CELL DELIVERY CATHETERS WITH DISTAL TIP HIGH FIDELITY SENSORS
The present invention relates to over the wire cell delivery catheters with high fidelity sensors at their distal end. These catheters are comprised of flow rate sensors and/or pressure transducer sensors. These catheters can also be comprised of occlusion balloons. The catheters of the present invention allow for administration of the highest and safest dose of therapeutic agents, e.g., adipose derived regenerative cells, on an individualized basis.
1 . A therapeutic agent delivery catheter comprising an elongated portion, a proximal end, a distal end, a guide wire, one or more lumens, and at least one sensor at the distal tip.
2 . The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a flow rate sensor.
3 . The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the therapeutic agent is adipose derived regenerative cells.
4 . The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the therapeutic agent is used in intracoronary applications.
5 . The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a high fidelity sensor.
6 . The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the distal tip is curved.
7 . The catheter of claim 1 , wherein the distal tip is straight.
8 . The catheter of claim 2 , further comprising a pressure sensor.
9 . A therapeutic agent delivery catheter comprising an elongated portion, a proximal end, a distal end, a guide wire, one or more lumens, an occlusion balloon at the distal tip and a sensor distal to the occlusion balloon.
10 . The catheter of claim 9 , wherein the sensor is a pressure transducer sensor.
11 . The catheter of claim 9 , wherein the therapeutic agent is adipose derived regenerative cells.
12 . The catheter of claim 9 , wherein the therapeutic agent is used in intracoronary applications.
13 . The catheter of claim 9 , wherein the sensor is a high fidelity sensor.
14 . A method of administering a therapeutic agent comprising monitoring the flow rate during infusion using the catheter of claim 2 .
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein administration of the therapeutic agent is halted when the flow rate decreases.
16 . A method of administering a therapeutic agent comprising monitoring the pressure and flow rate using the catheter of claim 9 .
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the administration of the therapeutic agent is halted when the pressure increases.