The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160106564 | ENDOVASCULAR STENT GRAFT ASSEMBLY AND DELIVERY DEVICE - A pre-loaded delivery device that facilitates accurate placement of a stent graft assembly in the aorta is disclosed. A stent graft is carried on the delivery device and held in a pre-deployment configuration by a sheath. A split in the sheath facilitates the pre-cannulation of one or more branch arteries extending from the aorta before the stent graft is fully released in the aorta. The stent graft comprises a tubular body having at least one scalloped fenestration formed in one end of the graft material and at least one fenestration formed in the graft material of the main tubular body. A helical internal side branch extends from the fenestration within the lumen of the main tubular body. The helical side branch is configured to curve at least partially around the scalloped fenestration. The assembly further comprises a connection stent graft extending from the fenestration into a branch vessel. | 04-21-2016 |
20160022411 | ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHESIS HAVING MULTIPLE BRANCHES OR FENESTRATIONS AND METHODS OF DEPLOYMENT - A system for facilitating deployment of an endoluminal prosthesis may include a main tubular graft body including a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, a lumen, and a sidewall. A branch may extend from the sidewall and may include a first end opening, a second end opening, and a lumen. A fenestration may be disposed in the sidewall and positioned distal of the second end opening of the branch. A wire segment may include a proximal portion positioned proximal of the proximal end opening and a distal portion positioned distal of the distal end opening. The wire segment extend through the fenestration and through the lumen of the branch in a preloaded configuration. | 01-28-2016 |
20150374933 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TARGETING A BODY TISSUE - An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue comprising a wall of a first body cavity of a patient includes a target catheter. The framing member, when deployed into an expanded condition, has a framing member body which includes a three-dimensionally bulbous portion defining a maximum body footprint in a lateral dimension and has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal body ends which are both longitudinally spaced from the maximum body footprint. The proximal body end is attached to the target catheter. A protrusion has a diameter which is smaller than the maximum body footprint diameter. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. At least one target pathway is attached to at least one target point. At least a portion of the target pathway is substantially spaced apart from the framing member body. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374932 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TARGETING A BODY TISSUE - An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue comprising a wall of a first body cavity of a patient includes a target catheter. A framing member has a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The framing member has a framing member body which includes a bulbous portion defining a maximum body footprint having proximal and distal body ends which are both longitudinally spaced from the maximum body footprint. The framing member is comprised of a plurality of framing member beams. At least three framing member beam arrays of framing member beams are arranged in non-overlapping longitudinal sequence to form at least a portion of the framing member. The framing member beams that make up the framing member substantially each have a width-to-thickness fractional ratio in the range of 0.6-3.0. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374487 | BRANCHED VESSEL ENDOLUMINAL DEVICE - An endoluminal prosthesis comprises a prosthetic trunk having a trunk lumen and a trunk wall, a first prosthetic branch having a first branch lumen and a branch wall, and a second prosthetic branch having a second branch lumen. The first branch lumen and the second branch lumen are both in fluid communication with the trunk lumen through the trunk wall and the second branch lumen is in fluid communication with the first branch lumen through the branch wall. Additional devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 12-31-2015 |
20150367084 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TARGETING A BODY TISSUE - An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue comprising a wall of a first body cavity of a patient includes a target catheter. The framing member has a longitudinal framing member core defining a central framing member axis. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. The framing member comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending multi-segment framing strands. | 12-24-2015 |
20150322940 | ARTIFICIAL HEART SYSTEM IMPLEMENTING SUCTION RECOGNITION AND AVOIDANCE METHODS - A system and method of controlling the operation of a pump system includes modulating the speed of the pump and calculating a system condition parameter having a value related to the area of a hysteresis loop generated by a system operating parameter that varies in response to pump speed. The condition of the system is determined in response to the value of the system condition parameter. | 11-12-2015 |
20150305852 | THORACIC AORTA STENT GRAFT WITH ACCESS REGION - A stent graft ( | 10-29-2015 |
20150250589 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REPAIR OF A CARDIAC VALVE - An annuloplasty ring for repairing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions. The proximal end portion of the support member includes a plurality of wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the wing members includes at least one hook member for embedding into a cardiac wall and the valve annulus to secure the annuloplasty ring in the valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring may be expanded into full contact engagement with the annulus of the cardiac valve by an inflatable balloon. Methods for repairing a cardiac valve using the annuloplasty ring are also provided. | 09-10-2015 |
20150154373 | DISEASE RISK DECISION SUPPORT PLATFORM - A system provides a disease specific risk reference and includes a plurality of executable item modules that each define a different elementary disease to family structure relationship for a specific disease represented as a logical Boolean operation, and an item scoring engine that ranks positively scored item modules based on a risk level associated with a corresponding elementary disease to family structure relationship, wherein the positive scores identify an existence of a given disease to family structure relationship. The system further includes a disease specific risk reference generator that extracts item content associated with a subset of the highest ranked positively scored item modules from memory and provides the extracted item content in a disease specific risk reference for review by a clinician. | 06-04-2015 |
20150037905 | RISK MARKERS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - Provided herein methods for determining whether a subject, particularly a human subject, is at risk of developing, having, or experiencing a complication of cardiovascular disease, and methods of treating subjects who are identified by the current methods of being at risk for cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining levels of one or more oxidized apolipoprotein A-I related biomolecules in a bodily sample from the subject. Also, provided are kits and reagents for use in the present methods. Also provided are methods for monitoring the status of cardiovascular disease in a subject or the effects of therapeutic agents on subjects with cardiovascular disease. Such method comprising determining levels of one or more oxidized apolipoprotein A-I related molecules in bodily samples taken from the subject over time or before and after therapy. | 02-05-2015 |
20150008314 | DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC BIOMARKERS FOR CANCER - A method for detecting cancer from a biological sample previously withdrawn from the subject, in a subject includes determining in vitro the level of at least one biomarker in the biological sample. The at least one biomarker includes a phospholipid or a free fatty acid. A level of the at least one biomarker that is 2-fold greater than the level of at least one biomarker in a control is indicative of cancer in the subject. | 01-08-2015 |
20140352703 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING OCULAR DEHYDRATION IN ANESTHETIZED SMALL ANIMALS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates a protective eye cup that protects a small animal's eye from developing an ocular opacity in the refractive lens during a vision research experiment. The protective eye cup can include at least a dome and a shoulder. The dome can be shaped with an outer geometry configured to facilitate placement and removal of the protective eye cup. The dome can also be shaped with a hemispherical inner geometry with a height and a radius selected to cover the eye. The inner geometry can define a hollow reservoir configured to hold the eye and an associated hydrating fluid when positioned on the eye. The shoulder can provide a radial edge to the dome that increases a contact surface area of the portion of the dome in contact with the hydrating fluid. The protective eye cup can attach to a region external to the eye based on a surface tension of the hydrating fluid. | 12-04-2014 |
20140317080 | MULTI-DIMENSIONAL RELEVANCY SEARCHING - A method includes preprocessing extracted text to generate a pre-search document that specifies context field data relevant to a patient encounter. The extracted text can be derived from at least one of clinical encounter data and provider input data related to the patient encounter. The method includes constructing a multidimensional query based on the pre-search document. This includes sending the multidimensional query to a search engine to retrieve relevant data related to the patient encounter. The method includes generating an output for the patient encounter based on the retrieved relevant data. | 10-23-2014 |
20140296901 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TISSUE GRAFT DELIVERY - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cannula for passing a tissue graft through soft tissue. The cannula can comprise an elongated body including oppositely disposed first and second ends and an axis that extends between the first and second ends. The elongated body can further include a passage extending between the first and second ends. The second end can include a curved portion that terminates at a sharpened, pointed tip configured to pierce and/or cut soft tissue at the surgical repair site. The tip can be axially offset from the axis of the elongated body at an angle that is less than 180°. | 10-02-2014 |
20140279754 | SELF-EVOLVING PREDICTIVE MODEL - Systems and methods are provided for predicting clinical parameters. A model of a plurality of models having a sufficient accuracy, given a received set of predictors, is selected. A value for a clinical parameter is predicted from the selected model and the set of predictors to provide a predicted value. A value for the clinical parameter is measured, and the model is updated according to the set of predictors and the measured value. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277518 | PROSTHETIC ARTICULATION SURFACE MOUNTING - An apparatus for facilitating the mounting of a prosthetic articulation surface to a patient tissue includes an anchoring base including a central fastener aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. A first base end is laterally spaced from the central fastener aperture. A second base end is laterally spaced from the first base end with the central fastener aperture laterally interposed therebetween. Both of the first and second base ends include a plate engagement feature. An anchor plate includes a central coupler aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. An outer perimeter is spaced laterally apart from the central coupler aperture. A plate rim extends laterally inward from the outer perimeter to substantially laterally surround the central coupler aperture. At least one plate fastener aperture extends longitudinally through the plate rim. At least one base engagement feature is located on the plate rim and is selectively engageable with the plate engagement feature of the anchoring base. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277364 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPRESSING, CRIMPING AND LOADING A STENT - A stent compression and crimping system includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end comprising a removable funnel, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The system further includes a guidewire extending through the sheath's lumen. The system also includes a plurality of elongate wires. Each wire has a proximal end attached to a collar, a distal free end, and a wire body extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of elongate wires is collectively disposed about the guidewire in an operative configuration. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277191 | ARTHRODESIS DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - A fastening device for compressing first and second bones together includes a first member configured to extend entirely through the first bone and having a shaft that includes a distal threaded portion and an unthreaded portion. The threaded portion has an outer diameter that is not larger than the diameter of the unthreaded portion. A second member has a first threaded portion for securing to the second bone and a second threaded portion for engaging the threaded portion of the first member while the first member extends entirely through the first bone to secure the first and second members together and compress the first and second bones. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276991 | GASTRIC PLICATION GUIDE - A device for helping a surgeon to fold the correct amount of tissue when conducting a gastric plication procedure is described. The guide device includes an elongated flexible guide, a securing device positioned on the distal end of the guide, and means for guiding stomach tissue during a gastric plication procedure that are positioned longitudinally along the distal end of the guide and proximal to the securing device. The means for guiding stomach tissue include the use of a shaping balloon to serve as a guide for final stomach volume and/or a groove on the guide device to regulate formation of the tissue fold. Methods for using the guide device to carry out gastric plication procedures are also described. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276657 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POST-OPERATIVE LEAK DETECTION - The present invention relates a system that can detect a post-operative leak and a related method of use. An amylase detector that includes a sensor can detect a presence of amylase in a fluid secretion from an abdominal organ in a patient's body. The presence of amylase is indicative of the post-operative leak because, while amylase is common in the digestive tract, amylase is not normally found in the abdominal cavity. The amylase detector can alert a monitoring device external to the patient's body of the presence of amylase in the fluid secretion. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276202 | TISSUE SAMPLING DEVICE - A tissue sampling device includes for removing tissue from a target area in the body comprises a shaft having an outer surface. Two first portions and two second portions of the outer surface extend lengthwise of the shaft. Each first portion of the outer surface is associated with a different second portion and is spaced apart from its associated second portion. Each first portion of the outer surface at least partially defines a cutting edge extending in a straight line lengthwise of the shaft. Each first portion of the outer surface and its associated second portion are associated with a tissue-receiving surface extending lengthwise of the shaft. Each tissue-receiving surface defines a depression for receiving a tissue sample removed from the target area by the cutting edge of the associated first portion of the outer surface when the shaft is rotated about its longitudinal axis in the target area. