Abstract: A fossa-eminence prosthesis having a nonanatomic surface that is relatively flatter than the native fossa. The articular eminence of the patient can be surgically reduced before implanting the prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for prescribing a scan on an MRI system includes selecting a general pulse sequence to be used during a time-resolved imaging process of a subject using an MRI system. The method also includes setting a first set of scan parameters to more specifically prescribe the general pulse sequence and setting a second set of scan parameters using a formula that relates time resolution and spatial resolution resulting from the first set of scan parameters. The method then includes performing the time-resolved imaging process using the general pulse sequence, the first set of scan parameters, and the second set of scan parameters.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in detecting neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, or combinations thereof with brain tissue. For example, methods and materials for using probes to detect neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, or combinations thereof during deep brain stimulation are provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a mapping device may be capable of passing through cerebral veins and other cerebrovascular spaces to provide electrophysiological mapping of the brain. These embodiments of the device may also be capable of providing, simultaneously or separately, ablation energy or other treatments to targeted brain tissue. In such circumstances, a user may be enabled to analyze an electrophysiological map of a patient's brain and, at the same time or within a short time period before or after the mapping process, may be enabled to apply ablation energy for treatment of a central nervous system disorder. Such treatment may be accomplished without the use of invasive surgery in which the brain is accessed through an opening in the patient's cranium.

Abstract: A method of detecting healing adjacent to an implanted medical device can first include pre-treating a surface of the medical device prior to implantation, thereby defining a pre-treated surface of the medical device. Then, subsequent to implantation, a portion of the pre-treated surface that is not covered by endothelial tissue is detected by a detection device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus and methods that may be used for en bloc circumferential esophageal mucosal resection or ablation that can extend over only a selected portion or all of the length of the esophagus.

Abstract: The invention provides novel B7-H3 and B7-H4 polypeptides useful for co-stimulating T cells, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding them, vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules, and cells containing the vectors. Also included are methods of making and using these co-stimulatory polypeptides.

Abstract: Systems and methods for impairing smooth muscle tissue function using energy and/or pressure are described herein. The systems and/or methods may be used in some embodiments to target smooth muscle tissue in the bronchial passages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification of markers that can be used to determine whether tumors are sensitive or resistant to a therapeutic agent. The present invention is also directed to the identification of therapeutic targets. The invention features a number of “sensitivity markers.” These are markers that are expressed in most or all cell lines that are sensitive to treatment with an agent and which are not expressed (or are expressed at a rather low level) in cells that are resistant to treatment with that agent. The invention also features a number of “resistance markers.” These are markers that are expressed in most or all cell lines that are resistant to treatment with an agent and which are not expressed (or are expressed at a rather low level) in cells that are sensitive to treatment with that agent. The invention also features marker sets that can predict patients that are likely to respond or not to respond to an agent.

Abstract: A method and system for quantifying the extent of vaso vasorum with contrast enhanced ultrasound and correlating that quantitative value to the risk for vascular disease is provided. An ultrasound contrast agent is administered to a subject and images are obtained using an imaging method that identifies the uptake of the contrast agent by tissues. The amount of uptake is measured and the corresponding signal intensity change correlated with the amount of vaso vasorum present. Additionally, deformations of the vasculature are measured from the series of ultrasound images and this information is coupled with the quantification of the vaso vasorum to determine a risk index indicative of a subject's risk to vascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biomarkers for macular degeneration. In particular, the present invention provides a plurality of biomarkers for monitoring and diagnosing macular degeneration. The compositions and methods of the present invention find use in diagnostic, therapeutic, research, and drug screening applications.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing light chain amyloidosis. For example, methods and materials for using exosomes to diagnose a mammal (e.g., a human) as having immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis are provided.

Abstract: An antibody capable of potentiating immune responses and modifying existing states of immune responsiveness is described, as is the sequence of the antibody. Also described are compositions containing the antibody, as well as methods for using the antibody and the compositions to enhance immune responses, to enhance DC function, to modify an existing state of immune responsiveness, to immunize individuals, or to treat or inhibit conditions such as allergic asthma.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a velocity of a moving object such as a body or a stream. The object is irradiated in a non-collinear configuration with multiple ultrasound waves overlapping in a region-of-interest (ROI) of the object. An response wave, resulting from the non-linear interaction among the incident waves and the object, is detected and the frequency variations of the response wave are determined. Data representing a Doppler-shift of this frequency is further determined and processed to calculate the velocity of the moving object.

Abstract: A system and method for molecular breast imaging (MBI) provides enhanced tumor analysis and, optionally, a real-time biopsy guidance. The system includes a detector head including a gamma ray detector and a collimator. The collimator include multiple collimation sections having respectively different spatially-oriented structures. In addition or alternatively, the multiple collimating section have respectively different collimation characteristics. An image of the tissue acquired with the system may include spatially separate image portions containing image information about the same portion of the imaged tissue. A system is optionally configured to acquire updatable images to provide real-time feedback about the biopsy procedure.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods used to deliver provide radioactive material and a buttress element in a variety of procedures that typically involve the use of a stapler to fasten the buttress material to tissue are described herein. The radioactive material is provided to deliver radiation energy to the tissue. One or more medically useful agents may be provided in addition to the radioactive material.

Abstract: This document relates to medical devices (e.g., organ ports such as transapical heart ports) and methods and materials for implanting and using such medical devices. For example, organ ports and entry devices that can be used to implant an organ port are provided.

Abstract: Endoscopic approach necrosectomy assist devices and methods of use to collect necrotic pancreatic tissue. One embodiment of the device includes a body, an expandable cap on a distal end of the body, an actuating mechanism for causing the cap to move between a reduced diameter retracted state and an expanded diameter operational state, a tissue collecting band on the cap, and a band actuating mechanism. Another embodiment of the invention includes a handle and a scoop on the handle. The scoop is movable between a reduced diameter retracted state and an expanded diameter operational state. The scoop is formed from a shape memory material and is self biased to the operational state. Blades, rake tips, cutters or abrasive can be included on the scoop.

Abstract: A cutting device or tissue sectioning blade is disclosed that includes a blade body including a straight cutting edge, a back edge located opposite the straight cutting edge, a first end extending from the back edge to the straight cutting edge, and a second end located opposite the first end and extending from the back edge to the straight cutting edge.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for treating tendon injury. Specifically, methods and materials for preventing adhesion formation and promoting tissue healing following tendon injury and surgical repair are provided.