Abstract: In general, the invention features needles, with or without lumens, that contain a barrel being transparent or translucent or having a transparent or translucent portion. Needles of the invention may further include a lumen, the interior of which is visualizable through the transparent or translucent portion. A needle may also include a portion to which a suture is capable of being attached.

Abstract: A pair of anatomic orientation stickers may include a left-hand sticker comprising a radiopaque material forming a figure “L” and an adhesive backing attached thereto, and a right-hand sticker comprising a radiopaque material forming a figure “R” and an adhesive backing attached thereto. The stickers may be sufficiently flexible and biocompatible, and the adhesive backings are sufficiently adhesive, to permit removable application on a curved skin surface.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to adhesive dressings and associated systems and methods for use in reducing the occurrence of phlebitis and extending the lifespan of intravenous catheters. The adhesive dressings can include a backing layer, and a nitroglycerin-containing composition supported at least in part by the backing layer. The adhesive dressing can have a drug delivery zone defined by the area where the nitroglycerin-containing composition contacts an intact human skin site. The drug delivery zone can have an area of at least 2.5 cm2 and can be configured such that when the adhesive dressing is applied to secure an intravenous catheter the drug delivery zone substantially overlays a vessel in which the intravenous catheter is inserted. The nitroglycerin-containing composition can be formulated to deliver nitroglycerin at from about 5 ?g/hour to about 80 ?g/hour.

Abstract: In general, the invention features needles, with or without lumens, that contain a barrel being transparent or translucent or having a transparent or translucent portion. Needles of the invention may further include a lumen, the interior of which is visualizable through the transparent or translucent portion. A needle may also include a portion to which a suture is capable of being attached.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a transdermal patch for the delivery of a nitric oxide-donor and a second active agent. The patch can comprise a backing layer and an active agent-containing composition which is supported at least in part by the backing layer. The active agent-containing composition can include an amount of a nitric oxide-donor and an amount of a second active agent. The transdermal patch can have a drug delivery zone defined by the area where the composition contacts an intact human skin site, and the transdermal patch can be formulated to deliver a nitric oxide donor, such as nitroglycerin, at from about 5 ?g/hour to about 85 ?g/hour. The second active agent can be selected from a number of agents including NSAIDS, opioids, local anesthetics, menthol, salicylic acid, salicylic acid derivatives, vanilloid receptor-1 activators, corticosteroids, vasoconstrictors, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating tendinopathy providing a durability of effect by administering nitroglycerin. Such methods include methods for relieving pain associated with such tendinopathies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ex vivo methods for preserving/maintaining blood vessels that are to be used as vascular grafts by inhibiting TNF-?. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising an inhibitor of a TNF-? for use in the methods of the invention, which compositions are free of active TGF-? or does not contain active TGF-? in an amount greater than endogenous blood levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ex vivo methods for preserving/maintaining blood vessels that are to be used as vascular grafts by specifically inhibiting Type III and/or Type IV phosphodiesterases. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a specific inhibitor of a Type III and/or Type IV phosphodiesterase for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ex vivo methods for preserving/maintaining blood vessels that are to be used as vascular grafts by specifically inhibiting Type I and/or Type II phosphodiesterases. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a specific inhibitor of a Type I and/or Type II phosphodiesterase for use in the methods of the invention.