Ultrasound Enhanced Stem Cell Delivery Device and Method

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes an advanced method and device for delivering stem cells, or other cell-sized objects, more effectively into specific organs or tissues. The technique involves injecting both the stem cells and microbubbles into the bloodstream, then using ultrasound to locally agitate (vibrate) the microbubbles at the target site. This localized ultrasound agitation makes the blood vessel walls more permeable, enhancing the migration and penetration of stem cells from the bloodstream into the targeted organ or tissue.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Targeted stem cell therapy for regenerating damaged heart tissue after heart attacks.
• Precise delivery of therapeutic cells to the brain for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Enhanced delivery of drug-loaded microcapsules or nanoparticles to tumors in cancer therapy.
• Targeted administration of gene therapy agents to specific organs.
• Facilitating delivery of diagnostic agents for improved imaging of certain tissues.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Minimally invasive compared to direct organ injection, reducing risk and discomfort for patients.
• Improved efficiency and targeting of stem cell or therapeutic agent delivery, increasing the concentration reaching the intended site.
• Reduced loss of therapeutic agents to non-target organs, increasing treatment effectiveness and possibly reducing required dose.
• Potential for use with a variety of cell types and drug delivery platforms.
• Real-time imaging and control using ultrasound, enabling precise and safe delivery.
• Adaptable for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A method of delivering cell sized objects to a targeted organ or tissue of interest comprises: introducing (64, 70) the cell sized objects into the bloodstream; introducing (50, 70) microbubbles into the bloodstream; and locally agitating (56, 76) the introduced microbubbles, the agitating being substantially localized to the targeted organ or tissue of interest, the local agitating of the introduced microbubbles enhancing transendothelial migration of the cell sized objects into the targeted organ or tissue of interest. An apparatus for performing said method comprises: an intravascular delivery device (20, 22, 24) configured to deliver the cell sized objects and microbubbles into the bloodstream; an ultrasound system (30, 32, 34, 36); and a therapy controller (44) configured to control delivery of the cell-sized objects and the microbubbles into the bloodstream and ultrasonic agitation of the intravascular microbubbles in the targeted organ or tissue of interest.