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.

Abstract: The invention relates to cross-link-resistant injectable hydrogel formulations and methods of partially or practically wholly inhibiting injectable hydrogel formulations from cross-linking, for example, during irradiation, using anti-cross-linking agents, which facilitates injectability of the hydrogel formulation. The invention also relates to methods of making the cross-link-resistant, for example, irradiation cross-link resistant, injectable hydrogel formulations, and methods of administering the same in treating a subject in need.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis method for creating a three-dimensional reconstruction of a target element volume acquires radiation absorbance images of the target element volume through a limited plurality of positions. The target element volume is divided into a plurality of volume segments and a reconstruction algorithm is applied to each segment to generate a three-dimensional reconstruction of each volume segment. The three-dimensional reconstruction of each volume segment is then merged to create a three-dimensional reconstruction of the target volume. A tomosynthesis system and a computer program product for carrying out tomosynthesis are also provided.

Abstract: An RF coil suitable for use in imaging systems is provided which coil has a dielectric filled cavity formed by a surrounding conducting enclosure, the conducting enclosure preferably being patterned to form continuous electrical paths around the cavity, each of which paths may be tuned to a selected resonant frequency. The patterning breaks up any currents inducted in the coil and shortens path lengths to permit higher frequency, and thus higher field strength operation. The invention also includes improved mechanisms for tuning the resonant frequency of the paths, for selectively detuning the paths, for applying signal to the coil, for shortening the length of the coil and for controlling the field profile of the coil and the delivery of field to the object to the image.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for driving fluid from a syringe are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a syringe driver is provided having a frame that is adapted to seat a syringe, a driver that is slidably disposed within the frame and that is adapted to seat a plunger of a syringe, and a puller that is slidably disposed within the frame and that has a latch formed thereon for mating to an engagement element on the frame. The device can also include a force-delivery element, such as a constant force spring, that is coupled to and extends between the driver and the puller.

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.

Abstract: Methods for preventing damage to epithelial tissue during PDT induced using a photosensitizing agent or pre-photosensitizing agent are provided. The methods of the present invention utilize spatial confinement to control photoactivation of the photoactive species to protect the epithelial tissue. In one embodiment, epithelial tissue surrounding a targeted treatment site can be protecting by decreasing the oxygen-content in the tissue, thereby preventing the conversion of the photosensitizer into the phototoxic species in the epithelial tissue.

Abstract: Described are methods for protecting the female reproductive system against natural and artificial insults by administering to women a composition comprising an agent that antagonizes one or more acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) gene products. Specifically, methods disclosed herein serve to protect women's germline from damage resulting from cancer therapy regimens including chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In one aspect, the method preserves, enhances, or revives ovarian function in women, by administering to women a composition containing sphingosine-1-phosphate, or an analog thereof. Also disclosed are methods to prevent or ameliorate menopausal syndromes and to improve in vitro fertilization techniques.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring and/or controlling an amount of force applied to an implant or other element. In certain exemplary embodiments, an implant inserter tool is provided that includes a shaft having a proximal end that is adapted to receive a force and a distal end that is adapted to contact an implant. The inserter tool also include a force controlling element coupled to the shaft. In use, the distal end of the tool can be placed in contact with an implant or other element, and a force can be applied to the proximal end of the tool to drive the implant or other element into bone. The force controlling element can measure the amount of force applied to the inserter tool, thereby measuring the force applied to the implant or other element.

Abstract: The present invention provides monopolar acetabular liners (32, 54) that can enclose a femoral head (14) to form a hip replacement prosthesis (30, 50), wherein the liner (32, 54) has a rim (34) that creates an orifice, wherein the orifice has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the femoral head (14), and wherein the liner (32, 54) encompasses greater than 50 percent of the volume of the head (14), wherein a constraining ring (56) can be used in conjunction with the monopolar constrained acetabular liner (32, 54) to provide additional support for the femoral head (14) to stay with the acetabular liner (32, 54) and avoid dislocation. Assemblies and complete prosthetic replacements are also provided. Liners (32, 54) and constraining rings (56) having no, one or more recesses (36) also are provided.

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.

Abstract: A permanent thrombus and plaque filtering stent blocks and/or filters potential emboli in patients undergoing intravascular treatment and/or stent implantation. The stent has a plurality of movable magnetic or ultrasonic agitating elements attached thereto, which when remotely activated move, vibrate or rotate to break up the thrombus, plaque or tissue debris.

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.

Abstract: A device to be surgically inserted for providing bulk and stiffness supporting the urethra. A preferred embodiment is shaped like a capital letter “T.” The extensions of the T are wide compared to the patient's anterior vagina and urethra. The pubovaginal support is positioned or implanted under the urethra in the area from mid-urethra to the bladder neck. The body is folded, rolled, or otherwise arranged to provide bulk under the urethra. The pubovaginal support is constructed to be relatively stiff in the area directly supporting the urethra. The extensions retain the device in its position in the vagina without the need for abdominal or pubic bone anchors. The device additionally has some flexibility for easier insertion and comfort while retained in the body. A method of treating incontinence includes inserting the device into pockets dissected in the peri-urethral tissue between the vagina and urethra.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing a therapeutic treatment on a patient's skin by concentrating applied radiation of at least one selected wavelength at a plurality of selected, three-dimensionally located, treatment portions, which treatment portions are within non-treatment portions. The ratio of treatment portions to the total volume may vary from 0.1% to 90%, but is preferably less than 50%. Various techniques, including wavelength, may be utilized to control the depth to which radiation is concentrated and suitable optical systems may be provided to concentrate applied radiation in parallel or in series for selected combinations of one or more treatment portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of expressing an exogenous gene in a mammalian cell, involving infecting the cell with a baculovirus whose genome carries an exogenous gene, and growing the cell under conditions such that the gene is expressed. Also disclosed is a method of treating a gene deficiency disorder in a mammal by providing to a cell a therapeutically effective amount of a baculovirus whose genome carries an exogenous gene and growing the cell under conditions such that the exogenous gene is expressed in the mammal.

Abstract: Biomaterial are preserved by exposing them to a preservation agent having preservation properties. The biomaterial has at least one transporter that allows uptake of the preservation agent into the biomaterial for loading the biomaterial with the preservation agent to an intracellular concentration sufficient for preserving the biomaterial. The preservation agent loaded biomaterial can then be prepared for storage, for example, by freezing, freeze drying, or drying.

Abstract: The present invention provides irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Processes of making crosslinked wear-resistant polyethylene having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the irradiated PE either with or without contact with sensitizing environment during irradiation and annealing the post-irradiated PE at a temperature that is above the melting point of the PE, are also disclosed herein.