Abstract: A model of flow through a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can be used for preoperative planning of implantation of the LVAD into a patient and/or optimization of the LVAD after implantation into the patient are described. At least one imaging data set related to a patient and at least one physiological data set related to the patient can be received. An ideal parameter related to the LVAD can be determined based on the at least one imaging data set related to the patient, the at least one physiological data set related to the patient using a model of circulation in a large spatial region of the patient's body and a three-dimensional anatomical model of at least one component of the region of the patient's body and at least one component of the LVAD. Flow patterns within the three-dimensional anatomical model are calculated using computational fluid dynamics.

Abstract: An obscuring cover for covering at least a portion of a saw that includes a saw body and a saw blade attached to the saw body is provided. The obscuring cover includes an interior cavity defined by at least one inner surface of the obscuring cover. The interior cavity is configured to removably receive at least a portion of the saw body. At least one securing member is at least partially located at least one of internal to and adjacent to the interior cavity. The at least one securing member is configured to removably engage an exterior portion of the saw to removably connect the obscuring cover to the saw. At least a portion of the obscuring cover is configured to at least partially visually obstruct a subject's view of the saw blade when the obscuring cover is connected to the saw.

Abstract: Vaginal dilator assemblies, devices and kits. Assemblies can include a base, and an adapter. The base can have an inner portion and the adapter can have an outer portion that is complimentary to the inner portion of the base such that the adapter is non-rotatably fitted into the base. Vaginal dilator devices can include a base defining a recess aligned with the longitudinal axis of the base. The recess can have a plurality of step tapered sections. Vaginal dilator kits are also provided that include a plurality of vaginal dilators having different diameters. Each of the plurality of vaginal dilators is configured to be axially aligned and securely fitted into one of the step tapered sections of the recess of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating COVID-19 by targeting the inflammasome/caspase1/pyroptosis axis as a key inflammatory pathway. In particular, the invention relates to treating a patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 with an effective amount of one or more compounds that directly or indirectly inhibit one or more pathways of the inflammasome/caspase1/pyroptosis axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect a patient's hair is provided. The apparatus includes a sheet configured to cover a patient's hair during an operation. A sealing member is provided on or joined to a leading end of the sheet. The sealing member is configured to be applied to a patient's skin adjacent to an operating field to create a seal between the operating field and the patient's hair. At least one anchoring member is joined to the sheet adjacent to the leading end of the sheet. The at least one anchoring member is configured to be attached to the patient's hair adjacent to the operating field to anchor the apparatus to the patient.

Abstract: A bra is disclosed comprising a body portion and left and right adjustable shoulder straps. The body portion comprises a back panel, left and right front panels, an adjustable torso strap, and a releasable front closure. The left and right front panels comprise cups having an interior mesh lining over at least a portion of each cup. The mesh lining forms a pocket with each cup and has a coating comprising an antibacterial, antimicrobial agent. The adjustable torso strap comprises a back torso strap, left and right front torso straps, and left and right side torso straps. The left and right side torso straps have end portions that are removably attachable to left and right front torso straps. When attached to the left and right front torso straps, the left and right side torso straps and left and right front panels define left and right drainage ports.

Abstract: A bra is disclosed comprising a body portion and left and right adjustable shoulder straps. The body portion comprises a back panel, left and right front panels, an adjustable torso strap, and a releasable front closure. The left and right front panels comprise cups having an interior mesh lining over at least a portion of each cup. The mesh lining forms a pocket with each cup and has a coating comprising an antibacterial, antimicrobial agent. The adjustable torso strap comprises a back torso strap, left and right front torso straps, and left and right side torso straps. The left and right side torso straps have end portions that are removably attachable to left and right front torso straps. When attached to the left and right front torso straps, the left and right side torso straps and left and right front panels define left and right drainage ports.

Abstract: The invention relates to predicting which individuals are at risk of developing atherosclerotic vascular disease, and once having disease, which individuals are at risk of experiencing plaque rupture which, depending on the site of the plaque, could produce myocardial infarction, stroke, critical limb ischemia, or other vascular event. The invention further relates to methods of diagnosing and aiding in the diagnosis of vascular conditions such as atherosclerosis, premature coronary artery disease and coronary artery disease, by detecting a resistin gene product in an individual. The invention further relates to methods of predicting, and aiding in predicting, the likelihood that an individual will experience a vascular event, such as but not limited to, a myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or critical limb ischemia.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases associated with atherosclerosis. The invention further relates to methods of diagnosing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases associated with atherosclerosis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides biological systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent or an imaging agent to atherosclerotic lesions such as vulnerable plaques.