Patent Publication Number: US-2012041393-A1

Title: Apparatus and Method for Capsule Formation in Tissue

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the full Paris Convention benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/191,174; filed Sep. 5, 2008; and PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US09/56123; filed Sep. 4, 2009; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present invention relates to tissue treatment, and more particularly, to apparatus and methods for the emplacement of capsules within tissue. 
     SUMMARY 
     Problems known to those skilled in the art may be overcome by one or more of the embodiments of the invention described herein. Additional improvements and advantages may be realized by one of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this document. Illustrative embodiments of the invention follow. 
     According to embodiments, disclosed is a capsule emplacement apparatus comprising: a needle having a tip at a distal end thereof and defining a lumen within; a membrane introducer tube movably disposed within the lumen of the needle, the membrane introducer tube having a distal end; and an encapsulation membrane defining an interior and an inlet region for receiving fluid into the interior through the inlet region, the encapsulation membrane being detatchably coupled to the distal end of the membrane introducer tube near the inlet region, and being controllably expandable upon introduction of the fluid into the interior from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition; and wherein at least one of the needle and the membrane introducer tube is controllably moveable to provide relative motion therebetween for releasing the encapsulation membrane from within the lumen of the needle where the encapsulation membrane is confined in the collapsed condition through the distal end of the needle, so that the encapsulation membrane is substantially unconfined by the lumen of the needle. 
     The capsule emplacement apparatus may further comprise an elongated sheath, the needle being movably disposed within a lumen of the sheath. The membrane introducer tube may define a lumen within; and the interior of the encapsulation membrane may be in fluid communication through the inlet region with the lumen of the membrane introducer tube for receiving fluid. The capsule emplacement apparatus may further comprise a filler tube having a distal end and defining a lumen within, wherein: the membrane introducer tube defines a lumen within, the filler tube being movably disposed within the lumen of the membrane introducer tube; and the interior of the encapsulation membrane is in fluid communication through the inlet region with the lumen of the filler tube for receiving fluid. 
     The capsule emplacement apparatus may further comprise an elongated sealing device; wherein the membrane introducer tube defines a lumen within, the elongated sealing device being movably disposed within the lumen of the membrane introducer tube and positionable proximate the inlet of the encapsulation membrane for sealing the encapsulation membrane. The elongated sealing device may include a welding device. The welding device may include an ultrasonic welder, a radio frequency welder, or a thermal welder. 
     The elongated sealing device may include an elongated adhesive applicator; and the membrane introducer tube may define a lumen within, the elongated adhesive applicator being movably disposed within the lumen of the membrane introducer tube and positionable proximate the inlet of the encapsulation membrane for sealing the encapsulation membrane. The elongated adhesive applicator may include an applicator tube positionable proximate the inlet of the encapsulation membrane for delivering adhesive into the inlet of the encapsulation membrane. 
     The capsule emplacement apparatus may further comprise a clamping device for sealing the encapsulation membrane proximate the inlet or a twisting device for sealing the encapsulation membrane proximate the inlet. 
     According to embodiments, disclosed is a catheter system for capsule emplacement within tissue, comprising: a source of fluid biomaterial; an elongated sheath having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a lumen within; a needle movably disposed within the lumen of the sheath, the needle having a tip at a distal end thereof and defining a lumen within; a membrane introducer tube movably disposed within the lumen of the needle, the membrane introducer tube having a distal end; an encapsulation membrane defining an interior and an inlet region for receiving fluid into the interior through the inlet region, the encapsulation membrane being detatchably coupled to the distal end of the membrane introducer tube near the inlet region, and being controllably expandable upon introduction of the fluid into the interior from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition; and a control handle disposed at the proximal end of the sheath; the control handle having first controls for advancing the tip of the needle beyond the distal end of the sheath into tissue; the control handle further having second controls for retracting the needle relative to the membrane introducer tube to release the encapsulation membrane from within the lumen of the needle wherein the encapsulation membrane is confined to the collapsed condition, to beyond the distal end of the needle where the encapsulation membrane is unconfined by the lumen of the needle; and the control handle further having third controls for introducing biomaterial from the biomaterial source into the interior of the encapsulation membrane to expand the encapsulation membrane from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. 
     The catheter system may further comprise a filler tube having a distal end and defining a lumen within; wherein the membrane introducer tube defines a lumen within, the filler tube being movably disposed within the lumen of the membrane introducer tube; and wherein the lumen of the filler tube is in fluid communication with the biomaterial source and with the interior of the encapsulation membrane through the inlet region for supplying biomaterial to the interior of the encapsulation membrane. 
