Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for a programmable medical wire that can be preprogrammed, and controlled and reshaped upon command. The system can include a power supply, a controller, and a multilayered wire assembly. The wire assembly includes a core conductor, actuator conductors coupled to the core conductor, selective conductors formed adjacent the core conductor and the actuator conductors, and a protective biocompatible shield around the layers. The selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and cause the actuator conductors to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner. By selectively controlling the direction of movement of the actuator conductors, the wire assembly can be remotely guided through body passageways to the target. Auxiliary equipment such as sensors, micro cameras, detectors, cutters, and other equipment can also be coupled to the wire assembly, and controlled and communicated with through one or more of the selective conductors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for using widely available ultrasound imaging to overcome the limitations of imaging guidewires and other small objects that may be subwavelength in size relative to an ultrasound wavelength. The system and method can reduce the use of X-rays and exposure to the dangerous effects of radiation and avoids the expense of MRI technology. The subwavelength object, such as a guidewire, can be detected using several methods and associated systems described herein, including the object changing positions at a frequency that creates a brighter ultrasound image of the object as the object progresses across a scanned region of the ultrasound detector. In some embodiments, the movement of the small object causes a different speckle signature than the object itself would otherwise generate. Analysis of changes in speckle patterns due to progressive movement of an object can yield a detectable object.

Abstract: Some of the present apparatuses include a flexible vascular graft defining a lumen and a hub having a distal end configured to penetrate a blood vessel, a proximal end, and a wall extending between the distal end and the proximal end that defines an interior passageway. In some apparatuses, the vascular graft is non-removably coupled to the hub, and the lumen of the vascular graft is in communication with the interior passageway of the hub. Some apparatuses include one or more helical protrusions fixed in relation to the wall and configured to secure the hub relative to the blood vessel, each of the one or more helical protrusions extending away from the interior passageway. In some apparatuses, the wall has an outer surface defining an annular recess that extends around the wall, the recess configured to receive at least a portion of a wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for using widely available ultrasound imaging to overcome the limitations of imaging guidewires and other small objects that may be subwavelength in size relative to an ultrasound wavelength. The system and method can reduce the use of X-rays and exposure to the dangerous effects of radiation and avoids the expense of MRI technology. The subwavelength object, such as a guidewire, can be detected using several methods and associated systems described herein, including the object changing positions at a frequency that creates a brighter ultrasound image of the object as the object progresses across a scanned region of the ultrasound detector. In some embodiments, the movement of the small object causes a different speckle signature than the object itself would otherwise generate. Analysis of changes in speckle patterns due to progressive movement of an object can yield a detectable object.

Abstract: A programmable medical wire system includes a programmable wire assembly that includes: a core conductor; at least one actuator conductor electrically coupled to the core conductor, the actuator conductor being programmed to move toward a predetermined shape based on actuation; at least one selective conductor electrically coupled to the actuator conductor and configured to be electrically energized to actuate the actuator conductor to move toward the predetermined shape; at least one emitter configured to produce electromagnetic radiation of a given wavelength coupled to the programmable wire assembly; and at least one detector configured to receive emissions of the emitter and communicate signals of the emission remotely from the emitter. One or more of the selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and/or core conductor and cause the actuator conductors and/or core conductor to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner and return to original shape when deenergized.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for a programmable medical wire that can be preprogrammed, and controlled and reshaped upon command. The system can include a power supply, a controller, and a multilayered wire assembly. The wire assembly includes a core conductor, actuator conductors coupled to the core conductor, selective conductors formed adjacent the core conductor and the actuator conductors, and a protective biocompatible shield around the layers. The selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and cause the actuator conductors to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner. By selectively controlling the direction of movement of the actuator conductors, the wire assembly can be remotely guided through body passageways to the target. Auxiliary equipment such as sensors, micro cameras, detectors, cutters, and other equipment can also be coupled to the wire assembly, and controlled and communicated with through one or more of the selective conductors.