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276195 | METHODS OF USING NERVE EVOKED POTENTIALS TO MONITOR A SURGICAL PROCEDURE - Methods for intra-operatively monitoring nerve evoked potentials such as somatosensory nerve evoked potentials during a surgical procedure. The methods include orthrodromic and antidromic monitoring of nerve evoked potentials. Monitoring includes navigating the surgical pathway to avoid insult to anatomical tissue, minimizing activation of sensory nerves that result in undesirable side effects in a patient, and determining the suitable location for placement of an implantable medical device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276187 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING A FOCAL AREA OF ABNORMAL NETWORK INTERACTIONS IN THE BRAIN - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can identify a focal area of abnormal brain interactions in a subject. Time series data can be received that corresponds to recordings from a plurality of regions in a brain of the subject during a resting period. Based on the time series data, an information inflow associated with each of the plurality of regions can be determined. The focal area of the abnormal brain interactions can be identified as one of the plurality of regions having a maximum information inflow. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276002 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO FACILITATE INTRAOPERATIVE POSITIONING AND GUIDANCE - System and methods are disclosed to facilitate intra-operative procedures and planning. A method can include storing tracking data in memory, the tracking data being generated by a tracking system to represent a location of an object in a tracking coordinate system of the tracking system. The method can also include storing a patient-specific implicit model in memory, the patient-specific implicit model being generated based on image data acquired for the patient to define geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient. The method can also include registering the tracking data and the patient-specific implicit model in a common three-dimensional coordinate system. The method can also include generating an output visualization representing a location of the object relative to the geometry of the anatomical structure of the patient in the common coordinate system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275719 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROMAGNETIC STIMULATION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM - One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can employ micromagnetic stimulation to activate or suppress one or more areas of the central nervous system. A portion of the central nervous system can be exposed. A probe can be configured to be located in proximity to the exposed portion of the nervous system. A microcoil (of a size less than or equal to 10 millimeters) can be coupled to the probe and configured to activate or suppress the portion of the central nervous system via electromagnetic induction. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275714 | MULTITUBE ESOPHAGEAL BRACHYTHERAPY CATHETER - A system for delivery of radiation to a target portion of a native tissue is provided. The system includes a catheter having a main catheter body. The main catheter body includes an outer catheter surface and an inner catheter surface that defines a longitudinally oriented lumen. The lumen extends between longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter face surfaces extending laterally between the inner and outer catheter surfaces. A sheath covers at least a portion of the outer catheter surface. The sheath includes a tapered portion protruding substantially longitudinally distally from a portion of the distal catheter face surface. A plurality of tubes extends through the lumen towards the distal catheter face surface. Each tube of the plurality of tubes is configured to selectively guide exposure of a radiation source to the target portion of the native tissue. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273031 | IN-VITRO METHOD FOR MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY PRODUCTION - A method of producing an IgG type monoclonal antibody in vitro is described. The method includes the steps of: (A) providing B-cells obtained from a transgenic non-human mammal whose genome comprises a disruption of an Act1 gene; (B) contacting the B cells with an antigen under conditions which result in formation of an antibody specific to the antigen by the B cells; (C) fusing the B cells with one or more immortal cells, to produce one or more hybridomas which express IgG type monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the antigen; (D) selecting a hybridoma which expresses an antibody specific to the antigen; and (E) obtaining monoclonal antibody produced by the selected hybridoma. Kits for carrying out the method of producing an IgG type monoclonal antibody are also described. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272881 | METHOD OF PRODUCING A PATIENT-SPECIFIC THREE DIMENSIONAL MODEL HAVING HARD TISSUE AND SOFT TISSUE PORTIONS - A method of producing a patient-specific three-dimensional model of a native tissue. A virtual replica of at least a portion of a native tissue is produced. A three-dimensional unitary replica of the portion of the native tissue is produced as a tangible representation of the virtual replica. The three-dimensional unitary replica includes at least one location of interest. The three-dimensional unitary replica includes a first area and a second area of the portion of the native tissue. The first area density has a first area density greater than a second area density of the second area. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262835 | MINIATURIZED GAS SENSOR DEVICE AND METHOD - Various embodiments of a gas sensor device and method of fabricating a gas sensor device are provided. In one embodiment a gas sensor device includes a base substrate, an electrolyte layer disposed on the base substrate and a plurality of potentiometric sensor units electrically coupled to the base substrate. Each potentiometric sensor unit includes an electrolyte layer disposed on the base substrate, a sensing electrode comprising tungsten oxide (WO | 09-18-2014 |
20140257402 | SURGICAL SYSTEM FOR POSITIONING A PATIENT AND MARKING LOCATIONS FOR A SURGICAL PROCEDURE - A device for positioning a patient on a surgical table for a surgical procedure includes a main body with a footprint-receiving portion configured to accept and permanently maintain a footprint of at least a portion of a contact tissue of a patient's body. The footprint imposes a desired position of the contact tissue for the surgical procedure. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257319 | PERCUTANEOUS NEEDLE GUIDE AND METHOD - A percutaneous needle guide includes a housing and an inclinometer secured to the housing for sensing a two dimensional inclination of the housing relative to the earth's gravitational field and for providing an indication thereof. A percutaneous needle is slidably mounting to the housing in a fixed axial orientation relative to the housing. A needle measuring device is mounted in the housing and operative by linear motion of the percutaneous needle so as to measure the linear position of the percutaneous needle relative to the housing and providing a measurement indication. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257138 | EXCHANGE GUIDEWIRE - A guidewire ( | 09-11-2014 |
20140243994 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A STRUCTURE TO A DESIRED TARGET SITE - An apparatus for delivering an implanted structure to a desired target site within a body lumen of a patient includes a catheter having a longitudinally extending catheter lumen and adapted to provide access to the body lumen. A framing member has a collapsed condition in which the framing member is adapted for insertion into the body lumen through the catheter lumen and an expanded condition in which the framing member is adapted for placement within the body lumen. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. A holding mechanism is carried by the framing member and is adapted to releasably grasp the implanted structure. At least one target pathway is attached to at least one target point. At least a portion of the target pathway extends through the catheter lumen. | 08-28-2014 |
20140236160 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AIDING VISUALIZATION AND/OR PLACING A LANDMARK DURING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE - An apparatus for aiding visualization of a prosthetic implant and concurrently landmarking a patient tissue includes a center post having proximal and distal post ends longitudinally separated by a post body. The post body defines a post axis coaxially therewith. An implant emulator embodies a reference feature of a prosthetic implant. The implant emulator is carried on an outer surface of the center post at a predetermined longitudinal spacing from the distal post end. A guiding device is removably attached to the implant emulator. The guiding device includes an attachment structure attached to the implant emulator. A spacing arm is connected to the attachment structure and extends laterally outward from the post axis. A landmark guiding structure is connected to the spacing arm, spaced apart from the center post, and embodies at least one of a location and a trajectory for placement of a landmark. | 08-21-2014 |
20140221822 | INSTRUMENT DEPTH TRACKING FOR OCT-GUIDED PROCEDURES - Systems and methods are provided for tracking a depth of a surgical instrument in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided surgical procedure. An OCT device is configured to image a region of interest to provide OCT data. A scan processor is configured to determine a relative position of the instrument and a target within the region of interest from at least the OCT data, where the instrument is one of in front of the target, within the target, or below the target. A feedback element is configured to communicate the relative position of the instrument and the target to a user in a human comprehensible form. | 08-07-2014 |
20140214156 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPLACING A DISEASED CARDIAC VALVE - An apparatus for replacing a diseased cardiac valve is movable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member and a prosthetic valve secured therein. The main body portion extends between first and second end portions and includes an outer circumferential surface, a circumferential axis extending about the circumferential surface, and a plurality of wing members spaced apart from one another by an expandable region. Each of the wing members includes first and second end portions and a flexible middle portion extending between the end portions. The second end portion is integrally formed with the uyimain body portion. The first end portion is adjacent the circumferential axis and substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface in the radially collapsed configuration. The first end portion extends substantially radial to the outer circumferential surface in the radially expanded configuration. | 07-31-2014 |
20140213525 | CORNEAL STIFFENING FOR TREATING ASTIGMATISM - Methods are provided for treating astigmatism in an eye of a patient. An axis of greater curvature of the eye is determined. A stiffening process is applied to a cornea of the eye in a pattern defined from the axis of greater curvature of the eye. | 07-31-2014 |
20140207027 | WOUND COVER APPARATUS AND METHOD - Various embodiments of a wound cover apparatus are provided. In one embodiment a wound cover apparatus includes a treatment enclosure and a vacuum seal that is external to the treatment enclosure. The vacuum seal includes a vacuum passageway and a vacuum port in fluid communication with one another. In another embodiment the apparatus further includes a treatment port in fluid communication with the treatment enclosure. The wound cover apparatus adheres to the patient by application of vacuum applied to the treatment enclosure and the vacuum seal which extends from the housing. The negative pressure applied to the wound cover apparatus creates negative stress along periwound which promotes perfusion and vascularization and induces mechanical deformation to accelerate healing. | 07-24-2014 |
20140200440 | ALIGNMENT OF MANIPULABLE SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A method for aligning a manipulable sensor assembly includes determination of a replica surface, which represents a field of view of a manipulable sensor assembly associated with an object when the object is located in a desired position and oriented at a desired orientation. Electromagnetic radiation and/or sound reflected from a surface of the region of interest is detected to provide a surface map of the region of interest, which is compared to the replica surface to determine a rotation and/or a translation for the manipulable sensor assembly to bring the surface map into alignment with the replica surface. The position and/or the orientation of the object are altered. The detection of reflected electromagnetic radiation or sound, comparison of the surfaces, and alteration of the position and orientation of the object are repeated until the surface map is in alignment with the replica surface. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200439 | METHODS OF ORIENTING AND REGISTERING DURING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE - A patient-specific instrument is placed into a predetermined setting position with respect to a patient tissue. A navigation aid is associated in a predetermined origin position with respect to the patient tissue. The navigation aid is zeroed while in the predetermined origin position to record the location and orientation of the navigation aid relative to the patient tissue. An instantaneous position of the zeroed navigation aid is determined with respect to the patient tissue. Feedback is provided to a user on a physical motion needed to bring the instantaneous position of the navigation aid closer to a predetermined desired target position. An indication is made when the instantaneous position of the navigation aid is sufficiently similar to the predetermined desired target position. | 07-17-2014 |
20140194872 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES - A removable apparatus is provided for temporary implantation in a pulmonary vein for ablating atrial tissue surrounding the antrum of the pulmonary vein to treat atrial fibrillation in a subject. The apparatus comprises an electrically-insulated expandable support member and a retrieval mechanism. The support member has oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion extending between the end portions. The proximal end portion includes at least one annularly disposed wing member, and has a free end defined by oppositely disposed first and second major surfaces. The at least one wing member includes at least one ablation element located at the free end thereof. The retrieval mechanism is for removing the support member and for energizing the at least one ablation element. The retrieval mechanism includes at least one electrically-conductive wire, which is separately connected to the at least one wing member. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194810 | DEPLOYABLE JOINT INFECTION TREATMENT SYSTEM - A deployable infection treatment system includes a cannula device comprising a cannula body having a proximal end, a flared distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The lumen has a longitudinal x-axis extending therethrough. A sponge or drain is provided, the sponge having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein in a non-deployed configuration, the sponge is compressed within the cannula body's lumen and in a deployed configuration the distal end of the sponge expands out of the cannula body's lumen. An integrated pump and vacuum device is provided, wherein when the sponge is in a deployed configuration, the device is in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The pump controls the delivery of the therapeutic fluid to the proximal end of the sponge. The vacuum controls the extraction of the therapeutic fluid and infectious material from the proximal end of the sponge. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194779 | CORONARY GUIDEWIRE - A coronary guidewire ( | 07-10-2014 |
20140193814 | ABCA1 DOWNREGULATION IN PROSTATE CANCER - A method of providing a prognosis or diagnosis of prostate cancer in a subject is described. The method includes obtaining a urine or prostate sample from the subject; determining the level of expression of ABCA1 in the sample; and comparing the level of expression of ABCA1 in the sample to the level of a control sample, wherein a decreased level of ABCA1 expression compared to the control indicates the subject has prostate cancer or a more severe form of prostate cancer. Methods of treating subjects identified as having prostate cancer, and kits for carrying out the method of prognosis or diagnosis are also described. | 07-10-2014 |
20140186419 | USE OF SDF-1 TO MITIGATE SCAR FORMATION - The subject matter provided herein relates to method for inhibiting or mitigating scar formation in a wound of the skin, by increasing the concentration of SDF-1 in, or proximate to, the wound. As described herein SDF-1 protein or an SDF-1 expression vector can be administered to a wound or the area proximate a wound by providing a therapeutically effective amount of SDF-1 protein or an SDF-1 expression vector. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182004 | MOUSE MODEL OF RETINAL DEGENERATION - The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein. | 06-26-2014 |
