Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrafiltration. In particular, the present invention provides a compact ultrafiltration device and methods for generating an ultrafiltrate, both of which can be used for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to filtering blood, diagnostic applications, and as a bioreactor.

Abstract: An alternating current (AC) powered self organizing wireless node (100, 400, 600) includes a self organizing wireless receiver-transmitter (115), an AC branch connection (105), an AC to direct current (DC) converter (110), a secondary power function (120), and a housing (150). The self organizing wireless receiver-transmitter can communicate information throughout a network of compatible self organizing nodes solely using radio transmission to and reception from nearby self-organizing nodes. The secondary power function can couple power to the AC to DC converter for powering the self organizing wireless receiver-transmitter when AC power is not provided. The AC powered self organizing wireless node is designed and fabricated for agency certification. The AC powered self organizing wireless node may include one or more sensors (125), sensor inputs (135), transducers (130), or control outputs (155).

Abstract: A novel cell seeded hollow fiber bioreactor is described as a potential bioartificial kidney. Endothelial cells along with pericyte, vascular smooth muscle, and/or mesangial cells or any mesenchymally derived support cells are seeded along a hollow fiber in a perfused bioreactor to reproduce the ultrafiltration function and transport function of the kidney. Maintenance of tissue specific function and ultrastructure suggest that this bioreactor provides an economical device for treating renal failure.

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid, the circuit including in serial fluidic communication an inlet for receiving the body fluid from a patient, a first pump, a first treatment device for processing the body fluid, a second pump, an outlet for returning processed body fluid to the patient; and a shunt. The shunt is upstream from the first pump and downstream from the second pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrafiltration. In particular, the present invention provides a compact ultrafiltration device and methods for generating an ultrafiltrate, both of which can be used for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to filtering blood, diagnostic applications, and as a bioreactor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable device for delivering a pre-selected molecule, for example, a hormone, into a mammal's systemic circulation. The device comprises a blood permeable element that can be anchored to an inner wall of an intact blood vessel. The device also comprises a capsule that is held in place within the blood vessel by the anchored blood permeable element. The capsule encloses viable cells which produce and secrete the pre-selected molecule into blood passing the capsule. The invention also provides a minimally invasive method for percutaneously introducing into a preselected blood vessel the device of the invention.

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid, the circuit including in serial fluidic communication an inlet for receiving the body fluid from a patient, a first pump, a first treatment device for processing the body fluid, a second pump, an outlet for returning processed body fluid to the patient; and a shunt. The shunt is upstream from the first pump and downstream from the second pump.

Abstract: A method of immunomodulation by contacting the bodily fluid of a patient with renal tubule cells outside of the kidney.

Abstract: A method for treating systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) by contacting the bodily fluid of a patient with renal tubule cells outside of the kidney.

Abstract: A carpet-stretching device for stretching a carpet laid over a floor onto a fixing strip. The device includes: a shank having a first end and a second end; a head portion carrying a plurality of carpet engaging pins provided at the first end of the shank; and an end portion provided at the second end of the shank. The shank, head portion, and end portion are generally linearly arranged so that the application of a force to the end portion, in use, tends to drive the carpet in a direction that is generally parallel to the device rather than towards the floor.

Abstract: A method for treating systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) by contacting the bodily fluid of a patient with renal tubule cells outside of the kidney.

Abstract: A novel cell seeded hollow fiber bioreactor is described as a potential bioartificial kidney. Endothelial cells along with pericyte, vascular smooth muscle, and/or mesangial cells or any mesenchymally derived support cells are seeded along a hollow fiber in a perfused bioreactor to reproduce the ultrafiltration function and transport function of the kidney. Maintenance of tissue specific function and ultrastructure suggest that this bioreactor provides an economical device for treating renal failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable device for delivering a pre-selected molecule, for example, a hormone, into a mammal's systemic circulation. The device comprises a blood permeable element that can be anchored to an inner wall of an intact blood vessel. The device also comprises a capsule that is held in place within the blood vessel by the anchored blood permeable element. The capsule encloses viable cells which produce and secrete the pre-selected molecule into blood passing the capsule. The invention also provides a minimally invasive method for percutaneously introducing into a preselected blood vessel the device of the invention.

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid, the circuit including in serial fluidic communication an inlet for receiving the body fluid from a patient, a first pump, a first treatment device for processing the body fluid, a second pump, an outlet for returning processed body fluid to the patient; and a shunt. The shunt is upstream from the first pump and downstream from the second pump.

Abstract: A device and a method of maintaining vascularization near an implant, especially a bioartificial hemofilter. By associating cells that excrete angiogenic factors with such an implant, vascularization to the tissue surrounding the implant can be maintained. In a bioartificial hemofilter, this facilitates filtrate transport to a collection fiber for drainage from the body. The cells can be genetically engineered, for example using an adenovirus vector encoding for vascular endothelial growth factor. Myoblasts and myotubes may be used in one embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods, including culture media conditions, which provide for isolation and purification of renal tubule stem cells and for in vitro kidney tubulogenesis are disclosed. The methods rely on culturing adult kidney cells in a culture media treated with combinations of transforming growth factor-&bgr;1, epidermal growth factor, and all-trans retinoic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable drug delivery device for delivering a pre-selected drug directly into the systemic circulation of an animal. The device comprises an anchor immobilizable to an inner wall of an intact blood vessel. The device also comprises a drug containing reservoir that is retained in place within the blood vessel by the immobilized anchor. The reservoir may include, for example, a drug containing osmotic pump or a drug permeable capsule having disposed therein drug containing particles, which release the drug directly into blood passing the reservoir. The invention also provides a minimally invasive method for introducing into a blood vessel and, optionally, removing from the blood vessel the drug delivery device of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable, intravascular device for treating a medical disorder associated with the presence of a particular molecule in the systemic circulation of a mammal. When implanted, the device removes or reduces the concentration of the molecule in the blood stream thereby conditioning the blood. The device includes an anchor component immobilizable to an inner wall of an intact blood vessel and a cartridge component that is retained in place within the blood vessel by the immobilized anchor. The cartridge contains a converting agent, for example, viable cells or enzyme preparations, that catabolize or convert the molecule of interest into one or more other molecules that are not associated with the disorder. The invention also provides a minimally or non-invasive method for introducing into and, optionally, removing from the blood vessel the device of the invention.

Abstract: Methods, including culture media conditions, which provide for isolation and purification of renal tubule stem cells and for in vitro kidney tubulogenesis are disclosed. The methods rely on culturing adult kidney cells in a culture media treated with combinations of transforming growth factor-&bgr;1, epidermal growth factor, and all-trans retinoic acid.

Abstract: A carpet-stretching device for stretching a carpet laid over a floor onto a fixing strip. The device comprises: a shank having a first end and a second end; a head portion carrying a plurality of carpet engaging pins provided at the first end of the shank; and an end portion provided at the second end of said shank. The shank, head portion, and end portion are generally linearly arranged so that the application of a force to said end portion, in use, tends to drive the carpet in a direction that is generally parallel to the device rather than towards the floor.