Abstract: The cryogenic ablation device of the present invention uses a first, distal balloon and a second, proximal balloon mounted on a shaft. The proximal balloon is used to position the distal balloon, and the distal balloon, which is also called cryogenic balloon, is supplied with a cooling medium to perform the cryo-ablation. The shaft is used to bring the balloons to the intended position within a patient and provides multiple lumens, for example for supplying media to the proximal balloon and the distal balloon, respectively.

Abstract: A coolant delivery device configured to be attachable to an endoscope, the coolant delivery device including a coolant component and an attachment mechanism. The coolant component having a coolant component body configured to removably connect to a coolant source, the coolant source containing a coolant. The coolant component body defining a fluid path from the coolant source to an outlet of the coolant component body. The coolant component includes an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the coolant component body and configured to control flow of the coolant from the coolant source. The attachment mechanism configured to removably attach the coolant component to the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical system including a protective sleeve for a medical device having a distal end positionable in a blood vessel, the protective sleeve including a body defining a passage therethrough and a vent in fluid communication with the passage, where at least a portion of the distal end of the medical device is positionable within the passage. An introducer device may be included having a sheath, where the sheath defines a first passage for receiving a portion of the catheter. In addition, the sleeve may be releasably engageable with the introducer device for subsequent insertion of the medical device into the introducer device.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of treatment or prophylaxis of atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia or a cardiovascular disease associated with atherosclerosis, which method comprises administration of one or more Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs) to a patient in need of such treatment or prophylaxis. There are also provided methods of reducing blood plasma cholesterol levels, as well as methods of modulating the expression of the scavenger receptor CD36 and genes involved in cellular cholesterol efflux.

Abstract: There is provided a system for re-orienting erected cartons having an opening through which primary containers, such as bottles or cans, in a “unit” are to be inserted. The erected cartons are adapted to rotate to make the opening accessible to bottle loading equipment only in a manner which ensures that the geometry of the opening is not deformed from that of the originally erected carton.

Abstract: The filter has hollow fiber membranes which are spaced apart from each other and are held in a substantially linear fashion between a first bonded layer and second bonded layer. This allows the membranes to work effectively without having to be looped. This placement also avoids the kinking of the membranes and stretching in the membrane which in turn would undesirably increase the pore size. The filter thus has a plurality of porous membranes, each membrane having a hollow passage therein and having a first end and second end, and each end having an opening. The first bonded layer is affixed to the first ends so as to block fluid entry through the openings of the first ends. The second bonded layer is affixed to the second ends so as to leave the openings of the second ends exposed for fluid exit from the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: A method of casting porous membranes of polymeric material is provided wherein the membrane has at least one of the following: a more homogeneous active skin layer for separation purposes with a lower molecular weight cut off, a more homogeneous active skin layer with a sharper molecular weight cut off curve, a relatively thinner active skin layer with a relatively greater flux for a given separation of a substance from a solution thereof, and relatively fewer imperfections through the active skin layer.