20140178418 | Breast Cancer Vaccine - Compositions and methods for immunization against human breast cancer are disclosed. A breast cancer vaccine comprises an immunogenic polypeptide comprising human α-lactalbumin. | 06-26-2014 |
20140171870 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TARGETING A BODY TISSUE - An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue that separates a first body cavity from a second body cavity of a patient includes a catheter having a longitudinally extending catheter lumen and adapted to provide access to the first body cavity. A framing member has a collapsed condition in which the framing member is adapted for insertion into the first body cavity through the catheter lumen and an expanded condition in which the framing member is adapted for placement within the first body cavity. The framing member has a framing member body. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. At least one target pathway is attached to at least one target point. At least a portion of the target pathway extends through the catheter lumen. The target pathway is substantially spaced apart from the framing member body. A method of using the apparatus is also described. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171267 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING MOTOR FUNCTION WITH ASSISTED EXERCISE - One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data. | 06-19-2014 |
20140163426 | PERFORMANCE TEST FOR EVALUATION OF NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION - This disclosure relates to a system and method to implement a performance test to help evaluate a patient's neurological and cognitive function. The performance test can be executed by the patient autonomously using a portable computing device, such as a tablet computer or smart phone. The portable computing device can be programmed to execute a set of modules configured to assess motor and cognitive performance, such as a manual function test module, a cognitive processing speed test module, and a movement assessment test module. The set of modules can also include a collection module to aggregate test data from the manual function test module, the cognitive processing speed test module, and the movement assessment test module. | 06-12-2014 |
20140162302 | PON1 AS A MARKER FOR HEART FAILURE - Provided herein are methods for assessing the risk a test subject with heart failure has of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event, requiring revascularization, requiring a heart transplant, requiring unscheduled hospitalization for heart failure, progression of heart failure status, or any combination thereof. Also provided herein are methods for assessing the risk a test subject has of developing heart failure. The present methods comprise determining the levels of paraoxonase 1 activity in the serum, non-chelated plasma, or both in the test subject and comparing the level of PON1 activity in the test subject's sample with a control or baseline value based on levels of PON1 activity in serum, non-chelated plasma, or both samples from a population of control subjects. Also provided herein are kits useful in assessing such risks. | 06-12-2014 |
20140161338 | IMAGE FUSION WITH AUTOMATED COMPENSATION FOR BRAIN DEFORMATION - A system can include a model to represent a volumetric deformation of a brain corresponding to brain tissue that has been displaced by at least one of disease, surgery or anatomical changes. A fusion engine can perform a coarse and/or fine fusion to align a first image of the brain with respect to a second image of the brain after a region of the brain has been displaced and to employ the deformation model to adjust one or more points on a displacement vector extending through a displaced region of the brain to compensate for spatial deformations that occur between the first and second image of the brain. | 06-12-2014 |
20140155993 | DEVICE FOR MITIGATING OR PREVENTING PARAVALVULAR LEAKS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for preventing or mitigating paravalvular leakage associated with a valve replacement procedure. The device can include a first ring, a second ring axially spaced apart from the first ring, at least one pad section extending between the first and second rings, and a plurality of centering wires attached to at least one of the first and second rings. | 06-05-2014 |
20140148863 | ORTHOPAEDIC FIXATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - An orthopaedic fixation apparatus includes a first retainer section and a second retainer section. The second retainer section is separable from the first retainer section. A first fastener is insertable into a first opening and a second fastener insertable into a second opening. A retention member is engageable with the first fastener and with the second fastener. The retention member is elongated and flexible. The retention member contacts and extends at least partially around a head portion of the first fastener and extends to a head portion of the second fastener, and also contacts and extends at least partially around a head portion of the second fastener. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144432 | ORAL SUCTION DEVICE WITH VENTILATION CAPABILITY - An oral suction device for insertion into an airway of a patient including a first tube and a second tube. The first tube includes a first gas port configured to be coupled to a ventilation source. The second tube extends coaxially over at least a first section of the first tube and includes a second gas port configured to be coupled to a negative pressure source. The second tube also has an outer surface with at least one hole defined therein. | 05-29-2014 |
20140135383 | SDF-1 DELIVERY FOR TREATING ISCHEMIC TISSUE - A method of treating a cardiomyopathy in a subject includes administering directly to or expressing locally in a weakened, ischemic, and/or peri-infarct region of myocardial tissue of the subject an amount of SDF-1 effective to cause functional improvement in at least one of the following parameters: left ventricular volume, left ventricular area, left ventricular dimension, cardiac function, 6-minute walk test, or New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135264 | COMPOUNDS AND METHODS OF MODULATING ANGIOGENESIS - A pharmaceutical composition includes a synthetic peptide consisting of about 10 to about 50 amino acids and having an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to consecutive amino acids of a portion of the cytoplasmic domain of at least one of α | 05-15-2014 |
20140135256 | TREATMENT OF EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION - Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion. Also disclosed are methods and kits for treating a site of inflammation in an individual in need thereof and for decreasing heavy chain modification of pathological hyaluronan at a site of inflammation in an individual in need thereof based on administering the compounds or the compositions. | 05-15-2014 |
20140134285 | Apparatus and method of molding an endotracheal tube for tracheal intubation - A mold (form) in which an endotracheal tube, having a stylette therein, is received so as to form the overall configuration of the endotracheal tube is disclosed. The mold has a recess in the surface thereof to receive the endotracheal tube with a stylette therein. The recess has a curve therein adjacent one end of the mold to receive the distal end of the endotracheal tube. The recess in the opposite end of the mold has a bend therein to receive the proximal end of the endotracheal tube. The recess in the intermediate portion of the mold is substantially straight and interconnects the curved end and the oppositely disposed bent end of the recess. The stylette is fabricated from a thin metallic malleable rod which is bendable, and thus configurable, to retain the overall configuration of the endotracheal tube after being formed and removed from the mold. The stylette is withdrawn from the endotracheal tube after the distal end thereof has been inserted through the vocal cords and just into the trachea of the patient being intubated. Due to the configuration of the endotracheal tube, withdrawal of the stylette causes the distal end of the tube to advance further into the trachea of the patient being intubated. | 05-15-2014 |
20140121640 | MULTIPURPOSE MEMBRANES, METHODS FOR FORMING, AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for forming a multipurpose membrane in vivo. One step of the method includes obtaining a blood component. Next, a vacuum assembly is operated to remove substantially all of the liquid from the blood component and thereby form a concentrated, substantially dehydrated blood component. The substantially dehydrated blood component is then formed into a non-coagulated injectable composition and administered to a wound of a subject. | 05-01-2014 |
20140119624 | VOLUMETRIC ANALYSIS OF PATHOLOGIES - Systems and methods are provided for volumetric analysis of pathologies. A segmentation component is configured to determine, for each of a series of images of a region of interest containing a pathological feature, a set of segmentation boundaries within the image representing a cross-section of the pathological feature. A mesh generation component is configured to link the sets of segmentation boundaries from adjacent images in the series of images to generate a polygonal mesh representing a volumetric reconstruction of the pathological feature. A volumetric measurement component is configured to calculate volumetric parameters from the volumetric reconstruction representing the pathological feature. A user interface is configured to provide the calculated volumetric parameters to an associated display. | 05-01-2014 |
20140114246 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TARGETING A BODY TISSUE - An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue comprising a wall of a first body cavity of a patient includes a target catheter. The framing member, when deployed into an expanded condition, has a framing member body which includes a three-dimensionally bulbous portion defining a maximum body footprint in a lateral dimension and has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal body ends which are both longitudinally spaced from the maximum body footprint. The proximal body end is attached to the target catheter. A protrusion has a diameter which is smaller than the maximum body footprint diameter. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. At least one target pathway is attached to at least one target point. At least a portion of the target pathway is substantially spaced apart from the framing member body. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114245 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TARGETING A BODY TISSUE - An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue comprising a wall of a first body cavity of a patient includes a target catheter. A framing member has a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The framing member has a framing member body which includes a bulbous portion defining a maximum body footprint having proximal and distal body ends which are both longitudinally spaced from the maximum body footprint. The framing member is comprised of a plurality of framing member beams. At least three framing member beam arrays of framing member beams are arranged in non-overlapping longitudinal sequence to form at least a portion of the framing member. The framing member beams that make up the framing member substantially each have a width-to-thickness fractional ratio in the range of 0.6-3.0. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114244 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TARGETING A BODY TISSUE - An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue comprising a wall of a first body cavity of a patient includes a target catheter. The framing member has a longitudinal framing member core defining a central framing member axis. At least one target point is carried by the framing member and is adapted for placement adjacent the desired target site. The framing member comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending multi-segment framing strands. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113833 | USE OF MULTIPLE RISK PREDICTORS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - Methods and kits for characterizing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease are described. The methods include determining the levels of a plurality of risk predictors selected from the group consisting of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) predictors in a biological sample from a subject. The levels of the plurality of risk predictors are then compared to corresponding control values to obtain a risk predictor differential for each risk predictor. The plurality of risk predictor differentials are then added to provide a cardiac biomarker score, and the cardiac biomarker score is compared to a reference biomarker score. A positive difference between the cardiac biomarker score and the reference biomarker score indicates the subject has an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to the risk of a reference population. The methods can be used for risk stratification. | 04-24-2014 |
20140107769 | PRE-SIZED PROSTHETIC CHORDAE IMPLANTATION SYSTEM - A system includes a pre-sized prosthetic chordae, a papillary penetration member, and a female securing member. The pre-sized prosthetic chordae is directly connected to an attachment member. The papillary penetration member extends through both the chordae and the attachment member. The female securing member receives the penetration member. The penetration member is an axis about which the chordae pivot. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107504 | MONITORING SEVERITY AND DURATION OF ABERRANT PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS DURING A PROCEDURE - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a patient during a procedure. A physiological parameter of a patient is monitored during a procedure at an associated sensor. Respective cumulative times are measured for which the monitored physiological parameter of the patient meets each of a plurality of threshold values during the procedure. A risk metric is calculated for the patient, representing an effect of monitored physiological parameter on a patient outcome related to the procedure from the measured cumulative times for which the monitored physiological parameter of the patient met each of the plurality of threshold values. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106328 | SURGICAL TRAINING APPARATUS - Surgical training apparatus including a box having a base and side walls, where the top of the box is substantially open. The box dimensions are scaled so that the open top simulates a body opening through which a surgical procedure is to be performed. At least one elongated, articulated support arm is disposed within the box. At least one suturable surgical practice component is affixed to at least one end of the support arm. The training apparatus may have multiple differently sized openings for providing different constraints to the surgeon, and ported inserts may be provided to allow practice of minimally invasive surgical procedures. | 04-17-2014 |
