Abstract: A cellular stent carries living therapeutic cellular material for implantation into a human or animal body and allows either localized or systemic delivery of the therapeutic products, while promoting engraftment, either on a tissue surface or its interior. The cells are contained within wells in the stent that are enclosed by inner and outer membranes that seal the cellular material within the stent until it is to be released. The outer membrane is preferably in the form of a thin, hard plastic sheet having a plurality of score lines, perforations, or other lines or weakening provided therein. The membrane may be embedded in a softer perimetral mount which retains it in position until the seal is to be broken. Rupture of the outer membrane ensures penetration of the cells into the interior of tissue or an organ in which the stent is implanted.

Abstract: A cellular stent carries living therapeutic cellular material for implantation into a human or animal body and allows either localized or systemic delivery of the therapeutic products, while promoting engraftment, either on a tissue surface or its interior. The cells are contained within wells in the stent that are enclosed by inner and outer membranes that seal the cellular material within the stent until it is to be released. The outer membrane is preferably in the form of a thin, hard plastic sheet having a plurality of score lines, perforations, or other lines or weakening provided therein. The membrane may be embedded in a softer perimetral mount which retains it in position until the seal is to be broken. Rupture of the outer membrane ensures penetration of the cells into the interior of tissue or an organ in which the stent is implanted.

Abstract: A vascular stent carries living therapeutic cellular material. The stent in widely implantable over the vascular system, and allows either localized or systemic delivery of the therapeutic products produced by the cellular material to thereby enhance patient treatment.

Abstract: An endocrine cell microdisk or macrodisk containing pancreatic cells for transplantation into an animal body is formed with a lateral extent much greater than its thickness to thereby enhance its diffusional capability. One or more concavities may also be formed therein to further enhance the diffusion of cellular products across the microdisk walls.

Abstract: A coronary stent with one or more side ports that pierce the arterial wall to provide direct blood flow to the adjacent myocardium while simultaneously supporting the stented artery.

Abstract: An endocrine cell microdisk or macrodisk containing pancreatic cells for transplantation into an animal body is formed with a lateral extent much greater than its thickness to thereby enhance its diffusional capability. One or more concavities may also be formed therein to further enhance the diffusion of cellular products across the microdisk walls.

Abstract: A urethral press seals the female bladder against the inadvertent discharge of urine into the urethra. The press comprises a resilient curved band, preferably U-shaped, having a first arm for insertion into the vagina and a second arm extending exteriorly of the vagina along the pubic area to provide a force to compress the bladder and the contiguous urethral walls to thereby seal the bladder.

Abstract: An artifical hybrid organ or gland is formed from two serially-interconnected chambers, the first of which comprises an ultrafiltration chamber which forms an ultrafiltrate from the blood stream applied to it and the second of which comprises a cell exchange chamber which, though immunologically isolated by microporous membranes, receives both the bloodstream and the ultrafiltrate and which rapidly exchanges selected constituents with both before they recombine in order to provide a corrected physiological response to constituents in the blood. Additionally, an optional excretory duct may be employed to channel a portion of the treated ultrafiltrate away from the bloodstream.