     The membrane introducer tube may define a lumen within, the lumen of the membrane introducer tube being in fluid communication with the biomaterial source and with the interior of the encapsulation membrane through the inlet region for supplying biomaterial to the interior of the encapsulation membrane. 
     The catheter system may further comprise an elongated sealing device; wherein the membrane introducer tube defines a lumen within, the elongated sealing device being movably disposed within the lumen of the membrane introducer tube and positionable proximate the inlet of the encapsulation membrane for sealing the encapsulation membrane. The elongated sealing device may include a welding device, an adhesive applicator, a clamping device for sealing the encapsulation membrane proximate the inlet, or a twisting device for sealing the encapsulation membrane proximate the inlet. 
     According to embodiments, disclosed is a method for emplacing a capsule within tissue, comprising: advancing a needle into tissue of an organ to place a distal end of the needle at a predetermined depth within the tissue, the needle defining a lumen within; withdrawing the needle from the tissue to place an encapsulation membrane within the tissue, wherein upon initiation of withdrawal, the encapsulation membrane is disposed within the lumen of the needle proximate the distal end thereof and detachably coupled at an inlet thereof to a distal end of a membrane introducer tube that is movably disposed within the lumen of the needle, and wherein during withdrawal, the needle is retracted relative to the membrane introducer tube so that tissue closes in upon the encapsulation membrane at an emplacement site within the tissue; introducing biomaterial into an interior of the encapsulation membrane through the inlet to controllably expand the encapsulation membrane at the emplacement site from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition; sealing the inlet of the encapsulation membrane when the encapsulation membrane is in the expanded condition and before the releasing step; and releasing the encapsulation membrane from the membrane introducer tube when the encapsulation membrane is in the expanded condition. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates in a broken perspective view an exemplary implementation of an emplacement apparatus; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a first operational condition; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a second operational condition; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a third operational condition; 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a fourth operational condition; 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a fifth operational condition; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a sixth operational condition; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a seventh operational condition; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an eighth operational condition; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a ninth operational condition; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an alternative sixth operational condition; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an alternative seventh operational condition; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an alternative eighth operational condition; 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates in a cut-away view a distal portion of an exemplary implementation of the emplacement apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an alternative ninth operational condition; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view showing an illustrative implementation of a capsule; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view showing another illustrative implementation of a capsule; and 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view showing yet another illustrative implementation of a capsule. 
     
    
    
     The Figures are to facilitate explanation of the present invention. The number, position, relationship and dimensions of the parts shown in the Figures to form the various implementations described herein, as well as dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, flow and similar requirements, are explained herein or are understandable to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure. Where used in various Figures, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “inside,” “outside,” and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood in reference to the orientation of the structures shown in the drawings and utilized to facilitate understanding. Similarly, when the terms “proximal,” “distal,” and similar positional terms are used, the terms should be understood in reference to the structures shown in the drawings and utilized to facilitate understanding. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In various treatment regimens, it is advantageous to inject various types of flowable material within tissue of an organ of the body. In the case of injection of a polymer, the polymer may properly cross-link and form a mass within the tissue, but then degrade at such a rate that the therapeutic effect is lost before the therapeutic effect has been entirely realized. The polymer may diffuse within the interstitial spaces of the tissue before cross-linking, which while desirable in some applications, may not be desirable in other applications. 
     In other instances, one may wish to place a preformed body of material within tissue of an organ of the body. However, emplacement of the body of material within the tissue may require an incision or other such invasive procedure that is traumatic and presents risks to the patient. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for apparatus and methods to address issues associated with these and other techniques. 
     This application expressly incorporates by reference, as if fully set forth herein, U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,677, issued Sep. 13, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,749, issued Mar. 26, 2002; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0005295, published Jan. 8, 2004; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0106896, published Jun. 3, 2004; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0180043, published Sep. 16, 2004; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0271631, published Dec. 8, 2005; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0065046, published Mar. 13, 2008; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0065047, published Mar. 13, 2008; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0065048, published Mar. 13, 2008; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0069801, published Mar. 20, 2008; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0269720, published Oct. 30, 2008. 
