Abstract: Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 90% identical to residues 46-163 of SEQ ID NO: 2 or residues 235-345 of SEQ ID NO: 2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: A tissue isolation and removal device has a containment pouch that is opened and supported by the device. The pouch has two open/close portions both able to be closed and reopened. One portion positioned away from tissue being inserted in the pouch and covering the other portion to enclose or isolate any tissue captured in the other portion.

Abstract: The trocar system includes a cannula insertable through a body wall using an obturator having a distal tip. A traction tread disposed interiorly of the obturator inverts at the distal tip and extends proximally along the outer surface of the obturator or cannula. At the distal tip the tread can facilitate parting rather than cutting the tissue Along the outer surface, the tread can engage the tissue to pull it proximally along the advancing obturator. This produces counter forces which can result in a net proximal force facilitating distention of the abdominal wall and separation of the abdominal wall from internal organs The traction tread can be axially and/or radially continuous.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a lie loaded packing assembly for a valve which comprises a valve body defining a passage having a valve stem moveably disposed therein and selectively moveable between open and closed positions. Extending about a portion of the valve stem is a packing. One end of a sleeve of the valve bears axially onto and compresses the packing, with a spigot of the valve being cooperatively engaged to the opposite end of the sleeve. A clamp of the valve is cooperatively engaged to the valve body, with a pair of bolts extending between and being secured to the clamp, the spigot, and a flange member which is itself cooperatively engaged to the spigot. The combination of the bolt, spigot and flange member provide an integral spring construction for the valve.

Abstract: A surgical guide clip is provided that comprises connectors and jaws attached at each end to the connectors. The jaws being piovtable to open the jaws and having aspects of ratcheting mechanisms to provide incremental closing of the jaws together.

Abstract: A trocar fixation device includes a cannula and an elongate tube mounted onto and coupled to the exterior surface of the cannula with the distal end of the cannula extending distally beyond the distal end of the elongate tube. The elongate tube includes a plurality of slits cut at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube. The trocar fixation device is activated by rotating the proximal-end region of the elongate tube in a first direction and is deactivated by rotating the proximal-end region of the elongate tube in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. Activation of the trocar fixation device compresses the material positioned between adjacent slits and forces the material radially outwardly, away from the exterior surface of the cannula, thereby forming ridges. Deactivation of the trocar fixation device returns the exterior surface of the elongate tube to a substantially smooth condition.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a lie loaded packing assembly for a valve which comprises a valve body defining a passage having a valve stem moveably disposed therein and selectively moveable between open and closed positions. Extending about a portion of the valve stem is a packing. One end of a sleeve of the valve bears axially onto and compresses the packing, with a spigot of the valve being cooperatively engaged to the opposite end of the sleeve. A clamp of the valve is cooperatively engaged to the valve body, with a pair of bolts extending between and being secured to the clamp, the spigot, and a flange member which is itself cooperatively engaged to the spigot. The combination of the bolt, spigot and flange member provide an integral spring construction for the valve.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop positioned therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.

Abstract: A wound retractor for retracting a surgical incision includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a distensible sleeve coupled to the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes at least a pair of circular tubes coupled to each other. At least one of the circular tubes includes a lumen and a split that forms open ends. A noncompliant tubular hoop having a split therein is positioned in the lumen. The tubular hoop is oriented with its open ends positioned away from the split of the circular tubes. A core is positioned in the lumen of the tubular hoop. The core has a first end and a second end and is oriented with the ends positioned away from the split in the tubular hoop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided having a cartridge carrying multiple surgical clips with a manual graspable actuator configured to sequentially deliver clips to the jaws of the clip applier. Both the cartridge and the jaws are connectable to a scissors-like actuator arranged to translate motion from finger loops to the jaws to open and close the jaws and thus close or crimp a delivered clip between the jaws.

Abstract: Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 90% identical to residues 46-163 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 235-345 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: Materials and methods for reducing cell proliferation or extracellular matrix production in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf4 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Exemplary zvegf4 antagonists include anti-zvegf4 antibodies, inhibitory polynucleotides, inhibitors of zvegf4 activation, and mitogenically inactive, receptor-binding variants of zvegf4. The materials and methods are useful in the treatment of, inter alia, fibroproliferative disorders of the kidney, liver, and bone.

Abstract: Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 70% identical to residues 52-179 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 258-370 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: Methods for promoting growth of bone, ligament, or cartilage in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to said mammal a composition comprising a pharmacologically effective amount of a zvegf3 protein in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Also disclosed are methods for promoting proliferation or differentiation of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes, or bone marrow stem cells comprising culturing the cells in an effective amount of a zvegf3 protein.

Abstract: Materials and methods for reducing cell proliferation or extracellular matrix production in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a mammal a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a zvegf4 antagonist in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Exemplary zvegf4 antagonists include anti-zvegf4 antibodies, inhibitory polynucleotides, inhibitors of zvegf4 activation, and mitogenically inactive, receptor-binding variants of zvegf4. The materials and methods are useful in the treatment of, inter alia, fibroproliferative disorders of the kidney, liver, and bone.

Abstract: Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 70% identical to residues 52-179 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 258-370 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trocar seal adapted to form a seal around a surgical instrument, the trocar seal comprising a housing having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end and forming a working channel sized and configured to receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric septum seal having a proximal face and a distal face, the septum seal being disposed in the housing and extending transverse to the axis of the housing across the working channel; portions of the septum seal defining a hole having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the surgical instrument so that during insertion of the instrument along the working channel the septum seal forms a seal with the instrument; and at least one structure formed integrally with or proximate to the septum seal to prevent inversion of the septum seal upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A trail map directory for off-highway vehicles is disclosed. The directory includes a binder having a plurality of individual map pages laminated for dry ease writing and for ease of cleaning. A mechanism is provided for releasably attaching each map page to the binder. A key map is positioned towards the front of the binder, and the key map is subdivided into individual regional map display portions corresponding to the individual map pages. Each map page is preferably a substantially flat, relatively stiff laminated panel. The panel has first and second faces located on opposite surfaces thereof, and first and second side edges which define the width dimension of the panel. Each panel first face includes an enlarged map display portion indexed relative to the key map and is in the form of an enhanced topographical map overlaid with off-road trails present within the map boundary. The trails are color-coded to indicate relative difficulty of use.