| THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION d/b/a MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120136258 | Retinal Flow Cytometry - The present invention provides methods and devices for performing flow cytometry. In one embodiment, blood circulating through one or more retinal blood vessels of a subject is illuminated in-vivo so as to excite a plurality of fluorescent-labeled cells contained in the blood. The fluorescence radiation emitted by the excited cells is then detected and analyzed to count the cells from which fluorescence is detected. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120128641 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR IMPROVING THE VIABILITY OF CRYOPRESERVED CELLS - The present invention provides polymers and methods for increasing the viability of cryopreserved cells after thawing. Thawing cryopreserved cells in the presence of a polymer such as poloxymer P1 88 or other non-ionic polymers is thought to stabilize the membranes of the cells leading to increased post-thaw viability. Such methods may be used in the processing of cells and tissues for transplantation or for research purposes. Other agents such as antioxidants, vitamins, or osmotic protectants may also be added to cells to improve viability. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120114635 | ANTIBODIES TO CROSS-LINKED AMYLOID BETA OLIGOMERS - The invention relates to antibodies that bind cross-linked amyloid β oligomers, and methods for using such antibodies for diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120101147 | INHIBITION OF HDAC2 TO PROMOTE MEMORY - The invention relates to methods and products for enhancing and improving recovery of lost memories. In particular the methods are accomplished by inhibiting HDAC2 and or selectively inhibiting HDAC1/2 or HDAC1/2/3. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120083862 | HEADS FOR DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT - Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120046341 | FUS/TLS-BASED COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS AND RELATED MOTOR NEURON DISEASES - The invention provides novel FUS/TLS nucleic acids and proteins that comprise one or more genetic markers (for example, single nucleotide polymorphisms) and methods of use thereof including methods relating to the diagnosis of ALS or other related motor neuron disease by virtue of the presence of the mutant FUS/TLS sequence(s). | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120039909 | EPIGENETIC MECHANISMS RE-ESTABLISH ACCESS TO LONG-TERM MEMORY AFTER NEURONAL LOSS - The invention relates to methods and products for enhancing and improving recovery of lost memories. In particular the methods are accomplished through the increase of histone acetylation. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120029065 | COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING OBESITY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE DISORDERS - Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating the activity or level of a sirtuin, thereby treating or preventing obesity or an insulin resistance disorder, such as diabetes in a subject. Exemplary methods comprise contacting a cell with a sirtuin activating compound or an inhibitory compound to thereby increase or decrease fat accumulation, respectively. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120020929 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS RELATING TO NEURONAL CELL AND TISSUE DIFFERENTIATION - The invention relates to methods for isolating and purifying specific types of neurons, such as cortical or other projection neurons including corticospinal motor neurons, subcerebral projection neurons, and callosal projection neurons. The invention also relates to genes that are specific for particular neuronal subtypes, and the use of such genes in genetic/molecular control of cell development. The isolated cells and subtype-specific genes also have uses in diagnostics, therapeutics, and screening assays for pharmaceutical molecules. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120015382 | DROPLET-BASED SELECTION - The present invention generally relates to fluidic droplets, and techniques for screening or sorting such fluidic droplets. In some embodiments, the fluidic droplets may contain cells (e.g., hybridoma cells) that can secrete various species, such as antibodies, for example. In one aspect, a plurality of fluidic droplets containing cells is screened to determine proteins, antibodies, polypeptides, peptides, nucleic acids, or the like. For example, cells able to secrete species such as antibodies may be selected according to certain embodiments of the invention. Examples of such cells include, for instance, immortal cells such as hybridomas, or non-immortal cells such as B-cells. For instance, blood cells may be encapsulated within a plurality of fluidic droplets, and the cells able to produce antibodies may be determined. In some cases, expression or secretion levels may be determined using signaling entities, for example, determinable microparticles present within the fluidic droplet. Other aspects of the invention relate to kits involving such fluidic droplets, methods of promoting the making or use of such fluidic droplets, and the like. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110270360 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ACTIVATING BROWN APIDOSE TISSUE USING ELECTRICAL ENERGY - Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110263490 | Diagnostic Methods and Combination Therapies Involving MC4R - Methods and therapeutics are provided for treating metabolic disorders by activation of melanocortin signaling pathways. Generally, the methods and therapeutics can induce activation of melanocortin receptor signaling to increase energy expenditure and induce weight loss. In one embodiment, a method for performing a diagnostic procedure can be chosen, energy expenditure then assess in light of the diagnostic procedure and a definitive procedure(s) can be selected dependent on the outcome of the energy assessment. In another embodiment, a diagnostic procedure can be chosen to activate melanocortin receptor pathways, energy expenditure can be assessed and a definitive procedure(s) can be chosen that selectively and optimally activate melanocortin receptor pathways. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110177032 | USE ON ONCOLYTIC HERPES VIRUSES FOR KILLING CANCER STEM CELLS - The invention, in some aspects, relates to the selective killing of cancer stem cells by oncolytic Herpes virus mediated oncolysis. In some aspects, the invention relates to methods for treating a subject having a cancer stem cell by administering to the subject an oncolytic Herpes virus. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for evaluating the efficacy of an oncolytic Herpes virus for killing cancer stem cells. