Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described for treatment of morbid obesity using minimally invasive techniques. The apparatus includes a system of components that may be used separately or in combination for effectively reducing stomach volume, bypassing a portion of the stomach and/or small intestines, reducing nutrient absorption in the stomach and/or small intestines and/or depositing minimally or undigested food farther than normal into the intestines, thereby stimulating intestinal responses. The components described include an artificial stoma device, a gastric sleeve device, an intestinal sleeve device, a combined gastrointestinal sleeve device and permanent and detachable attachment systems. Also described are devices for delivering and deploying the components of the system.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described for treatment of morbid obesity using minimally invasive techniques. The apparatus includes a system of components that may be used separately or in combination for effectively reducing stomach volume, bypassing a portion of the stomach and/or small intestines, reducing nutrient absorption in the stomach and/or small intestines and/or depositing minimally or undigested food farther than normal into the intestines, thereby stimulating intestinal responses. The components described include an artificial stoma device, a gastric sleeve device, an intestinal sleeve device, a combined gastrointestinal sleeve device and permanent and detachable attachment systems. Also described are devices for delivering and deploying the components of the system.
Abstract:
A method may include using a camera to capture a group of image exposures of an object, where each exposure is illuminated by a respective illumination pulse from a sequence of pulses. The method may further include determining pulse ratios of pairs of the time intervals that exist between the pulses, as well as a distance ratio of two of the distances between two pairs of the exposures. Additionally, the method may include comparing the distance ratio to the pulse ratios to determine a correlation between the illumination pulses and the exposures. The method may also further include using the correlation to determine characteristics of the object's motion, such as the object's velocity, position, speed, trajectory, orientation or spin rates.
Abstract:
The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library to identify modified thioaptamers that bind to, and affect the immune response of a host animal, transcription factors such as IL-6, NF-κB, AP-1 and the like. Composition and methods are also provided for the treatment of viral infections, as well as, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants are provided that modify host immune responses.
Abstract:
A kit for forming a sterile cleaning solution. The kit is comprised of a container, a packet, a first flexible package and a second flexible package. The container contains a liquid and has an opening and a removable cap sealing the opening. The packet contains a pre-measured amount of an active agent. The first flexible package is dimensioned to enclose the container and the packet. The second flexible package is dimensioned to enclose the first flexible package, the container and the packet.
Abstract:
A catheter system and method are described for stenting a vessel at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel. The catheter system includes a first balloon catheter, a second balloon catheter and a releasable linking device for holding the first and second balloon catheters arranged in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. The linking device allows the catheter system to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent from the catheters, yet is releasable so that one or both of the balloon catheters can be released from the linking device and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system when desired. The method utilizes the described catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels using a modified “kissing balloons” technique.
Abstract:
The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library to identify modified thioaptamers that bind to, and affect the immune response of a host animal, transcription factors such as IL-6, NF-κB, AP-1 and the like. Composition and methods are also provided for the treatment of viral infections, as well as, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants are provided that modify host immune responses.
Abstract:
The present invention includes composition and methods for making and using a combinatorial library to identify modified thioaptamers that bind to, and affect the immune response of a host animal, transcription factors such as IL-6, NF-κB, AP-1 and the like. Composition and methods are also provided for the treatment of viral infections, as well as, vaccines and vaccine adjuvants are provided that modify host immune responses.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described for performing protected angioplasty and stenting of a patient's carotid bifurcation. An integrated catheter system can be configured in a rapid-exchange version or in an over-the-wire version. The catheter system includes a self-expanding stent, a stent delivery sheath, a combination angioplasty balloon catheter and stent pusher catheter, an embolic protection device and, in the rapid-exchange version, an auto-releasing sheath. The method includes: inserting a guiding catheter to the carotid bifurcation; inserting the catheter system through the guiding catheter; advancing the embolic protection device beyond the lesion; positioning the stent and balloon segment of the catheter system at the lesion; releasing the self-expanding stent; pulling the stent delivery sheath back into the guiding catheter; positioning and deploying the protection member; advancing the combination angioplasty balloon catheter and stent pusher catheter and inflating the angioplasty balloon within the lesion; deflating the angioplasty balloon and withdrawing the combination angioplasty balloon catheter and stent pusher catheter and stent delivery sheath together; and aspirating potential emboli through the guiding catheter.
Abstract:
The disclosure provides a nanodelivery system and related process having complex, multilayered nanoparticles for sophisticated drug/gene delivery systems to intracellular portions of a cell. Outermost layers can include cell targeting and cell-entry facilitating molecules. The next layer can include intracellular targeting molecules for precise delivery of the nanoparticle complex inside the cell of interest. Molecular biosensors can be used to confirm the presence of expected molecules as a surrogate molecule for signs of infection, for activation in radiation damage, or other criteria, prior to delivery of counter-measure molecules such as drugs or gene therapy. The biosensors can also be used as a feedback control mechanism to control the proper amount of drug/gene delivery for each cell. Further, the nanodelivery system can be used to restrict any cells from encountering the drug unless that cell is specifically targeted. Successful targeting can be verified by 3D multispectral confocal microscopy.