Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting the risk of a subject developing a cardiovascular event comprising detecting at least one biomarker in (a sample of) the cardiovascular system from said subject, wherein said biomarker comprises at least one protein selected from the group consisting of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Precursor; Lysosomal-associated Membrane Protein (1); Interleukin-5 Precursor; Interleukin-6 Precursor; C-C Motif Chemokine (2) Precursor; C-C Motif Chemokine (5) Precursor RANTES; Cathepsin L1 Precursor; Adenylate Kinase (1); Leukotriene B4 Receptor (1); Complement Factor D; Secreted Phosphoprotein (1); Small Inducible Cytokine A17 Precursor; C-X-C Motif Chemokine (10) Precursor; Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member (11) (RANKL); C-C Motif Chemokine (18) Precursor; 72 kDa Type IVCollagenase Precursor; Neutrophil Collagenase Precursor; fatty acid binding protein (4); calpain (2), (m/II) large subunit; Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor; Cathepsin S Precursor; In

Abstract: A surgical device (101) for grasping and severing body tissue comprises a housing (140) which defines a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a user operating handle (160) at the proximal end (102), and two blade elements (110, 120) at the distal end (104). The user operating handle (160) may be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about two parallel grasping pivot axes to grasp a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120). The user operating handle (160) may also be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about a severing pivot axis to sever a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120).

Abstract: A valve prosthesis is disclosed which is implantable within a vein or other blood vessel of a patient using a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The prosthesis includes a tubular wire frame which presses radially outward against the inner walls of the blood vessel following implantation to hold the prosthesis in position. Multiple flow-resistive pockets that open and close in response to changes in blood flow direction are attached to the frame to impede the flow of blood in the reverse direction. The prosthesis is implanted using an introducer catheter which holds the prosthesis in a radially-compressed state as the prosthesis is inserted into and positioned within the blood vessel.

Abstract: An endoluminal side branch graft comprises a generally tubular body having a proximal part with a proximal opening, a distal part with a distal opening, and a middle section extending between the proximal and distal parts, at least one of the proximal or distal parts has fixing means for fixedly positioning the side branch graft to a main branch graft, the fixing means having a delivery configuration and a stable fixing configuration. A primary graft is first introduced to a site in the body conduit having a side branch. The position of the side branch which has been closed off by the primary graft is mapped and an opening is provided in the primary graft at the mapped position of the side branch. A side graft is introduced into the side branch and fixed to the primary graft.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis is disclosed which is implantable within a vein or other blood vessel of a patient using a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The prosthesis includes a tubular wire frame which presses radially outward against the inner walls of the blood vessel following implantation to hold the prosthesis in position. Multiple flow-resistive pockets that open and close in response to changes in blood flow direction are attached to the frame to impede the flow of blood in the reverse direction. The prosthesis is implanted using an introducer catheter which holds the prosthesis in a radially-compressed state as the prosthesis is inserted into and positioned within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis is disclosed which is implantable within a vein or other blood vessel of a patient using a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The prosthesis includes a tubular wire frame which presses radially outward against the inner walls of the blood vessel following implantation to hold the prosthesis in position. Multiple flow-resistive pockets that open and close in response to changes in blood flow direction are attached to the frame to impede the flow of blood in the reverse direction. The prosthesis is implanted using an introducer catheter which holds the prosthesis in a radially-compressed state as the prosthesis is inserted into and positioned within the blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out surgical operations. The device includes a distal part, a middle part extending from the distal part, and a proximal part mounted on the middle part opposite to the distal part. A gripping element of the device is for gripping body tissue and the like. Another element of the device, near the distal part of the device, is for operating the gripping element. Near the distal part of the device is an element for operating a severing component.

Abstract: Device suitable for internally supporting vessels in particular circular vessels in the non-medical and medical fields, such as transmission pipes and blood vessels, the urinary tract, the digestive tract, and airways, said device comprising;

Abstract: A valve prosthesis is disclosed which is implantable within a vein or other blood vessel of a patient using a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The prosthesis includes a tubular wire frame which presses radially outward against the inner walls of the blood vessel following implantation to hold the prosthesis in position. Multiple flow-resistive pockets that open and close in response to changes in blood flow direction are attached to the frame to impede the flow of blood in the reverse direction. The prosthesis is implanted using an introducer catheter which holds the prosthesis in a radially-compressed state as the prosthesis is inserted into and positioned within the blood vessel.

Abstract: An endoluminal side branch graft comprises a generally tubular body having a proximal part with a proximal opening, a distal part with a distal opening, and a middle section extending between the proximal and distal parts, at least one of the proximal or distal parts has fixing means for fixedly positioning the side branch graft to a main branch graft, the fixing means having a delivery configuration and a stable fixing configuration. A primary graft is first introduced to a site in the body conduit having a side branch. The position of the side branch which has been closed off by the primary graft is mapped and an opening is provided in the primary graft at the mapped position of the side branch. A side graft is introduced into the side branch and fixed to the primary graft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood vessel treating assembly including an artificial blood vessel inner layer such as an artificial tunica-intima for replacing a section of blood vessel inner layer previously removed from a blood vessel and/or for covering a predetermined length of a damaged blood vessel inner layer. The artificial blood vessel inner layer is associated with the existing blood vessel in such a way as to substanitially stop any loose parts of the blood vessel from obstructing the stream of blood through the blood vessel. A novel method for introducing the the artificial blood vessel inner layer into the blood vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for treating a blood vessel, comprising: a loosening ring of such a form as to pass between the wall of the blood vessel and the intima or tunica, which lines the inside of a blood vessel wall, for loosening the intima or tunica from the inside of the blood vessel wall; a cutting ring for cutting through and severing the loose intima at a predetermined distance within the blood vessel; and support elements for supporting the loosening and cutting rings.