Stephen Todd Allison

US Patent:

8406837, Mar 26, 2013

Filed:

Nov 1, 2007

Appl. No.:

12/513258

Inventors:

George T. Gillies - Charlottesville VA, US
Helen Fillmore - Richmond VA, US
William C. Broaddus - Midlothian VA, US
Boyd M. Evans, III - Oak Ridge TN, US
Stephen W. Allison - Knoxville TN, US

Assignee:

UT-Battelle, LLC - Oak Ridge TN
University of Virginia Patent Foundation - Charlottesville VA

International Classification:

A61B 5/00

US Classification:

600321

Abstract:

A functionalized tip is incorporated into catheters for the cytometric delivery of cells into the brain and other body parts. For use in the brain, the tip forms part of a neurosurgical probe having a proximal end and a distal end. In addition to the functionalized tip, the probe has at least one cell slurry delivery lumen and a plurality of optical fibers configured along the probe, terminating in the tip to provide the photo-optical capability needed to monitor the viability and physiological behavior of the grafted cells as well as certain characteristics of the cellular environment. Details are also presented of the use of a neurocatheter having a cytometric tip of the type disclosed in the invention, as employed within the context of a feedback and control system for regulating the number of cells delivered to the brain of a patient.