Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices used to recognize the extent and deepness of infarcted tissue, such as chronic myocardial infarcted tissue. This applies to the heart tissue, but can also be used to assess cicatricial processes in other organs. Examples include injecting pulses of alternating current at a broadband of frequencies while measuring the voltage signal continuously (at a very high sampling rate) to obtain the electrical impedance (Z(f,t)) during the entire cardiac cycle. The impedance measurements may be taken using an intracavitary electrocatheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for stimulating mechanically or electromechanically stem cell monolayer and 3D cultures for tissue engineering applications are disclosed. A bracket is proposed to be used in a disposable stimulation device. A disposable stimulation device is also proposed for accommodating a cell culture in a flexible area. Finally, an apparatus is proposed to mechanically extend the disposable stimulation device to induce mechanical stimulation. Additionally, a pair of electrodes placed at two opposing sides of the flexible area creates an electric field to induce electrical stimulation. Accordingly, a method to stimulate electromechanically a cell culture is proposed.

Abstract: A method of obtaining physical and/or chemical characteristics of a biological medium, comprising submitting said medium to at least two currents Ii of different strength and frequency fi, by means of a first group of electrodes, measuring the voltage drop Ui in said medium by means of a second group of electrodes, positioning a first element of the first group of electrodes and a second element of the second group of electrodes in a first zone of said medium, and positioning a third element of the first group of electrodes and a fourth element of the second group of electrodes in a second zone of said medium.