     Capsules, emplacement apparatus, and associated methods for establishing a capsule within tissue are described herein. The emplacement apparatus may be catheter-based or implemented in a handheld unit. The emplacement apparatus serves to introduce an encapsulating membrane in a collapsed condition into the tissue, and then to expand the encapsulating membrane within the tissue into a capsule by injection of fill material into the encapsulating membrane. Other than being capable of injection through the emplacement apparatus, the fill material may be selected and formulated to achieve such mechanical and biological properties within the encapsulating membrane after injection as are desired to achieve the therapeutic effect sought for the patient. Mechanically, the fill material within the encapsulating membrane after injection may be a liquid, a semi-solid such as a gel, or a solid such as a cross-linked polymer. The fill material may or may not be sealed within the encapsulating membrane. 
     According to embodiments, the emplacement apparatus may be implemented as a catheter having multiple coaxial lumen in the following illustrative manner. The outside of the catheter is an outer guide sheath. A needle tube is operationally movable within the outer guide sheath and is generally coaxial therewith. A membrane introducer tube is operationally movable within the needle tube and generally coaxial therewith. If sealing of the capsule is not desired, fill material may be injected into the encapsulating membrane through the membrane introducer tube. If sealing of the capsule is desired, a filler tube that is generally coaxial with and operationally movable within the membrane introducer tube may be used to fill the encapsulating membrane, and then replaced by a sealing apparatus that is generally coaxial with and operationally movable within the membrane introducer tube. Various sealing apparatus are suitable. Where ultrasonic welding is desired, for example, the sealing apparatus may be an ultrasonic device having a proximal ultrasonic transducer, a transmission member, and a distal sealing tip. Thermal and radio frequency apparatus are also suitable for sealing by welding. Sealing may be done with an adhesive, in which case the sealing apparatus may be an adhesive applicator tube that is generally coaxial with and operationally movable within the membrane introducer tube, and used to apply adhesive to the neck of the filled encapsulating membrane. The filled encapsulating membrane, which is in the form of a capsule, may be released from the membrane introducer tube in any suitable manner. 
     According to embodiments, the catheter emplacement apparatus is operated as follows. When the needle tube is extended forth from the sheath, the needle is inserted into the tissue with the encapsulation membrane in a collapsed condition and positioned at the end of the membrane introducer tube, inside of and near the tip of the needle. The needle is retracted from the tissue such that the distal portion of the membrane introducer tube and the encapsulation membrane at the distal end thereof remains within the tissue. Fill material is injected into the encapsulation membrane through a neck region to inflate the encapsulation membrane, for forming a capsule that extends forth from the distal end of the membrane introducer tube. The neck region is sealed using any suitable sealing technique, and the membrane introducer tube is separated from the capsule and removed from the tissue. The capsule remains emplaced within the tissue. The emplacement apparatus may be employed to emplace a plurality of capsules within the tissue at other locations. Capsules may have a variety of different shapes such as, for example, spherical or cylindrical, and different shapes may be placed in different locations. 
     According to embodiments, the fill material preferably is a biologically compatible natural or synthetic material (“biomaterial”) that is flowable under pressure through a lumen and therefore injectable into the body. Once within the encapsulation membrane in situ, the biomaterial may remain in the same flowable state, or may transition from the flowable state to a non-flowable state such as a solid or a semi-solid gel material. The biomaterial may also swell during and/or after the transition. Suitable biomaterial includes a wide variety of substances typically used in medicine and commonly classified as synthetic or natural polymers, co-polymers, biopolymers, silicone biomaterials, hydrogels, and composites. Examples of polymers include (a) human or animal-derived such as fibrin glue, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and chitosans; (b) plant-derived polymers such as alginates or biocompatible liquids and gels derived from starch, sugar, and cellulose; (c) lactic acid-based gels and liquids; and (d) synthetically derived materials such as Polyethylene Glycol (“PEG”). The term “biomaterial” may refer to only one biomaterial or a combination of biomaterials, and does not require or preclude the presence of one or more bioreactive components such as (a) cells (stem cells, fibroblasts, skeletal cells, and others); (b) proteins and peptides from the families of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines; (c) plasmids or genes; (d) natural or engineered binding sites such as RDG binding sites and antibodies and antibody constructs; (e) various pharmaceutical compositions; (f) any other therapeutically beneficial materials; or (g) any combination of the foregoing. Suitable biomaterial also includes silicone and saline. 
