Abstract: The present invention relates to a drainage bag support apparatus that has a trunk belt, one or more support straps, and additional means to connect the trunk belt and the support straps together, to adjust the support strap, and to attach a drainage bag. The apparatus of the present invention allows one to adjust and lock the length of the support strap, to change the positions of the trunk belt and the support straps, and to use one or more drainage bags. Methods of using the drainage bag support apparatus include securing the trunk belt around an individual and securing one or more drainage bags to the drainage bag support apparatus. Kits that provide the components of the drainage bag support apparatus to be used along with at least one drainage bag are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for preventing facial wounds caused by an applied ventilation mask are provided. For example, the apparatus includes a cushion formed in an inverted “V” shape, wherein the cushion comprises a superior portion and two inferior portions, wherein the superior portion corresponds to the vertex of the inverted “V” shape, wherein the superior portion is configured to cushion the nose of a human, and wherein the two inferior portions are configured to cushion the cheekbones of a human.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of identifying, synthesizing, optimizing and profiling compounds that are inhibitors or activators of proteins, both naturally occurring endogenous proteins as well as certain variant forms of endogenous proteins, and novel methods of identifying such variants. The method accelerates the identification and development of compounds as potential therapeutically effective drugs by simplifying the pharmaceutical discovery and creation process through improvements in hit identification, lead optimization, biological profiling, and rapid elimination of toxic compounds. Implementation results in overall cost reductions in the drug discovery process resulting from the corresponding increases in efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extraction of implanted articles are disclosed. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a system for extraction of an implanted article that includes an elongated member, guide member disposed at a distal section of the elongated member and having a pathway in substantially parallel relationship to the elongated member, through which pathway an implanted article can be accommodated, and a cutting mechanism, situated between the distal section of the elongated member and the guide member, for severing a fibrous adhesion about the implanted article to allow the implanted article to be extracted.

Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extraction of implanted articles are disclosed. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a system for extraction of an implanted article that includes an elongated member, guide member disposed at a distal section of the elongated member and having a pathway in substantially parallel relationship to the elongated member, through which pathway an implanted article can be accommodated, and a cutting mechanism, situated between the distal section of the elongated member and the guide member, for severing a fibrous adhesion about the implanted article to allow the implanted article to be extracted.

Abstract: Endoscopic cannulas and methods of their use are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoscopic cannula may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A viewing channel and a working channel may extend through the elongated body. The viewing channel can be configured for passing therethrough an endoscope to the distal end of the elongated body for viewing outside the elongated body, while the working channel can be configured for passing therethrough an injection needle distally of the elongated body. The cannula may also include a suction pod disposed on a bottom surface of the elongated member, the suction pod being in communication with a suction channel extending through the elongated body to create suction between the suction pod and a tissue surface to temporary attach the elongated body to the tissue surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrocardiograph (EKG) system and methods of using the same. The system includes a plurality of electrodes, an acquisition device and a display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrocardiograph (EKG) system and methods of using the same. The system includes a plurality of electrodes, an acquisition device and a display.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a general method for the chronic treatment, potential cure, or prevention of various metabolic and related diseases in people, including diabetes, by modulating IRS2 activity in cells and tissues in the body. IRS1 and IRS2 are part of the insulin or insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway. By upregulating the levels or functional activity of IRS2, insulin is used more efficiently by the body to control nutrient levels. By upregulating IRS2 levels or functional activity in pancreatic ?-cells, glucose sensing and insulin secretion are enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extraction of implanted articles are disclosed. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a system for extraction of an implanted article that includes an elongated member and a guide member disposed at a distal section of the elongated member. The guide member may define a pathway through which an implanted article can be securely received. The device can further include a dissection mechanism, coupled to the elongated member and designed to be positioned about the implanted article, for dissecting a fibrous adhesion about the implanted article.

Abstract: Unitary surgical devices are disclosed. Such devices may include an elongated body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and having one or more lumens extending through the elongated body and a tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. The harvesting device may further include a first gripping element disposed about the dissection tip and a second gripping element disposed about the dissection tip distally of the first gripping member. The second gripping member may be moveable with respect to the first gripping member for capturing a blood vessel between the first gripping member and the second gripping member. The blood vessel captured between first gripping member and the second gripping member may then be sealed and, subsequently, severed by a cauterizing element disposed between the first gripping member and the second gripping member.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents that are inhibitors or activators of variant forms of endogenous proteins and novel methods of identifying such variants. Of particular interest are inhibitors and activators of endogenous protein variants, encoded by genes which have mutated, which variants often arise or are at least first identified as having arisen following exposure to a chemical agent which is known to be an inhibitor or activator of the corresponding unmutated endogenous protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of identifying, synthesizing, optimizing and profiling compounds that are inhibitors or activators of proteins, both naturally occurring endogenous proteins as well as certain variant forms of endogenous proteins, and novel methods of identifying such variants. The method accelerates the identification and development of compounds as potential therapeutically effective drugs by simplifying the pharmaceutical discovery and creation process through improvements in hit identification, lead optimization, biological profiling, and rapid elimination of toxic compounds. Implementation results in overall cost reductions in the drug discovery process resulting from the corresponding increases in efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents that are inhibitors or activators of variant forms of endogenous proteins and novel methods of identifying such variants. Of particular interest arc inhibitors and activators of endogenous protein variants, encoded by genes which have mutated, which variants often arise or are at least first identified as having arisen following exposure to a chemical agent which is known to be an inhibitor or activator of the corresponding unmutated endogenous protein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: An endoscopic cutting and retrieval instrument includes an elongate electrically conductive wire and an inner loop and an outer loop both connected to a distal end of the wire. The inner loop and the outer loop have a common proximal loop portion and different distal loop portions. The distal loop portion of the outer loop is longer than the distal loop portion of the inner loop so that the outer loop is larger than the inner loop. A net attached to the outer loop forms a retrieval basket for capturing severed polyps and other tissues masses.