Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for implanting cells onto a prosthesis comprising the steps of: (a) providing a prosthesis comprising a porous tube, wherein at least 25% of the pores on the inner surface of said tube have diameters of more than about 40 μm and at least 25% of the pores on the outer surface of said tube have diameters of less than about 30 μm, wherein said tube comprises a substantially continuous layer of a biocompatible material, and wherein said pores on said inner surface and said pores on said outer surface are connected by gradually tapered openings; (b) contacting said prosthesis with a suspension of cells; and (c) providing a pressure differential between said inner surface and said outer surface, whereby said cells are retained in said pores of said inner surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for implanting cells onto a prosthesis comprising the steps of: (a) providing a prosthesis comprising a porous tube, wherein at least 25% of the pores on the inner surface of said tube have diameters of more than about 40 μm and at least 25% of the pores on the outer surface of said tube have diameters of less than about 30 μm, wherein said tube comprises a substantially continuous layer of a biocompatible material, and wherein said pores on said inner surface and said pores on said outer surface are connected by gradually tapered openings; (b) contacting said prosthesis with a suspension of cells; and (c) providing a pressure differential between said inner surface and said outer surface, whereby said cells are retained in said pores of said inner surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least 50% of said pores on said inner surface have diameters of more than about 40 μm, and at least 50% of said pores on said outer surface have diameters of less than about 30 μm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least 70% of said pores on said inner surface have diameters of more than about 40 μm, and at least 70% of said pores on said outer surface have diameters of less than about 30 μm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least 90% of said pores on said inner surface have diameters of more than about 40 μm, and at least 90% of said pores on said outer surface have diameters of less than about 30 μm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least 25% of said pores on said inner surface have diameters of more than about 50 μm, and at least 25% of said pores on said outer surface have diameters of less than about 20 μm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least 50% of said pores on said inner surface have diameters of more than about 50 μm, and at least 50% of said pores on said outer surface have diameters of less than about 20 μm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least 25% of said pores on said inner surface have diameters of more than about 60 μm, and at least 25% of said pores on said outer surface have diameters of less than about 15 μm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least 50% of said pores on said inner surface have diameters of more than about 60 μm, and at least 50% of said pores on said outer surface have diameters of less than about 15 μm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said prosthesis is a vascular graft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
A sodded prosthesis formed by the method of claim 1 .
Claim 12
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for implanting cells onto a prosthesis comprising the steps of: (a) providing a prosthesis comprising a porous tube, wherein (i) the diameters of at least 25% of the pores on the inner surface of said tube are larger than the diameter of a human cell, such that human cells fit within said pores, (ii) the diameters of at least 25% of the pores on the outer surface of said tube are smaller than the diameter of a human cell, such that cells do not pass through said pores, (iii) said tube comprises a substantially continuous layer of a biocompatible material, and (iv) said pores on said inner surface and said pores on said outer surface are connected by gradually tapered openings; (b) contacting said prosthesis with a suspension of cells; and (c) providing a pressure differential between said inner surface and said outer surface, whereby said cells are retained in said pores of said inner surface.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for implanting cells onto a prosthesis comprising the steps of: (a) providing a prosthesis comprising a porous tube, wherein (i) the diameters of at least 25% of the pores on the inner surface of said tube are larger than the diameter of a human cell, such that human cells fit within said pores, (ii) the diameters of at least 25% of the pores on the outer surface of said tube are smaller than the diameter of a human cell, such that cells do not pass through said pores, (iii) said tube comprises a substantially continuous layer of a biocompatible material, and (iv) said pores on said inner surface and said pores on said outer surface are connected by gradually tapered openings; (b) contacting said prosthesis with a suspension of cells; and (c) providing a pressure differential between said inner surface and said outer surface, whereby said cells are retained in said pores of said inner surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
A sodded prosthesis formed by the method of claim 11 .