     The encapsulating membrane may be made of any biologically compatible material that is capable of being placed into a collapsed condition and inflatable from the collapsed condition into an inflated condition without damage or rupture to the membrane. Examples of suitable membrane materials include polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), fluorinated ethylene propylene (“FEP”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) (Dacron®), polyamides (nylon), polyether urethane, polycarbonate, polysulfones, polymethyl methacrylate, poly 2-hydroxy-ethylmethacrilate (PHEMA), and so forth. The material of the encapsulating membrane may be porous where tissue ingrowth into the encapsulating membrane and/or controlled diffusion of substances from the biomaterial through the encapsulating membrane into the tissue is desired. A suitable porous material is PTFE. On the other hand, the material of the encapsulating membrane may be substantially impermeable where biomaterial is to be securely contained by the encapsulating membrane. A suitable impermeable material is FEP. 
     The encapsulating membrane may be designed to attain a specific geometric shape when filled with the biomaterial. Depending on the desired therapeutic effect, this shape could be substantially cylindrical, substantially spherical, or any other geometric solid shape. 
     The fill material and/or the encapsulating membrane may be radiopaque or may contain radiopaque markers to facilitate visualization within the tissue. 
     Many different techniques are suitable for sealing the capsule, including welding by ultrasound, radio frequency, or thermal energy, bonding by the use of adhesive, and mechanical closure by twisting or clamping. An example of a ultrasound catheter apparatus that may be adapted for the purposes described herein is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,677 issued Sep. 13, 2005 to Henry Nita et al., which is included herein in its entirety as an appendix. Where adhesive bonding is desired, a suitable adhesive is a biologically compatible material that flows through one or more lumen for deposition into the neck of the capsule. The adhesive adheres to the encapsulating membrane and forms a seal that seals the neck. In some implementations, the adhesive may be highly viscous and may generally remain highly viscous, while in other exemplary implementations, the adhesive may transition from a flowable to a non-flowable state. The adhesive may be deposited over the capsule neck in the flowable state, and then transition into the non-flowable state to form the seal. Examples of suitable adhesive include medical glues such as the cyanoacrylates and sulfacrylates used in surgery. 
     According to embodiments, the present application may be applied in a system and method for volume augmentation of tissue in a living being, such as a human. The system consists generally of an capsule used as a tissue-filling device and a method for delivering said tissue-filling device into tissue. The tissue-filling device consists of fill material and an enclosing membrane. According to embodiments, the enclosing membrane forms a container that may be filled. 
     According to embodiments, the techniques described herein are applicable to many tissues of the body. In cardiac applications, for example, depending on the therapeutic effect sought, a capsule may be emplaced in a single injection site in healthy or diseased tissue of the myocardium, or capsules may be injected into injection sites dispersed over a region of the myocardium or arranged along the myocardium in a therapeutically effective pattern. The techniques described herein are applicable, for example, to the injection of polymer within the ventricular wall of the heart, as described in United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0271631 dated Dec. 8, 2005 (Randall J. Lee et al., Material Compositions and Related Systems and Methods for Treating Cardiac Conditions), and in United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0065046 dated Mar. 13, 2008 (Hani N. Sabbah et al., Intramyocardial Patterning for Global Cardiac Resizing and Reshaping), which are appended hereto in their entirety and included herein as an integral part of this patent document. When so emplaced, the polymer reduces stress within the ventricular wall and, over time, allows the heart to recover functionality. Encapsulation of the polymer within the ventricular wall prevents the polymer from being absorbed by the body before the heart recovers functionality. 
     Despite continuous improvements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) continues to increase worldwide. With an aging and more sedentary population, CHF is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in industrialized societies and represents the most common reason for hospitalization in patients who are 65 years and older. In the United States alone, about 5 million Americans are currently affected with the number of patients expected to double by the year 2020—thus becoming the most common form of heart disease. 
     The economic impact currently surpasses an estimated $29 billion per year and is expected to rise accordingly. Approximately 60 percent of the cost is taken up by hospitalization-related expenses. Since there is no known cure for CHF (except for a heart transplant), patients are managed with a variety of pharmacologic agents and modification of lifestyle. Ultimately, if patients reach the most advanced stage of heart disease, 50 percent of them die within a year. 
     CHF occurs when the heart&#39;s output or pumping capacity is insufficient for the body&#39;s needs. The cause for this deficiency may include several underlying diseases such as ischemia, hypertension, obesity and valvular disease. Irrespective of the underlying cause of CHF, in a large percentage of patients, the left ventricle begins to dilate and enlarge, the muscle wall becomes thinner and the chamber looses its proper shape in an effort to compensate pumping capacity. Once it is set in motion, this negative chain of events results in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and cannot be reversed. 
