Abstract: Method for diagnosis of inflammatory conditions in the intestinal canal of humans, characterized in that NO is measured in the lumen of the intestines. The NO level obtained is then compared with the level obtained for healthy individuals or with the level obtained for the same individual at another occasion. An increased level compared to the normal levels in the intestines of the healthy population is an indication of an inflammatory condition in the intestine.

Abstract: A method for repairing a defect in cartilage, comprising the provision of apertures in the cartilage by drilling holes at the base of the cartilage defect, which holes may enter the mesenchymal depot, introducing a porous scaffold material containing a plurality of magnetic particles into the apertures, and subsequently and sequentially injecting magnetically-tagged cartilage growth promoting materials such as various growth factors or chondrocytes into the area of the defect. The magnetically tagged growth promoting material is then drawn into the apertures by magnetic attraction of the magnetic particles contained in the porous scaffold material, either by virtue of the particles being permanently magnetic, or by the imposition of an external magnetic field. The present application claims the biodegradable porous scaffold material containing the plurality of magnetic particles.

Abstract: Techniques using one or more drugs, electrical stimulation or both to treat depression or manic depression by means of an implantable signal generator and electrode and/or an implantable pump and catheter. A catheter is surgically implanted in selected sites in the brain to infuse the drugs, and one or more electrodes are surgically implanted in the brain at selected sites to provide electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A surgically enlarging method of microcaulia by which length and circumference of micropenis are simultaneously enlarged and expanded without incurring any deformation or side effect thereto, enabling the microcaulia patients to overcome the physical defect, shame and inferiority complex and thereby providing them with increased sexual self confidence.

Abstract: The invention provides means for inducing partial recovery of motor function lost in a mammal as a consequence of an injury to its spinal cord which includes a lesion of the cerebrospinal projections (CST) of the cord. Axonal growth is initiated in the CST, and functional recovery obtained, by delivering neurotrophin-3 to the site of CST injury by expression from a recombinant expression vector.

Abstract: A novel method for making, preventing and reversing pathologic vessel condition, new vessel growth, and macular edema is disclosed. The invention is partially based on the discovery that accelerated formation of new vessel growth occurs near the adjacent area between grafts and recipient and follows the lead of physical force. Pathologic vessel grafts from deceased patient who has such pathologic vessels are grafted into hamster cheek pouch, making the vessel grafts grow as in situ, and thereof therapeutic regiments are set forth for treating neovascularization, macular edema, and angiogenesis.

Abstract: A localized heat applying medical device is provided for applying heat to tissue adjacent a patient's tubal ostia in order to close the patient's fallopian tubes and sterilize the patient. Procedures of performing sterilizations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of chronically instrumenting an animal enabling one to simulate congestive heart failure. This invention also relates to method for assessing the effects of a test compound on cardiac function and systemic vascular dynamics.

Abstract: A parent vessel lies adjacent heart tissue, and a restriction in the parent vessel is bypassed. A first region of the parent vessel on a first side of the restriction is accessed and an aperture is formed therein. A lumen is formed through the heart tissue, and the lumen communicates with the parent vessel through the first aperture. A second aperture is formed in a second region of the parent vessel on a second side of the restriction. The lumen through the heart tissue communicates with the parent vessel through the first and second apertures, thus bypassing the restriction.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic agent directly to the heart employing minimally invasive techniques and concepts. In particular, the delivery of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) is performed endovascularly or endoscopically to a region of a patient's heart treated with transmyocardial revascularization (TMR). A system is provided for inducing cardioplegic arrest. An aortic occlusion device has an inflatable balloon which occludes the ascending aorta when inflated. Cardioplegic fluid may be infused through a lumen of the aortic occlusion device to stop the heart while the patient's circulatory system is supported on cardiopulmonary bypass. A side-firing fiberoptic laser is introduced through the aortic occlusion device in the endovascular technique to perform TMR. Subsequently, a therapeutic agent delivery catheter is directed into one of the coronary arteries to deliver and dissipate the VEGF into the surrounding vascular plexus to promote angiogenesis stimulation.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a vein to improve its structural integrity. Heating the vein causes at least a portion of the cross links of the collagen in the vein to unlink/open and subsequently form new cross links after the collagen fibers have realigned. The procedure produces a vein that is less flaccid and more resilient. The lumen can have a larger diameter and a shaped smoother inner surface.

