A bioartificial liver device including a bioreaction chamber having a plurality of semi-permeable membranes and a plurality of filter spaces each confined by two adjacent semi-permeable membranes; a plurality of liver cell perfusion ports each communicating with one of the filter spaces for introducing the liver cells into the filter spaces, and a positive peristaltic pump. In the device, the semi-permeable membranes are disposed substantially horizontal with respect to the ground, and the positive peristaltic pump is adapted to drive the plasma flow from the bottom wall of the device to the top wall. The device of the invention improves the cell loading and the area for substance exchange between the blood and the liver cells.

An integrated on-line monitoring and thermostatic heating apparatus for a bioartificial liver device, the apparatus including a blood inlet, a blood pump, an arterial drip chamber, a bioreactor module, a venous drip chamber, and a blood reinfusion port which are connected in sequence. The bioreactor module includes a thermostatic water tank and a bioreactor disposed in the thermostatic water tank. The bioreactor includes a container, and a first partition and a second partition which are disposed in the container. The first partition and the second partition separate the container into three independent parts, that is, a plasma separator, an oxygenator, and a reactor. The plasma separator and the oxygenator are connected through an external connection pipe. The external connection pipe is equipped with a separation pump. The second partition includes a communication hole, and the reactor and the oxygenator are connected through the communication hole.

The present invention relates to a cytopheretic cartridge for use in treating and/or preventing inflammatory conditions that affect myocardial function and to related methods. The cartridge can be used in treating a subject with myocardial dysfunction, such as a subject with chronic heart failure and/or acute decompensated heart failure.

method and device treats cancer where blood from a cancer patient passes through an array of passageways within an interior of a chamber. The passageways include wells having porous membrane wall portions that enable a molecular-sized activating agent in a carrier fluid that enhances an immune response to pass through these porous wall portions. Pore size is such to allow the molecular-sized activating agent in the interior of the chamber to enter the wells yet prevents immune cells and cancer cells in the wells to pass through the porous wall portions into the interior of the chamber. Blood is retained in the wells so that it remains in contact with the immune cells and cancer cells for a predetermined period sufficient to enhance an immune response. Then the cells with an enhanced immune response are return to the patient.

There is provided a bioreactor device having cells, including human primary proximal tubule cells (HPTCs) or HPTC-like cells on the exterior surface of hollow fiber membranes included within the device. Also provided are bioartificial kidney devices incorporate the bioreactor device and methods of using such devices.

The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for inserting and using dermal interstitial sensors in, for example, an analyte monitoring system, and for injecting active pharmaceutical ingredients, a bio-artificial organ device, and detection of a protein biomarker.

A method and device treats cancer where blood from a cancer patient passes through an array of passageways within an interior of a chamber. The passageways include wells having porous membrane wall portions that enable a molecular-sized activating agent in a carrier fluid that enhances an immune response to pass through these porous wall portions. Pore size is such to allow the molecular-sized activating agent in the interior of the chamber to enter the wells yet prevents immune cells and cancer cells in the wells to pass through the porous wall portions into the interior of the chamber. Blood is retained in the wells so that it remains in contact with the immune cells and cancer cells for a predetermined period sufficient to enhance an immune response. Then the cells with an enhanced immune response are return to the patient.

A bioartificial liver system is described that incorporates a cell reservoir and hepatocyte spheroids to both increase the number of and longevity of cells in the system. Additional methods are also described for forming spheroid aggregates from isolated hepatocytes.

Bone bypass shunts and methods using thereof. Method for affecting a pathophysiological condition in a body of a live subject includes exemplary steps/procedures of: connecting an inlet port of a bone bypass shunt to a first bone portion adjacent a first bone marrow location such that inlet port lumen of inlet port facilitates fluid communication with blood accumulated or flowing at first blood marrow location; connecting outlet port of the bone bypass shunt to second bone portion adjacent second bone marrow location, such that outlet port lumen of outlet port facilitates fluid communication with bone marrow; a formed cavity, or/and bone marrow vasculature, located at second bone marrow location; via inlet port lumen, removing a chosen volume of blood from first bone marrow location; and via outlet port lumen, delivering chosen volume of blood to the second bone marrow location.

A system and method for the treatment of kidney disease, either acute or chronic, in a mammal is disclosed. The method addresses the needs of a patient exhibiting fibrosis formation associated with levels of Gal-3 above normal. Removal of Gal-3 may make conventional treatments of kidney disease more effective, and help stabilize or improve the condition allowing avoidance of progression to end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis or transplant. Depending on the condition of the patient, the treatment may help stabilize patients to avoid hemodialysis and allow the patient to wait until a transplant may be made available. A suitable patient is treated through apheresis where the patient's blood is withdrawn and ex vivo is treated to remove at least ten percent of Gal-3 from the withdrawn blood. Higher levels, and frequent repetition, may be needed to stabilize and/or improve kidney function in a patient sufficient for ongoing management.