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110150845 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR MODULATING IMMUNOLOGICAL TOLERANCE - The invention provides compositions and methods for modulating immune responses using mesenchymal stem cells. The invention further provides methods for inducing tolerance to self antigens using mesenchymal stem cells. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110137230 | Method and Apparatus for Medical Treatment Utilizing Long Duration Electromagnetic Radiation - A method and apparatus are provided for performing a medical procedure on a patient, for example a dermatological procedure, by use of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) having a relatively low peak power, and in particular a peak power low enough so as not to result in a phase change in the heater or chromophore absorbing radiation which would result in a significant reduction in its absorption, and of relatively long duration which is generally greater than, sometimes significantly greater than, the thermal relaxation time of the irradiated target. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110092908 | SINGLE-DOSE SYRINGE DRIVER - Various methods and devices for driving fluid from a syringe are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a syringe driver is provided having a frame that is adapted to seat a syringe, a driver that is slidably disposed within the frame and that is adapted to seat a plunger of a syringe, and a puller that is slidably disposed within the frame and that has a latch formed thereon for mating to an engagement element on the frame. The device can also include a force-delivery element, such as a constant force spring, that is coupled to and extends between the driver and the puller. In use, the puller is movable between a first position, in which the force-delivery element is in a resting position, and a second position, in which the latch on the puller mates to the engagement element on the frame to expand the force-delivery element thereby causing the force-delivery element to pull the driver and drive a plunger into a barrel of a syringe seated within the frame to deliver fluid from the syringe to a patient at a constant rate. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110077216 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND OTHER RELATED DISEASES - The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other related diseases. In some embodiments, a method comprises providing a composition and forming a coating of the composition on at least a portion of the interior and/or exterior surface of a tissue lumen or other body surface. The composition may remain associated with the tissue lumen or other body surface even in the presence of a strong flow of a fluid (e.g., blood flow in a blood vessel). The composition may associate with the tissue lumen via a plurality of covalent bonds. In some cases, the compositions may comprise at least one additive, for example, a therapeutically active agent or an imaging agent. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110060047 | APPROACHES TO TREAT CANCER USING HB-EGF INHIBITORS - The invention provides methods for the treatment of cancer in a subject by the administration of myrsinoic acid A and/or one or more myrsinoic acid A analogs. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20100316679 | COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING OBESITY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE DISORDERS - Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating the activity or level of a sirtuin, thereby treating or preventing obesity or an insulin resistance disorder, such as diabetes in a subject. Exemplary methods comprise contacting a cell with a sirtuin activating compound or an inhibitory compound to thereby increase or decrease fat accumulation, respectively. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100233092 | IN-VIVO MONITORING OF CIRCULATING APOPTOTIC CELLS - The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in-vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest. In some embodiments, the circulating cells comprise apoptotic cells whose detection can allow, e.g., non-invasive monitoring of the efficacy of a cancer treatment, such as an anti-tumor or an anti-angiogenic therapy. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100228326 | HEADS FOR DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT - Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100174223 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL INHIBITION OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY - A system and method are provided for preventing damage to the epidermis or other epithelial or non-target tissue during photodynamic therapy treatment. For example, an inhibiting radiation can be used to control formation of a photosensitizer from a precursor photosensitizer in the epidermis or epithelial tissue. Subsequent application of a treatment radiation can activate the photosensitizer to damage or destroy target sites while the non-target tissue remains substantially unaffected. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100098677 | Methods and Devices for Epithelial Protection During Photodynamic Therapy - Methods for preventing damage to the epidermis during PDT induced using a pre-photosensitizing agent are provided. The methods of the present invention utilize spatial confinement to control formation of a photoactive species from a topically-applied pre-photosensitizing agent. In one embodiment, thermal inhibition is used to prevent the metabolism of a pre-photosensitizing agent in epithelial tissue surrounding a treatment site. In another embodiment, a chemical inhibitor can be applied to the epithelial tissue to inhibit the conversion of a pre-photosensitizing agent into a phototoxic species. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100082101 | HIGHLY CRYSTALLINE POLYETHYLENE - The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20090299268 | Topical Aminolevulinic Acid-Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris - Light treatments of sebaceous gland disorders with 5-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy are disclosed. A preferred treatment includes topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid to the skin followed by light exposures with repeated treatment at various intervals. At low doses of ALA and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in single or multiple treatments, improvement in the sebaceous gland disorder, e.g., acne, provides the discovery that diminishment in sebum secretion and the eradication of bacteria occurs. At high doses of ALA and a single high energy PDT treatment, permanent changes to the sebaceous gland and sebum secretion have been discovered. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090274654 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090222019 | IMPLANT INSERTION DEVICE - Methods and devices are provided for measuring and/or controlling an amount of force applied to an implant or other element. In certain exemplary embodiments, an implant inserter tool is provided that includes a shaft having a proximal end that is adapted to receive a force and a distal end that is adapted to contact an implant. The inserter tool also include a force controlling element coupled to the shaft. In use, the distal end of the tool can be placed in contact with an implant or other element, and a force can be applied to the proximal end of the tool to drive the implant or other element into bone. The force controlling element can measure the amount of force applied to the inserter tool, thereby measuring the force applied to the implant or other element. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090210066 | ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT SUBSTITUTING KNEE REPLACEMENT PROSTHESIS - There is disclosed a total knee replacement prosthesis, which can substitute the function of an anterior and/or a posterior cruciate ligament. A femoral component containing two intercondylar surfaces and an intercondylar region, a tibial component having a tibial platform and a bearing component, and a protrusion from the bearing component also are disclosed. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090088766 | Distraction Osteogenesis Methods and Devices - Methods and devices for distraction osteogenesis are disclosed employing an energy storage device and a controlled release of energy to provide a separating force. For example, bone expansion devices can include a first anchor element attachable to a first segment of bone, a second anchor element attachable to a second segment of bone, and an actuator for applying a separating force between the first and second anchor elements. The actuator can include a potential energy storage device and a controller for releasing energy from the energy storage device to provide the separating force. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090060982 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090024193 | Method And Apparatus For Photothermal Treatment Of Tissue At Depth - The present invention provides method and apparatus for treating tissue in a region at depth by applying optical radiation thereto of a wavelength able to reach the depth of the region and of a selected relatively low power for a duration sufficient for the radiation to effect the desired treatment while concurrently cooling tissue above the selected region to protect such tissue. Treatment may be enhanced by applying mechanical, acoustic or electrical stimulation to the region. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090014360 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARTICLE FOCUSING IN MICROCHANNELS - Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090012354 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTRAVENTRICULAR TREATMENT - Various methods and devices are provided for remodeling a heart's ventricular walls and improving of the function of the atrioventricular valves from within the ventricle or atrium through the use of tensioning structures. In one embodiment, a device for stabilizing a ventricle is provided and can include a superior tension member having a substantially arcuate shape that is sized and configured to improve a functioning of atrioventricular valve leaflets. The device can also include a descending tension member extending inferiorly from at least a portion of the superior tension member that is shaped to correspond to a wall of a ventricular cavity. The device can further include a plurality of anchors provided at least on the descending tension member that have attachment features for holding a wall of a ventricular cavity to the descending tension member. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20080286339 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080286322 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS - The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080269608 | Non-Invasive Treatment of Fascia - Various methods and devices for minimally invasive treatment and prevention of conditions of the fascia are provided. In one aspect, a method includes providing an acoustic wave source effective to deliver a focused acoustic wave to a target site within a patient's body, and focusing an acoustic wave through a patient's skin such that at least one location in the patient's fascia is fenestrated in a desired pattern. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080262120 | SELECTIVE, CONTROLLED MANIPULATION OF POLYMERS - The present invention provides partial and complete shielding approaches to alter the cross-linking characteristics of irradiated polymers, such as polyethylene. Irradiated polymers and fabricated articles, such as medical prosteses, comprising irradiated polymers also are provided. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080216843 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR RELIEVING UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTIONS - Methods and devices are provided that are effective to remove an obstruction in a human airway related to snoring and/or OSA. In one embodiment, the device includes mouthpiece having a hollow body configured to be disposed in a user's mouth. The body includes superior and inferior outer surfaces as well as anterior and posterior surfaces, a channel configured to receive a user's teeth formed in at least one of the superior and inferior surfaces, an inner cavity formed between the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior surfaces, and at least one aperture formed in the posterior surface that extends into the inner cavity. In one exemplary embodiment the at least one aperture is oriented to extend away from the user's teeth and toward a user's tongue when the mouthpiece is in use. In another embodiment, the hollow body is substantially c-shaped, and the at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures spaced a distance apart from one another along the posterior surface between first and second terminal ends of the c-shaped inner portion of the hollow body. In still another embodiment, the mouthpiece includes an outer portion having an opening extending therethrough such that the outer portion is coupled to the hollow body and is in fluid communication with the cavity in the hollow body. A one-way valve can be disposed in the opening and can be configured to allow air to flow out of a user's oral cavity when the mouthpiece is in use. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080215142 | CROSS-LINKING OF ANTIOXIDANT-CONTAINING POLYMERS - The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked, oxidatively stable, and highly crystalline polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of treating irradiation-cross-linked antioxidant-containing polymers and materials used therewith. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214692 | OXIDATION RESISTANT HOMOGENIZED POLYMERIC MATERIAL - The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant homogenized polymeric materials and medical implants that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing, cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and annealing the antioxidant doped UHMWPE in a super critical fluid, and materials used therein. | 09-04-2008 |