20140100486 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FACILITATE ANALYSIS OF BRAIN INJURIES AND DISSORDERS - In an example embodiment, this disclosure provides a computer system that includes a processor configured to compute, based on test performance data of a user, at least one performance variable characterizing balance and postural stability, and at least one performance variable characterizing vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). For each performance variable, processor can compute a respective score based on the respective performance variable and based on a set of performance metrics. The at least one computed score can be output via an output device. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100182 | Nanogel-Mediated Drug Delivery - Provided herein are methods of inhibiting proliferation of one or more tumor cells comprising contacting the one or more tumor cells with a composition comprising one or more epigenetic drugs that inhibit one or more epigenetic mechanisms of the tumor cells, wherein the one or more epigenetic drugs are encapsulated in a nanogel. The invention is also directed to methods of treating a tumor, metastasis of a tumor or a combination thereof in an individual in need thereof. The invention is also directed to a method of sequentially delivering one or more epigenetic drugs that alter one or more epigenetic mechanisms of a tumor cell and one or more chemotherapeutic drugs to an individual that has a tumor. Compositions which comprise one or more epigenetic drugs that alter one or more epigenetic mechanisms of a tumor cell, wherein the one or more epigenetic drugs are encapsulated in a nanogel. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096766 | REVERSIBLE AIRWAY DEVICE AND RELATED METHOD FOR VENTILATING A SUBJECT - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reversible airway device that includes a tubular guide, a laryngeal mask, an endotracheal tube, and a sealing mechanism. The tubular guide can have a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a first passageway extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The laryngeal mask can be attached to the distal end portion of the tubular guide. The laryngeal mask can include an opening in fluid communication with the first passageway. The endotracheal tube can be slidably disposed within the first passageway and have a second passageway that is concentric with the first passageway. The sealing mechanism can be disposed within the first passageway and be configured to occlude the flow of a gas through the first passageway. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096322 | ADJUSTABLE HEADREST FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGERY - A headrest assembly includes a frame, a first head support configured and dimensioned to support a forehead of a patient, and a second head support configured and dimensioned to support a chin of the patient. An adjustment mechanism is mounted to the frame and is operable to adjust the position of at least one of the first and second head supports relative to the frame. The first and second head supports having at least two degrees of freedom relative to a longitudinal plane and at least one degree of freedom relative to an axial plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane extends parallel to an X axis and also extends parallel to a Y axis that is orthogonal to the X axis. The axial plane extends parallel to one of the X axis and the Y axis. The axial plane also extends parallel to a Z-axis that is orthogonal to both the X axis and the Y axis. | 04-10-2014 |
20140094931 | REINFORCED TISSUE GRAFT - A biocompatible tissue graft is provided. The tissue graft includes an extracellular matrix patch and a means for reinforcing the patch. | 04-03-2014 |
20140093970 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING ACUTE ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS - A method for determining whether a subject has alcoholic hepatitis is described. The method includes determining the levels of a trimethylamine in a biological sample obtained from the subject. The level of trimethylamine in the biological sample is compared to the control value, and the subject whose level of trimethylamine exceeds the control value is diagnosed as having alcoholic hepatitis. | 04-03-2014 |
20140086827 | Serum S100B And Uses Thereof - The invention is directed to a method of assessing blood brain barrier permeability in an individual comprising selectively or specifically detecting a level of S 100BB homodimer in a sample of the individual, and comparing the level of S 100BB homodimer in the sample to a level of S 100B a control. The invention is also directed to methods of determining the effectiveness of a treatment for a neurological disorder wherein blood-brain barrier permeability is present in an individual in need thereof comprising detecting a level of S100B in a sample of the individual undergoing the treatment, and comparing the level of S 100B in the sample to the level of S100B in a sample from the individual obtained prior to treatment. The invention is also directed to a method of detecting a history of blood brain barrier disruption in an individual in need thereof comprising detecting auto | 03-27-2014 |
20140085714 | APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY CONNECTING ITEMS - An apparatus for selectively connecting an accessory item to a surgical microscope includes a center pivot. An adapter arm includes an adapter support having a substantially planar support body which extends laterally in an outboard direction from the center pivot and has laterally spaced inboard and outboard support regions separated by a laterally oriented centerline. The adapter arm is configured to accept at least a portion of the accessory item in a supporting relationship. An undermount adapter includes a substantially planar undermount body having laterally spaced inboard and outboard body regions separated by a laterally oriented centerline. A plurality of microscope attachment throughholes each throughhole extend through the undermount body. Each throughhole is configured to accept a fastener for securement of the undermount adapter to the surgical microscope. An arm receiver is configured to accept the adapter tongue of the adapter arm in a supporting relationship. | 03-27-2014 |
20140081342 | GUIDE FOR ASSISTING WITH ARRANGEMENT OF A STOCK INSTRUMENT WITH RESPECT TO A PATIENT TISSUE - A stock instrument includes at least one guide interacting feature. A lower instrument surface of the stock instrument is placed into contact with the patient tissue. A guide has a lower guide surface contoured to substantially mate with at least a portion of an upper instrument surface of the stock instrument. A predetermined instrument orientation upon the patient tissue is defined, which is preselected responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. The guide and instrument are mated in a predetermined relative guide/instrument orientation wherein at least one guide interacting feature of the instrument is placed into engagement with at least one instrument guiding feature of the guide. The guide is moved into a predetermined guide orientation with respect to the patient tissue and concurrently the instrument is moved into a predetermined instrument orientation with respect to the patient tissue. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076955 | ENDOSCOPIC STAPLER - An endoscopic stapler comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes structure for retaining a plurality of staples. The first jaw and second jaw are mounted to permit pivotal movement of the first and second jaws relative to one another. The endoscopic stapler also comprises at least one clamp member for clamping tissue and pulling the tissue into a position between the first jaw and the second jaw to facilitate inserting at least one staple of the plurality of staples into the tissue. A first handle is operably coupled with the first jaw such that movement of the first handle effects delivery of the at least one staple of the plurality of staples to the tissue. A second handle is operably coupled with the second jaw and the at least one clamp member such that movement of the second handle effects movement of the second jaw and movement of the at least one clamp member. | 03-20-2014 |
20140074267 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTOR AND COGNITIVE ANALYSIS - In an example embodiment, this disclosure provides a non-transitive computer-readable medium on which are stored instructions executable by a processor, the instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes computing, based on test performance data of a user, at least one of a performance variable characterizing cognitive functioning and a performance variable characterizing neuromotor functioning. For each of the at least one performance variable, a respective score can be computed based on the respective performance variable and based on a set of performance metrics. The method can also include outputting, via an output device, the at least one computed score. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073994 | EVALUATION OF MOVEMENT DISORDERS - This disclosure relates to a system and method to evaluate movement disorders. A movement data aggregator can combine data from a plurality of sensors into an aggregate movement data describing multi-dimensional movement of a handheld device. A calculator to compute an indication of a movement disorder based on the movement vector data and user input data, the user input data being generated in response to physical interaction between the handheld device and a human machine interface of a computing device/machine that is separate from the handheld device. In some examples, the handheld device can communicate with computing device via a wireless interface. | 03-13-2014 |
20140072621 | COMPOSITION AND METHOD TO IMPROVE INTESTINAL HEALTH - Compositions and methods are provided for treating patients suffering from compromised intestinal function, including inflammatory bowel disease. The method comprises orally administering a composition comprising hyaluronan, where said hyaluronan has a molecular weight within the range of about 35 kDa. | 03-13-2014 |
20140066465 | CANCER TREATMENT USING TYROSINE KINASE AND NF-kB INHIBITORS - A method of treating cancer by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and an NF-κB inhibitor is described. The method is useful for treating subjects having cancer that has developed resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. | 03-06-2014 |
20140052214 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE CHAIN - The present invention provides a method of effecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of effecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been effected. | 02-20-2014 |
20140051624 | OXIDANT RESISTANT APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1 AND MIMETIC PEPTIDES - A purified polypeptide includes an ApoA1 mimetic or fragment thereof that are resistant to oxidation. | 02-20-2014 |
20140039613 | METHODS FOR REPLACING A CARDIAC VALVE - A method for replacing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends, a main body portion extending between the ends, and a prosthetic valve within the main body portion. The main body portion has an annular shape for expanding into position in the annulus of the valve. The first and second ends include a plurality of upper and lower wing members movable from a collapsed condition into an extended condition for respectively engaging a first section of cardiac tissue surrounding the valve and for: engaging a portion of the native valve leaflets to pin the leaflets back against the annulus. The second end further includes at least two strut members spaced apart from each other. A respective one of the strut members is attached to at least one commissural section of the prosthetic valve to prevent prolapse of the valve leaflets. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039501 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A SOFT-TISSUE TRANSPLANT TO A RECEIVING BONE - A method of providing a soft-tissue transplant to a receiving bone includes providing a transplant graft, comprising an elongated soft tissue, having first and second soft tissue ends longitudinally separated by a soft tissue body, and a bone block directly connected with the first soft tissue end. The bone block and soft tissue have been integrally formed as a unitary whole. An anchor cavity is machined in the receiving bone. The anchor cavity is shaped to substantially accept the bone block in a mating relationship. A majority of a volume of the bone block is placed in the anchor cavity. The bone block is fastened within the anchor cavity. | 02-06-2014 |
20130338726 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEUROMODULATION USING COMPOSITE PATTERNS OF STIMULATION OR WAVEFORMS - A neurostimulation system can include a memory, a playback system, a stimulation electrode, and a controller. The memory can store data for first and second input waveforms. The playback system can provides first and second output waveforms, based on the first and second input waveforms in the memory, respectively, to form composite patterns of stimulation or waveforms. The first output waveform can be different than the second output waveform. The second output waveform can be periodically superimposed on the first output waveform. The controller can be in communication with the stimulation electrode. The controller can be configured to control application of the composite pattern of stimulation or waveform to a target site in a body of a subject suffering from a medical condition. | 12-19-2013 |
20130337469 | METHOD FOR DETECTING A TARGET MOLECULE IN A BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE - A method is provided for detecting a target molecule in a biological sample. One step of the method includes immobilizing the biological sample on a membrane. Next, the membrane-bound biological sample is contacted with at least one detection moiety. The membrane-bound biological sample is then separately mated with a substrate and the target molecule detected. At least one step of the method is performed under positive pressure or a vacuum. | 12-19-2013 |
20130331642 | PREFORMED GASTRIC BAND AND METHOD OF USE - One aspect of the present invention includes a preformed gastric band comprising a flexible substrate and a plurality of band members. The flexible substrate comprises oppositely disposed first and second major surfaces defined by first and second minor side portions and first and second major side portions. The first major surface includes a lower collar section and an upper band section. The plurality of flexible band members is securely connected to the upper band section and extends between the first and second minor side portions of the substrate. Each of the band members includes first and second ends that comprise an attachment mechanism for connecting the first and second ends. Each of the band members is separated from one another by a spacing region. | 12-12-2013 |
20130317474 | METHOD OF IMPROVING NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS - The present invention provides methods of improving neuropsychological function in a patient having a neurocognitive disorder by chemical or electrically modulating a target site(s) in the ventral striatum/ventral capsule region. Methods also include modulating the treatment based on a closed-loop feedback system that measures bodily activities associated with the neuropsychological function (i.e. that help to determine whether a neuropsychological function is or can be improved. | 11-28-2013 |
20130315898 | BIOMARKERS FOR ASTHMA - The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions related to testing a sample for the level of a biomarker related to asthma, wherein the biomarker is selected from: taurine, maltose, maltotriose, adenosine 5′-monophosphate, phosphoethanolamine, glycerophosphorylcholine, arachidonate, heptanoate, pelargonate, and nicotinamide. In certain embodiments, the level of the biomarker is used to identify therapy effective for treating asthma. In other embodiments, the level of the biomarker is used to identify the presence, severity, or risk of exacerbation of asthma. In further embodiments, the level of the biomarker is used to monitor the response to on-going therapy (e.g., adjust the dosage of the asthma therapy). | 11-28-2013 |
20130310821 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A NEUROMUSCULAR DEFECT - A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve. | 11-21-2013 |
20130310716 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING MOTOR FUNCTION WITH ASSISTED EXERCISE - One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data. | 11-21-2013 |
20130310652 | INTEGRATED SURGICAL TASK LIGHTING - Method and apparatus for coordinated control of lights and devices in an operating room. An operating room is equipped with a plurality of devices, each capable of generating light. A set of rules are provided defining the manner in which the plurality of devices are to be controlled in a cooperative, coordinated manner in accordance with the state of the operating room. The state of the operating room is detected, as such state changes from time to time during the course of a medical procedure being performed in the operating room. The plurality of devices are controlled in accordance with the detected state, as it changes from time to time, and the set of rules. The plurality of devices are thus controlled in a cooperative, coordinated manner in accordance with the changing state of the operating room. | 11-21-2013 |
20130304201 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REPAIR OF A CARDIAC VALVE - An annuloplasty ring for repairing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions. The proximal end portion of the support member includes a plurality of wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the wing members includes at least one hook member for embedding into a cardiac wall and the valve annulus to secure the annuloplasty ring in the valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring may be expanded into full contact engagement with the annulus of the cardiac valve by an inflatable balloon. Methods for repairing a cardiac valve using the annuloplasty ring are also provided. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303942 | IMPLANTABLE PRESSURE SENSOR - Systems and methods are provided for in vivo measurement of pressure. An implantable sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor configured to provide an analog signal representing pressure and a signal conditioning component configured to convert the pressure sensor output into a digital signal. A transmitter is configured to transmit the digital signal to an external base unit. A power control unit is configured to dynamically allocate power throughout the implantable sensor assembly, such that during an active measurement interval of the implantable sensor assembly, each of the pressure sensor, the signal conditioning component, and the transmitter are powered only for a portion of the active measurement interval necessary to perform a related function. | 11-14-2013 |
