Seeding implantable medical devices with cells
First Claim
1. A method for seeding cells on a luminal surface of an implantable medical device, the method comprising:
- applying a blood centrifugation product to the luminal surface;
introducing cells into a lumen of the implantable medical device, wherein the luminal surface defines the lumen, and the lumen defines a longitudinal axis; and
centrifuging the implantable medical device by rotating the implantable medical device substantially around the longitudinal axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for seeding an implantable medical device, such as a vascular prosthesis, with cells, such as endothelial cells, are described. The invention supports techniques for seeding a luminal surface of the device with axial centrifugation. Cells are introduced in suspension into the lumen of the device. The introduction of the cells may occur after a blood centrifugation product, such as platelet-poor plasma, is applied to the luminal surface. After the cells are introduced, the device is then subjected to centrifugation around a longitudinal axis defined by the lumen. Axial centrifugation causes the cells to concentrate toward and adhere to the luminal surface. Shortly after axial centrifugation, the seeded device can be presented for implantation in a patient. The implantable medical device may be inserted into a protective sleeve prior to seeding the device with cells, and the sleeve may or may not be removed prior to implantation.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for seeding cells on a luminal surface of an implantable medical device, the method comprising:
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applying a blood centrifugation product to the luminal surface;
introducing cells into a lumen of the implantable medical device, wherein the luminal surface defines the lumen, and the lumen defines a longitudinal axis; and
centrifuging the implantable medical device by rotating the implantable medical device substantially around the longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method comprising:
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inserting an implantable medical device into a protective sleeve;
inserting the protective sleeve into a tube through an open end of the tube, wherein the tube defines a longitudinal axis;
sealing the open end of the tube with a septum;
delivering cells to a lumen of the implantable medical device through the septum; and
centrifuging the implantable medical device with the cells in the lumen by rotating the tube substantially around the longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system for protecting a vascular prosthesis during a cell seeding procedure, the system comprising:
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a protective sleeve that defines a lumen sized to receive the vascular prosthesis;
a tube sized to receive the protective sleeve via an open end, wherein the tube is adapted to be received by a centrifuge; and
a septum that seals the open end of the tube, wherein the septum is adapted to allow delivery of materials to a lumen of the vascular prosthesis through the septum when the prosthesis is within the tube. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification