Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for supporting ischemic tissue of the heart using scaffolds that may be placed within the heart percutaneously. A scaffold assembly may include a layer of biocompatible material detachably secured to a placement rod, such that the placement rod may be used to urge the layer of biocompatible material through a catheter to adjacent an area of ischemic tissue. Anchors may secure the layer of material to the myocardium. Multiple layers of biocompatible material may be placed in the ventricle separately to form the scaffold. In some embodiments, a scaffold is formed or reinforced by injecting a polymer, such as a visco-elastic foam, around an inflatable member inflated within a ventricle.

Abstract: This invention relates to the targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs or combinations of hydrophobic drugs with photodynamic therapy agents to vascular lesions by complexation of the drugs to blood serum lipoproteins, which have an affinity for and accumulate in such vascular lesions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs or combinations of hydrophobic drugs with photodynamic therapy agents to vascular lesions by complexation of the drugs to blood serum lipoproteins, which have an affinity for and accumulate in such vascular lesions.

Abstract: This invention relates to photodynamic therapy (PDT) of vulnerable plaque using two pluralities of nanoparticles, one plurality comprising a PDT agent that is sensitive to blue-green light wherein the nanoparticles are capable of penetrating only into the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque and one plurality comprising a PDT agent that is sensitive to red light wherein the nanoparticles are capable of penetrating into the core of the vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: A device for imaging a tissue culture comprises a chamber for housing a tissue to be cultured and imaged. The chamber comprises a transparent window. The device also includes a platform facing the window. Micro-needles are mounted on the platform and are connected for fluid communication with a fluid source. The platform and the window are magnetically biased toward each other to press the micro-needles into a tissue sandwiched between the window and platform for injecting a fluid into the tissue. One or more spacers are placed between the platform and the window for preventing over-compression of the tissue by the platform and the window. During use, a fluid is supplied to the tissue through the needles from the fluid source and the tissue is imaged through the window of the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for reinforcing ischemic tissue of a heart. A reinforcing element is initially positioned within a lumen of a delivery needle. The delivery needle is urged into the ischemic tissue and the reinforcing element is urged out of the needle into the ischemic tissue. The reinforcing element may be embodied as a coiled, undulating, or arcuate spring and may include a shape-memory material. A bioabsorbable material may maintain the reinforcing element in a deformed state. The reinforcing element may be tensioned as it is positioned within the myocardium in order to provide a cinching force by means of a cord lock selectively releasing the reinforcing element. The reinforcing element may be embodied as a number of spiral portions secured to a hub and urged outwardly by rotation of the hub.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for supporting ischemic tissue of the heart using scaffolds that may be placed within the heart percutaneously. A scaffold assembly may include a layer of biocompatible material detachably secured to a placement rod, such that the placement rod may be used to urge the layer of biocompatible material through a catheter to adjacent an area of ischemic tissue. Anchors may secure the layer of material to the myocardium. Multiple layers of biocompatible material may be placed in the ventricle separately to form the scaffold. In some embodiments, a scaffold is formed or reinforced by injecting a polymer, such as a visco-elastic foam, around an inflatable member inflated within a ventricle.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of manufacturing a composite scaffold including the surface grafting of the scaffold using gamma-irradiation as well as gamma-irradiation of a polymer contacted with the surface of the scaffold. The present invention also directed to the use of the scaffold for tissue engineering and other applications. The present invention is further directed to a method of culturing cells in a composite scaffold of the present invention and to a three-dimensional porous composite scaffold.

Abstract: This invention relates to photodynamic therapy (PDT), more specifically PDT for atherosclerotic plaque via delivering PDT-loaded nanoparticles such as liposomes, polymersomes, micelles and polymeric nanoparticles into the diseased vascular tissue. This invention provides method and formulations for delivering multiple drugs and delivering drugs to specific targeted site.

Abstract: A device for imaging a tissue culture comprises a chamber for housing a tissue to be cultured and imaged. The chamber comprises a transparent window. The device also includes a platform facing the window. Micro-needles are mounted on the platform and are connected for fluid communication with a fluid source. The platform and the window are magnetically biased toward each other to press the micro-needles into a tissue sandwiched between the window and platform for injecting a fluid into the tissue. One or more spacers are placed between the platform and the window for preventing over-compression of the tissue by the platform and the window. During use, a fluid is supplied to the tissue through the needles from the fluid source and the tissue is imaged through the window of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use of a tissue system for culture and perfusion. The apparatus comprises needles for injecting a fluid into the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use of a tissue system for culture and perfusion. The apparatus comprises a needle for injecting a fluid into the tissue.