Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, and an isolated protein which is a human 5-HT.sub.2 receptor.The invention also provides vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding a human 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, and vectors adapted for expression of the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor in bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cells.In addition, the invention provides a DNA probe useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, a method for determining whether a ligand which is not known to be capable of binding to the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor can bind to the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, a method for detecting the presence of 5-HT.sub.2 receptor on the surface of a cell, and a method of screening drugs to identify drugs which specifically interact with, and bind to, the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor.The invention herein also concerns an antibody directed to the human 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, such as a monoclonal antibody directed to an epitope of the 5-HT.sub.

Abstract: A vascular graft fabricated of a polyester fiber, the surface of which is impregnated with biodegradable blood-compatible materials, characterized in that the surface of the said vascular graft comprises carboxylate groups and is impregnated with polysaccharides or their derivatives. The vascular graft is manufactured by treating the hydrophobic surface of a vascular graft fabricated of a polyester fiber to render it more hydrophilic and then impregnating the vascular graft with above polysaccharides or their derivatives by chelate bond with metal ions or physical adsorption in order to increase the adhesion properties and adding glycerin to the impregnated polysaccharides or their derivatives in order to increase the softness so that the impregnated substances may turn into the state of gel by blood at the time of use.

Abstract: A transluminal arrangement for positioning a prosthesis assembly at an aneurysm in the bifurcated lumen of the aorta and the common iliac arteries extending therefrom. The prosthesis assembly includes a bifurcated endovascular graft having a main body and ipsilateral and contralateral limbs extending therefrom. The assembly also includes main, ipsilateral, and contralateral spring assemblies each having a compressed state. When released from its compressed state, each spring expands a portion of the graft to substantially conform that portion of the graft to the wall of the bifurcated lumen. The transluminal arrangement comprises an elongated member extending through the main and ipsilateral bores of the graft and includes attachment sutures and an inner catheter extending therethrough for temporarily attaching the main and ipsilateral spring assemblies to the elongated member.

Abstract: A device for the reconstruction of the orbit of the skull is described. The device is produced from biocompatible polymeric preferably from resorbable polymers having a shape of nonporous and/or microporous plates, membranes or films. The device is preshaped into a three-dimensional element to fit into the orbit of the human skull. Fixation elements with holes being integral part of the device, allow attachment of the device to the skull. Anatomical cuts in the body of the device allow through the nerves and vessels of the eye. An oblong shape of the edges of the anatomical cuts, protects the nerves and vessels from being damaged when the nerves and vessels rub against the edge surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soft tissue prosthesis which is formed from a three-dimensional braided structure. The three-dimensional braided structure preferably may be made in the form of a solid three-dimensional braid, a three-dimensional braid having at least one interlocking yarn coupling contiguous layers or in the form of a plurality of two-dimensional braided layers adhesively laminated, separately sewn or otherwise connected together to form the three-dimensional braided prosthesis.

Abstract: A femoral component for a knee joint prosthesis having a modular cam which may be connected intraoperatively to provide posterior tibial subluxation resistance when the posterior cruciate ligament is sacrificed. The cam includes protrusions which engage with notches on the stem base to prevent rotation of the cam during use. A stem extension is connected to the stem base for clamping engagement of the cam body therebetween. A transverse opening may be formed in the stem base for providing access to the stem extension threads. The threads may then be malformed to prevent rotation of the stem extension relative to the extension.