The General Hospital Corporation

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The General Hospital Corporation D/b/a Massachusetts General Hospital

William G Austen

Dieter Manstein

Robert W Redmond

Irene Emily Kochevar

Michael McCormack

Martin L Yarmush

Alexander Golberg

Saiqa L Khan

Alexander Goldberg

Saiqa I Khan

Michael C Mccormack

Robert Redmond

Irene E Kochevar

Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing of skin that includes formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus, thus avoiding generation of thermal damage as occurs with conventional laser resurfacing procedures and devices. The holes formed can be well-tolerated by the skin, and can exhibit shorter healing times and less swelling than conventional resurfacing procedures. The apparatus includes one or more needles adapted to remove a small portion of tissue when inserted into and withdrawn from the skin. The fractional surface coverage of the holes can be between about 0.1 and 0.7, or between about 0.2 and 0.5. The exemplary method and apparatus can produce cosmetic effects such as increases in collagen content, epidermal thickness, and dermal/epidermal junction undulations in the skin.

Method and apparatus for skin resurfacing

A system and a method of preventing or reducing stenosis in a subject is provided. The method includes implanting a passivated graft comprising vein into an artery. The implanting of the graft replaces and/or bypasses a diseased segment of the artery. The passivated graft including vein is prepared by exposing the exterior surface of the passivated graft comprising vein to a tissue structure stabilizing agent ('TSSA') under conditions, including irradiation with light, sufficient to promote cross-linking of proteins within the vein.

Methods and systems for preventing or reducing stenosis in a subject receiving a graft

One aspect of the invention provides a method for preparing a vein graft. The method includes: applying a tissue passivation agent to a resected anatomical vessel; placing the resected anatomical vessel in a chamber; and allowing the tissue passivation agent to cross-link while the resected anatomical vessel is in the chamber.

Vessel treatment systems, methods, and kits

Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for damaging and/or removing portions of subcutaneous fatty tissue while leaving the overlying dermal layer of the skin substantially undamaged. One or more hollow needles can be provided that include an arrangement within the lumen configured to retain or damage portions of fatty tissue that enter the lumen. Properties of the needle can be selected such that the needle can be inserted into skin and pass through the dermal layer, allowing fatty tissue to enter the distal portion of the lumen as it is advanced further, and then leaving the dermis undamaged when withdrawn. Such exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such needles, a reciprocating arrangement to mechanically advance and withdraw the one or more needles, and/or a vibrating arrangement.

Method and apparatus for damage and removal of fat

One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including: a fluid-impermeable membrane configured to contain a fluid and be placed in the cavity; a light emitter provided within the membrane; and a fluid provided within the membrane, wherein the fluid scatters light emitted by the light emitter such that the intensity of the light is substantially uniform over the inner surface of the cavity proximal to the membrane.

Apparatus for tissue irradiation and methods and kits utilizing the same

A system and method for controlling microbial growth on and in medical devices and implants, especially biofilm infections, involves using pulsed electric fields (PEF). To eradicate at least a portion of a biofilm on a medical implant, for example, 1500 volts can be applied through an electrode system, with pulse duration of 50 &#x3bc;s and pulse delivery frequency of 2 Hz. In the clinical setting, systemic microbial therapy can be combined with PEF to achieve a synergistic effect leading to improved eradication of infections.

System and method for electrical control of bacteria

Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus can be provided for obtaining portions or samples of tissue from a target region of a biological tissue. One or more needles can be provided that have a small internal diameter, e.g., about 1 mm or less, and the needles can be configured to extract the tissue portions when the needles are inserted into and withdrawn from the tissue. Windows and/or markings can be provided on the wall of the needles to facilitate access to the sample. The needles can be provided in an enclosure, and an actuator can be provided to direct the needles into the tissue and/or withdraw them. A plurality of tissue portions having known relative locations in the target region can be obtained, and extraction of the tissue portions can be well-tolerated by the tissue as compared with conventional punch biopsies or the like.

Apparatus and method for tissue biopsy

Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing of skin that includes formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm. For example, such small holes can be produced using a mechanical apparatus that includes one or more abrading elements provided at the end of one or more rotating shafts, thus avoiding generation of thermal damage as occurs with conventional laser resurfacing procedures and devices. The holes thus formed can be well-tolerated by the skin, and may exhibit shorter healing times and less swelling than conventional resurfacing procedures. The fractional surface coverage of the holes can be between about 0.1 and 0.7, or between about 0.2 and 0.5. The method and apparatus can produce cosmetic improvements in the skin appearance by eliciting a healing response.

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Weston, MA, United States of America

William G Austen