Abstract: Devices and methods are described for treating a mitral valve defect. The device described includes features that allow the device to conform to the actual pathology of the valve, rather than attempting to replicate a healthy valve (which the patient does not have). In this way, the device allows the patient's actual value to work as well as possible, given the valve's diseased condition. The actual pathology of the valve is accommodated by providing for multiple dimensions of adjustability of the device, including adjustability of the size (e.g., diameter) of the device as well as adjustability of the elevation or inclination of one portion of the device (e.g., the portion supporting the posterior leaflet) with respect to another portion of the device.

Abstract: Medical devices are described for performing mapping, ablating, pacing, and/or defibrillating procedures on one or more layers of the cardiac wall via an epicardial or extra-pericardial approach in a minimally invasive (e.g., orthoscopic) surgical procedure. One of the medical devices described includes a main support member and one or more secondary support members extending outwardly from the main support member having electrodes configured to receive electrical impulses. The secondary support member may include a support pad configured to be removably attached to a corresponding area of the epicardium for holding the medical device in place during a procedure, such as through application of vacuum pressure via a containment dome provided on each secondary support member. Further, an ablating electrode may be slidably disposed along the main support member for transmitting energy to a target site proximate the electrode. Other devices and associated methods are also described.

Abstract: Compositions that include antimicrobial agents and biodegradable delivery vehicles adapted to enter a cell and release the antimicrobial agents in the cell as they biodegrades. Also provided are compositions that include first and second delivery vehicles including first and second antimicrobial agents, wherein the first delivery vehicles are adapted to release the first antimicrobial agents at a rate that differs from that at which the second delivery vehicles release the second antimicrobial agents, articles of manufacture that include one or more biodegradable delivery vehicles, and methods of making and using the compositions to treat intracellular and/or extracellular infections are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to facilitate the identification and connection of unique, relevant, and personalized healthcare and social service resources in a distributed user community in an automated manner to support and improve the health of communities. A method is provided that at least includes aggregating data about a plurality of community healthcare and social service resources, wherein resource profiles are generated for each of the plurality of community resources; generating user profiles for one or more community users, wherein the user profiles comprise indications of needs and preferences for the one or more community users in regard to healthcare and social services; receiving a query from one of the community users regarding a need for healthcare or social services; and generating a list of recommendations from the community resources based on the query and the user profile of the one of the community users. A corresponding system is also provided.

Abstract: Medical devices are described for performing mapping, ablating, and/or pacing procedures on one or more layers of the cardiac wall via an epicardial approach in a minimally invasive (e.g., orthoscopic) surgical procedure. One of the medical devices described includes a main support member and one or more secondary support members extending outwardly from the main support member having electrodes configured to receive electrical impulses. The secondary support member may include a support pad configured to be removably attached to a corresponding area of the epicardium for holding the medical device in place during a procedure, such as through application of vacuum pressure via a containment dome provided on each secondary support member. Further, an ablating electrode may be slidably disposed along the main support member for transmitting energy to a target site proximate the electrode. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: Vascular devices and methods for addressing aortic pathologies are provided that facilitate hemostasis at the junctions of the ends of the device with the native aorta or other vessels to minimize or eliminate the risk of endoleaks. One or both ends of the device may include inner and outer skirts that are configured to receive a section of native blood vessel therebetween. The outer skirt may be flared in some cases or rolled up prior to placement at and engagement with the blood vessel to provide clearance for joining the blood vessel to the inner skirt of the device, such as via sutures. Once engaged, the outer skirt is disposed such that the blood vessel is between the inner and outer skirts. Devices and associated methods are also described that allow endografts to be deployed and engaged with an end of the device in areas with insufficient landing zones.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for longitudinal closure of a dissected sternum are provided. The system includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member is configured to be placed on an outer surface of a respective sternum portion, such that each reinforcing member is longitudinally disposed on an opposite side of a sternum opening with respect to the other reinforcing member. Fasteners may be placed in holes defined in the reinforcing members to secure a respective reinforcing member to a corresponding sternum portion. The closure members, which may be sternal closing wires, may then be wrapped around the sternum portions and the reinforcing members transversely to close the sternum opening. The system provides for a low installed profile, enhancing patient comfort and facilitating healing, and also provides for quick and easy access to the thoracic cavity for re-do sternotomies, if needed.

Abstract: Assemblies, devices, and methods for positioning the same proximate a target site within a body lumen are provided. The assembly includes first and second components that can function independently of one another to address a patient's vascular abnormalities or can cooperate to form an assembly. The assembly is designed to address aortic pathologies near clusters of arterial branches in a way that allows blood to continue flowing to the arterial branches during the procedure while providing an adequate landing zone for the adjoining component. One of the components may include a tapered portion near one end that can be received by a corresponding end of the other component. Alternatively, one of the components may include an invaginated end that is able to receive a corresponding end of the other component such that the position of each component is substantially fixed with respect to the other.

Abstract: Amphiphilic cationic polymers comprising a biocompatible amphiphile linked to an organic cation are provided. The polymers complex with therapeutic agents and facilitate delivery of such therapeutic agents, particularly therapeutic nucleic acids, both in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, the invention further provides methods of facilitating delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents to a cell and methods of treating a condition, such as a disease or infection, in an organism using the amphiphilic cationic polymers of the invention.

Abstract: A method and medicament for the inhibition of neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G in mammals comprising administering a treatment effective amount of 2-O-desulfated heparin to a mammal in need thereof. The medicament preferably is administered by aerosolization or by intravenous (IV) injection. Preferably, the 2-O-desulfated heparin medicament includes a physiologically acceptable carrier which may be selected from the group consisting of physiologically buffered saline, normal saline, and distilled water. Additionally provided is a method of synthesizing 2-O-desulfated heparin.

Abstract: A method and medicament for the inhibition of neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G in mammals comprising administering a treatment effective amount of 2-O-desulfated heparin to a mammal in need thereof. The medicament preferably is administered by aerosolization or by intravenous (IV) injection. Preferably, the 2-O-desulfated heparin medicament includes a physiologically acceptable carrier which may be selected from the group consisting of physiologically buffered saline, normal saline, and distilled water. Additionally provided is a method of synthesizing 2-O-desulfated heparin.