Abstract: The present inventions relate to compositions and methods for imaging and treating atherosclerotic diseases, pathogen infections, and tumors by administering actively targeting magnetic nanoparticles. In particular, the present inventions provide new types of targeting ligands attached to magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging. The use of these targeted magnetic nanoparticles is contemplated as a means to treat atherosclerotic diseases, including but not limited to inhibiting and removing atherosclerotic plaques. Further, actively targeting magnetic nanoparticles are contemplated for use with multiple labels for use in nuclear medicine imaging, computed tomography (CT) techniques and other types of imaging for medical and research applications.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system for widening passages in the body of a patient includes a member extendable into a patient with a proximal end and a distal end with a tip and a hollow interior extending therebetween; bristles adjacent the distal end of the member such that rotation of the proximal end of the member causes rotation of the bristles to remove material from walls of pre-existing passages in the patient and, all of the bristles are inclined away from the tip of the distal end as they extend out from the distal end; a guide wire having a proximal end and a distal end disposed within the hollow interior and extendable into the patient; and a non-rotating capture member coaxially aligned with and fixed near the guide wire distal end to be disposed within the hollow interior and extendable into the patient.