Abstract: The present invention provides a method/device for enhancing a chemical reaction including PCR and ELISA by utilizing electromagnetic or mechanical energy. Such method/device can also be used for increasing the rate at which a group of molecules reaches a different molecular configuration from initial configuration, thereby increasing binding and reacting of the molecules.

Abstract: Provided herein is an activated surgical fastener to effect a weld between the substrates in an individual. The surgical fastener comprises a means for attaching the substrates and a fusion composition which welds the substrates upon the application of energy thereto. Also provided is a surgical device comprising the surgical fastener, an applicator, a means of delivering energy to the fastener and a means to control the welding process. Additionally, methods of surgically fastening at least two substrates are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for altering a tissue in an individual comprising an applicator, a means to drive the applicator, and an abrasive material. The devices can further comprise a control means to monitor a physical property of the tissue. Also, provided herein is a device for ablating skin in an individual. Additionally, methods to use these devices are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method/system for remote and local controlled delivery of pharmaceutical compounds or biomolecule collection using electromagnetic energy. Controlled electromagnetic energy driven systems are integrated into patches and other delivery devices. Also provided is a drug delivery or biomolecule collection patch electronically monitored by global positioning system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter device/method for enhancing local administration of pharmaceutical compounds. Such device/method is used for various situations which require high concentrations of drugs that are delivered locally.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method/device for enhancing a chemical reaction including PCR and ELISA by utilizing electromagnetic or mechanical energy. Such method/device can also be used for increasing the rate at which a group of molecules reaches a different molecular configuration from initial configuration, thereby increasing binding and reacting of the molecules.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for use in an anastomosis of tissue(s) comprising a biocompatible material and a means of applying radiofrequency energy or electrical energy to generate heat within said biocompatible material. The device also may be used to bond or fuse at two materials where at least one of the material is a tissue. Also provided are methods to anastomose tissue or to bond or to fuse these materials using these devices.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for treating tissue in an individual to effect a weld between said tissue and at least one substrate comprising a material which functions as a fusion composition between the tissue and the substrate(s); a conducting element; a means of delivering a high frequency voltage or current or radiofrequency energy to the conducting element; and a means to control the extent of weld effected. Also provided are methods using the device.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for controlling the release of a substance at a site of interest in a biological membrane comprising a means of monitoring a physiological state at the site of interest; and a means of releasing a variable amount of the substance to the site of interest where the amount varies in response to the status of the monitored physiological state. Also provided are methods of using the device.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for altering a biological membrane in an individual comprising a means for delivering energy to the surface of said biological membrane; a means for monitoring a physiological state of said biological membrane during delivery of said energy; a means for modulating delivery of said energy to said biological membrane wherein said modulating is in response to a change in said monitored physiological state; and a housing means for said device. Also provided is a device to control the permeation of substance across a biological membrane and methods for use of these devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides electromagnetic energy driven separation methods and molecular modification, including methods for separating molecules in a mixture, for increasing diffusion rate of a substance in a medium, for moving fluids on a substrate, for creating microvolumes of molecules, for modifying biomolecules and pharmaceuticals, and for affixing substances to a substrate. Such methods work with extremely small volumes of target and may be used for medical diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel apparatus for measuring the shape of various parts of anatomy, and alternatively capturing and digitizing an image of the part for the purpose of creating prosthetic or orthotic devices. Also provided are methods of measuring anatomical profiles involving physical contact with the body parts, and methods of manufacturing internal or external prosthetic and orthotic articles which mimic natural body parts in texture and motion characteristics, and in some cases, appearance.

Abstract: The present invention eliminates the halo ring of a solid state laser's output by creating a surface finish of the crystal element which is matte only over part of its surface. The present invention also employs mirrored surfaces applied to the ends of the crystal element, such as in the form of coatings which reflect light at the desired wavelengths. By making the crystal and mirrors part of the same element the invention eliminates the problems associated with misalignment of the element and the mirrors.

Abstract: The present invention provides electromagnetic energy driven separation methods, including methods for separating molecules in a mixture, for increasing diffusion rate of a substance in a medium, and for moving fluids on a substrate. Such methods work with extremely small volumes of target and may be used for medical diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of removing fluids, gases or other biomolecules, or delivering a pharmaceutical composition, through the skin of a patient without the use of a sharp or needle. The method includes the step of irradiating the stratum corneum, an applied pharmaceutical or an absorbing material, using a laser. By selection of parameters, the laser irradiates the selected material or tissue to create pressure gradients, plasma, cavitation bubbles, or other forms of tissue ablation or alteration. These methods increase the diffusion of pharmaceuticals into, or fluids, gases or other biomolecules out of, the body. For this invention, a pharmaceutical composition can be applied to the still before or after laser irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel apparatus for measuring the shape of various parts of anatomy, and alternatively capturing and digitizing an image of the part for the purpose of creating prosthetic or orthotic devices. Also provided are methods of measuring anatomical profiles involving physical contact with the body parts, and methods of manufacturing internal or external prosthetic and orthotic articles which mimic natural body parts in texture and motion characteristics, and in some cases, appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter device/method for enhancing local administration of pharmaceutical compounds. Such device/method is used for various situations which require high concentrations of drugs that are delivered locally.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of removing fluids, gases or other biomolecules, or delivering a pharmaceutical composition, through the skin of a patient without the use of a sharp or needle. The method includes the step of irradiating the stratum corneum, an applied pharmaceutical or an absorbing material, using a laser. By selection of parameters, the laser irradiates the selected material or tissue to create pressure gradients, plasma, cavitation bubbles, or other forms of tissue ablation or alteration. These methods increase the diffusion of pharmaceuticals into, or fluids, gases or other biomolecules out of, the body. For this invention, a pharmaceutical composition can be applied to the skin before or after laser irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and/or methods of monitoring extremely small movements associated with infant breathing and heart rate, therefore monitoring sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Provided is a system for monitoring movement of an infant, comprising: a light source which produces radiant energy; an optical device; and an imaging device. Further provided is a method of monitoring movement of an infant, comprising the steps of: producing radiant energy by a light source; coupling said radiant energy into an optical device so as to create a matrix of images; projecting said images into a field of interest; and detecting movement of said infant using an imaging device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of measuring analytes in bodily fluids without the use of a sharp. The method having the steps of irradiating the skin of a patient by focused pulses of electromagnetic energy emitted by a laser. By proper selection of wavelength, energy fluence, pulse temporal width and irradiation spot size, the pulses precisely irradiate the skin to a selectable depth, without causing clinically relevant damage to healthy portions of the skin. After irradiation, interstitial fluid is collected into a container or left on the skin. The interstitial fluid is then tested for a desired analyte to approximate the analyte concentration in other bodily fluids. Alternatively, after the forced formation of a microblister, the epidermis covering the microblister is lysed and the interstitial fluid is subsequently collected and tested.