| 摘要 |
Catheters and methods for their use are presented that provide automated delivery of cells to structures in the body such as degenerative or weak muscle. The catheters contain one or more sensing components and a system for delivery of cells such as autologous myogenic cells. The sensing component(s) triggers automatic discharge of the cells upon detection of a body surface that needs repair. The discharge of cells may occur through an automated lancing mechanism that alleviates operator error from manual injection timing. During use, an operator can position the catheter end to a structure in need of cellular repair, and the device can automatically discharge cells at a location and time as determined by conditions sensed at the catheter end. A catheter and system is particularly useful for repair of degenerative and or weak heart muscle, such as that found after a myocardial infarct. The catheters and methods of their use also may be used for cellular repair of other interior body structures, particularly muscles such as bladder, intestine, stomach and diaphram. The catheters provide greater use of myogenic cell therapy for heart disease, while avoiding complications of open heart surgery. |
