Abstract: Instruments and methods are disclosed for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. An exemplary occluder comprises a lattice framework and an anchor. An exemplary delivery tool provides a catheter-based means of delivery of the occluder to the left atrium and LAA of a heart, such as a human heart, and deployment of the occluder by minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for providing simple, fast, effective, and repeatable anastomotic graft connections, which can reduce (or eliminate) risks associated with graft anastomoses, thus improving patient outcomes. An example embodiment is an anastomotic graft connection device that includes a connector and a cuff. The connector includes a first flared end and a second flared end. The first flared end is configured to be inserted into a vessel (e.g., blood vessel). At least the second flared end is configured to be attached to a graft. The cuff includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is configured to secure the graft to at least the second flared end of the connector, and the outer ring is configured to exert force on the vessel to seal the first flared end of the connector against an inner wall of the vessel.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of preparing a poloxamer for use in a cell culture medium. Also provided herein are cell culture media containing the poloxamer prepared by the methods herein, as well as methods of using the media for cell culturing and polypeptide production from cells.

Abstract: RF coil assemblies are disclosed that include multiturn loops formed of conductors configured to receive RF signals from a patient during MRI. The multiturn loops include an inner loop and an outer loop that both lie substantially in a plane of the RF coil assembly. The inner loop is at least partially nested within the outer loop.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for providing simple, fast, effective, and repeatable anastomotic graft connections, which can reduce (or eliminate) risks associated with graft anastomoses, thus improving patient outcomes. An example embodiment is an anastomotic graft connection device that includes a connector and a cuff. The connector includes a first flared end and a second flared end. The first flared end is configured to be inserted into a vessel (e.g., blood vessel). At least the second flared end is configured to be attached to a graft. The cuff includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is configured to secure the graft to at least the second flared end of the connector, and the outer ring is configured to exert force on the vessel to seal the first flared end of the connector against an inner wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A low profile radio frequency coil (32, 44, 441, 442, 443) for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system includes a low profile antenna (34, 102, 202, 302) that is configured to resonate at about a magnetic resonance frequency of the magnetic resonance imaging system. A generally planar inductor (110, 112, 210, 240, 310) is electrically connected or coupled with the low profile antenna. The generally planar inductor provides selected frequency filtering of a radio frequency signal received by or transmitted by the low profile antenna.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the problems in the existing art described above by providing an online digital video signal transfer apparatus and method. Rental of the digital video signals occurs within an online environment including one or more client computers and at least one network server connected by a communications link to the one or more client computers. The method includes providing access to an online catalog stored within a memory of a network video server computer. The online catalog includes information regarding digital video signals available for rental from the network server computer. Requests are then received from client computers for rental of digital video signals selected from the online catalog for a specified period of time. The requests include electronic payment based on the selected digital video signal and the specified period of time. Once electronic payment is provided, the digital video signal is transmitted to the client computer via communications link.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the problems in the existing art described above by providing an online digital video signal transfer apparatus and method. Rental of the digital video signals occurs within an online environment including one or more client computers and at least one network server connected by a communications link to the one or more client computers. The method includes providing access to an online catalog stored within a memory of a network video server computer. The online catalog includes information regarding digital video signals available for rental from the network server computer. Requests are then received from client computers for rental of digital video signals selected from the online catalog for a specified period of time. The requests include electronic payment based on the selected digital video signal and the specified period of time. Once electronic payment is provided, the digital video signal is transmitted to the client computer via communications link.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the problems in the existing art described above by providing an online digital video signal transfer apparatus and method. Rental of the digital video signals occurs within an online environment including one or more client computers and at least one network server connected by a communications link to the one or more client computers. The method includes providing access to an online catalog stored within a memory of a network video server computer. The online catalog includes information regarding digital video signals available for rental from the network server computer. Requests are then received from client computers for rental of digital video signals selected from the online catalog for a specified period of time. The requests include electronic payment based on the selected digital video signal and the specified period of time. Once electronic payment is provided, the digital video signal is transmitted to the client computer via communications link.

Abstract: A formulation for use in the printing of fabrics or carpets comprising a thickener such as hydroxyalkyl cellulose, an ethylene oxide adduct of a mixture of C.sub.11 to C.sub.15 linear secondary alcohols, a dyestuff and water.