Abstract: A flexible catheter is inserted into the esophagus to cool or warm the esophagus, particularly during certain procedures which can tend to change the temperature in the area of the esophagus. The catheter is inserted through the mouth and throat to a position, for example, proximate the heart, but within the esophagus. One or more balloons are inflated to block areas of the esophagus, while a gel is injected into the esophagus where it is immobilized by the one or more balloons. A coolant is pumped through a coolant tube affixed to the catheter, where it exchanges heat with the conductive gel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for blocking needle tracts are disclosed. In some embodiments, the needle tracts are blocked by using a needle that includes an elongated shaft that defines an outer surface, and a polymer coating applied to the outer surface of the shaft, the coating being adapted to block the tract formed by insertion of the needle into an object.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for blocking needle tracts are disclosed. In some embodiments, the needle tracts are blocked by using a needle that includes an elongated shaft that defines an outer surface, and a polymer coating applied to the outer surface of the shaft, the coating being adapted to block the tract formed by insertion of the needle into an object.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring use of handwashing agents to determine compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. A handwashing agent is provided with a detectable, volatile compound, such as odors, which is then rubbed onto a subject's hands using the subject's handwashing technique. After the handwashing event, the subject's hand is then exposed to an detector (such as a badge), which includes a sensor capable of detecting the volatile compound, and an indicator that communicates detection of the volatile compound, indicating use of the handwashing agent and hand hygiene compliance.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for materials having a non-leaching coating that has antimicrobial properties. The coating is applied to substrates such as gauze-type wound dressings. Covalent, non-leaching, non-hydrolyzable bonds are formed between the substrate and the polymer molecules that form the coating. A high concentration of anti-microbial groups on multi-length polymer chains and relatively long average chain lengths, contribute to an absorbent or superabsorbent surface with a high level antimicrobial effect.

Abstract: A method of bonding an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate is described, wherein the antimicrobial thus attached to the substrate provides the substrate with antimicrobial properties, and at least a portion of the bonded antimicrobial is substantially non-leachable during normal conditions of use and storage. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial material is described which comprises exposure of the substrate to a solution of antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by drying the exposed substrate thoroughly to impart a non-leaching property to at least a portion of the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: A method of bonding an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate is described, wherein the antimicrobial thus attached to the substrate provides the substrate with antimicrobial properties, and at least a portion of the bonded antimicrobial is substantially non-leachable during normal conditions of use and storage. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial material is described which comprises exposure of the substrate to a solution of antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by drying the exposed substrate thoroughly to impart a non-leaching property to at least a portion of the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring use of handwashing agents to determine compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. A handwashing agent is provided with a detectable, volatile compound, such as odors, which is then rubbed onto a subject's hands using the subject's handwashing technique. After the handwashing event, the subject's hand is then exposed to an detector (such as a badge), which includes a sensor capable of detecting the volatile compound, and an indicator that communicates detection of the volatile compound, indicating use of the handwashing agent and hand hygiene compliance.

Abstract: A method of bonding an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate is described, wherein the antimicrobial thus attached to the substrate provides the substrate with antimicrobial properties, and at least a portion of the bonded antimicrobial is substantially non-leachable during normal conditions of use and storage. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial material is described which comprises exposure of the substrate to a solution of antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by drying the exposed substrate thoroughly to impart a non-leaching property to at least a portion of the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: A method of bonding an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate is described, wherein the antimicrobial thus attached to the substrate provides the substrate with antimicrobial properties, and at least a portion of the bonded antimicrobial is substantially non-leachable during normal conditions of use and storage. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial material is described which comprises exposure of the substrate to a solution of antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by drying the exposed substrate thoroughly to impart a non-leaching property to at least a portion of the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: Amino acid functionalized polymers useful for graft copolymerization prepared by reacting a mixture containing, for chain transfer, a thio-substituted amino acid and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: A method of localized cell heating introduces a plurality of ferroelectric comprising particles into a target region of a patient, and applies a time varying electrical field to the target region. The ferroelectric particles absorb energy from the electrical field and heat the target region in response, such as to a temperature sufficient to induce apoptosis of cancer cells in the target region. A ferroelectric hyperthermia-based cancer treatment system includes a time varying electrical field source for applying a time varying electrical field to a plurality of ferroelectric particles disposed in a target cancer containing region of a patient. A composition of matter includes a particle having a ferroelectric portion, the particle being non-toxic, slowly biodegradable in body fluids, and less than 15 ?m in its maximum dimension.

