Cell seeded expandable body

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods for treating medical conditions using cell therapy via body lumens. Localized delivery is achieved with the use of a stent-like expandable body seeded with cells. The expandable body is expanded to contact at least a portion of the inner walls of the body lumen and the cells, cellular products and/or other therapeutic agents are delivered to the surrounding tissue. The therapeutic benefit provided is dependent on the type of cells used and the features of the expandable body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 494,045 (Attorney Docket 021258-001700US), filed Aug. 7, 2003, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. [0002] This application is also a continuation in part of PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US03 / 21754 (Attorney Docket 021764-000920PC) filed on Jul. 11, 2003 which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 395,180 (Attorney Docket 021258-000900US) filed Jul. 11, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 421,404 (Attorney Docket 021258-000910US) filed Oct. 24, 2002, the full disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. [0003] This application is also a continuation in part of PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US03 / 21611 (Attorney Docket 021764-000720PC) filed on Jul. 11, 2003 which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0034] In other embodiments, cells which have not been genetically modified to over-express a possible therapeutic gene, referred to herein as “unmodified cells”, are used. Such cells may be used to augment tissue repair and regeneration. For example, when unmodified autologous SMC, stem cell derived SMC or SMC progenitor cells are used, proliferation of the SMCs and/or associated production of extracellular matrix components including collagen and elastin can rebuild blood vessels. The blood vessels may have been damaged due to traumatic injury, such as by an accident, major reconstructive surgery, or repair of a congenital vascular defect. The SMCs can also be used to rebuild blood vessels which suffer from aneurysms, a progressive vascular abnormality associated with degeneration and dissection of the blood vessel wall and SMC hypocellularity. They may be caused by many factors including extensive atherosclerotic disease, a congenital vascular defect, or mutations in genes important for determining the tensile strength of blood vessels, such as in the case of Marfan's Syndrome which is the result of mutations in the fibrillin gene. In addition, a porous surface on the expandable body may be employed to deliver agents that enhance the desired properties of the unmodified cells. For example, TGFβ1 may be used since it is known to dramatically enhance matrix production, and/or PDGF BB may be used to promote proliferation of progenitor cells provided

Problems solved by technology

Despite the overall initial success of these procedures, many patients undergoing these therapeutic procedures to clear blocked coronary arteries will suffer restenosis (re-blockage) at some point after the initial procedure.

The complications which arise from aneurysms can include rupture, embolization, fistularisation and symptoms related to pressure on surrounding structures.

When left untreated, an abdominal aortic aneurysm may eventually cause rupture of the aorta with ensuing fatal hemorrhaging in a very short time.

However, current methods have limitations which preclude the successful use of such pluripotent stem cells in treating various medical conditions.

As such, if stem cells are simply introduced to target tissues by current methods, such as intravenously or by direct injection, a safety concern is the risk that the cells will differentiate into a non-target cell type and disrupt the normal functions in the target tissues.

At worst, this may result i

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