20130296726 | FREQUENCY ANALYSIS TOOL FOR CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION - Systems and methods are provided for evaluating an expected effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data is received as at least one ECG lead from a set of electrodes. A frequency spectrum representing the ECG data is generated via a Fourier transform. At least one predictor value is extracted from the calculated frequency spectrum. A fitness parameter, representing the expected effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization, is determined from at least the extracted predictor value. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296694 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR OCT ASSISTED PROCEDURES - Assemblies are provided for use as surgical instruments in optical coherence tomography (OCT) assisted surgical procedures. Each assembly includes a working assembly, formed from a material selected for desirable optical properties or modified to increase the visibility of the material in an OCT scan, and a handle attached to the working assembly. | 11-07-2013 |
20130289353 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE PRESENCE OF MIDDLE EAR FLUID - A device for determining the presence of abnormal fluid in a middle ear of a subject includes an elongated probe, a first light source housed within the elongated probe, and a second light source housed within the elongated probe. The elongated probe includes a distal end for inspection of an ear. The First light source is configured to convey an optical beam through a tympanic membrane associated with the middle ear of the subject, without puncturing the tympanic membrane. The second light source is configured to convey light through the distal end of the elongated probe and illuminate the tympanic membrane. | 10-31-2013 |
20130281967 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A NEUROMUSCULAR DEFECT - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve. | 10-24-2013 |
20130280716 | Ratio of apoa2 to HDLc or Equivalents thereof, Risk Markers for Cardiovascular Disease - The present disclosure provides methods and markers for characterizing a subject's, particularly a human subject's, risk of having cardiovascular disease. The present disclosure also provides methods of characterizing a subject's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods for characterizing a subject's risk of experiencing a complication of cardiovascular disease or major adverse cardiac event within 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for determining whether a subject presenting with chest pain is at risk near term of experiencing a heart attack or other major adverse cardiac event. The present methods are especially useful for identifying those subjects who are in need of highly aggressive CVD therapies as well as those subjects who require no therapies targeted at inhibiting or preventing CVD or complications of CVD. | 10-24-2013 |
20130273002 | MULTIVALENT BREAST CANCER VACCINE - Compositions and methods for immunization against human breast cancer are disclosed. In one embodiment the multivalent antigenic composition is provided comprising immunogenic polypeptides selected from the group consisting of human α-lactalbumin, αS1 casein, β-casein and κ-casein. | 10-17-2013 |
20130267777 | ENDOSCOPIC SHEATH ASSEMBLY - A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first ( | 10-10-2013 |
20130253893 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING FOR A SURGICAL PROCEDURE - A method of preparing for a surgical procedure includes creating a three-dimensional bone model of a subject bone of a patient. At least a portion of the bone model is compared to at least one three-dimensional reference anatomic model. At least one structural difference between the bone model and the at least one reference anatomic model is identified. At least one desired subject bone structural change is specified to produce a modified bone model responsive to the step of identifying at least one structural difference between the bone model and the at least one reference anatomic model. An apparatus for preparing for a surgical procedure is also provided. | 09-26-2013 |
20130252876 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHOD FOR PROMOTING MUSCULOSKELETAL REPAIR - A method of treating a musculoskeletal injury in a subject includes administering directly to a site of the musculoskeletal injury or to an area proximate the musculoskeletal injury an amount of SDF-1, MCP-3, or combinations thereof effective to promote repair of the musculoskeletal injury of the subject and recruit connective tissue progenitor cells to the site of the musculoskeletal injury. | 09-26-2013 |
20130251228 | AUGMENTED RECONSTRUTION FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - Systems and methods are provided for computer tomography (CT) imaging. An attenuation transform component configured to map voxels in a received set of cross-sectional CT images to associated brightness values according to a piecewise transform function to produce a set of transformed images. A user interface is configured to provide the set of transformed images to a user at an associated display. | 09-26-2013 |
20130247285 | FOOTBALL HELMET - A football helmet includes an outer shell configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer. An inner liner is located substantially within the outer shell and is configured to contact at least a portion of the head of the wearer. A facial and mandibular protector is attached to the outer shell and is configured to at least partially surround a face of the wearer. The helmet has a center of gravity which, when the helmet is being worn, is substantially the same in two-dimensional location as the ventral-dorsal plane of the head of the wearer. | 09-26-2013 |
20130245669 | EMBOLIC FILTER DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR CAPTURING EMBOLI DURING MEDICAL PROCEDURES - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an embolic filter device configured for placement in a blood vessel to capture emboli during a medical procedure. The embolic filter device can include an expandable frame member and a membrane. The expandable frame member can include a radial support member operably connected to first and second longitudinal struts, and an engaging portion extending between the first and second longitudinal struts. The engaging portion can be shaped and configured to temporarily receive, and sealingly mate with, a portion of an endovascular catheter during the medical procedure. The membrane can be securely connected to the frame member and define a collection chamber for captured emboli. The membrane can be configured to cover substantially all of the cross-sectional area of the blood vessel when the embolic filter device is deployed in the blood vessel. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245652 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR OCCLUDING A HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A method of occluding an appendage of the heart with a clamp including at least first and second elongate clamping portions, the first and second elongate clamping portions including tissue engaging surfaces that promote tissue ingrowth. The method includes implanting the clamp by positioning the first and second elongate clamping portions on opposite sides of the appendage. At least one of the first or second elongate clamping portions is biased toward the other of the first and second elongate clamping portions to place the clamp into a clamping position on the appendage. Tissue ingrowth into the tissue engaging surfaces retains the clamp in place on the appendage. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245632 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSERTION OF AN ELONGATE PIN INTO A SURFACE - An apparatus for dictating an insertion trajectory and location for insertion of an elongate pin into a surface includes a primary leg having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal primary leg ends. At least one subordinate leg has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal subordinate leg ends. The proximal subordinate leg end is movably attached to the primary leg by a coupling mechanism allowing at least two degrees of freedom of motion of the subordinate leg relative to the primary leg. The distal subordinate leg end is configured for contact with the surface concurrently with contact of the distal primary leg end with the surface, to support the apparatus during use of the apparatus. The primary leg guides longitudinal translational movement of the elongate pin to insertion into the surface at the dictated insertion trajectory and location when the apparatus is supported in a predetermined guiding relationship with the surface. | 09-19-2013 |
20130238068 | CORPUS CALLOSUM NEUROMODULATION ASSEMBLY - Neuromodulation assemblies with lead bodies having curvatures that mimic the curvatures of the splenium, trunk, genu, or rostrum of the corpus callosum. Methods of stimulating the corpus callosum and methods of securing an electrical lead in the brain are also provided. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238034 | BONE FIXATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A bone fixation apparatus comprises an extramedullary component, an intramedullary component, and a fastener configured and dimensioned to interconnect the extramedullary component and the intramedullary component. The fastener has a head portion and a shank portion. The head portion is configured and dimensioned to be received in the extramedullary component. The shank portion is configured and dimensioned to be received in the intramedullary component. The fastener has a first longitudinal axis extending through both the head portion and the shank portion. The extramedullary component has a second longitudinal axis. The extramedullary component also includes an elongated surface defining an opening through which the shank portion of the fastener passes when the shank portion is received in the intramedullary component. The opening has a V shape. The V shape is oriented transverse to the first longitudinal axis and to the second longitudinal axis. | 09-12-2013 |
20130237991 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING PREDETERMINED SPATIAL POSITIONING INFORMATION TO AN ADJUSTABLE TOOL - An apparatus transfers predetermined spatial positioning information to an adjustable tool. Means are provided for temporarily holding at least a carrier portion of the adjustable tool stationary relative to a manipulable reference surface. Means are provided for imparting predetermined spatial positioning information to the reference surface in a first degree of freedom. Means are provided for imparting predetermined spatial positioning information to the reference surface in a second degree of freedom. The predetermined spatial positioning information is imparted to the reference surface in the first and second degrees of freedom to generate a pre-set reference surface. At least a portion of the adjustable tool is held stationary relative to the pre-set reference surface. At least a functional portion of the adjustable tool is manipulated into a predetermined setting position relative to the reference surface. The predetermined setting position reflects a position of the pre-set reference surface. | 09-12-2013 |
20130237987 | ARTHRODESIS APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus to promote bone fusion between portions of bone tissue comprises a bone engagement member and a flexible retention member. The bone engagement member comprises (a) an extramedullary bone contacting main body with a first surface defining a hole in the main body and (b) an intramedullary bone engaging projection extending from the main body. The projection engages the intramedullary portions of at least one the portions of bone tissue. The projection includes a second surface that defines a retention passage in the projection. The retention passage is spaced away from the hole and oriented transversely relative to the hole. The flexible retention member is configured and dimensioned to extend through the retention passage and into the hole to help retain the projection in intramedullary engagement with the at least one of the portions of bone tissue. | 09-12-2013 |
20130237817 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR VISUALIZING AND MANIPULATING TISSUE - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue imaging device that includes a catheter body, a hood, and a visualization assembly. The catheter body includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and at least one lumen extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The catheter body includes at least one drainage port having a first opening and at least one infusion port having a second opening. The first and second openings are located about a lateral aspect of the catheter body. The hood projects distally from the distal end portion and is configured to self-expand into an expanded deployment state that defines an open area therein. The visualization assembly is disposed within the open area and extends distally from the distal end portion of the catheter body. | 09-12-2013 |
20130237536 | HETEROCYCLIC MODULATORS OF CANNABINOID RECEPTORS - Heterocyclic compounds which modulate cannabinoid receptors are presented. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, methods of using these compounds as modulators of cannabinoid receptors and processes for synthesizing these compounds are also described herein. | 09-12-2013 |
20130236874 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING AT LEAST ONE PATIENT-SPECIFIC SURGICAL AID - In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing at least one patient-specific surgical aid is described. A native patient tissue having at least one patient tissue surface of interest is provided. A moldable substance is placed into contact with at least a portion of the patient tissue surface of interest. An impression of the patient tissue surface of interest is maintained upon the moldable substance. The moldable substance is solidified into a patient-specific surgical aid. The patient-specific surgical aid is removed from the native patient tissue. A system for producing at least one patient-specific surgical aid is also disclosed. | 09-12-2013 |
20130230838 | SYSTEM OF PREOPERATIVE PLANNING AND PROVISION OF PATIENT-SPECIFIC SURGICAL AIDS - A method for assisting a user with surgical implementation of a preoperative plan includes generating a physical native tissue model of a native patient tissue. The physical native tissue model includes at least one primary patient tissue area including a surface of interest, at least one secondary patient tissue area including no surfaces of interest, and a base surface for engaging a supporting structure. The physical native tissue model, as generated, includes at least one information feature providing clinically useful information to the user. The information feature is substantially separated from the surface of interest. An apparatus for assisting a user with surgical implementation of a preoperative plan is also provided. | 09-05-2013 |
20130218819 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ESTIMATE REGION OF TISSUE ACTIVATION - A computer-implemented method for determining the volume of activation of neural tissue. In one embodiment, the method uses one or more parametric equations that define a volume of activation, wherein the parameters for the one or more parametric equations are given as a function of an input vector that includes stimulation parameters. After receiving input data that includes values for the stimulation parameters and defining the input vector using the input data, the input vector is applied to the function to obtain the parameters for the one or more parametric equations. The parametric equation is solved to obtain a calculated volume of activation. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218161 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MATERIAL REMOVAL - A rotary surgical tool includes a driving shaft. A cutting head, connected to the driving shaft, is configured to cut into a surface. Driving means, connected to the driving shaft, rotate the driving shaft and the cutting head. A depth-limiting feature includes an adjustable stud extending from one of the cutting head and the surface toward the other one of the cutting head and the surface. The stud has a protrusion length that is greater than and/or equal to the length of a desired amount of final penetration of the cutting head into the surface. An aperture, provided in the other one of the cutting head and the surface, has an aperture depth that is greater than and/or equal to the desired amount of final penetration of the cutting head into the surface. Interaction between the aperture and the stud limits longitudinal advancement of the cutting head into the surface. | 08-22-2013 |
