Magnetic medical apparatus, kits, and methods

Abstract

Medical devices with surfaces on which viable biologic cells are magnetically attracted and retained are disclosed along with methods of magnetic coating. The medical devices can be located in a carrier liquid containing high concentrations of magnetic cells before or after implantation. The carrier liquid with magnetic cells may be contact with the medical device in vitro or in vivo. In either case, the carrier liquid may have a concentration of magnetic cells that is high enough to facilitate coating of the medical device within an acceptable period of time, e.g., several hours or less. Magnetization of medical devices before, during, and/or after implantation and apparatus for performing the same are disclosed. Degaussing of magnetic medical devices is also disclosed.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . An implantable magnetic sleeve comprising a flexible tubular body formed of a non-magnetic binder containing magnetic particles dispersed within the non-magnetic binder, wherein the non-magnetic binder is biodegradable, and wherein the flexible tubular body comprises a porous wall. 
     
     
         14 . A sleeve according to  claim 13 , further comprising adhesive on an exterior surface of the magnetic sleeve. 
     
     
         15 . A sleeve according to  claim 13 , wherein the magnetic sleeve comprises a multilayer wall, and wherein at least one layer comprises a drug-eluting layer. 
     
     
         16 . A sleeve according to  claim 13 , wherein the non-magnetic binder comprises elastomeric materials such that the sleeve exhibits elasticity. 
     
     
         17 . An implantable magnetic device comprising:
 a cylindrical body defining a lumen formed therethrough, wherein the body comprises a tubular structure;   a coating comprising a non-magnetic binder applied to a wall of the tubular structure; and   a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed in the coating.   
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein the wall of the tubular structure comprises a fabric wall. 
     
     
         19 . A device according to  claim 18 , wherein the fabric structure is porous. 
     
     
         20 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein the wall of the tubular structure comprises struts. 
     
     
         21 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein the non-magnetic binder is biodegradable. 
     
     
         22 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein the non-magnetic binder bridges any openings in wall of the tubular structure. 
     
     
         23 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A kit for magnetically coating a medical device in vivo, the kit comprising:
 an implantable medical device or apparatus according to  claim 17 ; and   a catheter for creating a defined volume in a biologic conduit in vivo, wherein the catheter comprises:
 at least one seal capable of closing the biologic conduit when deployed within the conduit; 
 a carrier liquid lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to a location proximate the at least one seal; 
 an opening in the carrier liquid lumen proximate the at least one seal, wherein carrier liquid in the carrier liquid lumen is capable of exiting the catheter proximate the seal. 
   
     
     
         30 . A kit according to  claim 29 , wherein the at least one seal comprises a pair of seals such that the defined volume is enclosed by the pair of seals when the pair of seals are deployed within the biologic conduit. 
     
     
         31 . A kit according to  claim 29 , wherein each seal comprises an inflatable balloon, and further wherein the catheter comprises one or more inflation lumens extending from the proximal end of the catheter to the seals. 
     
     
         32 . A kit according to  claim 29 , the kit further comprising means for associating a magnetic charge with a plurality of biologic cells. 
     
     
         33 . A kit according to  claim 29 , the kit further comprising a carrier liquid for delivery to the enclosed defined volume in vivo. 
     
     
         34 . A kit according to  claim 33 , further comprising means for delivering the carrier liquid to the enclosed defined volume in vivo. 
     
     
         35 . (canceled)