Tufts Medical Center, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140366887 | ORAL AIRWAY - An oral airway includes a curved body having a front wall which includes a concave portion of the body, and a rear wall which includes a convex portion of the body. The front wall is configured to translate relative to the rear wall, while remaining engaged with the rear wall. In addition, the rear wall is formed of a first material, and at least a portion of the front wall is formed of a second material, the second material being relatively flexible as compared to the first material. | 12-18-2014 |
20140336559 | ENDOVASCULAR CEREBROSPINAL FLUID SHUNT - An implantable shunt device for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space. The device includes a shunt having opposed first and second ends. A one-way valve is located at the first end of the shunt. A helical tip is disposed at the second end. The helical tip is constructed to penetrate a sinus wall of the patient. Upon implantation, a hollow passageway extends between the helical tip and one-way valve such that fluid can be drained through the helical tip and out through the valve. The endovascular cerebrospinal fluid shunt of the present invention can be placed into a patient percutaneously via a catheter inserted into the venous system of the body through a needle hole, without the need for open surgery and the skin incisions required with current shunt devices. The device also allows for more physiologic drainage of cerebrospinal fluid since the device is shunting cerebrospinal fluid into the same cerebral venous system that occurs naturally in normal people. | 11-13-2014 |
20140309125 | MARKERS RELATED TO AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AND USES THEREFOR - Described herein are compositions, kits and methods for diagnosing and tracking the progression of AMD in a subject by detecting the presence or absence of particular lipid metabolism markers associated with AMD. Predictive computer models of disease risk are also disclosed. | 10-16-2014 |
20140243378 | Compositions and Methods for the Treatment of Muscular Disease, and Related Screening Methods - Disclosed are methods of treating a muscle disease and improving normal muscle function by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an isoprenoid antibiotic. Also disclosed are methods of upregulating hnRNP L and hnRNP L targets by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an isoprenoid antibiotic. Methods of screening compounds for use in treating muscle disease and improving muscle function are also described. | 08-28-2014 |
20140234319 | TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE AND RELATED CONDITIONS - Endoglin has now been shown to be an important target of therapy to reduce disease symptoms associated with heart failure, particularly cardiac fibrosis. Soluble Endoglin is identified as an anatogonist to TGFβ1 activity, while membrane-bound Endoglin is identified as a necessary component to promote TGFβ1 activity in heart failure. The present invention therefore features methods and kits for treatment of subject having heart failure or a related disorder by administering a composition that decreases TGFβ1 signaling through either direct inhibition of membrane-bound Endoglin or promoting expression of soluble Endoglin. | 08-21-2014 |
20140107671 | HANDHELD SAFETY SUTURING DEVICE - Needle-stick injuries are associated with considerable risk of morbidity for healthcare workers and patients. The present invention of a handheld surgical suturing device allows tor visualization of surgical field and better control of the suture needle with possible one-hand operation. The device also provides active safety features that protect the surgeon from needle-stick injury. | 04-17-2014 |
20140087993 | PEPDUCIN DESIGN AND USE - Disclosed here is the rational design and use of potent and specific GPCR antagonist pepducins based on GPCR regions such as the third intracellular loop and adjacent regions. | 03-27-2014 |
20140031920 | ENDOVASCULAR STENT - An intravascular stent is provided for treatment of an aneurysm in a vessel wall of a cranial blood vessel. The stent includes at least one a flow-shaping member including a flow-facing surface that protrudes from an inner surface of the stent and is configured to control at least one of the direction, velocity and secondary flow characteristics of the blood flow within the aneurysm. | 01-30-2014 |
20130281761 | CANNULA WITH BIFURCATED TIP FOR A CARDIAC ASSIST DEVICE - A cardiac assist device includes a cannula that terminates in a flexible tip. The tip is generally Y-shaped and includes a proximal end that extends from the end of the cannula, and a bifurcated distal end opposed to the proximal end. The bifurcated distal end includes a first portion detached from a second portion, and the tip further includes a pair of through channels extending from the proximal end to the bifurcated distal end. The tip is configured so that one channel of the pair of channels extends through the first portion, and the other channel of the pair of channels extends through the second portion. | 10-24-2013 |
