Abstract: A system for stabilizing and advancing a delivery system for direct access TAVI. The system includes an introducer support coupled to an introducer and a stable object, a cradle mechanism coupled to a handle of the delivery system and a stable object, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the delivery system. Operation of the adjustment mechanism moves the delivery system distal of the handle in a distal or proximal direction. The introducer support may be coupled to a flexible position clamp. The cradle mechanism includes a cradle for the handle, a flexible arm coupled to the cradle, and a clamp coupled to the flexible arm and attached to the stable object. The stable object may be an operating table. The adjustment mechanism may be coupled to the delivery system adjacent the introducer. The adjustment mechanism may include a quick release mechanism.

Abstract: An example of an implantable neuromodulation device includes a bioabsorbable electrode and an elongate bioabsorbable support structure carrying the electrode. The support structure is configured to expand in a direction perpendicular to its length so as to move the electrode into contact with a wall of a naturally occurring lumen of a human patient. The electrode is electrically activatable to modulate a nerve within tissue at or otherwise proximate to the wall of the lumen. An example of a neuromodulation method using the neuromodulation device includes locating the neuromodulation device at a treatment site within the lumen and deploying the neuromodulation device into an expanded treatment state at the treatment site. The method further includes reducing obstruction of blood flow through the lumen after deploying the neuromodulation device and then wirelessly energizing the electrode from an extracorporeal energy source.

Abstract: Described herein generally are catheter systems used to deliver cells and other bioactive materials to a target location within the vascular system of the human body, and methods of delivering cells and other bioactive materials to such target locations.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic substance to a treatment site within a body lumen includes advancing a balloon catheter to the treatment site. A balloon of the balloon catheter is inflated and while the balloon is inflated, a primer that coats the treatment site and attracts the therapeutic substance thereto is delivered through a first fluid delivery lumen of the balloon catheter. The balloon of the balloon catheter is deflated for a predetermined period of time. The balloon of the balloon catheter is reinflated and while the balloon is reinflated, the therapeutic substance is delivered through a second fluid delivery lumen of the balloon catheter. The primer improves adherence of the therapeutic substance to the treatment site.

Abstract: Osteopontin for the prediction and treatment of cardiovascular diseases The present invention relates to the use of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and osteopontin for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases or complications. The invention also relates to the use of EPC osteopontin levels as a marker of the risk of the development of these cardiovascular complications. In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods based on osteopontin and the genes encoding osteopontin.

Abstract: Described herein generally are catheter systems used to deliver cells and other bioactive materials to a target location within the vascular system of the human body, and methods of delivering cells and other bioactive materials to such target locations.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic substance to a treatment site within a body lumen includes advancing a balloon catheter to the treatment site. A balloon of the balloon catheter is inflated and while the balloon is inflated, a primer that coats the treatment site and attracts the therapeutic substance thereto is delivered through a first fluid delivery lumen of the balloon catheter. The balloon of the balloon catheter is deflated for a predetermined period of time. The balloon of the balloon catheter is reinflated and while the balloon is reinflated, the therapeutic substance is delivered through a second fluid delivery lumen of the balloon catheter. The primer improves adherence of the therapeutic substance to the treatment site.

Abstract: Osteopontin for the prediction and treatment of cardiovascular diseases The present invention relates to the use of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and osteopontin for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases or complications. The invention also relates to the use of EPC osteopontin levels as a marker of the risk of the development of these cardiovascular complications. In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods based on osteopontin and the genes encoding osteopontin.

Abstract: Systems and methods that allow the local delivery of stem cells and/or endothelial progenitor cells to a treatment site. More particularly, this disclosure provides cell delivery systems used to induce cell growth and angiogenesis at a treatment site.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric stent includes providing a molding apparatus including a central core pin and a plurality of slides, wherein each of the slides includes grooves on an inner surface the slide, wherein the grooves are formed in the shape of the stent. A molten polymer is injected into the grooves and allowed to solidify. The slides are moves away from the central core pin and the solidified polymer, in the shape of a stent, is removed. The central core also may or may not include corresponding grooves depending on the desired cross section of struts and crowns of the stent.