     Clinical treatment primarily involves the use of various pharmaceuticals aimed at improving symptoms, reducing the workload of the heart and slowing down the progression of the disease. Stem cells are being used experimentally with marginal benefits to regenerate heart muscle. A number of invasive devices and pump assist devices are being developed with mixed success aimed at slowing the disease progression. 
     Devices and methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure may prevent or reverse the progression of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients who have an enlarged left ventricle as a result of mitral valve regurgitation, ischemia, dilated cardiomyopathy and/or other disorders. 
     Devices and methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure include a biopolymer that is injected using an applicator, directly into strategic areas of the left ventricle muscle during open heart surgery, cather-based procedures, or any other interventional procedure. As it is injected, the biopolymer forms bodies that remain in the heart muscle as permanent implants. These implants provide several beneficial functions: (i) they thicken the muscle wall, (ii) reduce chamber size, (iii) decrease local muscle wall stress, and based on the positioning of the implants, (iv) allow for a re-shaping of the dilated ventricle to impart it a healthier form. Based on the results of studies, these functions lead to a global improvement of the heart as measured by ejection fraction, systolic and diastolic pressures and other biomarkers of stress. The positive effect of the biopolymer implants is measurable within hours of the procedure and remains over the long term. 
     According to embodiments, the volume augmentation methods and devices described in the present disclosure may be used for tissue bulking in a variety of circumstances, depending on the need. For example: in gastroenterology, wherein increasing the volume of tissue at the gastro-esophageal junction can be used to treat gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and increasing the thickness of the gastric mucosa to decrease the volume of the stomach to treat morbid obesity; in urology, where placing filler radially around the urethra at the neck of the urinary bladder can ameliorate incontinence; and in cardiology, whereby tissue filler may be placed in the ventricular wall to decrease the volume of the left ventricular chamber to treat heart failure, or in the pericardial space to place pressure on the outside of the heart, also intended to decrease the volume of the heart chambers and thereby treat heart failure; and in other applications well known to those skilled in the art. In any of these clinical applications, the tissue-filling device may be combined with any number of other bioactive substances which may be released from the filler itself over time, or be injected concurrently. 
     According to embodiments, one use of the devices and systems of the present disclosure is in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery wherein the system is used for augmentation in the dermis or subdermis to treat skin contour deficiencies caused by various conditions, including aging, environmental exposure, weight loss, child bearing, surgery, disease such as acne and cancer, or combinations thereof, or for beauty enhancement. The tissue augmentation method of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for treating frown lines, worry lines, wrinkles, crow&#39;s feet, facial scars, or marionette lines, or to augment facial features such as the lips, cheeks, chin, nose or under the eyes. Treatment of a patient may consist solely of using a tissue-filing device, or the tissue-filling device may be used as part of additional cosmetic surgery such as a face or brow lift. The characteristic of change from first configuration to second configuration makes the tissue-filling device desirable for use in endoscopic surgery. The tissue augmentation device may also be used for breast augmentation, and regions of the body that need volume enlargement during reconstructive plastic surgery, such as after trauma or tumor resection. 
     The present disclosure addresses those aspects of designing an optimized composition for tissues that need to be repaired. The injectable composition of this disclosure is also suitable for the treatment of many tissue conditions such as augmentation and strengthening of tissue in patients. Other than the plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery, tissue fillers can be used to correct aphonia or dysphonia caused by paralysis of the vocal cords, to correct defect or injury, to the augmentation of hypoplastic breast, to the augmentation of scar tissue, to the treatment of urological disorders (e.g. urinary incontinence), to the treatment of incompetent anal sphincters, to the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, and to the treatment of gastric fluid reflux by endoscopic or subcutaneous injection of biocompatible hollow particular implants into the submucosal or dermal tissue. Since the disclosure is closely related to the treatment of soft tissue augmentation, it will be described in details by reference hereto. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates by broken perspective view an implementation of a catheter-based emplacement apparatus  10 . The emplacement apparatus  10  includes a sheath  200 , a handle  210  and a needle  30 . The handle  210  is secured to a sheath proximal end  202  of the sheath  200 , and the needle  30  is shown as extending forth from the sheath distal end  204  of the sheath  200  generally oriented toward an injection site  500 . When so deployed from the sheath distal end  204  of the sheath  200 , the needle  30  may be inserted into the tissue  410  at the injection site  500 . In other operational conditions, the needle  30  including needle tip  34  may be enclosed within the sheath  200  generally proximate the sheath distal end  204  so that the sheath distal end  204  is atraumatic to allow the sheath distal end  204  to be navigated to a location proximate to the injection site  500 . 
