer diameters starting from the proximal end and advancing towards the distal end. The distal subsection closest to the distal end providing an adjustable flow rate via multiple output ports defined radially therein while the distal end itself is closed off.

Abstract: The intranasal delivery of an effective amount of NGF inducers, such as clenbuterol, to the brain.

Abstract: A hydrocephalus shunt having an anti-inflammatory coating applied to at least the outside surface of the ventricular catheter. Such coatings are also applicable to other medical devices or implants.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with methods and devices for isolation or concentration of autologous growth factors; particularly autologous growth factors derived from blood or bone marrow or other bodily fluid/cell compositions in an intraoperative manner. Additionally, this invention provides specifically tailored growth factor residual compositions resulting from removal of one or more growth factors from a composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implant for a musculoskeletal defect having a bioactive agent having a concentration gradient.

Abstract: A hydrocephalus shunt having an anti-inflammatory coating applied to at least the outside surface of the ventricular catheter. Such coatings are also applicable to other medical devices or implants.