Novel Techniques to Improve Precise Cell Injection.

Walter Linzenbold,Manuela Hofmann,Andreas Fech,Wilhelm K Aicher,Markus D Enderle

doi:10.3390/ijms22126367

Walter Linzenbold, Manuela Hofmann + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22126367

Copy DOI

Abstract

We noted recently that the injection of cells with a needle through a cystoscope in the urethral sphincter muscle of pigs failed to deposit them nearby or at the intended target position in about 50% of all animals investigated (n > 100). Increasing the chance for precise cell injection by shotgun approaches employing several circumferential injections into the sphincter muscle bears the risk of tissue injury. In this study, we developed and tested a novel needle-free technique to precisely inject cells in the urethral sphincter tissue, or other tissues, using a water-jet system. This system was designed to fit in the working channels of endoscopes and cystoscopes, allowing a wide range of minimally invasive applications. We analyze key features, including the physical parameters of the injector design, pressure ranges applicable for tissue penetration and cell injections and biochemical parameters, such as different compositions of injection media. Our results present settings that enable the high viability of cells post-injection. Lastly, the method is suitable to inject cells in the superficial tissue layer and in deeper layers, required when the submucosa or the sphincter muscle of the urethra is targeted.

Highlights

In the last decades, the use of a water jet for surgical resection of human tissue has been introduced and established as a dissection tool in many medical disciplines such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, dermatology or urology [1,2,3,4,5].Currently, hydro-jet technology is most frequently used to dissect the parenchymal tissue during partial hepatectomy or partial nephrectomy [6,7,8,9,10]
Hydro-jet technology is most frequently used to dissect the parenchymal tissue during partial hepatectomy or partial nephrectomy [6,7,8,9,10]
The mean sizes of the cells in suspension employed here ranged from 13 μm (e.g., MonoMac6) to 22 μm (e.g., mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in suspension)

Summary

Introduction

Hydro-jet technology is most frequently used to dissect the parenchymal tissue during partial hepatectomy or partial nephrectomy [6,7,8,9,10]. Hydro-jet dissection relies on an extremely thin, high-pressure water stream that can be used for penetration and selective separation of the tissue targeted. The hydro-jet delivers kinetic energy, and the cutting effect results in a mechanical fragmentation of the tissue [11]. The velocity or the probe parameters such as nozzle diameter, selective dissection and cutting of tissues of various consistencies and elasticities is feasible. Depending on the energy of the hydro-jet, tissues with low tensile strength and density, such as parenchymal tissue, are dissected, while others, such as bile ducts, blood vessels and nerves, remain intact [7,12]

Methods

Results

Conclusion