Abstract: Methods for collapsing a tubular organ, such as the esophagus, involve inserting a device into the tubular organ, at least partially sealing off a section of the tubular organ, and drawing in the wall of the tubular organ by application of suction. The devices may be used to move the wall of the tubular organ away from an area undergoing treatment or therapy, such as to minimize damage to the tubular organ by application of radiofrequency energy or to limit temperature increase of the tubular organ.

Abstract: Methods for collapsing a tubular organ, such as the esophagus, involve inserting a device into the tubular organ, at least partially sealing off a section of the tubular organ, and drawing in the wall of the tubular organ by application of suction. The devices may be used to move the wall of the tubular organ away from an area undergoing treatment or therapy, such as to minimize damage to the tubular organ by application of radiofrequency energy or to limit temperature increase of the tubular organ.

Abstract: Methods for collapsing a tubular organ, such as the esophagus, involve inserting a device into the tubular organ, at least partially sealing off a section of the tubular organ, and drawing in the wall of the tubular organ by application of suction. The devices may be used to move the wall of the tubular organ away from an area undergoing treatment or therapy, such as to minimize damage to the tubular organ by application of radiofrequency energy or to limit temperature increase of the tubular organ.

Abstract: Porous ceramic wall flow filter bodies of unitary or segmented construction wherein the honeycomb channels are alternately plugged with plugging cements incorporating low expansion refractory fillers and permanent inorganic bonding agents, the latter imparting improved plug integrity and plug bonding to the porous ceramic honeycomb channel walls.

Abstract: A method for forming honeycomb structures, such as wall-flow honeycomb filters, which utilizes extrusion of multiple material supplies at once. Such methods may be used to form intermittent plugs or other structures in the cell channels during the extrusion process, for example. A die assembly is provided which includes secondary feedholes machined in the pins for intermittently or periodically injecting secondary material (e.g., plug material) into the cell channels of the honeycomb structure while it is being extruded.

Abstract: A catalyst support structure for use as either a NOx catalyst support or as a DPF including (i) a multicellular ceramic body, preferably a monolithic ceramic honeycomb composed e.g., of cordierite or aluminum titanate, and (ii) a hydrophobic coating on at least the exterior surface thereof which results in a ceramic honeycomb exhibiting reduced or low absorption when exposed to both liquid catalytic coating media and aqueous media utilized in the process of applying the catalytic coating. In a preferred embodiment the hydrophobic coating is formed within or on an applied external skin layer provided on the multicellular ceramic body.