Brown University

Cytotherapeutics, Inc.

Cytotherpeutics, Inc.

Moses Goddard

Nicholas F Warner

Paul J Mulhauser

Patrick Aebischer

Paul R Sanberg

Alfred V Vasconcellos

John G Moldauer

John Mills

Anne M Rathbun

Paul C DiCesare

Implantable therapy systems are disclosed for the local and controlled delivery of a biologically active factor to the brain, spinal cord and other target regions of a subject suffering from a dibilatating condition. The method of the invention involves surgically exposing an insertion site, generally located above a predetermined treatment site (,), in a patient. A cannula (,), having an obturator (,) or dilator (,) positioned therein, is inserted at the insertion site, defining a pathway to the treatment site. In some instances, the cannula can be inserted along the path of a guidewire (,) previously positioned at the treatment site. The cannula (,) is preferably a low friction polymeric material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The cannula (,) generally has an open proximal end for receiving the obturator (,) or dilator (,), and an open distal end, preferably a tapered end, for delivery of neurologically active factors to the treatment site (,). The obturator (,) is then removed from the cannula (,), and a biocompatible tethered vehicle (,) containing a biologically active material is inserted into the cannula along the passageway. A pusher can be inserted within the cannula, behind the vehicle (,), to position the proximal end of the vehicle at the proximal tip of the cannula (,). Once the vehicle (,) is positioned near the proximal end of the cannula (,), the cannula is removed from the passageway, followed by the pusher, leaving the vehicle (,) positioned at the treatment site (,).

Implantable therapy systems and methods

A microdrive apparatus useful in human stereotactic surgery is disclosed. Such apparatus permits safe and accurate placement of a surgical instrument, such as a cannula, into a portion of the central nervous system, e.g. the brain and spinal cord, of a patient by simple mechanical operation.

Microdrive for use in stereotactic surgery

The present invention is directed to microdrive apparatus useful in human stereotactic surgery. Such apparatus permits safe and accurate placement of a surgical instrument, such as a cannula, into a portion of the central nervous system, e.g. the brain and spinal cord, of a patient by simple mechanical operation.

Refillable immunoisolatory neurological therapy devices for local and controlled delivery of a biologically active factor to the brain of a patient. The devices include a cell chamber adapted for infusion with nsecretory cells and having at least one semipermeable or permselective surface across which biologically active factors secreted by the cells can be delivered to the brain. The devices also include means for introducing secretory cells into the cell chamber, and means for renewing the cells or cell medium.

Renewable neural implant device and method

Implantable therapy systems are disclosed for the local and controlled delivery of a biologically active factor to the brain, spinal cord and other target regions of a subject suffering from a debilitating condition. The method of the invention involves surgically exposing an insertion site, generally located above a predetermined treatment site (12), in a patient. A cannula (20), having an obturator (30) or dilator (104) positioned therein, is inserted at the insertion site, defining a pathway to the treatment site. In some instances, the cannula can be inserted along the path of a guidewire (102) previously positioned at the treatment site. The cannula (20) is preferably a low friction polymeric material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The cannula (20) generally has an open proximal end for receiving the obturator (30) or dilator (104), and an open distal end, preferably a tapered end, for delivery of neurologically active factors to the treatment site (12). The obturator (30) is then removed from the cannula (20), and a biocompatible tethered vehicle (40) containing a biologically active material is inserted into the cannula along the passageway. A pusher can be inserted within the cannula, behind the vehicle (40), to position the proximal end of the vehicle at the distal end of the cannula (20b). Once the vehicle (40) is positioned near the distal end of the cannula (20), the cannula is removed from the passageway, followed by the pusher, leaving the vehicle (40) positioned at the treatment site (12).

Growing community of inventors

Tiverton, RI, United States of America

Moses Goddard