Catheters and methods for their use are presented that provide automated
delivery of cells to structures in the body such as degenerative or weak
muscle. The catheters contain one or more sensing components and a system
for delivery of cells such as autologous myogenic cells. The sensing
component(s) triggers automatic discharge of the cells upon detection of
a body surface that needs repair. The discharge of cells may occur
through an automated lancing mechanism that alleviates operator error
from manual injection timing. During use, an operator can position the
catheter end to a structure in need of cellular repair, and the device
can automatically discharge cells at a location and time as determined by
conditions sensed at the catheter end. A catheter and system is
particularly useful for repair of degenerative and or weak heart muscle,
such as that found after a myocardial infarct. The catheters and methods
of their use also may be used for cellular repair of other interior body
structures, particularly muscles such as bladder, intestine, stomach and
diaphram. The catheters provide greater use of myogenic cell therapy for
heart disease, while avoiding complications of open heart surgery.
