Method and apparatus for directing therapeutic nanoparticle-labeled cells to selected locations within the body and/or for retaining therapeutic nanoparticle-labeled cells at selected locations within the body

Abstract

A method for directing therapeutic nanoparticle-labeled cells to selected locations within the body and/or for retaining therapeutic nanoparticle-labeled cells at selected locations within the body, the method comprising: providing an article comprising a body of material configured to be secured about the body of a patient and having a plurality of pockets thereon, wherein each pocket is sized to receive and retain one or more magnets therein; injecting therapeutic USPIO nanoparticle-containing cells into a target therapy site; securing the article to the body of the patient; and inserting at least one magnet into at least one pocket so as to provide a desired magnetic field for further directing therapeutic nanoparticle-labelled cells to a target therapy site and/or for retaining therapeutic nanoparticle-labeled cells at the target therapy site.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus for directing therapeutic nanoparticle-labeled cells to selected locations within the body and/or for retaining therapeutic nanoparticle-labeled cells at selected locations within the body, the apparatus comprising an article comprising a body of material configured to be secured about the body of a patient, and a plurality of pockets thereon, wherein each pocket is sized to receive and retain one or more magnets therein. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the at least one magnet is inserted into the at least one pocket while MRI visualization is used to observe the position of the therapeutic nanoparticle-labeled cells relative to the target therapy site. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the at least one pocket is closed on three sides and open (or openable) on one side. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the article comprises a sleeve for making a gripping fit about the anatomy of the patient. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the article comprises a wrap for securement about the anatomy of the patient. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the article comprises a brace for securement about the anatomy of a patient.