Abstract: The invention provides methods for visualizing and distinguishing sentinel lymph nodes and involved nodes from other lymph nodes in the vicinity of the bladder in patients undergoing cystectomy or other operations to remove bladder tumors.

Abstract: Fluorescent compositions with enhanced fluorescent intensity are provided. Methods for using the fluorescent compositions in medical imaging are also provided. The enhanced fluorescent compositions can be a mixture or solution comprising a fluorescent dye and a light-scattering emulsion or fluorescence-enhancing diluent. The fluorescent dye, e.g., indocyanine green (ICG), is activated by near-infrared radiation. The fluorescence-enhancing diluent can be milk, infant formula, intravenous fat emulsions, soy bean oil, egg phospholipids, Intralipid, Liposyn, Nutralipid, Soyacal, Travamulsion, SMOFlipid, Clinoleic, Lipovenoes and/or combinations thereof. The fluorescent intensity of the enhanced fluorescent composition can be 5 to 20 or more times greater than that of the fluorescent dye in solution without added fluorescence-enhancing diluent.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a pelvic pain disorder that include analyzing samples for increased levels and/or nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin, which indicates presence of the pelvic pain disorder, particularly interstitial cystitis. Therapeutic treatment of a pelvic pain disorder, particularly interstitial cystitis, includes the administration to a patient of an effective amount of an inhibitor of beta-catenin activity. This can be carried out by direct administration of the therapeutic agent or via gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention provided medical apparatuses incorporating dyes to facilitate proper positioning in patients, and methods for their use. The apparatuses can be, for example, tubes, catheters, or needles. In some embodiments, the dye is a near infrared fluorescent dye.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a pelvic pain disorder that include analyzing samples for increased levels and/or nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin, which indicates presence of the pelvic pain disorder, particularly interstitial cystitis. Therapeutic treatment of a pelvic pain disorder, particularly interstitial cystitis, includes the administration to a patient of an effective amount of an inhibitor of beta-catenin activity. This can be carried out by direct administration of the therapeutic agent or via gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for visualizing hepatobiliary structures, or lesions in a liver, intraoperatively by use of fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for visualizing and distinguishing sentinel lymph nodes and involved nodes from other lymph nodes in the vicinity of the bladder in patients undergoing cystectomy or other operations to remove bladder tumors.