Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide methods of producing decellularized and recellularized cardiac tissues engineering methods of treating heart disease, including heart aneurysm and myocardial infarction. Cardiac tissue engineering of compositing and constructing of a recellularized coronary-based right heart flap or cardiac flap scaffold with its cellular components are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intravascular device for keeping open a previously constricted site within a vessel and for minimizing tissue debris at such a site from closing off the vessel is provided. The device includes an expandable substantially tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end. The device also includes a flexible netting system that is circumferentially disposed about the body, and extends beyond at least one of the distal end or proximal end. The netting system can expand along with the body to minimize release of tissues debris at the site from closing the lumen of the vessel. The netting system can include a plurality of pores to permit communication between fluid flow within the vessel and the vessel wall, and at least one pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of certain conditions. A method for placing the device at a site of interest is also provided.

Abstract: An intravascular device for keeping open a previously constricted site within a vessel and for minimizing tissue debris at such a site from closing off the vessel is provided. The device includes an expandable substantially tubular body defined by a framework having a plurality of openings. The device also includes a flexible netting system having a structural design for extending across each of the openings. Such a design allows the netting system to expand along with each opening in the framework to minimize release of tissues debris at the site from closing the lumen of the vessel. The netting system can include a plurality of pores to permit communication between fluid flow within the vessel and the vessel wall, and at least one pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of certain conditions. A method for placing the device at a site of interest is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for detection of active atheromatous plaque and/or thin-capped fibro-atheroma (“vulnerable plaque”) using selectively targeted radiolabeled compositions, such as beta-emitting compositions.

Abstract: An intravascular device for keeping open a previously constricted site within a vessel and for minimizing tissue debris at such a site from closing off the vessel is provided. The device includes an expandable substantially tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end. The device also includes a flexible netting system that is circumferentially disposed about the body, and extends beyond at least one of the distal end or proximal end. The netting system can expand along with the body to minimize release of tissues debris at the site from closing the lumen of the vessel. The netting system can include a plurality of pores to permit communication between fluid flow within the vessel and the vessel wall, and at least one pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of certain conditions. A method for placing the device at a site of interest is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel modified fatty acid analogs, where a positron or gamma-emitting label is placed at a position on a fatty acid backbone and an organic substituent is substituted at the 2,3; 3,4; 4,5; 5,6 and other sequence positions of a fatty acid backbone. These novel fatty acid analogs are designed to enter the tissues of interest by the same long chain fatty acid carrier mechanism as natural fatty acids, however, functional substituents in the 2,3; 3,4; 4,5; 5,6 and other sequence positions, block the catabolic pathway, thus trapping these analogs in a virtually unmodified form in the tissues of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for detection and therapy of active atheromatous plaque and/or thin-capped fibro-atheroma (“vulnerable plaque”), using selectively targeted fluorescent, radiolabeled, or fluorescent and radiolabeled compositions. The present invention further relates to methods and devices for detection and therapy of active atheromatous plaques and/or vulnerable plaques, using selectively targeted beta-emitting compositions, optionally comprising fluorescent compositions.

Abstract: A wireless network including a plurality of base stations operating at a public spectrum frequency, each base station capable of generating an adjustable size coverage area. Each base station utilizing dedicating channels for each user to permit avoidance of one or more sources of interference. A server supplying data to the base stations, and managing billing and access to the wireless network.

Abstract: An intravascular device for keeping open a previously constricted site within a vessel and for minimizing tissue debris at such a site from closing off the vessel is provided. The device includes an expandable substantially tubular body defined by a framework having a plurality of openings. The device also includes a flexible netting system having a structural design for extending across each of the openings. Such a design allows the netting system to expand along with each opening in the framework to minimize release of tissues debris at the site from closing the lumen of the vessel. The netting system can include a plurality of pores to permit communication between fluid flow within the vessel and the vessel wall, and at least one pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of certain conditions. A method for placing the device at a site of interest is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel imaging agents for clinical diagnosis of injuries and diseases, in the form of a radionuclide in spatial proximity to a substantially pure stereoisomer of a fatty acid analog. The invention also provides methods for using the novel imaging agents, and kits containing one or more of the novel imaging agents of the invention.

Abstract: A permanent thrombus and plaque filtering stent blocks and/or filters potential emboli in patients undergoing intravascular treatment and/or stent implantation. The stent has a plurality of movable magnetic or ultrasonic agitating elements attached thereto, which when remotely activated move, vibrate or rotate to break up the thrombus, plaque or tissue debris.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to a method of imaging cardiovascular plaque formation in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of 18F-2-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose and then detecting the 18F-2-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel imaging agents for clinical diagnosis of injuries and diseases, in the form of a radionuclide in spatial proximity to a substantially pure stereoisomer of a fatty acid analog. The invention also provides methods for using the novel imaging agents, and kits containing one or more of the novel imaging agents of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for selectively targeting Photodynamic Therapy (“PDT”) to inflammatory components of vulnerable plaques. As such, the present invention provides methods for the identification of vulnerable plaques, using fluorescent compositions, which include photosensitizer compoisitions, and/or radiolabeled compounds, as well as methods to treat vulnerable plaques by selectively targeting and/or eliminating the inflammatory components of vulnerable plaques.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe-type imaging device useful to visualize interior surfaces, e.g., the lumen of blood vessels. Specifically, the probe-type device is particularly useful for direct tissue imaging in the presence or absence of molecular imaging agents.

Abstract: Methods of activating ATIII in situ in a blood product are disclosed, as is the use of such methods and blood products in treating infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders and diseases or conditions that are mediated by thrombin activation.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing radiofluorinated substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and alkenyl compounds. In a preferred embodiment, potassium fluoride-18 is used. Another aspect of the invention relates to piperazine compounds containing fluorine-18 that are useful as imaging agents. In certain embodiments, the piperazine compounds contain a quaternary amine. Another aspect of the invention relates to arylphosphonium compounds containing fluorine-18 that are useful as imaging agents. In certain embodiments, the phosphonium compound is a tetraaryl phosphonium salt. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of obtaining a positron emission image of a mammal, comprising the steps of administering to a mammal a compound of the invention, and acquiring a positron emission spectrum of the mammal.

Abstract: Piperidine or piperazine compounds useful for treating neurodegenerated diseases characterized by the lack of dopamine neurons activity or for imaging the dopamine neurons are provided.

Abstract: Biologically active agents covalently linked to a polymer. The polymer is preferably a biodegradable polymer are provided. The biologically active agent is preferably a protein, such as an extracellular soluble protein, e.g., an extracellular enzyme. The enzyme can be an apyrase, e.g., NTPDase. Conjugates of the invention can be used as therapeutics in subjects. For example, a conjugate comprising an apyrase can be used for treating and preventing thrombosis, atherosclerotic plaque complications and vascular disorders.

Abstract: An intravascular device having a removable biocompatible sleeve pulled substantially over the length of the device is provided. The device may be a substantially expandable tubular body defined by a mesh framework. The sleeve can include a plurality of perforations to permit fluid communication with the mesh framework. The sleeve may contain a pharmacotherapeutic agent to permit treatment of certain conditions. After deployment to a site of interest, the device and more specifically, the sleeve, can provide local delivery of sustained or controlled therapeutic dose of the suitable pharmacotherapeutic agent.