20130217024 | METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING BACTEREMIA AND FUNGEMI - A method for diagnosing bacteremia and/or fungemia can include the steps of obtaining a blood sample from the subject, contacting the blood sample with a lysing agent under conditions in which both red and white blood cells are lysed in the blood sample and bacterial and/or fungal cells remain intact, extracting bacterial and/or fungal nucleic acids from bacterial and/or fungal cells in the blood sample (respectively), and detecting the presence of bacterial and/or fungal nucleic acids in the blood sample, wherein the presence of bacterial and/or fungal nucleic acids in the blood sample is indicative of the subject having bacteremia and/or fungemia, respectively. | 08-22-2013 |
20130212508 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE TO FACILITATE PROBLEM-ORIENTED MEDICAL CHARTING - This disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing analytics for an enterprise workflow, such as to characterize employee behavior based on enterprise data collected based on services performed by the employees. The system can be utilized, for example, to help drive proper documentation by employees of the enterprise, such as by generating statistics that characterize documentation entered by or on behalf of an employee or a group of employees for services that have been performed. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211852 | MULTIMODAL PHYSIOLOGIC DATA STATION AND WELLNESS TRANSFORMATION OF LARGE POPULATIONS - A method includes determining team participant members for one or more wellness teams. The method includes aggregating participant medical data for each of the one or more wellness teams from one or more networked physiologic stations configured to receive the medical data. The method includes analyzing the medical data to determine wellness information for the one or more wellness teams associated with the aggregated participant medical data. The method can be operated on a system where the system includes at least one physiologic station to generate participant medical information from a plurality of participants. This can include an identification component to facilitate trust in collected data. A storage medium collects the medical information over a network from the plurality of participants and an analyzer determines group wellness information from the collected medical information. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211379 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF TREATING A VASCULAR DISEASE - A catheter assembly comprises a catheter including a catheter wall and a lumen extending lengthwise of the wall. The wall has inner and outer surfaces. The wall includes plural openings that extend through the wall and communicate with the lumen. An elongated hollow needle includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle is movable in the lumen to move the distal end portion between the openings. The distal end portion is directed radially outward so as to extend into an adjacent opening. The distal end portion has a configuration that stores potential energy when in the lumen. The potential energy is converted to kinetic energy to produce movement of the proximal end portion as the distal end portion moves from the inner surface of the catheter wall across an edge of an opening. The movement of the proximal end portion is haptically perceptible. | 08-15-2013 |
20130204165 | LACRIMAL DRAINAGE MANOMETER AND METHOD OF USE - A lacrimal drainage manometer includes a syringe having a syringe body and a piston. The syringe body defines a fluid cavity in fluid communication with a cannula configured for insertion into at least a portion of a lacrimal drainage system. The piston dispenses a fluid from the fluid cavity through the cannula. A pressure sensor is operably coupled to the syringe for measuring fluid pressure in the fluid cavity. A position sensor operably coupled to the syringe measures the position of the piston relative to the syringe body. A user feedback unit in electrical communication with the pressure sensor and the position sensor provides user feedback based on data from at least one of the pressure sensor and the position sensor indicative of a condition of the lacrimal drainage system. | 08-08-2013 |
20130202482 | APPLICATOR FOR DISPENSING A SURGICAL PREP SOLUTION - An applicator for delivering a surgical prep solution onto a bodily surface includes a hollow member having a reservoir, an absorbent pad that is attached to a portion of the hollow member and in communication with the reservoir, a timer operably connected to the hollow member, and a gating mechanism in electrical communication with the timer and for coordinating application of the surgical prep solution with activation of the timer. | 08-08-2013 |
20130178829 | METHODS OF TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY TRANSVASCULAR NEUROMODULATION OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a method of treating a respiratory or pulmonary condition in a patient by transvascular neuromodulation of an adrenal gland or neural structures that innervate the adrenal gland or components thereof. Methods also include implanting a controller in the patient to control delivery of a therapy signal to the patient's adrenal gland. The therapy signal can be an electrical and/or chemical signal. | 07-11-2013 |
20130173306 | STORING STRUCTURED AND UNSTRUCTURED CLINICAL INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION RETRIEVAL - A computer-implemented method can include acquiring data from at least one data source, the acquired data including health data for a patient. The acquired data can be transformed into episode model data according to a context-specific data model and the episode model data can be stored in a database. The method also includes generating at least one inverted index document for at least a portion of an episode for the patient based on the episode model data. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172953 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING ACUTE HEART FAILURE BY NEUROMODULATION - Methods of treating acute heart failure in a patient in need thereof. Methods include inserting a therapy delivery device into a pulmonary artery of the patient and applying a therapy signal to autonomic cardiopulmonary fibers surrounding the pulmonary artery. The therapy signal affects heart contractility more than heart rate. Specifically, the application of the therapy signal increases heart contractility and treats the acute heart failure in the patient. The therapy signal can include electrical or chemical modulation. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172898 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DICTATING AT LEAST ONE OF A DESIRED LOCATION AND A DESIRED TRAJECTORY FOR ASSOCIATION OF A LANDMARK WITH A PATIENT TISSUE - An apparatus for transferring location and/or trajectory information from a reference surface to a patient tissue surface for guiding placement of a landmark includes a landmark guiding structure. At least two locating feet are provided, each being laterally spaced from, and indirectly connected to, the landmark guiding structure. A holdaway structure is connected to each locating foot and to the landmark guiding structure. The landmark guiding structure is placed in desired location and/or a desired trajectory with respect to the reference surface. Each locating foot is adjusted into guiding contact with a particular portion of the reference surface. Each locating foot is maintained in the guiding contact position, and the apparatus is placed with each locating foot in guiding contact with a particular portion of the patient tissue surface. A method of transferring location and/or trajectory information from a reference surface to a patient tissue surface is also disclosed. | 07-04-2013 |
20130165871 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING BLOOD FLOW THROUGH AN OBSTRUCTED BLOOD VESSEL - A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member. | 06-27-2013 |
20130157958 | DIAGNOSIS OF COWDEN AND COWDEN-LIKE SYNDROME BY DETECTION OF DECREASED KILLIN EXPRESSION - A method of diagnosing Cowden syndrome (CS) and Cowden-like Syndrome (CLS) is described. The method includes diagnosing CS and CLS in a subject by identifying a decrease in expression of the KILLIN gene, or by identifying hypermethylation of the KILLIN promoter region. Kits for diagnosing CS and CLS by identifying subjects having KILLIN promoter region hypermethylation and primers specific for a methylated KILLIN promoter region are also described. | 06-20-2013 |
20130150922 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DEFINE TARGET VOLUME FOR STIMULATION OF THE SPINAL CORD AND PERIPHERAL NERVES - One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method that includes storing a volume of tissue activation (VTA) data structure that is derived from analysis of a plurality of patients. Patient data is received for a given patient, the patient data representing an assessment of a patient condition. The VTA data structure is evaluated relative to the patient data to determine a target VTA for achieving a desired therapeutic effect for the given patient. | 06-13-2013 |
20130144270 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTIONS FROM MEDICAL TUBES - A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130138400 | METHOD FOR MODELING BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF AN EYE - Systems and methods are provided for predicting the results of a therapeutic intervention to an eye. An imaging system is configured to provide image data representing at least a portion of the eye of the patient. An input device is configured to permit a user to design a proposed therapeutic intervention for the eye of the patient. A finite element modeling component is configured to generate a finite element model representing the condition of the eye of the patient after the proposed therapeutic intervention according to the image data, the proposed therapeutic intervention, and at least one biomechanical property of tissue comprising the eye. The generated model is constructed as to have no a priori restraints on the motion of the corneal limbus. A display is configured to display the generated model to the user. | 05-30-2013 |
20130132117 | GRAPHICAL TOOL FOR MANAGING A LONGITUDINAL PATIENT EPISODE - Systems and methods are disclosed for graphical-based management and documentation of longitudinal care episodes. As one example, a system to manage a longitudinal care episode for a patient can include a patient data aggregator, executable by a processor, to provide context data for the patient, at least a portion of the context data including patient data associated with multiple phases of the longitudinal care episode. A tool manager can translate user interactions with an associated graphical user interface (GUI) into corresponding discrete concepts. The corresponding discrete concepts can be stored in memory as part of longitudinal episode data for the patient, the longitudinal episode data being generated based on the context data and in response to user interactions with the GUI to facilitate documentation and management of the longitudinal care episode. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131770 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE CHAIN - The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131703 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING BLOOD FLOW THROUGH AN OBSTRUCTED BLOOD VESSEL - A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131636 | METHODS OF TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY TRANSVASCULAR NEUROMODULATION OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a method of treating a respiratory or pulmonary condition by transvascular neuromodulation of a target site adjacent to an adrenal gland. A method for treating a respiratory or pulmonary condition via transvascular neuromodulation incorporating a closed-loop feedback system is also provided. | 05-23-2013 |
20130123877 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE CHAIN - The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123631 | System and Method of Characterizing Vascular Tissue - A system and method is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. IVUS data is transmitted to a computing device and used to create an IVUS image. The blood vessel is then cross-sectioned and used to identify its tissue type and to create a corresponding image (i.e., histology image). A region of interest (ROI) is then identified on the histology image. The computing device identifies a corresponding region on the IVUS image. After the corresponding region is identified, the IVUS data that corresponds to this region is identified. Signal processing is then performed and at least one parameter is identified. The identified parameter and the tissue type is stored in a database. In another embodiment of the present invention, the characterization application is adapted to use the parameters stored in the database to identify a tissue type or a characterization thereof. | 05-16-2013 |
20130119579 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING AT LEAST ONE PATIENT-SPECIFIC SURGICAL AID - A method for producing at least one patient-specific surgical aid includes providing a physical model of a native patient tissue. The physical model has at least one surface of interest. A constraining wall is placed in contact with at least a portion of the physical model. A moldable substance is placed into contact with at least a portion of the surface of interest. An impression of the surface of interest is maintained upon the moldable substance. The moldable substance is solidified into a patient-specific surgical aid. The patient-specific surgical aid is removed from the physical model. A system for producing at least one patient-specific surgical aid is also disclosed. | 05-16-2013 |
20130116799 | REINFORCED TISSUE GRAFT - A biocompatible tissue graft includes a first layer of a bioremodelable collageneous material, a second layer of biocompatible synthetic or natural remodelable or substantially remodelable material attached to the first layer; and at least one fiber that is stitched in a reinforcing pattern in the first layer and/or second layer to mitigate tearing and/or improve fixation retention of the graft, and substantially maintain the improved properties while one or more of the layers is remodeling. | 05-09-2013 |
20130103414 | DISEASE RISK DECISION SUPPORT PLATFORM - A system provides a disease specific risk reference and includes a plurality of executable item modules that each define a different elementary disease to family structure relationship for a specific disease represented as a logical Boolean operation, and an item scoring engine that ranks positively scored item modules based on a risk level associated with a corresponding elementary disease to family structure relationship, wherein the positive scores identify an existence of a given disease to family structure relationship. The system further includes a disease specific risk reference generator that extracts item content associated with a subset of the highest ranked positively scored item modules from memory and provides the extracted item content in a disease specific risk reference for review by a clinician. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103000 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A catheter assembly comprises a catheter having a wall at least partially defining a lumen. The lumen communicates with an opening in an exterior catheter surface at a distal end of the catheter. A lengthwise portion of the wall is made of a resilient material and is longitudinally extensible. The lengthwise portion of the wall has a diameter that is reduced when the lengthwise portion of the wall is longitudinally extended. The diameter of the lengthwise portion of the wall increases from a reduced condition when the lengthwise portion of the wall resiliently returns from a longitudinally extended condition. | 04-25-2013 |
20130102536 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR 2 ACTIVATION - A method of promoting hair growth of a subject includes administering to follicle cells of the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TLR2 agonist that promotes TLR2 activation and hair growth of the subject. | 04-25-2013 |
