Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for performing multiple rounds of sense RNA synthesis. The sense RNA molecules can be used in various research and diagnostic applications, such as gene expression studies involving nucleic acid microarrays.

Abstract: An impeller according to an example of the present invention comprises a hub, and at least one blade supported by the hub. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blade extends away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which the impeller is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may comprise a plurality of blades, arranged in blade rows, to facilitate radial compression of the blades. The outer edge of a blade may have a winglet, and the base of the blade may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blade.

Abstract: A device is proposed for inserting hemostatic material through a tissue channel and against the outside wall of a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the blood vessel wall has a puncture therein adjacent the tissue channel. The device includes a charge of hemostatic material and a hollow sheath adapted to pass through the tissue channel, the sheath having a cross sectional profile larger than the puncture. The device places the hemostatic material in the hollow sheath and advances the hemostatic material through the sheath to the outside of the vessel wall around the puncture.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump includes a balloon, a catheter having a relatively small diameter lumen and an extender having a relatively large diameter lumen connected in series. A valve is positioned in the extender adjacent the end of the extender connected to the catheter. The valve enables the extender to be pressurized with a working gas prior to inflation of the balloon and to be evacuated prior to deflation of the balloon. A second valve adjacent the opposite end of the extender permits the intra-aortic balloon pump to commence a pre-inflation step or a pre-deflation step without affecting the pressure in the extender. Separate positive pressure and negative pressure extenders may be provided to reduce the movement of the working gas during inflation and deflation cycles, thereby increasing pneumatic efficiency.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump includes a balloon, a catheter having a relatively small diameter lumen and an extender having a relatively large diameter lumen connected in series. A valve is positioned in the extender adjacent the end of the extender connected to the catheter. The valve enables the extender to be pressurized with a working gas prior to inflation of the balloon and to be evacuated prior to deflation of the balloon. A second valve adjacent the opposite end of the extender permits the intra-aortic balloon pump to commence a pre-inflation step or a pre-deflation step without affecting the pressure in the extender. Separate positive pressure and negative pressure extenders may be provided to reduce the movement of the working gas during inflation and deflation cycles, thereby increasing pneumatic efficiency.