Abstract: A method of localized cell heating introduces a plurality of ferroelectric comprising particles into a target region of a patient, and applies a time varying electrical field to the target region. The ferroelectric particles absorb energy from the electrical field and heat the target region in response, such as to a temperature sufficient to induce apoptosis of cancer cells in the target region. A ferroelectric hyperthermia-based cancer treatment system includes a time varying electrical field source for applying a time varying electrical field to a plurality of ferroelectric particles disposed in a target cancer containing region of a patient. A composition of matter includes a particle having a ferroelectric portion, the particle being non-toxic, slowly biodegradable in body fluids, and less than 15 ?m in its maximum dimension.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) having an affinity for dietary phosphates, resulting polymers, pharmaceutical compositions and modes of administration are disclosed. The MIP compounds are useful for binding excess dietary phosphates in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides copper capillary alginate gels stabilized with barium, chitosan, its derivates, or a combination thereof. These stabilized gels are useful as scaffolds for containing, growing, or regenerating biological agents and cells for in vivo or in vitro use.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel materials and methods to detect low frequency surface changes utilizing modified microspheres. Upon exposing the surface to the modified microspheres of the subject invention, the microspheres selectively adhere to any targeted surface marker.

Abstract: A flowable, biodegradable endovascular embolic composition effective for embolizing a vascular defect consisting essentially of: (a) a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer or polymeric material forming composition; (b) a biocompatible embolic solvent for the polymer or polymer forming composition capable of diffusion into mammalian tissue; (c) biocompatible magnetic particles responsive to a magnetic field; wherein: the polymer or polymeric forming material and solvent are present in the composition in amounts and relative proportions such that (1) the composition is deliverable to a vascular defect site and (2) upon delivery to the site, solidifies into an embolic mass; and the magnetic particles are present in the composition in an amount sufficient to enable the composition being deliverable to the vascular site by a magnetic field. Also disclosed are methods and articles of manufacture embodying the above-described composition.

Abstract: A coaxial double lumen tube adapted for forming an endovascular graft which comprises an outer tube positioned over an inner tube, both tubes being made of a material acceptable for use in endovascular grafts and having an internal and external diameter and a wall thickness, the outer tube having an internal diameter and the inner tube having an external diameter such that a space is created between the outer tube and inner tube, said space being at least partially filled with an uncured adhesive which, upon curing after endovascular implantation, cures to adhere said inner and outer tubes together to form a self-supportive tube.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to an elastic sheath, device, and methods for disrupting and/or removing occlusive material from lumens, particularly biological lumens, such as the vasculature, ureter, urethra, fallopian tubes, bile duct, intestines, and the like. The subject invention provides for effective disruption and removal of occlusive material, such as a thrombus, from the body lumen with minimal risk of injury to the lumen wall. Advantageously, the invention can be used to achieve a high degree of removal while minimizing the amount of occlusive material that is released into the body lumen. The subject invention further pertains to methods for disrupting and removing occlusive material from a biological lumen. In another aspect, the present invention concerns a device useful as an in vitro model of luminal occlusion and methods for using the device to test the efficacy of devices and methods for treating luminal occlusions.

Abstract: Amino acid functionalized polymers useful for graft copolymerization prepared by reacting a mixture containing, for chain transfer, a thio-substituted amino acid and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer.