Patents Assigned to The Massachusetts General Hospital
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTRAVENTRICULAR TREATMENT
    Publication number: 20090012354
    Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for remodeling a heart's ventricular walls and improving of the function of the atrioventricular valves from within the ventricle or atrium through the use of tensioning structures. In one embodiment, a device for stabilizing a ventricle is provided and can include a superior tension member having a substantially arcuate shape that is sized and configured to improve a functioning of atrioventricular valve leaflets. The device can also include a descending tension member extending inferiorly from at least a portion of the superior tension member that is shaped to correspond to a wall of a ventricular cavity. The device can further include a plurality of anchors provided at least on the descending tension member that have attachment features for holding a wall of a ventricular cavity to the descending tension member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation d/b/a Massachusetts General hospital
    Inventor: Malissa J. Wood
  • Treatment and analysis of proliferative disorders
    Publication number: 20080312150
    Abstract: A method of treating a subject having unwanted cell proliferation which includes: inducing differentiation in a cell; providing said cell with a photosensitizer; and activating said PS, thereby the treating unwanted cell proliferation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Massachusetts General Hospital, Partners HealthCare Research Ventures & Licensing
    Inventors: Tayyaba Hasan, Bernard Ortel
  • METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS
    Publication number: 20080286322
    Abstract: The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicants: the General Hospital Corporation d/b/a Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Eyal S. Ron, Robert S. Langer, William F. Crowley, JR.
  • METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE SUSTAINED RELEASE OF MULTIPLE DRUGS
    Publication number: 20080286339
    Abstract: The invention relates to an drug delivery device and a method for delivering multiple drugs over a prolonged period of time. The drug delivery device has two or more unitary segments comprising a drug-permeable polymeric substance, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises a pharmaceutically active agent. The invention also relates to a method for the treatment of a benign ovarian secretory disorder in a female mammal, a method of contraception, and a method of relieving the symptoms associated with menopausal, perimenopausal and post-menopausal periods in a woman.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicants: The General Hospital Corporation d/b/a Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Eyal S. Ron, Robert S. Langer, William F. Crowley, JR.
  • Non-Invasive Treatment of Fascia
    Publication number: 20080269608
    Abstract: Various methods and devices for minimally invasive treatment and prevention of conditions of the fascia are provided. In one aspect, a method includes providing an acoustic wave source effective to deliver a focused acoustic wave to a target site within a patient's body, and focusing an acoustic wave through a patient's skin such that at least one location in the patient's fascia is fenestrated in a desired pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: The General Hospital corporation d/b/a Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventors: Richard Rox Anderson, Kirby Vosburgh, John A. Parrish
  • SELECTIVE, CONTROLLED MANIPULATION OF POLYMERS
    Publication number: 20080262120
    Abstract: The present invention provides partial and complete shielding approaches to alter the cross-linking characteristics of irradiated polymers, such as polyethylene. Irradiated polymers and fabricated articles, such as medical prosteses, comprising irradiated polymers also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation dba Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventor: Orhun K. MURATOGLU
  • Polybiotin compounds for magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery
    Patent number: 7438893
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to biotin-containing compounds that are useful as imaging agents and drug-delivery agents. Another aspect of the invention relates to the aforementioned compounds chelated to a metal atom. In a preferred embodiment, the metal atom is a gadolinium. Another aspect of the invention relates to a compound comprising three biotin moieties and a pharmaceutical agent covalently bound to a heterocyclic core. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical agent is an antibiotic, antiviral, or radionuclide. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating disease involving administering the compounds of the invention to a mammal. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of acquiring a magnetic resonance image using the compounds of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventors: David R. Elmaleh, Timothy Shoup, Alan J. Fischman
  • FINE-GRAINED AUTHORIZATION FRAMEWORK
    Publication number: 20080256030
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling access to an instance method on an instance-specific basis by intercepting an invocation of the instance method on an instance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
    Inventor: Eugene Haskell Clark
  • Methods for making oxidation resistant polymeric material
    Patent number: 7431874
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignees: Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun K. Muratoglu, Stephen H. Spiegelberg
  • Isometric Strength testing apparatus
    Publication number: 20080216570