20130268003 | SPRING LOADED MECHANISM FOR MANAGING SCOLIOSIS - A spinal implant includes a first rod, a second rod, and connector. The first rod has a first end configured to be connected to a first bone, a second end opposed to the first end, and a longitudinal axis that passes through the first and second ends. The second rod has a first end configured to be connected to the second bone, a second end opposed to the first end. The second rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-coaxial with the first rod, and at least a portion of the second end of the second rod overlaps the second end of the first rod. The connector connects the second end of the first rod to the second end of the second rod, and is configured to urge the first rod and the second rod in opposed directions that are parallel to the longitudinal axis. | 10-10-2013 |
20130261011 | ANALYZING NEONATAL SALIVA AND READINESS TO FEED - The present invention provides systems for assessing neonatal development and/or conditions by analyzing neonatal saliva RNA. Methods of identifying genes involved in neonatal development and/or conditions affecting neonates, are provided. Methods of determining a diagnosis of a neonate comprising detection of one or more differentially expressed genes are also provided. | 10-03-2013 |
20130231695 | EMBOLIC COIL - An apparatus includes an embolic coil including a mechanically flexible tubular member having a central lumen and a plurality of expandable sheaths spaced along the axial length of the tubular member, each expandable sheath enveloping and corresponding to the plurality of apertures, the expandable sheaths configured to have an initial low profile arrangement and upon introduction of an expansion medium to the central lumen of the tubular member radially expands to a high profile arrangement. Methods for making and using the apparatus are also described. | 09-05-2013 |
20130207975 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS - High resolution time sequences of 3D images that show the dynamics of a time varying changes are provided. The 3D time series of images representing an object that include time varying changes may be produced from lower dimensional image time sequences, such as 2D images. The 2D images may be generated using angiography and may include fluid flow information (e.g., arrival times). The fluid flow information may be provided, for example, by injecting a chemical into the fluid and analyzing its position in the object or body over time. A varying contrast model may be applied to determine the location of the chemical at different points in time which may assist in detecting an ailment. | 08-15-2013 |
20130137102 | Methods and kits for modulating tumor invasiveness and metastatic potential - Methods and kits for evaluating invasive potential and metastatic potential of cancers by assessing Tiam1 expression levels in fibroblasts in the microenvironments surrounding tumors are provided. | 05-30-2013 |
20130040838 | METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING THE PRESENCE OF A BICUSPID AORTIC VALVE - The present invention features a method for identifying a subject with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) by detecting one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in one or more BAV-associated chromosomal regions (e.g., chromosomal regions containing the AXIN1-PDIA2, ENG, BAT2/3, or ZNF385D gene(s)). | 02-14-2013 |
20130035548 | FIBER OPTIC INTUBATING DEVICE - A fiberoptic intubating device is provided which permits visualization of the vocal cords and automatic deployment of an endotracheal tube into the trachea upon visualization. The device includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing, and an extendable and retractable stylet extending from the distal end generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a support member disposed on the housing that is configured to support the endotracheal tube with respect to the housing and to be selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing. The device is configured to automatically move the stylet relative to the housing upon actuation of a trigger. Once the stylet is positioned relative to the vocal cords, the device is configured to deploy the endotracheal tube into the trachea upon further actuation of the trigger. | 02-07-2013 |
20130023440 | Polynucleotides Associated With Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Methods for Evaluating Patient Risk - The present invention provides for certain polynucleotide sequences that have been correlated to AMD. These polynucleotides are useful as diagnostics, and are preferably used to fabricate an array, useful for screening patient samples. The array is used as part of a laboratory information management system, to store and process additional patient information in addition to the patient's genomic profile. As described herein, the system provides an assessment of the patient's risk for developing AMD, risk for disease progression, and the likelihood of disease prevention based on patient controllable factors. | 01-24-2013 |
