Abstract: A composition comprising non-covalent carrier-hapten bioconjugates having the formula: HM-CM wherein HM is a hapten molecule whose molecular weight is generally, but not always, less than 1000 Daltons and is capable of performing specific functions; CM is a carrier molecule, whose molecular weight is generally, but not always, more than 1000 Daltons and is capable of transporting the hapten to a specific site; and the dashed line is a non-covalent bond between the carrier molecule and the hapten molecule. Preferably, the bioconjugates are formed from fluorescent dye haptens such as cyanine, indocyanine, squaraine, porphyrrins, Rose Bengal, and methylene blue dye and carrier molecules such as methylated serum albumin, polyarginine, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, cyclodextrin, and inulin. The bioconjugates are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures because they are stable in vitro before being used and stable in vivo during and after use.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel cyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ligands for forming metal complexes that absorb or fluoresce in the visible or near-infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, new complexes incorporating such ligands, process for preparing such complexes, and methods of imaging or therapy using such agents. More particularly, the present invention specifically pertains to novel metal complexes derived from quinoline based heterocyclic N2O3, N3O3, N3O4, N3O5 and N2OS ligands, and are useful as general imaging, diagnostic, or therapeutic agents employing optical, nuclear medicine, or magnetic resonance procedures.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel indocyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel indocyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The invention discloses an ultrasound contrast media comprising a microbubble shell and a composition of the general formula: A-P-L, wherein A is an ultrasound contrast agent microbubble-shell binding moiety; P is a spacer arm; and L is a ligand. The present invention discloses compositions, methods of imaging, and methods for attachment of targeting ligands to USCM agents, allowing selective targeting of USCM agents to desired sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation tube particularly for medical devices, which has the particularity that it comprises a tubular body made of flexible plastics which forms raised ridges on its outer surface. An electric wire is embedded in at least part of the ridges and forms an electric resistor for heating the gaseous substance that flows inside the tubular body.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel indocyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel cyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel cyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel cyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing dyes as contrast agents. Novel indocyanine dyes that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These dyes are useful for imaging, diagnosis and therapy of various diseased states. Particularly, the molecules of the invention are useful for optical diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: A cable particularly for tracheostomy and retrograde-intubation techniques, including in combination an elastic guiding wire (2) constituted by a steel wire (3) arranged inside a flexible spring (4) and a traction-resistant steel cord (10) which is rigidly connected to the steel wire (3).

Abstract: Inhalable ultrasound contrast imaging agents that are capable of forming microbubbles in vivo after administration to a patient are provided. The imaging agent is comprised of a gaseous mixture of an insoluble perfluorocarbon gas and at least about 20% oxygen by volume that is administered by a standard inhalation apparatus. Carbogen may be mixed with the insoluble perfluorocarbon gas in an amount sufficient to provide 20% oxygen by volume in the final gaseous mixture. A method of ultrasound imaging an individual by administering the gaseous composition of the invention to an individual by an inhalation apparatus and then subjecting the individual to an ultrasound scan is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheters for use in the medical arts, and more particularly relates to such catheters having a reinforcing filament associated therewith. The catheters according to the present invention provide an improved reinforced catheter having enhanced torque characteristics.

Abstract: A disposable active humidifier particularly for inspiratory lines of respiratory circuits for intensive care, comprising a body (2,2') provided with an inlet (3,3') and an outlet (4,4') for its connection along the inspiratory line and internally forming a chamber (10) for the flow of the gases of the inspiratory line, the humidifier further comprising a hydrophobic membrane (11) forming at least one portion of the surface of the chamber. The body (2,2') can be introduced by immersion in a water containment chamber (21) at least at the region affected by the membrane (11), the membrane being adapted to allow the passage of water in molecular form in the gas flow chamber (10).

Abstract: A neck flange supports a tracheostomy tube inserted into the neck and has a neck engaging portion of a molded thin flexible flat sheet of a transparent polymer. An interconnection positioned centrally within the neck engaging portion and carried thereby has a ring shaped body with an opening and a pair of opposed pivot pins extending inwardly into the opening for carrying the tube passing therethrough. The pair of opposed pins fit for movement within recesses in the tube to permit limited swivel motion. The interconnection is molded of a transparent polymer material that is less flexible than the neck engaging portion and has a stepped cross section so the pair of opposed pivot pins are raised relative to the ring shaped body. The neck engaging portion is molded about the interconnection so the raised pair of opposed pins remain exposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conversion kit for converting a machine designed for intravascular injection of solutions, such as parenteral solutions, using high-pressure syringes, to a machine that can be used for injection using smaller manual syringes. The conversion kit, includes at least one conversion vessel (13) for releasable but substantially non-rotary reception of a high-pressure syringe with a cylindrical guide (19) formed through a receiving head (14) of the conversion vessel (13) and a recess (17) formed in the upper surface of the receiving head (14). The recess (17) may also receive the radial end regions of wing extensions of a manual syringe of predetermined size. The conversion kit also includes at least one reducing sleeve (23) for reducing the effective inner diameter of the guide (19), the reducing sleeve (23) adapted to snugly receive the outer diameter of a manual syringe (12).

Abstract: A tracheostomy system having a neckplate, a tracheostomy tube having an end adapted for insertion into a patient's breathing passage and an end provided with a trach head for swivel connection to the neckplate and a connection mechanism for swivelly connecting the trach head to the neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing. The present invention also relates to a method for swivelly connecting a trach head to a neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing.

Abstract: A solid, block detergent containing an alkali metal salt of nitrilotriacetic acid, an acid, alkali metal containing hydroxides and silicates, and alkali metal containing carbonates and sulfates is taught. A process for producing the block detergent is also taught.