Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that is expressed predominantly in the brain and placenta and nucleic acid molecules that encoded the GPCR, which is referred to herein as the hCAR protein and hCAR gene respectively (for human Constitutively Active Receptor). Based on this identification, the present invention provides: (1) isolated hCAR protein; (2) isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an hCAR protein; (3) antibodies that selectively bind to the hCAR protein; (4) methods of isolating allelic variants of the hCAR protein and gene; (5) methods of identifying cells and tissues that express the hCAR protein/gene; (6) methods of identifying agents and cellular compounds that bind to the hCAR protein; (7) methods of identifying agents that modulate the expression of the hCAR gene; and (8) methods of modulating the activity of the hCAR protein in a cell or organism.

Abstract: An implantable graft, which may be inserted into a fistula tract to occlude the primary opening of the fistula, is provided. To prevent unintentional displacement of the graft or extrusion of the graft from the fistula of a patient, the graft may be provided with a cap that extends laterally from at least one end of the body of the graft, where the cap may be integral with the body of the graft, attachable to at least one end of the body of the graft, and/or moveable along the body of the graft. The graft may also have a tail that extends from one end of the body of the graft to assist in placement of the graft in a fistula tract. The graft may be an integral unit made of a single material, such as a heterograft material, or may include distinct components made of the same or different materials. Methods for closing a fistula tract are also provided.

Abstract: To facilitate the study of Nogo-66 interaction with its neuronal receptors, and to explore therapeutic opportunities, the present invention provides mutant human Nogo-66 domain-based proteins that do not aggregate during isolation or purification procedures, and methods for using these proteins. Aggregates of Nogo-66 domain containing proteins do not effectively or efficiently bind to the NgR1 receptor, and therefore limit the utility of Nogo-66 domain-based reagents. To overcome aggregation problems, the invention provides proteins that comprise a mutant human Nogo-66 domain, wherein the cysteine at position 47 of the wild-type human Nogo-66 domain is mutated.

Abstract: Improved wire guide devices having distal anchoring devices and methods of them percutaneously are provided. One device includes a wire guide having a distal portion operatively coupled to a holding body having a self-expanding end portion having wire members capable of assuming a first radially compressed configuration and a second radially expanded resilient configuration. Another device includes a wire guide distal portion operatively coupled to a distal anchoring device having a distal self-expanding suspension portion having a plurality of stabilizers capable of assuming a first radially compressed configuration when constrained by the outer sheath and a second radially expanded resilient configuration when the sheath is withdrawn proximally. An elongate outer sheath with first and second openings defining a lumen therebetween and slideably constrain the self-expanding portions to the compressed configuration.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a method for sealing a puncture through a wall of a blood vessel or wall of a body cavity. The invention is also directed to a medical closure system including a closure member, an occlusive material or a composition of occlusive materials.

Abstract: Bioactive-coated medical devices are provided, including coated vascular stents. The medical device coating can include a coating layer posited over at least a portion of the medical device surface, and can include a butyl methacrylate polymer or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in combination with a bioactive material that can function as both an immunosuppressive agent and an antiproliferative agent. Optionally, multilayer coatings can further include an adhesion promoting layer comprising parylene positioned between the coating layer and the medical device surface, a porous layer comprising butyl methacrylate positioned over at least a portion of the coating layer, or both. The coating layer preferably comprises between about 0.5 and 2.0 ?g/mm2 of the bioactive material on the outer surface of the medical device. The bioactive material can be absorbed into the coating layer, which can have a thickness of between about 0.5 ?m to about 5 ?m.

Abstract: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be sutured or attached to the frame using heat or pressure welding crimping, adhesive, or other techniques to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for purifying recombinant myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and fragments thereof. In particular, the invention provides a one-step purification method for MAG and MAG fragments. Novel forms of human recombinant MAG protein are also disclosed in addition to methods of reliably producing and storing stable recombinant MAG proteins.

Abstract: A device for treating balloon-type (or berry) aneurysms is provided. The device restricts blood flow into the aneurysm with a patch that covers the neck of the aneurysm. The patch is secured within the neck of the aneurysm by an anchor member, basket, insert or other structure that engages the inner surface of the aneurysm.

Abstract: A coated medical device adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient is provided. The medical device is preferably an implantable balloon with a bioactive deposited or within the balloon. The balloon can further include a hydrophilic material positioned between the balloon and a bioactive material posited on the balloon.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel comprising a frame formed at least in part from a metallic bioabsorbable material are provided. The devices can be pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material, or a bioabsorbable material, including a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent venous valves.

Abstract: This invention is directed to graft materials for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient and to methods of making the graft materials. The present invention is also directed to stent grafts and endoluminal prostheses formed of the graft materials. More specifically, the present invention is a graft material which includes polymeric sheet comprising holes. The graft material also comprises an ECM disposed in the holes of the polymeric sheet. The polymeric sheet of the graft material could be a textile or a porous polymer.

Abstract: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material.

Abstract: An anastomosis device (12) for advantageously bridging an artery and a vein. The anastomosis device includes a tubular graft (15) with first and second ends (47 and 48) and a longitudinal passageway extending longitudinally through the graft. The device further includes a first stent (10) disposed about the first end of the tubular graft and a second stent (10) disposed about the second end of the tubular graft. Each of the first and second stents has a plurality of hooks or barbs (11) pointed or releasable to the point toward the other end of the graft.

Abstract: An intraluminal support device for providing artificial support to a body vessel is provided. The support device includes a support frame having a substantially uniform circumference along its length, and a graft material disposed on a portion of the support frame. The graft material spans at least a portion of the length of the support frame and extends only a partial distance along the circumference of the support frame. Radiopaque markers can be disposed on the support frame adjacent the graft material to facilitate orientating the device in a body vessel such that the graft material is in a desired position relative to a treatment site of the vessel. A delivery apparatus for introducing such an intraluminal support device to a vessel is also provided.