     In some implementations of the emplacement apparatus  10 , the sheath  200  may be flexible to allow the sheath distal end  204  of the sheath  200  to be navigated to the injection site  500  through various bodily passages, and the flexibility and other mechanical characteristics of the sheath  200  may vary along the length of the sheath  200 . In other implementations, the sheath may be generally rigid, and the sheath distal end may be passed, for example, to the injection site  500  through surgical incision(s) that expose the injection site  500 . Radiopaque markings (not shown) may be located about portions of the sheath  200  to assist the physician in the navigation of the sheath distal end  204  of the sheath  200  to the injection site  500  in various implementations. 
     In the illustrative implementation of the emplacement apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the sheath proximal end  202  is secured to handle  210 , which allows the physician to manipulate the sheath  200  in order to direct the sheath distal end  204  to the injection site  500 . The handle  210  further includes features that allow the physician to emplace a capsule within tissue at the injection site  500 . 
     As illustrated, these features include a knob  220  that is slideably secured to the handle  210  so that the knob  220  may be slideably advanced in the distal direction or slideably retracted in the proximal direction by the physician. The knob  220  is in mechanical cooperation with the needle  30  via any suitable mechanism so that, when the knob  220  is advanced in the distal direction, the needle  30  is deployed from the sheath distal end  204  to allow the needle  30  to be inserted into the tissue  410  at the injection site  500 . Similarly, when the knob  220  is retracted in the proximal direction, the needle  30  is retracted in the proximal direction and, in this manner, may be retracted from the tissue  410  into the sheath  200 . Suitable mechanisms include a needle tube that may be generally coaxial with the sheath, and a deployment assembly mounted in the distal part of the sheath which extends and withdraws the needle under wire control. In this implementation, slides  225 ,  230  are placed about the handle  210  to cooperate mechanically with, respectively, an encapsulating membrane introducer tube  40  (see, for example,  FIGS. 2A to 2E ) and various tubes and devices that are operationally inserted into and moved within the membrane introducer tube  40 , such as a fill tube, a sealing apparatus such as a tubular ultrasonic device, and an adhesive applicator tube. 
     Slides  225  and  230  are advanced or retracted to exert control, and various gears and other mechanical couplings are provided about the handle  210  and/or about the sheath  200  so that the needle  30  cooperates mechanically with the knob  220 , the membrane introducer tube  40  cooperates mechanically with slide  225 , and the fill tube and ultrasonic device or applicator tube cooperate mechanically with slide  230 . 
     In the implementation illustrated in  FIG. 1 , ports  212 ,  214  are located about the handle  210  and/or the sheath  200  generally proximate the sheath proximal end  202 . Port  212  communicates with various lumen generally defined within the handle  210  and/or the sheath  200  to communicate biomaterial and adhesive to the appropriate lumen of the emplacement apparatus  10 . Alternatively, a reservoir of the biomaterial and/or a reservoir of the adhesive may be located within the emplacement apparatus  10 . In various implementations of the emplacement apparatus  10 , the sheath  200  and/or the handle  210  may include additional lumen and/or ports through which guide wires may be passed and/or various other fluids may be communicated. 
       FIGS. 2A to 2E ,  3 A to  3 D and  4 A to  4 D show portions of the illustrative emplacement apparatus  10  generally proximate the distal end thereof in various operational conditions. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the sheath  200  is tubular and defines a sheath lumen  203 . The needle  30  and the membrane introducer tube  40  are illustrated as received in part within the sheath lumen  203  and deployed distally so that portions of the needle  30  and the membrane introducer tube  40  extend distal of the distal end of the sheath  200  in this operational condition. In other operational conditions (not shown) the needle  30  and the membrane introducer tube  40  may be positioned entirely within the sheath lumen  203  such that the tip of the needle  30  and the distal end of the membrane introducer tube  40  are contained. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the needle  30  defines a needle lumen. Illustratively, the tip of the needle  30  is beveled to form a cutting edge for ease of penetration into tissue  410 . The needle  30  is inserted into the tissue  410  at the injection site  500 , and the tissue  410  is generally biased about the outer surface of the needle  30 . 
