Microthread delivery system
OwnerJacques Guyette, Kevin Cornwell +3inventors
InventorsJacques Guyette, Kevin Cornwell, Glenn Gaudette, George Pins, Marsha Rolle
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Abstract
Compositions that include microthreads are provided. The compositions can be fully or partially encased in a sleeve along at least a portion of their length and can include biological cells and, optionally, therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for using the compositions to repair or ameliorate damaged or defective tissue, including cardiovascular tissue (e.g., the myocardium).
Claims27
A composition comprising a polymer configured as a plurality of threads, each having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the threads are encased along at least a portion of their length by an open-ended sleeve.
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A method of delivering a biological cell to cardiac tissue in need of repair, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a biopolymer thread comprising one or more biological cells, wherein the thread is attached to a surgical needle and at least a portion of the thread is encased within a sleeve;
- (b) drawing the needle through a region of the cardiac tissue to insert the sheath within the tissue;
- and
- (c) removing the needle and sheath, thereby retaining the biopolymer thread in the tissue.
A method of making a tissue repair composition, the method comprising:
- (a) providing cells that induce or enhance regeneration of tissue, wherein the cells are placed into a culture medium comprising a polymer thread having a leading end and a trailing end;
- (b) culturing the cells under conditions that allow the cells to associate with the thread;
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- (c) removing the thread and associated cells from the culture medium.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.