Abstract: Disclosed are methods, kits, and compositions for the highly sensitive detection of molecules. The methods, kits, and compositions are useful in determining concentrations of molecules in samples to levels of 1 femtomolar, 1 attomolar, or lower. The methods, kits, and compositions also allow the determination of concentration over a wide range, e.g., 7-log range, without need for sample dilution.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and systems for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin. Such methods, compositions, kits, and systems are useful in diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of methods of treatment in conditions that involve release of cardiac troponin.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery system (10) includes a housing (16) and a drive wheel (38) rotatably carried by the housing. A plunger rod (50) may be rotatable with the drive wheel relative to the housing from a first rotational configuration to a second rotational configuration. The plunger rod may be translatable relative to the housing from a first translational configuration to a second translational configuration. A plunger restraint (58) may maintain the plunger rod in the first translational configuration when the plunger rod is disposed in the first rotational configuration. The plunger restraint may permit the plunger rod to translate to the second translational configuration when the plunger rod is disposed in the second rotational configuration. A needle may move from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration by the plunger rod when the plunger rod moves from the first translational configuration to the second translational configuration.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improving pelvic floor dysfunction in a patient suffering therefrom by electrically modulating neural tissue in a minimally invasive fashion using an electrical microstimulator are provided. Methods include inserting an electrical microstimulator having a re-deployable fixation member through skin of a patient's leg and advancing the electrical microstimulator through the skin along tissue of a surgical pathway to an area of the patient's leg. A target implant site can be identified that is above deep fascia and below the skin and that is adjacent to a target nerve associated with pelvic floor function. The electrical microstimulator can be anchored to the target implant site via the re-deployable fixation member or re-positioned, if necessary. A therapy electrical signal can be delivered to the target nerve from the target implant site.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an electrical microstimulator is provided. The apparatus comprises a handle having a handle body. An elongate delivery rod includes a delivery sheath for reciprocal movement with respect to the handle body. The delivery rod extends longitudinally from the handle body. A microstimulator docking feature is provided for selectively maintaining the electrical microstimulator on the delivery rod. The microstimulator docking feature includes at least one arm which engages the electrical microstimulator. An anchor tester is associated with the handle body for selectively sensing motion of the electrical microstimulator under influence of an applied predetermined longitudinal testing force. A method of delivering an electrical microstimulator to a target implant site of a patient's body is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an electrical microstimulator is provided. The apparatus comprises a handle having a handle body. An elongate delivery rod includes a delivery sheath for reciprocal movement with respect to the handle body. The delivery rod extends longitudinally from the handle body. A microstimulator docking feature is provided for selectively maintaining the electrical microstimulator on the delivery rod. The microstimulator docking feature includes at least one arm which engages the electrical microstimulator. An anchor tester is associated with the handle body for selectively sensing motion of the electrical microstimulator under influence of an applied predetermined longitudinal testing force. A method of delivering an electrical microstimulator to a target implant site of a patient's body is also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improving pelvic floor dysfunction in a patient suffering therefrom by electrically modulating neural tissue in a minimally invasive fashion using an electrical microstimulator are provided. Methods include inserting an electrical microstimulator having a re-deployable fixation member through skin of a patient's leg and advancing the electrical microstimulator through the skin along tissue of a surgical pathway to an area of the patient's leg. A target implant site can be identified that is above deep fascia and below the skin and that is adjacent to a target nerve associated with pelvic floor function. The electrical microstimulator can be anchored to the target implant site via the re-deployable fixation member or re-positioned, if necessary. A therapy electrical signal can be delivered to the target nerve from the target implant site.

Abstract: A method for at least one of preventing myopia and retarding the progression of myopia is provided. The method includes measuring optical aberrations in a human eye (42, 43, 44) and correcting the optical aberrations (46). Measuring optical aberrations (42, 43, 44) may include measuring wavefront aberrations (45) of parallel light rays entering the eye.

Abstract: A method for at least one of preventing myopia and retarding the progression of myopia is provided. The method includes measuring optical aberrations in a human eye and correcting the optical aberrations. Measuring optical aberrations may include measuring wavefront aberrations of parallel light rays entering the eye.

Abstract: A method for at least one of preventing myopia and retarding the progression of myopia is provided. The method includes measuring optical aberrations in a human eye (42, 43, 44) and correcting the optical aberrations (46). Measuring optical aberrations (42, 43, 44) may include measuring wavefront aberrations (45) of parallel light rays entering the eye.

Abstract: A method of forming a molded article and a molded article itself having a passage therein which has a cross-sectional dimension adjacent an end which is less than at a location which is spaced from the end are disclosed. In the method an elongate, rigid mandrel is covered over a substantial portion of its length with a flexible mandrel. The flexible mandrel, when covering the rigid mandrel, has an exterior surface which has a cross-sectional dimension which is less adjacent an end thereof than at a location which is spaced from that end. The flexible mandrel is then covered with a material which is to form the molded article with the rigid and flexible mandrels defining the mold about which the article is formed by the material. The material is then set to form the molded article about the mandrels with the mandrels defining the passage in the molded article.

Abstract: A method of forming a molded article and a molded article itself having a passage therein which has a cross-sectional dimension adjacent an end which is less than at a location which is spaced from the end are disclosed. In the method an elongate, rigid mandrel is covered over a substantial portion of its length with a flexible mandrel. The flexible mandrel, when covering the rigid mandrel, has an exterior surface which has a cross-sectional dimension which is less adjacent an end thereof than at a location which is spaced from that end. The flexible mandrel is then covered with a material which is to form the molded article with the rigid and flexible mandrels defining the mold about which the article is formed by the material. The material is then set to form the molded article about the mandrels with the mandrels defining the passage in the molded article.