Inventors:
Paul G. Alchas - Wayne NJ
Jonathan B. Gabel - Clifton NJ
Stuart K. Williams - Wilmington DE
Bruce E. Jarrell - Philadelphia PA
Deborah G. Rose - Warrington PA
Pauline K. Park - Philadelphia PA
Thomas L. Carter - Philadelphia PA
Frank A. Augello - Cedar Knolls NJ
Joseph A. DiPisa - Wyckoff NJ
Assignee:
Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia PA
Becton Dickinson and Company - Franklin Lakes NJ
International Classification:
A61F 206, A01N 102
Abstract:
Apparatus for depositing a cell product, such as endothelial cell product, in a graft and inserting the graft in a vessel is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a tunneler tube that has a hollow portion for supporting the graft therein, apertures to permit the flow of cell product, and a pointed end cap attached to a distal end of the tunneler tube. The apparatus also has a handle connected to the graft and releaseably connected to a proximal end of the tunneler tube that provides an inlet for cell product and outlet in fluid communication with the lumen of the graft. During deposition, the cell product thus flows through the handle, into the graft and exits through the apertures. During insertion, the tunneler tube is manipulated by the handle to enter a vessel, and is then released from the handle and removed to accommodate anastomoses.