University of Pittsburgh

The United States Government As Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Xinzhu Gu

William Richard Wagner

Youngjae Chun

Young Jae Chun

Yanfei Chen

Tomo Yoshizumi

Michael Brandt Steketee

Peter Drew Wearden

Yolandi Van Der Merwe

Kia M Washington

Stephen Emery

Stephanie Greene

Devices for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof are provided, wherein the devices comprise a polymeric matrix containing tacrolimus or a derivative thereof that provides for delayed and extended release of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof. The devices can locally deliver tacrolimus or a derivative thereof to injured nervous system tissue upon implantation in a subject. Thus, techniques for local delivery of tacrolimus or a derivative thereof and methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Devices and methods for local delivery of tacrolimus

The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices and materials of composition for forming these devices to provide improved mechanical properties and biodegradability. The devices include a combination or integration of superelastic material, biodegradable metal and, thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. A structural frame is formed of individual elongated pieces composed of biodegradable metal. These pieces are joined together by connector pieces composed of superelastic material. At least a portion of the structural frame has deposited thereon the thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. The structural frame of the device is collapsible for insertion in a delivery tube and, recoverable for deployment and placement in a vascular location of a patient body.

Super elastic, bioabsorbable endovascular devices

The invention relates to an in-utero ventriculoamniotic shunting device that includes a shunt tube () composed of polymer composite and having metallic wire embedded therein, one or more anchors () composed of superelastic wire, e.g., thermal shape-set nitinol structures, that are mechanically attached to an exterior surface of the shunt tube (), and a one-way passive valve () composed of a thin polymer membrane. The anchors () are effective to prevent migration and dislodgement of the shunting device following its deployment, and the valve () is effective to prevent the backflow of amniotic fluid ().

Low-profile ventriculoamniotic shunt for fetal aqueductal stenosis

Growing community of inventors

Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Xinzhu Gu