     The membrane introducer tube  40  defines a lumen, and includes at its distal end an encapsulation membrane  60  in a collapsed position. The encapsulation membrane  60  is collapsed into a number of folds and is secured to the inner surface of the membrane introducer tube  40  generally in the area of seal  62 . The membrane introducer tube  40  is moveably received within the lumen of the needle  30  such that the distal end of the membrane introducer tube  40  and the tip of the needle  30  are positionable with respect to one another. In the operational condition illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the distal end of the membrane introducer tube  40  is positioned within the lumen of the needle  30  and near the tip thereof. When the needle  30  penetrates the injection site  500  and is advanced into the tissue  410 , the encapsulation membrane  60  is brought into position within the tissue  410 . 
     In the operational condition of the emplacement apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 2B , the needle  30  is retracted proximally with respect to the distal end of the membrane introducer tube  40  to withdraw it from the tissue  410 . The position of the distal end of the membrane introducer tube  40  is generally maintained while the needle  30  is being retracted from the tissue  410 , so that the encapsulation membrane  60  remains in the tissue  410  in a collapsed condition. 
     In the operational condition of the emplacement apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 2C , a fill tube  64  is advanced through the lumen of the membrane introducer tube  40  until it presses up against and engages the seal  62 . 
     In the operational condition of the emplacement apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 2D , biomaterial is injected through the fill tube  64  to expand the encapsulation membrane  60  into capsule  66 . 
     In the operational condition of the emplacement apparatus  10  shown in  FIG. 2E , the fill tube  64  is withdrawn from the membrane introducer tube  40 . 
     While sealing of the capsule  66  is generally advantageous, it may not be necessary when the biomaterial contained in the capsule  66  becomes sufficient rigid or semi-rigid and other undesirable effects of exposing the biomaterial to body fluids are not troublesome. If the capsule  66  is not to be sealed, the capsule  66  is detached from the membrane introducer tube  40  using any suitable technique, and the membrane introducer tube  40  is withdrawn from the tissue  410  to leave the capsule  66  within the tissue  410 . Suitable techniques for detaching the capsule  66  from the membrane introducer tube  40  include twisting the membrane introducer tube  40  to rupture the neck of the capsule  66  or dislodge the seal  62  from the lumen of the membrane introducer tube  40 , advancing a plunger through the lumen of the membrane introducer tube  40  and against the seal  62  to push the seal  62  and the neck of the capsule  66  out of the distal end of the membrane introducer tube  40 , and forcibly withdrawing the membrane introducer tube  40  from the tissue  410  so that the seal  62  and the neck of the capsule  66  are pulled out of the membrane introducer tube  40  as the capsule  66  is held in place within the tissue  410 , which is biased against it. Since various techniques may be used to secure the encapsulation membrane  60  and the seal  62  to the lumen of the membrane introducer tube  40 , including press-fit, adhesive, and welding, the choice of securing technique and detachment technique are preferably coordinated. 
     If the capsule  66  need not be sealed, an alternative technique may be practiced in which the encapsulation membrane  60  is filled directly through the lumen of the membrane introducer tube  40 . In this alternative technique, the seal  62  and the fill tube  64  need not be used. 
     If one desires to seal the capsule  66 , an ultrasonic welding technique as operationally shown in  FIGS. 3A to 3D  may be used. As shown in  FIG. 3A , a suitable elongated ultrasonic welding device is advanced through the lumen of the membrane introducer tube  40  until the distal welding tip  70  of the device engages the seal  62  and is slightly biased against the seal  62 . The seal  62  is made of a suitable material such as a pliable biologically compatible plastic that softens and flows when subjected to ultrasonic energy, so that upon activation of the ultrasonic welding device as shown in  FIG. 3B , the seal  62  flows to form plug  72 . The welding tip  70  is withdrawn from the plug  72  as shown in  FIG. 3C , leaving the plug  72  in place in the neck of the capsule  66 . When the capsule  66  as sealed by the plug  72  is detached from the membrane introducer tube  40  as described previously, and the membrane introducer tube  40  is withdrawn from the tissue  410  as shown in  FIG. 3D , the sealed capsule  66  remains in place within the tissue  410 . 
