Importance

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Abstract

Diseases, aging, trauma, environmental exposure, infection and other events or agents can alter tissue function. In one embodiment, treatment is provided by therapeutically altering tissue function. This may be by continuing normal tissue function, suppressing tissue function, or enhancing tissue function. In a preferred embodiment, this treatment is effectuated by penetrating an organ, organ component or tissue structure and placing a supplemental material in a newly created space. This space is generally referred to herein as a 'privileged space', i.e. a space not otherwise present in native tissue. Supplemental materials can be deposited and secured within the zone. Supplemental materials include materials forming barriers, supports, and/or materials that deliver agents having a pharmacologic, biochemical, or physiologic effect in vivo. Suitable supplemental materials include polymeric and non-polymeric materials, pharmacologic agents, cells, tissue fragments, microorganisms, viral agents, or other reagents modifying tissue function. The supplemental material is typically in the form of a reservoir/depot, or continuous or discontinuous layer. In one embodiment, supplemental materials, and methods of use thereof, are provided for the continuous or discontinuous therapy of defined regions of an organ, organ component or tissue structure. The supplemental materials may be delivered directly to any one or more of the three zones, endoluminal (or ectomural, for solid organs), endomural, or ectoluminal, of organs, organ components, or tissue structures. The supplemental materials can include natural or synthetic polymeric materials that are biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The supplemental materials can also contain bioactive agents to effectuate a change in an organ or organ component in need thereof. For example, agents that result in a reduced/hyponormal response or an amplified/hypernormal response may be included in the supplemental materials.

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First Claim