Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), and, in particular to a vaccine for HIV-1 and to methods of making and using same. The present invention provides synthetic glycosylated HIV-1 peptides, method for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for percutaneously performing myocardial revascularization are provided using a catheter having an end region that is directable to contact a patient's endocardium at a plurality of positions. A cutting head is disposed within a lumen of the catheter and coupled to a drive tube that rotates and reciprocates the drive shaft. One or more stabilizing elements are disposed on the distal end to retain the catheter in position when the cutting head is actuated. The cutting head and drive tube include a lumen through which severed tissue is aspirated. Mechanisms are provided for controlling the maximum extension of the cutting head beyond a distal endface of the catheter, independent of the degree of tortuosity imposed on the catheter. Mechanisms and methods also are provided for providing the operator with information to assess the desirability of treating a proposed site.

Abstract: This is a section of a catheter which self-forms a selected shape upon application of a modest amount of heat and retains that shape upon cooling and, indeed, upon any reheating. The catheter section includes in its wall a forming member which typically comprises a super-elastic alloy oven braid or at least one coil. The forming member may include other materials and components in addition to the super-elastic element of the forming member. The forming member is typically covered by at least an outer polymeric covering which holds the forming member in a first shape prior to the heating step. Upon softening of the outer layer during that heating step, the forming member self-forms into the desired second shape. The catheter section may be used either in its first shape or its second shape or in any transitional shape between the two. Often the inner lumen of the forming member may contain a second polymeric tubing member. The inner polymeric tubing member is often lubricious.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for percutaneously performing myocardial revascularization are provided using a catheter having an end region that is directable to contact a patient's endocardium at a plurality of positions. A cutting head is disposed within a lumen of the catheter and coupled to a drive tube that rotates and reciprocates the drive shaft. One or more stabilizing elements are disposed on the distal end to retain the catheter in position when the cutting head is actuated. The cutting head and drive tube include a lumen through which severed tissue is aspirated. Mechanisms and methods are provided for providing the operator with information to assess the desirability of treating a proposed site. Mechanisms also are provided for controlling the maximum extension of the cutting head beyond a distal endface of the catheter, independent of the degree of tortuosity imposed on the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for percutaneously performing myocardial revascularization are provided using a catheter having an end region that is directable to contact a patient's endocardium at a plurality of positions. A cutting head is disposed within a lumen of the catheter and coupled to a drive tube that rotates and reciprocates the drive shaft. One or more stabilizing elements are disposed on the distal end to retain the catheter in position when the cutting head is actuated. The cutting head and drive tube include a lumen through which severed tissue is aspirated. Mechanisms and methods are provided for providing the operator with information to assess the desirability of treating a proposed site. Mechanisms also are provided for controlling the maximum extension of the cutting head beyond a distal endface of the catheter, independent of the degree of tortuosity imposed on the catheter.