Abstract: Bone screws, such as polyaxial bone screws, with dilations located between the screw head and the threaded portion of the screw, for use in preserving polyaxial functionality of the screw head and/or to which crosslinks may be coupled.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using software and associated equipment to automatically identify two or more preselected anatomical features by examining pixels within images, such as computerized tomography (CT) scanned images, determining appropriate measurements between such identified features based on dimensions and scaling available within the image file, comparing these measurements to normative data, and providing output of the results to a user, such as medical personnel. In at least one embodiment, the system can measure an interval between a first bone and a second bone that may be useful for medical analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system using software and associated equipment to automatically identify two or more preselected anatomical features by examining pixels within images, such as computerized tomography (CT) scanned images, determining appropriate measurements between such identified features based on dimensions and scaling available within the image file, comparing these measurements to normative data, and providing output of the results to a user, such as medical personnel. In at least one embodiment, the system can measure an interval between a first anatomical feature and a second anatomical feature that may be useful for medical analysis.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems and methods utilizing flow of a medically safe inert gas to prevent fires in operating rooms during electrosurgical procedures. A device is disposed around or proximate to or integrated into the tip of an electrosurgical instrument or tool and is in fluid contact with a source of a medically safe inert gas. The gas is flowed around or envelopes the tip as the electrosurgical instrument or tool is utilized. The presence of the medically safe inert gas displaces oxygen, thereby preventing or suppressing fires that may be ignited by sparks generated during use of the tool.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to a bispecific immunoglobulin that is capable of binding cell surface molecules on a target cell, such as cancer cells, and cell surface molecules on immune effector cell, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, resulting in the targeted killing of target cells. In certain aspects a Bif is a polypeptide comprising a first target binding domain that specifically binds a cancer cell, a second effector binding domain that specifically binds an immunologic effector, and an immunoglobulin constant region linker operatively coupling the first and second binding domain.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes a population of mesenchymal stromal cells that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. The invention includes administration of TSG-6, STC-1, or a combination thereof to the ocular as a treatment for an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal.

Abstract: Provided herein are fire safety face masks and systems comprising the same for displacing excessive oxygen away from a surgical area. The face mask comprises a body portion, an exhalation conduit fluidly connected to the body portion and an in-flow tubing in a fluidly connecting relationship with the body portion. The fire safety face mask may further comprise a gas sampling port disposed on the body portion to facilitate monitoring of inspired and exhaled gases via a multi-gas analyzer. Also provided are methods for preventing fires in an operating theater during a surgical procedure utilizing the fire safety masks and systems disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods, compositions, and devices for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes polypeptides that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties, and their application in the treatment of eye disease, particularly diseases of the retina. In particular aspects, the invention includes administration of a therapeutic polypeptide such as a stanniocalcin family member protein for the treatment of an eye disease. Also included are fusion proteins and cells stimulated or modified to express the therapeutic polypeptides as set forth herein.

Abstract: Methods and composition for a melatonin signaling modulator-based diagnosis and therapy are described. For example, in certain aspects methods for administering an anti-tumor therapy using a melatonin signaling modulator are described. Furthermore, the invention provides compositions and methods for detecting biliary tract disease such as cholangiocarcinoma.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions related to diphtheria toxin diabody immunotoxins.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for altering biological parameters in a subject, such as reducing blood pressure in a subject, by displacing CLIP, using a CLIP inhibitor. The methods are useful for treating disorders such as preeclampsia and high blood pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating bladder cancer. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a toxin moiety that is linked to an epithelial growth factor (EGF) moiety. The toxin moiety and the EGF moiety can be linked optionally via a linker. Typically, the fusion protein is administered intravesically into the cancerous bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to particular antibodies and fragments thereof that find use in the detection, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with abnormal angiogenesis. In particular, these antibodies detect tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8) in its native and cell-surface expressed form. Also disclosed are improved methods for producing monoclonal antibodies, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and kits.

Abstract: Clearance check devices, systems, and methods that can be used to indicate whether a proposed treatment plan will cause a collision between a patient/couch and a medical device, such as a linac, are described herein. Some devices and/or systems include an adjustable clearance member to account for the rotation of the medical device and a rotatable frame segment to account for the rotation of the patient or couch. Others include a frame segment that has an inner surface defining an arc that has a radius that is substantially equal to or less than an orbital radius of a centermost portion of a medical equipment component. Still others are disclosed.