    Abstract: An isometric strength testing device includes a base for selectively supporting either a chair or a wheelchair for the subject to be tested. A pair of limb supports are positioned on the base, one to immobilize an arm and the other a leg of the subject. Each support includes a band carrying a load cell for generating a signal measurement of the force applied to the cell. Goniometers are associated with the supports for establishing appropriate angles of the subject's limbs at the knee and elbow. A computer connected to the force plates processes and displays data generated by the load cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventors: Patricia Lee Andres, Mark Kleiman, Michael Barenboym
  • METHODS AND DEVICES FOR RELIEVING UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTIONS
    Publication number: 20080216843
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided that are effective to remove an obstruction in a human airway related to snoring and/or OSA. In one embodiment, the device includes mouthpiece having a hollow body configured to be disposed in a user's mouth. The body includes superior and inferior outer surfaces as well as anterior and posterior surfaces, a channel configured to receive a user's teeth formed in at least one of the superior and inferior surfaces, an inner cavity formed between the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior surfaces, and at least one aperture formed in the posterior surface that extends into the inner cavity. In one exemplary embodiment the at least one aperture is oriented to extend away from the user's teeth and toward a user's tongue when the mouthpiece is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation d/b/a Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventor: Yandong Jiang
  • CROSS-LINKING OF ANTIOXIDANT-CONTAINING POLYMERS
    Publication number: 20080215142
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked, oxidatively stable, and highly crystalline polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of treating irradiation-cross-linked antioxidant-containing polymers and materials used therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicants: The General Hospital Corporation dba Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun K. Muratoglu, Stephen H. Spiegelberg
  • OXIDATION RESISTANT HOMOGENIZED POLYMERIC MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20080214692
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant homogenized polymeric materials and medical implants that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing, cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and annealing the antioxidant doped UHMWPE in a super critical fluid, and materials used therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation dba Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventors: Orhun K. Muratoglu, Ebru Oral
  • INVOLUTED CYLINDER VALVE
    Publication number: 20080133004
    Abstract: A prosthetic tri-leaflet valve formed by involuting a portion of a tubular structure inside itself. The valve can be made by a method comprising providing a tubular segment in which three equidistant longitudinal incisions are made in one end of the tube creating three flaps which are involuted, i.e., folded, in toward the inside of the tube and the edges of the flaps secured to the inner wall of the tube to form leaflets. The tube can be formed of a single sheet of synthetic, organic or biological material and can be solid, woven, braided or the like. A braided configuration permits the valve to be annularly compressed and delivered to the site using a minimally invasive delivery mechanism, then expanded at the implantation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventor: Jennifer K. White
  • HIGH MODULUS CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE WITH REDUCED RESIDUAL FREE RADICAL CONCENTRATION PREPARED BELOW THE MELT
    Publication number: 20080090933
    Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicants: Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun Muratoglu, Stephen Spiegelberg, Gareth McKinley
  • METHODS FOR MAKING OXIDATION RESISTANT POLYMERIC MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20080090934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion, post-doping annealing, and materials used therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicants: The General Hospital Corporation dba Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun Muratoglu, Stephen Spiegelberg
  • METHODS FOR MAKING OXIDATION RESISTANT POLYMERIC MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20080067724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicants: Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun MURATOGLU, Stephen Spiegelberg
  • HIGH MODULUS CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE WITH REDUCED RESIDUAL FREE RADICAL CONCENTRATION PREPARED BELOW THE MELT
    Publication number: 20080039545
    Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicants: Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Orhun MURATOGLU, Stephen Spielgelberg, Gareth McKinley
  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE ELECTRICAL TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING
    Publication number: 20080021506
    Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring in a human patient includes at least one electrode stimulator for providing direct electrical stimulation to a throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient. The stimulator is constructed and arranged to be positioned at the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient, either on the surface or subcutaneously. A power source provides a continuous electrical signal to the stimulator so that the throat and/or laryngeal muscles of the patient are contracted to open the airway of the patient. The power source can be a portable source remote from the electrode or a pacemaker unit also implanted in the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
    Inventor: Joseph GROCELA
  • CANCER DETECTION BY OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF COMPRESSION-INDUCED TRANSIENTS
    Publication number: 20080004531
    Abstract: A cancer screening method includes changing a compression state of selected tissue; and obtaining a signal indicative of a response of an optical property of the selected tissue in response to the change in the compression state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventors: Stefan Carp, David Boas