20120310250 | DEVICE FOR ASSISTING CESAREAN DELIVERIES - A catheter device for facilitating release of a structure lodged within a body cavity includes a flexible catheter and carrier configured to mount the catheter to a finger. The catheter includes a leading end having an opening configured to permit fluids within the catheter to exit the catheter, and a proximal end configured to connect to a fluid source. A method using the catheter device to release a fetal head from a maternal pelvis during cesarean delivery of the fetus is provided. | 12-06-2012 |
20120226120 | CARDIAC MONITORING - A device for monitoring a heart includes a lead wire having a first end and a second end, the second end in contact with tissue of the heart; a first sensor disposed along the length of the lead wire; and a second sensor disposed at the second end of the lead wire. The first sensor is configured to measure an oxygen content of blood in the heart and the second sensor is configured to measure a fluid pressure in the heart. The device further includes a control module connected to the first end of the lead wire and configured to receive signals related to the measured fluid pressure and the measured oxygen content from the first and second sensors. | 09-06-2012 |
20120190578 | Plasma Complement Components as Expression Markers for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Related Phenotypes - The present invention is directed to systems and method for predicting risk of AMD or a susceptibility to AMD in a patient by detecting elevated serum or plasma levels of C3, CFB or CFH and other complement factor polypeptides, wherein devated levels certain complement factors, genetic risk factors, medical risk factors, behavioral and environmental risk factors are associated with are indicative of susceptibility for or an increased risk of developing AMD, or an increased risk of progression of AMD in the patient. | 07-26-2012 |
20120121706 | PAR-1 Activation by Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) - Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) play many important roles in normal and pathological remodeling processes including atherothrombotic disease, inflammation, angiogenesis and cancer. This invention relates to the activation of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) by endogenous platelet MMP-1 collagenase on the surface of platelets. Exposure of platelets to fibrillar collagen converts the surface-bound pro-MMP-1 zymogen to active MMP-1, which promotes aggregation through PAR-1, MMP-1 is shown to cleave the PAR-1 extracellular domain at a novel site, which then strongly activates Rho-GTP signaling pathways, cell shape change and motility, and MAPK signaling. Blockade of MMP-PAR 1 suppresses thrombogenesis under arterial flow conditions and inhibited thrombosis in animals. These studies provide a link between matrix-dependent activation of metalloproteases and platelet-G protein signaling and identify MMP-1/PAR-1 as a new target for the treatment and prevention of arterial thrombosis and other thrombotic diseases. | 05-17-2012 |
20120115175 | METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING ELEVATED RIGHT OR LEFT VENTRICULAR FILLING PRESSURE - The present invention features a method of diagnosing elevated left or right ventricular filling pressure and cardiovascular dysfunction in a subject by detecting increased levels of sEng in a biological sample from the subject. | 05-10-2012 |
20120114629 | IGA1 PROTEASE POLYPEPTIDE AGENTS AND USES THEREOF - Polypeptide agents useful in the treatment of IgA1 deposition diseases and methods of using such polypeptide agents. Methods of screening for inhibitors of IgA1 proteases and agents that inhibit IgA1 proteases are also disclosed. | 05-10-2012 |
20120083676 | FETAL ECG MONITORING - A method for fetal monitoring includes acquiring electrical signals from a set of electrodes, for example, a set of surface electrodes applied to a maternal abdominal region. The electrical signals are analyzed, including by performing a morphological analysis of fetal electrocardiogram signals. A clinical indicator is then determined from a result of performing the morphological analysis. | 04-05-2012 |
20120046189 | MARKERS RELATED TO AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AND USES THEREFOR - Described herein are compositions, kits and methods for diagnosing and tracking the progression of AMD in a subject by detecting the presence or absence of particular lipid metabolism markers associated with AMD. Predictive computer models of disease risk are also disclosed. | 02-23-2012 |
