Abstract: Devices and methods for recovering cells and cellular components are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a device for recovering cells and cellular components includes a plurality of collection receptacles. The plurality of collection receptacles are positioned and arranged with respect to each other so as to separate fluid with the loose cells and cellular fragments into separate aliquots. The plurality of collection receptacles are also separable from each other after the fluid with the loose cells and cellular fragments has been separated into the separate aliquots.

Abstract: Devices and methods that enable loose cells to undergo both visual and molecular diagnostics are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a microfluidic chip includes an input area, an output area, a microchannel, and a viewing area. The input area includes an input silo that extends from an upper surface. The output area includes an output silo configured to extend from a lower surface. The microchannel places the input silo and the output silo in fluid communication, such that the cells can flow from the input silo, through the microchannel, to the output silo to be output for the molecular diagnostic. The viewing area is in fluid communication with the microchannel and is configured to enable the visual diagnostic. In an embodiment, a supportive device includes a mount for the microfluidic chip and an alignment arm that translates a magnet into and out of alignment with the viewing area.

Abstract: A packaging container for a medical device is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the packaging container includes an inner part and an outer part. The inner part has a rack surface with at least one cutout configured to hold one or more medical device both during shipping and upright during use. The outer part encloses the inner part and includes a tear line enabling a user to remove a portion thereof and expose the rack surface so that the user can use the medical device while held upright. In an embodiment, the inner part is formed by a single sheet of cardboard folded along a plurality of fold lines to form the rack surface, and the outer part is formed by a single sheet of cardboard folded along a plurality of fold lines to form the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for recovering solid tissue and dislodged cells (“D-cells”) from a biopsy are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a biopsy container apparatus for recovering solid tissue and D-cells from a biopsy includes a receiving container and a sieve container. The receiving container has a receiving chamber with an upper opening and a watertight bottom surface. The sieve container is configured to be located at least partially within the receiving chamber and removed from the receiving chamber through the upper opening. The sieve container has a bottom sieve surface including a plurality of apertures configured to pass the D-cells from the biopsy but not the solid tissue from the biopsy into the receiving chamber after the solid tissue and the D-cells from the biopsy are placed into the sieve container.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for recovering solid tissue and dislodged cells (“D-cells”) from a biopsy are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a biopsy container apparatus for recovering solid tissue and D-cells from a biopsy includes a buffer container, a sieve container and a sample collection container. The buffer container includes a buffer chamber. The sieve container is located least partially within the buffer container and includes a sieve surface configured to pass the D-cells from the biopsy but not the solid tissue from the biopsy into the buffer chamber. The sample collection container is removably attached to the buffer container and includes a reagent chamber.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for recovering solid tissue and dislodged cells (“D-cells”) from a biopsy are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a biopsy container apparatus includes a sample collection container, a basket sieve, and a buffer container. The sample collection container includes a reagent chamber. The basket sieve is configured for removable attachment at least partially within the sample collection container and includes a sieve surface configured to pass the D-cells from the biopsy but not the solid tissue from the biopsy. The buffer container is configured for removable attachment to the sample collection container and includes a buffer chamber.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for recovering solid tissue and dislodged cells (“D-cells”) from a biopsy are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a biopsy container apparatus includes a sample collection container, a basket sieve, and a buffer container. The sample collection container includes a reagent chamber. The basket sieve is configured for removable attachment at least partially within the sample collection container and includes a sieve surface configured to pass the D-cells from the biopsy but not the solid tissue from the biopsy. The buffer container is configured for removable attachment to the sample collection container and includes a buffer chamber.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for recovering solid tissue and dislodged cells (“D-cells”) from a biopsy are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a biopsy container apparatus for recovering solid tissue and D-cells from a biopsy includes a buffer container, a sieve container and a sample collection container. The buffer container includes a buffer chamber. The sieve container is located least partially within the buffer container and includes a sieve surface configured to pass the D-cells from the biopsy but not the solid tissue from the biopsy into the buffer chamber. The sample collection container is removably attached to the buffer container and includes a reagent chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a suture passer device used in procedures of robotic assisted minimally invasive suspension of the hyoid and tongue base in treatment of sleep apnea. The suture passer device is a dual use suture passer, having both suture insertor and extractor functionality on a single unitary instrument section of the device by means of insertion and extraction hooks positioned on an elongated needlelike body which is connected to a handle grip. The insertion and extraction hooks receive a suture via an opening in the body of the instrument, with the suture capable of removal and fastening to the extraction hook by robotic forceps. Procedures for using the device are disclosed which include a single point of entry on a patient and the device moved to first and second positions above and below the hyoid bone during robotic assisted surgery.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for improving triathlon transition area efficiency, comprising a main stand member comprising a base portion and a top portion, the base portion being configured to be supported by a ground surface; and a first shoe coupler fixedly coupled to the top portion of the main stand member and configured to removably couple a first shoe to the main stand member in a manner wherein a pose is established for the first shoe such that a foot of a standing athlete may be urged into the first shoe without the use of one or more hands of the athlete to stabilize the shoe.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for assisting an athlete in obtaining consumables such as food and sunblock while racing on a bicycle without slowing down, endangering him/herself, or performing unhygienic acts. In one embodiment, a mechanical one-hand-operable food-dispensing container may be coupled to a cyclist's bicycle such that it may be easily reached, and the solid pieces of food dispensed easily palmed by the same hand that operates it while the cyclist is racing. In another embodiment, a one-hand-operable liquid-sunblock-dispensing pump may be coupled to a cyclist's aerobars, such that its plunger may be depressed by the cyclist's thumb and the palm of the same hand may be positioned to receive the expelled sunblock, enabling the racer to apply sunblock without slowing down or endangering him/herself.