Abstract: A method for reducing a volume of a tongue includes providing an ablation apparatus with an energy delivery device configured to be coupled to an energy source. The energy delivery device is positioned in an interior of the tongue. A sufficient amount of energy is delivered from the energy delivery device in the interior of the tongue to ablate a section of the tongue without damaging the main branches of the hypoglossal nerve. The energy delivery device is thereafter removed from the interior of the tongue.

Abstract: A method for making, storing and using a surgical graft from human amniotic membrane; the resulting graft; and the storage solution. The amniotic membrane is obtained from human placenta, from which the chorion has been separated. Sheets of the amniotic membrane are cut to size and mounted on filter paper. The cells of the amniotic membrane are killed, preferably while being frozen and thawed in the storage solution. The storage solution comprises a culture medium and a hyperosmotic agent, wherein the hydration of the amniotic membrane is maintained. The membrane can be impregnated with therapeutic agents, prior to storage, for use in post surgical healing or other therapies.

Abstract: A method of moving a portion of a limb which has been partially paralyzed, comprises implanting a biasing device in the body of a person having a limb which is at least partially paralyzed, and attaching one end of the biasing device to a first portion of the limb to be moved. Another end of the biasing device is anchored to a second portion of the limb. The biasing device is operable for biasing the first portion of the limb in a first direction to hold the first portion in a first position, and the biasing device is further operable for allowing the first portion to move in a second direction when a force from a non-paralyzed muscle group acts on the first portion of the limb. The biasing device continues to bias the first portion in the first direction so that the limb returns to the first position when the force from the muscle group is removed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for coating medical devices with pharmaceutical agents and devices coated with the compositions. The coated devices provide controlled or sustained release of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of wounds or disease.

Abstract: A method for resetting the phase of the human circadian clock and for enhancing alertness and performance in humans. The method involves the application of non-solar photic stimulation, in the range of 15 to 150,000 lux, to any non-ocular region of the human body during wakefulness or during sleep. Preferably, the photic stimulation has a wavelength within the visible spectrum (.about.400-750 nm). The method can be used to both delay and advance the circadian clock according to a phase response curve (PRC). The method may also be used for acute/immediate enhancement of alertness and performance. The method is applicable to alleviation of problems associated with "jet-lag", shift work sleep disturbance, and other sleep disturbances involving misalignment of circadian rhythms. The method provides a novel technique for shifting the phase of the circadian clock, and enhancing alertness and performance, using existing, or newly-developed devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: Method and use of injected fluids for enhancement of absorption of radiofrequency and microwave radiation in tissue. Biocompatible fluids or solutions with absorption properties greater than that of the target tissue are injected into the target tissue, which is then irradiated with appropriate frequency radio-frequency or microwave radiation. Absorption produces heat selectively in the target tissue, thereby producing desired ablation of excess or diseased tissue.

Abstract: Cardiomyopathy associated with diabetes and hyperglycemia can be treated by administering to a subject suffering from this condition a substance that inhibits UDP-GlcNAc:Gal.beta.1-3GalNAc.alpha.R.beta.1-6-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (core 2 GlcNAc-T) activity.

Abstract: A nursing table is intended for use during the nursing of a baby and includes a planar surface on which the baby rests. The planar surface has a contoured cutout portion such that the table can wrap around the mother's stomach to enable proper positioning of the baby. The table has adjustable legs that unfold for nursing and fold such that the table can be easily stowed.