20130102019 | ASSESSING THE RISK OF A MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIAC EVENT IN PATIENTS WITH CHEST PAIN - Methods for characterizing the near term risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event in a patient presenting with chest pain are provided. In one embodiment the method comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. In another embodiment, the method comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. In another embodiment, the method comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the patient. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, chlorotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation product. Levels of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in bodily samples from the test subject are then compared to a control value that is derived from measurements of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in comparable bodily samples obtained from control population. Such comparison can also be used to determine the near term treatment of the patient. | 04-25-2013 |
20130096891 | ESTIMATION OF NEURAL RESPONSE FOR OPTICAL STIMULATION - This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for estimating a volume of tissue directly influenced (VTDI) by optogenetic stimulation. The systems and methods can also enable a user to quantitatively predict the spread of stimulation (e.g., action potential) resulting from optical stimulation in a patient's tissue. | 04-18-2013 |
20130084577 | METHODS OF CHARACTERIZING HOST RESPONSIVENESS TO INTERFERON BY EX VIVO INDUCTION OF INTERFERON-RESPONSIVE MARKERS - Embodiments of the invention relate generally to ex vivo methods of quantifying expression of interferon responsive genes and characterizing an individual's potential responsiveness to interferon administration. Certain embodiments relate to methods to monitor the efficacy of ongoing interferon therapy by evaluating expression of interferon responsive genes before and after interferon administration. | 04-04-2013 |
20130079870 | ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHESIS WITH STEERABLE BRANCH - An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular main graft body including a sidewall and proximal and distal ends. A first stent may be positioned near the proximal end of the main graft body. A second stent may be positioned adjacent to and distal of the first stent. An opening in the sidewall may be positioned longitudinally between a peak of the first stent and a valley of the second stent. A tubular branch may be disposed in the opening. The branch may include first and second end openings. The branch may be flexibly orientable between a retrograde configuration in which the first end opening is oriented toward the distal end and the second end opening is oriented toward the proximal end and an antegrade configuration in which the first end opening is oriented toward the proximal end and the second end opening is oriented toward the distal end. | 03-28-2013 |
20130071432 | COMBINATION VIROTHERAPY FOR CANCER - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating a subject with cancer. The method includes administering an oncolytic virus simultaneously, sequentially, or separately in combination with an immunomodulatory agent in an amount effective to suppress both antiviral immunity and angiogenesis associated with the cancer. | 03-21-2013 |
20130066348 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING BLOOD FLOW THROUGH AN OBSTRUCTED BLOOD VESSEL - A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066347 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING BLOOD FLOW THROUGH AN OBSTRUCTED BLOOD VESSEL - A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member. | 03-14-2013 |
20130060227 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A THERAPEUTIC AGENT TO OCULAR TISSUE - A method is provided for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to an ocular tissue of a subject. The method includes providing an apparatus including at least one electrode, a medicament layer including at least one therapeutic agent, an electrical signal source, and logic configured to control the electrical signal source. The at least one electrode has oppositely disposed first and second dome-shaped major surfaces. The medicament layer is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface. The electrical signal source is electrically connected to the at least one electrode. At least one portion of the first major surface is placed into contact with the ocular tissue so that the at least one portion substantially conforms to the contour of the ocular tissue. The electrical signal source provides a signal having certain characteristics to motivate the at least one therapeutic agent into the ocular tissue. | 03-07-2013 |
20130058940 | Novel Gene And Protein Associated With Angiogenesis And Endothelial Cell Specific Apoptosis - This invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoding VG5Q, a novel angiogenic growth factor protein with pro-angiogenic activity, a forkhead-associated domain, a G-patch domain; characteristic subcellular localization in an in vitro Matrigel model of angiogenesis: towards the cell periphery in early stages of tubulogenesis, between cells in newly formed endothelial tubes, and no nuclear staining after 24 hours; is expressed in endothelial cells; is secreted during angiogenesis; and interacts with TWEAK. The invention also provides for expression vectors containing nucleic acid sequences encoding VG5Q protein, and host cells containing one or more expression vectors for the recombinant expression of VG5Q. The invention also provides for methods of using VG5Q for the diagnosis and treatment of angiogenesis-mediated diseases or disorders. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056630 | DETECTION AND MONITORING OF NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE - A method of assessing the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and/or liver fibrosis in a subject includes obtaining a bodily sample from a subject and determining a level of the at least one oxidized fatty acid product in the sample. An increased level of at least one oxidized fatty acid product in the subject compared to a control is indicative of an increase in severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and/or liver fibrosis. | 03-07-2013 |
20130053961 | REINFORCED TISSUE GRAFT - A biocompatible tissue graft is provided. The tissue graft includes an extracellular matrix patch that has a peripheral surface and at least one fiber stitched in a reinforcing pattern to mitigate tearing of the graft, improve the fixation retention of the graft, and/or limit cyclic stretching of the graft and substantially maintain these properties following partial enzymatic degradation of the graft while it remodels. The at least one fiber includes at least one free end that extends beyond the peripheral surface of the extracellular matrix for securing the patch to a host tissue. | 02-28-2013 |
20130040369 | Gammaretrovirus Associated With Cancer - The present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding viruses; isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of the virus; vectors comprising the viral nucleic acid sequences; cells comprising the vectors; antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which have binding specificity for the virus; methods of detecting or screening for the virus (e.g., in an individual); methods of identifying agents that inhibit the virus; methods of inducing an immune response to the virus; methods of treating disease associated with the presence of XMRV in an individual (e.g., cancer such as prostate cancer); methods of detecting asymptomatic cancer (e.g., prostate cancer); methods of identifying an individual at risk for developing cancer (e.g., prostate cancer); and kits for detecting the virus. | 02-14-2013 |
20130034523 | USE OF SDF-1 TO MITIGATE SCAR FORMATION - The subject matter provided herein relates to method for inhibiting or mitigating scar formation in a wound of the skin, by increasing the concentration of SDF-1 in, or proximate to, the wound. As described herein SDF-1 protein or an SDF-1 expression vector can be administered to a wound or the area proximate a wound by providing a therapeutically effective amount of SDF-1 protein or an SDF-1 expression vector. | 02-07-2013 |
20130030276 | Method and device for displaying predicted volume of influence with patient-specific atlas of neural tissue - This document discusses, among other things, brain stimulation models, systems, devices, and methods, such as for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other electrical stimulation. In an example, volumetric imaging data representing an anatomical volume of a brain of a patient can be obtained and transformed to brain atlas data. A patient-specific brain atlas can be created using the inverse of the transformation to map the brain atlas data onto the volumetric imaging data and a volume of influence can be calculated using the patient-specific brain atlas. In certain examples, the volume of influence can include a predicted volume of tissue affected by an electrical stimulation delivered by an electrode at a corresponding at least one candidate electrode target location. | 01-31-2013 |
20130018436 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE CHAIN - The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected. | 01-17-2013 |
20130013023 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE CHAIN - The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected. | 01-10-2013 |
20130005037 | METHOD OF TREATING MYOCARDIAL INJURY - A method of treating a myocardial injury of a subject includes administering a population of at least one of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs), which have down-regulated expression of disabled-2 (Dab2), to the subject. | 01-03-2013 |
20120330622 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DESIGN STRUCTURE FOR DELIVERING ELECTRICAL ENERGY TO TISSUE - A computer-assisted method can include defining a target volume of tissue activation to achieve a desired therapeutic effect for an identified anatomic region. At least one parameter can be computed for an electrode design as a function of the defined target volume of tissue activation. The computed at least one parameter can be stored in memory for the electrode design, which parameter can be utilized to construct an electrode. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330182 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTOR AND COGNITIVE ANALYSIS - A cognitive and/or motor skill testing system and method may include a processor that records respective time information for each of multiple positions of a display device that are traced during administration of a test, that determines speed and/or velocity values based on the recorded time information, and that outputs test result information based on the determined values. The test result information may be based on a comparison between a graphed curve of such values to an ideal curve. The positions may correspond to a path between displayed targets whose size and/or distance therebetween depend on past test performance. The system and/or method may output a change expected with a change to therapy parameters for a patient, where the expected change is determined based on changes which occurred in other patients having similar test results and therapy parameters as those of the patient. | 12-27-2012 |
20120322062 | Methods And Compositions For Detection Of Cowden Syndrome (CS) and CS-Like Syndrome - The invention is directed to methods of detecting Cowden syndrome (CS) or CS-like syndrome in an individual or determining whether an individual is at risk for developing Cowden syndrome (CS) or CS-like syndrome comprising detecting the presence of a mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, wherein detection of a mutated SDHB, SDHD or a combination thereof indicates that the individual is positive for, or at risk of developing, CS or CS-like syndrome. The invention is also directed to an article of manufacture for detecting Cowden syndrome (CS) or Cowden-like syndrome in an individual, comprising one or more agents that detects mutated succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), mutated succinate dehydrogenase D (SDHD) or combination thereof in the individual, and instructions for use. | 12-20-2012 |
20120309672 | TREATMENT OF EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION - Pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a compound comprising the hyaluronan-containing structure A-(low molecular weight hyaluronan domain)-B. The compositions also comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A is hydrogen, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for tumor necrosis factor stimulated gene-6 (“TSG-6”) protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. B is hydroxyl, a substituent that does not comprise a binding site for TSG-6 protein, a substituent that interferes with binding of TSG-6 protein immediately adjacent thereto, or chondroitin. The composition is suitable for administration by injection, inhalation, topical rub, or ingestion. Also disclosed are methods and kits for treating a site of inflammation in an individual in need thereof and for decreasing heavy chain modification of pathological hyaluronan at a site of inflammation in an individual in need thereof based on administering the compounds or the compositions. | 12-06-2012 |
20120264631 | Targets For Use In Diagnosis, Prognosis And Therapy Of Cancer - Provided herein are targets that can be used for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of a variety of cancers. | 10-18-2012 |
20120251571 | RNASE L-MEDIATED CLEAVAGE PRODUCTS AND USES THEREOF - The invention is directed to one or more RNase L mediated cleavage products. In particular aspects, the RNase L mediated cleavage products are RNase L mediated cleavage products of a virus, referred to herein as a “suppressor of virus ribonucleic acid (RNA)” or “svRNA” and uses thereof. | 10-04-2012 |
20120221072 | EXTRAVASCULAR NEUROMODULATION TO TREAT HEART FAILURE - Treatment of heart failure in a patient by electrically modulating both the sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic cardiac nerve fibers that innervate the patient's heart at an extravascular site in the pericardial space of the heart. The extravascular site is any suitable single location inside the chest cavity that carries both sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac nerves such as the cardiac plexus or the pericardial transverse sinus or any two separate extravascular sites with one site carrying predominantly sympathetic cardiac nerves and the other site carrying predominantly parasympathetic cardiac nerves for electrically modulating the balance of autonomic cardiac nerve control. Physiologic inputs from a neuromodulation system's own sensors or from separate implanted or external cardiovascular hemodynamic sensor systems can be used for closed loop control over the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac autonomic effects on the patient's cardiac function in real time response to chronic and transient physiologic needs. | 08-30-2012 |
20120219979 | PON1 AS A MARKER FOR HEART FAILURE - Provided herein are methods for assessing the risk a test subject with heart failure has of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event, requiring revascularization, requiring a heart transplant, requiring unscheduled hospitalization for heart failure, progression of heart failure status, or any combination thereof. Also provided herein are methods for assessing the risk a test subject has of developing heart failure. The present methods comprise determining the levels of paraoxonase 1 activity in the serum, non-chelated plasma, or both in the test subject and comparing the level of PON1 activity in the test subject's sample with a control or baseline value based on levels of PON1 activity in serum, non-chelated plasma, or both samples from a population of control subjects. Also provided herein are kits useful in assessing such risks. | 08-30-2012 |
20120209286 | SURGICAL GUIDE AND METHOD FOR GUIDING A THERAPY DELIVERY DEVICE INTO THE PTERYGOPALATINE FOSSA - A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces. | 08-16-2012 |
20120197611 | Systems and methods for determining volume of activation for deep brain stimulation - This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for determining volume of activation for deep brain stimulation (“DBS”) using a finite element model (FEM) circuit to determine a FEM of an implanted electrode and a tissue medium in which the electrode is implanted, a Fourier FEM solver circuit to calculate a potential distribution in the tissue medium using information from the FEM circuit and a capacitive component of at least one of the implanted electrode and the tissue medium, and a volume of activation (VOA) circuit to predict a VOA using the potential distribution and a neuron model. | 08-02-2012 |
20120189612 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING CANCER WHILE PREVENTING OR REDUCING CARDIOTOXICITY AND/OR CARDIOMYOPATHY - The present invention provides methods for treating cardiotoxicity, cardiomyopathy, and/or cancer in a subject, as well as related compositions and kits, that employ a therapeutic agent, or a nucleic acid sequence encoding a therapeutic agent, selected from apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), an ApoA1 mimetic, an agent that increases expression of ApoA1, or a binding agent specific for oxidized ApoA1, where the therapeutic agent is effective in preventing or reducing the level of cardiotoxicity and/or cardiomyopathy induced by the chemotherapeutic. | 07-26-2012 |
