Abstract: Effective devices and methods using a chemonucleolysis agent are provided for treating an intervertebral disc or treating spinal arachnoiditis. The devices and methods comprise a chemonucleolysis agent to degrade or to shrink at least a portion of the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the methods and devices are configured to immediately release an effective amount of the chemonucleolysis agent within 24 hours and provide sustained release of the chemonucleolysis agent over a period of up to one year to treat the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the chemonucleolysis agent in the device is administered in or near the intrathecal space and/or thecal sac to treat spinal arachnoiditis.

Abstract: Effective devices and methods using an antifibrotic agent are provided for treating fibrosis or treating normal fibrous tissue. The devices and methods comprise an antifibrotic agent to degrade shrink, relax or stretch at least a portion of the fibrotic tissue. In some embodiments, the methods and devices are configured to immediately release an effective amount of the antifibrotic agent within 24 hours. In some embodiments, when the device comes in contact directly or indirectly with an activator, the antifibrotic agent will be immediately released from the depot. In some embodiments, the depot provides sustained release of the antifibrotic agent over a period of up to one year to treat fibrous tissue.

Abstract: A procedure for treating carpal tunnel syndrome can involve delivering a dehydrating agent into and/or near the carpal tunnel. The dehydrating agent can reduce swelling of the flexor tendons and/or the carpal ligament in the region, thereby reducing pressure on the median nerve that also runs through the carpal tunnel. Through the use of a dehydrating agent that affects proteoglycans without affecting collagen, localized dehydration can be induced without weakening the flexor tendons, carpal ligament, and any other structures in the carpal tunnel region.

Abstract: A procedure for treating carpal tunnel syndrome can involve aspirating one or more of the flexor tendons running through the carpal tunnel to reduce swelling, and hence reduce the cross-sectional area of those flexor tendons. As a result, the median nerve also running through the carpal tunnel is less constricted, and the CTS symptoms associated with such constriction can be relieved. Such relief can be enhanced by delivery of one or more therapeutic substances to the area to provide additional or supplemental symptom treatment.

Abstract: A surgical treatment can involve creating a pattern of perforations in a tissue structure to allow lengthening of that tissue structure. For example, a pattern of perforations can be created in the transverse carpal ligament of a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that allows the carpal ligament to lengthen slightly. This lengthening can relieve pressure on the median nerve, thereby reducing the symptoms of CTS while maintaining the structural integrity of the wrist. A surgical instrument for use in perforating a tissue structure (such as the transverse ligament) can be an elongate structure with one or more retractable blades. Such a tool can be used in either an open or minimally invasive procedure to create a desired pattern of perforations in the tissue structure.

Abstract: Coils, such as embolic coils, can include a substrate; and a porous material supported by the substrate. Related methods, devices, and compositions, can include: injecting a material into a container containing the coil; and forming the material into a coating that is supported by the coil and/or contacting the coil with a composition comprising a first polymer and a gelling precursor; and forming the composition into a coating that is supported by the coil.

Abstract: A device for the occlusion of a vascular defect includes a first sheet and a second sheet which may be formed from a material which is the same as or different from the first sheet. At least one sheet functions as a securement member, and at least one sheet functions as an occluding member. The first sheet may be replaced by an alternative securement structure. At least one sheet may be coated with a biocompatible material for promoting integration with the vasculature and/or healing of the vascular defect.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating a wall of an aneurysm formed in a vessel includes introducing a tubular member into the body lumen until a distal end of the tubular member is located within the aneurysm. A fluid is delivered via a lumen of the tubular member into the aneurysm to at least partially de-endothelialize the wall of the aneurysm, thereby causing an endothelium of the wall to generate fibrous tissue to strengthen the wall of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating a wall of an aneurysm formed in a vessel includes introducing a tubular member into the body lumen until a distal end of the tubular member is located within the aneurysm. A fluid is delivered via a lumen of the tubular member into the aneurysm to at least partially de-endothelialize the wall of the aneurysm, thereby causing an endothelium of the wall to generate fibrous tissue to strengthen the wall of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Compositions comprising absorbable implantable vaso-occlusive members are described. Also described are methods of making and using these absorbable vaso-occlusive compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising absorbable implantable vaso-occlusive members are described. Also described are methods of making and using these absorbable vaso-occlusive compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising absorbable implantable vaso-occlusive members are described. Also described are methods of making and using these absorbable vaso-occlusive compositions.

Abstract: A calibrated rolling pin apparatus includes an axle, a rolling pin drum supported on the axle, handles attached to opposite ends of the rolling pin drum, and measurement indicia applied to portions of the rolling pin drum. The measurement indicia is visible from outside the rolling pin drum. By rolling dough with the measurement indicia in view, the user can readily measure the dimensions of the rolled dough. Preferably, the measurement indicia are formed on an outside surface of the rolling pin drum. The measurement indicia can be in a form of apothecary indicia and/or metric indicia. In addition, a level indicating device is contained within the rolling pin drum and is visible from outside the rolling pin drum through a transparent window in the drum. Also, one of the handles can be in a form of a dough embosser which is used to emboss a portion of the dough when rolled over that portion of the dough.

Abstract: Coils, such as embolic coils, and related methods, devices, and compositions, are disclosed.

Abstract: This is a device for occluding a space within the body. In particular, the device comprises a self-expanding biodegradable or water-soluble material that is placed within the space to be occluded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-purpose business card that includes contact information of a contact, as well as an e-value that can be redeemable by a recipient of the business card at a point-of-sale in exchange for wares and/or services. The e-value associated with the business card serves as an incentive for the recipient to retain and use the business card. Moreover, the contact can monitor the use of the business card and in the event of extended periods of non-use or expenditure in the amount of e-value associated with the business card in consideration for wares or services, the contact may offer to replace the card or replenish its e-value to ensure preservation and continued retention of the multi-purpose business card.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system comprises a catheter having a catheter shaft with a proximal region and a distal region. The catheter shaft has a pull wire lumen therein. An expandable medical device is disposed about medical device receiving region of the catheter shaft. The expandable medical device has a reduced configuration and an expanded configuration. The system further comprises a retractable retaining wire, at least a portion of which is coiled about the expandable medical device and retains the expandable medical device in the reduced configuration. One end of the retractable retaining wire terminates in a pull-wire. The pull-wire extends into the pull-wire lumen to the proximal region of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for at least partially de-endothelializing a wall of an aneurysm include an elongate core member including one or more fibers on an outer surface of the core member, the one or more fibers carrying a de-endothelialization agent. The core member is introduced into the aneurysm, thereby releasing the fluid from the one or more fibers within the aneurysm, the fluid disrupting at least a portion of the endothelium of the wall of the aneurysm. Alternatively, the core member includes a coating carrying a de-endothelialization agent, the coating being degradable when exposed to blood to release the de-endothelialization agent.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating a wall of an aneurysm formed in a vessel includes introducing a tubular member into the body lumen until a distal end of the tubular member is located within the aneurysm. A fluid is delivered via a lumen of the tubular member into the aneurysm to at least partially de-endothelialize the wall of the aneurysm, thereby causing an endothelium of the wall to generate fibrous tissue to strengthen the wall of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Vaso-occlusive devices for occlusion of a body cavity are provided. The vaso-occlusive devices include a core member and a fibrous structure coupled to the core member. The fibrous structure comprises strands of nanofibers. Methods of using the vaso-occlusive devices are also described.