Abstract: The present invention is a visualization system including a small gauge vision catheter that is designed to be stand-alone or received within an instrument channel of a larger endoscope. The vision catheter has imaging means disposable within an imaging channel, a working channel, and an electromagnetic sensor element insertable into the working channel of the catheter to provide position tracking. The working channel of the catheter also provides access for therapeutic and diagnostic tools.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biodegradable implant including a biodegradable polymer previously exposed to conditions of biodegradation such as chemical, thermal or radiation degradation. The present invention further includes the possibility of attaching axial runners to the implant. The present invention is further directed to a method of forming a biodegradable implant, such as a stent, by irradiation of the individual filaments or fibers, or irradiation of the formed implant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are visual display systems and methods capable of having shifted bit-weights in neutral density filtering (NDF) applications. In one embodiment, a method (200) of displaying an image comprises transmitting light through an optical filter (17) comprising at least one high transmissivity portion configured to output light at an initial intensity, and at least one low transmissivity portion configured to output light at a lower intensity than the initial intensity, where the initial intensity and lower intensity output light illuminates a spatial light modulator (14). The method also includes providing a plurality of data bits (non-ND) from a predetermined number of data bits (B0–B7), where each of the plurality comprises a pulse-width longer than a load-time for operating the spatial light modulator (14).

Abstract: A composite stent structure includes separate and distinct stent elements or members: an outer stent element and an inner stent element removably attached to the outer stent element. The outer element may be, for example, a bioabsorbable stent typically constructed of a relatively non-resilient material such that the outer bioabsorbable stent element may not be self-expanding and subject to migration within the lumen over time. In contrast, the inner element may be, for example, a removable SEMS used to urge and maintain the outer element in position in the body lumen. The temporary inner SEMS may retain the composite structure (including the underlying inner element) in position until such time as the outer element is appropriately incorporated into the surrounding tissue or some other criteria occurs such that the removal of the SEMS is indicated. The SEMS may then be detached from the outer element and removed from the body lumen.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis comprising a stent, a cover fully covering the stent wherein the cover has variable porosity in the radial direction; and an adhesion layer connecting the stent to the cover. Another aspect of the invention is a method of implanting an endoprosthesis which includes a stent, providing a cover with variable porosity in the radial direction, connecting the stent to the cover with an adhesion layer to form a covered stent, and implanting the covered stent within a body lumen of a patient.

Abstract: An interactive television that combines the video/audio content, delivered by existing broadcast methods, with the interactive Internet capabilities, delivered by existing network methods. In this approach, mixed media, including fall frame-rate high definition video, audio, text, and graphics are delivered via mixed transmission mediums, both traditional broadcast and the Internet. This provides for personalized content, both video and Internet, and allows interactive content to be developed by third parties.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for performing intrusive testing upon a microprocessor to ensure the absence of errors or defects in performance-enhancing features and related control circuitry which affect the results of software instructions being executed by the microprocessor. In the intrusive testing method, an intrusive testing unit capable of generating logic signals is coupled between a computer system motherboard and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is then caused to execute a test software program. As the microprocessor executes the test software program, the intrusive testing unit generates logic signals (alternate control signals) at regular intervals. Control signals generated by system hardware on the motherboard in response to program execution are logically combined with alternate control signals generated by the intrusive testing unit. Resulting output control signals are applied to the control signal pins of the microprocessor.