     If one desires to seal the capsule  66 , an adhesive sealing technique as operationally shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4D  may be used. As shown in  FIG. 4A , an adhesive applicator tube  80  is advanced through the lumen of the membrane introducer tube  40  until the distal tip of the applicator tube  80  engages the seal  62 . As shown in  FIG. 48 , a flowable adhesive  82  is injected into the neck of the capsule  66  so as to fill the neck of the capsule  66 . The adhesive  82  is selected to have good adhesion with the seal  62 , and may also have good adhesion to the surface of the biomaterial exposed within the neck of the capsule  66 . When the applicator tube  80  is withdrawn as shown in  FIG. 4C , a plug  84  of the adhesive  82  remains in the neck of the capsule  66  proximate the seal  62 . The plug  84  completes the seal of the neck of the capsule  66  to prevent contact between the tissue  410  and the biomaterial within the capsule  66 . When the capsule  66  as sealed by the seal  62  and the plug  84  is detached from the membrane introducer tube  40  as described previously, and the membrane introducer tube  40  is withdrawn from the tissue  410  as shown in  FIG. 3D , the sealed capsule  66  remains in place within the tissue  410 . 
     The capsule  66  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A to 3D  and  4 A to  4 D, is generally spherical in shape. However, other shapes may be used if desired.  FIG. 5  shows and example of a capsule  110  that has an ovoid shape. Radiopaque markings  112  may be included on the outer surface of the capsule  110  so that the position of the capsule  110  may be located in vivo.  FIG. 6  shows an example of a capsule  120  that has a cylindrical shape. Radiopaque markings may be included on the outer surface of the capsule  120  to facilitate locating the capsule  120 .  FIG. 7  shows an example of a capsule  130  that has a frustoconical shape. 
     An illustrative method of operation of the emplacement apparatus  10  is as follows. The distal end of the sheath  200  is inserted into the patient. The needle  30  and the membrane introducer tube  40  are contained within the lumen of the sheath  200  such that the distal end of the emplacement apparatus  10  is generally atraumatic. The sheath distal end  204  is navigated through various bodily passages until generally proximate the injection site  500 . 
     The needle  30  is then deployed with the tip of the needle  30  being inserted into the tissue  410  to a depth that allows for the positioning of the membrane introducer tube  40  within the tissue  410 . If not previously in position, the membrane introducer tube  40  with encapsulation membrane  60  in the collapsed position is advanced through the lumen of the needle  30  until positioned at the distal end of the needle  30 , at a suitable depth within the tissue  410 . Then, the needle  30  is withdrawn from the tissue  410 , leaving the encapsulation membrane  60  at the distal end of the membrane introducer tube  40  properly positioned at the desired emplacement site within the tissue  410 . 
     Biomaterial is flowed into the encapsulation membrane  60  to inflate the encapsulation membrane  60  from the collapsed condition into an inflated condition at the emplacement site. Optionally, the neck of the encapsulation membrane  60  is sealed to form the capsule  66 . The membrane introducer tube  40  is disengaged from the encapsulation membrane  60  and withdrawn from the tissue  410 , leaving the capsule  66  in position at the emplacement site. 
     According to embodiments, the neck of the encapsulation membrane  60  may be entirely within the tissue at the emplacement location or may extend so as to be accessible outside the tissue at the emplacement location. Corresponding devices and methods for accessing the neck of the encapsulation membrane  60  may be included for either configuration. 
     Various controls may be disposed about the handle  210  and/or other portions of the emplacement apparatus  10  to aid the physician in directing the distal end of the sheath  200  to the injection site  500 , to deploy and retract the needle  30 , to position the membrane introducer tube  40  within the lumen of the needle  30 , to flow biomaterial into the encapsulation membrane  60 , to seal the neck of the capsule  66 , to disengage the introducer tube  40  from the capsule  66 , and to withdraw the membrane introducer tube  40  from the tissue  410 . Suitable controls would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure. 
     According to embodiments, a kit of parts is disclosed. One or more kits of parts can be envisioned by the person skilled in the art, the kits of parts to perform at least one of the methods herein disclosed. Likewise, directions for use (“DFU”) are included and the device may be part of a surgical tray or other packaged accessory set for surgeries. The kit may be a sub-component of a surgical tray. 
     While the method and agent have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims. 
     It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. It should be understood that this disclosure is intended to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system and in both method and apparatus modes. 
     Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. 
     Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. 
     Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. 
     It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. 
     Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. 
     Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in at least one of a standard technical dictionary recognized by artisans and the Random House Webster&#39;s Unabridged Dictionary, latest edition are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Finally, all referenced listed in the Information Disclosure Statement or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference; however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s), such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s). 
     In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant has presented claims with initial dependencies only. 
     Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. 
     To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments. 
     Further, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “compromise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. 
     Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive forms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.