20120021983 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS OF CANCER AND PROGRESSION, AND FOR SCREENING ANTI-CANCER AGENTS - MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling of cells showed unique miRNA signatures for each of three Akt isoforms. Among differentially regulated miRNA species, the miR-200 family was downregulated in Akt2-expressing cells. Akt1 knockdown inhibited expression of miR-200 and promoted TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and a stem cell like phenotype. Carcinomas developing in MMTV-cErb2/Akt1 | 01-26-2012 |
20120016209 | FETAL ECG MONITORING - A method for fetal monitoring includes acquiring electrical signals from a set of electrodes, for example, a set of surface electrodes applied to a maternal abdominal region. The electrical signals are analyzed, including by performing a morphological analysis of fetal electrocardiogram signals. A clinical indicator is then determined from a result of performing the morphological analysis. | 01-19-2012 |
20110295277 | HANDHELD SAFETY SUTURING DEVICE - Needle-stick injuries are associated with considerable risk of morbidity for healthcare workers and patients. The present invention of a handheld surgical suturing device allows for visualization of surgical field and better control of the suture needle with possible one-hand operation The device also provides active safety features that protect the surgeon from needle-stick injury. | 12-01-2011 |
20110294682 | Polynucleotides Associated With Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Methods for Evaluating Patient Risks - Disclosed are methods for diagnosing AMD or a susceptibility for AMD by identifying one or more markers associated with peripheral retinal phenotypes. | 12-01-2011 |
20110150775 | GENOMIC APPROACHES TO FETAL TREATMENT AND DIAGNOSIS - The present invention provides systems for developing and/or testing therapies for prenatal diseases and conditions including Down Syndrome. The present invention also provides diagnostic methods for Down Syndrome involving, in some embodiments, gene expression analyses of fetal RNA and/or detection of expression of particular genes involved in Down Syndrome. Also provided are microarrays and kits useful in prenatal diagnostic applications. | 06-23-2011 |
20110118125 | NEONATAL SALIVARY GENOMICS - The present invention provides systems for assessing neonatal development and/or conditions by analyzing neonatal saliva RNA. Methods of identifying genes involved in neonatal development and/or conditions affecting neonates, are provided. Methods of determining a diagnosis of a neonate comprising detection of one or more differentially expressed genes are also provided. | 05-19-2011 |
20100323380 | METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING BLOOD VESSEL REOCCLUSION - The present invention features a method of diagnosing blood vessel reocclusion in a subject by detecting increased levels of sFLT-1 in a biological sample from the subject. | 12-23-2010 |
20100286043 | USE OF NEUREGULIN-1 IN REDUCING BRAIN DAMAGE - Methods of reducing and/or protecting against disorders in perinatal subjects are disclosed. Such methods can be used for disorders associated with neuronal cell damage. In certain aspects, the method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of neuregulin or a biologically active analog with a pharmaceutical carrier to a perinatal subject. In addition, the perinatal subject can be a fetus where the neuregulin is administered to the pregnant mother. Methods for assessing whether a perinatal subject is at risk for developing a neurological disorder are also disclosed. For example, expression levels of neuregulin can be used as an indication the perinatal subject is at risk for developing a disorder associated with neuronal cell damage. Evaluating the genotype of the NRG locus in a perinatal subject can also be used as an indicator of the risk of developing neurological disorders. | 11-11-2010 |
20100100974 | Models of Malignant Brain Cancer, and Therapeutic siRNAs Against Oncogenic Signaling Pathways, and Methods and Kits for Uses Therefor - Methods for screening compounds to treat an oncological disorder regulated through a tumor-inducing pathway are provided. The compounds are administered to non-human animal subjects having a disease model, so that the subjects display pathology symptoms that correspond to the oncological disorder in humans. The subjects carry a regulatable transgene expression, of which is associated with tumor formation, and further carry regulatable genes for suppression of tumor formation. The disease-pathology symptoms are induced using a site-specific recombination system to induce expression of the transgene associated with tumor formation and negatively regulate or eliminate the genes for suppression of the tumor formation. The methods further involve analyzing tumor formation in subjects administered the compound and comparing appearance and amount of tumors in the subjects administered the compound with control subjects not administered the compound. Also included are a vector for engineering a disease model and a kit for its use. | 04-22-2010 |