20120179238 | STENT HAVING VARIABLE STIFFNESS - A plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements are generally aligned along a common longitudinal axis and are interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting members placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of cylindrical elements collectively form first and second stent ends longitudinally separated by a stent body. At least one of the first and second stent ends is reverse-tapered laterally outward from the longitudinal axis and longitudinally away from the stent body. The stent body has a stiffness value of X, and at least one of the first and second stent ends has a stiffness value of Z, with Z being greater than | 07-12-2012 |
20120164663 | Methylated Arginine Metabolites as Risk Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease - Methods for using methylated arginine metabolites and the arginine methylation index as markers for cardiovascular disease are described: The methods typically include determining the levels of dimethylarginine and N-monomethylarginine in a biological sample, comparing the levels of dimethylarginine and N-monomethylarginine to obtain an arginine methylation index; comparing the arginine methylation index to one or more control values; and using this comparison to characterize the subject's risk of having or developing cardiovascular disease or various complications associated therewith. | 06-28-2012 |
20120158121 | HYBRID TYPE A DISSECTION DEVICE - A hybrid stent graft device for treatment of a Type A dissection having a first tubular portion for placement into the ascending aorta and a second tubular portion for extending around the thoracic arch and down the descending aorta is disclosed. The first tubular portion is connectable to the aorta between the sinotubular junction and the brachiocephalic artery so that it essentially replaces the ascending aorta. A temporary bypass tube allows perfusion during an operation. The second tubular portion has an elongate recess outside of the second tubular portion and an aperture defining a fluid flow path into the recess. The recess is intended to engage an outer curve of the thoracic arch to enable blood flow into the arteries of the thoracic arch. An introduction device in combination with the hybrid stent graft described above is also disclosed. | 06-21-2012 |
20120136410 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NEUROMODULATION USING PRE-RECORDED WAVEFORMS - A method is provided for neuromodulation to treat stroke. One step of the method includes recording an input waveform from a first site in the nervous system in a source subject. The first site is healthy or at least partially functioning. Next, an output waveform is applied to a second site in the nervous system of a target subject suffering from the stoke. The second site is diseased due to the stroke. | 05-31-2012 |
20120116244 | POSTURAL STABILITY IN PATIENTS HAVING A NEURO-DEGENERATIVE DISEASE USING A COMPUTATIONAL MODELING APPROACH TO DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION PROGRAMMING - A system and method can provide for conducting a stimulation of anatomic regions to treat a neuromotor, neurocognitive or neuromotor and neurocognitive disorder, according to which stimulation, motor regions are stimulated, while creep of current to non-motor regions is minimized. Stimulation parameters can be selected based on at least one dual task test that involves cognitive and motor functions, wherein the motor function is postural stability. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116211 | Methods for identifying target stimulation regions associated with therapeutic and non-therapeutic clinical outcomes for neural stimulation - method for identifying and activating specific axonal pathways for achieving therapeutic benefits during a neural stimulation, such as deep brain stimulation. Clinical data, diffusion tensor tractography, and computer models of patient-specific neurostimulation may be used to identify particular axonal pathways activated by deep brain stimulation and to determine their correlations with specific clinical outcomes. | 05-10-2012 |
20120059400 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR OCCLUDING A HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A clamp having at least first and second elongate clamping portions adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the hollow anatomical structure. The first and second elongate clamping portions respectively include ends coupled together with respective resilient urging members configured to urge at least one of the first and second elongate clamping portions toward the other of the first and second elongate clamping portions from an open position into a clamping position to occlude the hollow anatomical structure. The clamp includes tissue ingrowth structure on the clamping portions. | 03-08-2012 |
20120041459 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING BLOOD FLOW THROUGH AN OBSTRUCTED BLOOD VESSEL - A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member. | 02-16-2012 |
20120017943 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTIONS FROM MEDICAL TUBES - A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed. | 01-26-2012 |
20120010696 | THORACIC DEPLOYMENT DEVICE AND STENT GRAFT - A stent graft introducer for intraluminal deployment of a stent graft ( | 01-12-2012 |
20110307048 | PRE-LOADED MULTIPORT DELIVERY DEVICE - A pre-loaded stent graft delivery device and stent graft, the stent graft delivery device. The stent graft has at least one fenestration or side arm and the fenestration is preloaded with an indwelling guide wire. Indwelling access sheaths are provided within auxiliary lumens of a pusher catheter and dilators are preloaded into the access sheaths along with the indwelling guide wire. A handle assembly at a distal end of the guide wire catheter. The handle includes a multiport manifold with access ports to the auxiliary lumens in the pusher catheter. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient, the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate cathertisation of a side branch or target vessel through the fenestration or be used to stabilise the access sheath during catheterisation, advancement of the access sheath into the target vessel and deployment of a covered or uncovered stent therein through the access sheath. | 12-15-2011 |
20110306900 | GUIDEWIRE CONTROL DEVICE - A controller ( | 12-15-2011 |
20110305707 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING CANCER - The present invention provides methods for treating cancer in a subject, as well as related compositions and kits that employ a therapeutic agent, or a nucleic acid sequence encoding a therapeutic agent, selected from apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1) or biologically active fragment, an ApoA1 mimetic, an agent that increases expression of ApoA1, or a binding agent specific for oxidized ApoA1. In certain embodiments, the ApoA1 or ApoA1 mimetic is at least partially oxidation resistant. | 12-15-2011 |
20110287449 | MYELOPEROXIDASE, A RISK INDICATOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - Diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having a cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment the present diagnostic test comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the individual or test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation products. Levels of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in bodily samples from the test subject are then compared to a predetermined value that is derived from measurements of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in comparable bodily samples obtained from healthy controls. Such comparison characterizes the test subject's risk of developing CVD. | 11-24-2011 |
20110235892 | System and Method for Identifying a Vascular Border - A system and method is provided for using a first vascular image, or more particularly a plurality of control points located thereon, to identify a border on a second vascular image. Embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with an intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) device and a computing device electrically connected thereto. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, an IVUS console is electrically connected to a computing device and adapted to acquire IVUS data. The IVUS data (or multiple sets thereof) is then provided to (or acquired by) the computing device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing device includes a plurality of applications operating thereon—i.e., a border-detection application, an extrapolation application, and an active-contour application. These applications are used to (i) identify a border and control points on a first IVUS image (i.e., any IVUS image), (ii) extrapolate the control points to a second IVUS image (i.e., another IVUS image), (iii) identify a border on the second IVUS image, and (iv) adjust the border on the second IVUS image in accordance with at least one factor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one factor is selected from a group consisting of gradient factor, continuity factor, and curvature factor. | 09-29-2011 |
20110201947 | OXIDIZED PARAOXONASE 1 AND PARAOXONASE 1/HDL PARTICLE NUMBER RATIO AS RISK MARKERS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - The present invention provides methods and markers for characterizing a subject's, particularly a human subject risk of having cardiovascular disease. The present invention also provides methods of characterizing a subject's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods for characterizing a subject's risk of experiencing a complication of cardiovascular disease or major adverse cardiac event within 1, 3, or 10 years. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for determining whether a subject presenting with chest pain is at risk near term of experiencing a heart attack or other major adverse cardiac event. The present methods are especially useful for identifying those subjects who are in need of highly aggressive CVD therapies as well as those subjects who require no therapies targeted at inhibiting or preventing CVD or complications of CVD. | 08-18-2011 |
20110200689 | METHODS FOR TREATING GLIOBLASTOMA WITH HERBAL COMPOSITIONS - The inventive subject matter relates to methods for treating glioblastoma, comprising administration of a composition comprising therapeutically effective amounts of supercritical extracts of rosemary, turmeric, oregano and ginger; and therapeutically effective amounts of hydroalcoholic extracts of holy basil, ginger, turmeric, | 08-18-2011 |
20110196253 | BRAIN STIMULATION MODELS, SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS - This document discusses, among other things, brain stimulation models, systems, devices, and methods, such as for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other electrical stimulation. In an example, a target volume of activation (VOA) can be received, a test VOA can be simulated, and at least one of a target electrode location or parameter can be provide using a relationship between the target VOA and the test VOA. | 08-11-2011 |
20110191275 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ESTIMATE REGION OF TISSUE ACTIVATION - A computer-implemented method for determining the volume of activation of neural tissue. In one embodiment, the method uses one or more parametric equations that define a volume of activation, wherein the parameters for the one or more parametric equations are given as a function of an input vector that includes stimulation parameters. After receiving input data that includes values for the stimulation parameters and defining the input vector using the input data, the input vector is applied to the function to obtain the parameters for the one or more parametric equations. The parametric equation is solved to obtain a calculated volume of activation. | 08-04-2011 |
20110184487 | REVERSING COGNITIVE-MOTOR IMPAIRMENTS IN PATIENTS HAVING A NEURO-DEGENERATIVE DISEASE USING A COMPUTATIONAL MODELING APPROACH TO DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION PROGRAMMING - A system and method may provide for conducting a stimulation of anatomic regions to treat a neuromotor, neurocognitive or neuromotor and neurocognitive disorder, according to which stimulation, motor regions are stimulated, while creep of current to non-motor regions is minimized. Stimulation parameters may be selected based on tests of motor function, tests of cognitive function, and tests of a combination of motor and cognitive functions. | 07-28-2011 |
20110165594 | SYSTEMIC MARKERS FOR ASTHMA AND ANALOGOUS DISEASES - Provided herein are diagnostic and prognostic methods, diagnostic and prognositic markers, and methods for evaluating anti-inflammatory agents or drugs in subjects with asthma and/or an analogous disease associated with high oxidative and nitrative stress at the disease site. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise a step of assaying for decreased levels of superoxide dismutase activity in the blood, serum, or plasma of the subject. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise a step of assaying for elevated levels of one or more oxidatively-modified SOD isoforms or species in the blood, serum or plasma of the subject. Also provided are diagnostic kits for use in the present invention. In certain embodiments, such kits comprise at least one binding reagent that specifically binds to at least one oxidatively-modified SOD species. | 07-07-2011 |
20110160776 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BODY TISSUE FIXATION - A body tissue fixation apparatus includes a plate having oppositely disposed outer and tissue-contacting surfaces, and at least one fixation hole extending between the outer and tissue-contacting surfaces along a longitudinal axis. The fixation hole is defined in part by an inner hole surface having at least one serration. The plate is adapted for affixation to at least one body tissue member. At least one fixation device of the body tissue fixation apparatus has a shank and a head portion, the shank being insertable through the fixation hole in the plate to affix the plate to the body tissue member upon rotation of the head portion. At least one deformable member is connected to the head portion, the deformable member extending laterally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being adapted to deflect to engage with at least one serration formed on the inner hole surface. Engagement between the deformable member and the serration helps to prevent displacement of the fixation device within the fixation hole. A method for using the body tissue fixation apparatus is also described. | 06-30-2011 |
20110152224 | MYELOPEROXIDASE, A RISK INDICATOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - Diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having a cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment the present diagnostic test comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the individual or test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation products. Levels of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in bodily samples from the test subject are then compared to a predetermined value that is derived from measurements of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in comparable bodily samples obtained from healthy controls. Such comparison characterizes the test subject's risk of developing CVD. | 06-23-2011 |
20110135674 | Markers of XMRV Infection and Uses Thereof - The present invention relates generally to assays for the detection of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-related Retrovirus (“XMRV”) and diseases associated with XMRV infection. Additionally, the invention relates to specific XMRV antigens capable of inducing an immunogenic response as well as XMRV-related nucleic acids having significant diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic utilities. | 06-09-2011 |
20110104818 | CARBAMYLATED PROTEINS AND RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - Methods for characterizing a test subject's, particularly a human test subject's, risk of having cardiovascular disease or developing cardiovascular disease are provided. Also provided are methods for characterizing a test subject's risk of experiencing a complication of cardiovascular disease near term. The methods comprise determining levels of one or more carbamylated biomarkers in a bodily fluid of the test subject and/or comparing these levels with a reference value. In certain embodiments, the carbamylated biomarkers are carbamylated albumin, carbamylated fibrinogen, carbamylated immunoglobulin and carbamylated apolipoprotein A. In other embodiments, particularly where the test subject does not have clinical evidence of renal disease, the carbamylated biomarker is free and/or total peptide-bound homocitrulline. | 05-05-2011 |