Abstract: A device for characterizing a luminal dimension, such as the aortic annulus, has also been developed. These include a balloon or basket with sensing and transmitting elements for assessing two or three dimensional shape of lumens using a guide wire and catheter. Sheath introducer devices were developed for percutaneous delivery of bioprosthetic valves during various percutaneous procedures, such as TAVI. A marker needle dispenser for pre-marking anatomical features that are either desirable to target or desirable to avoid has been developed. The needle contains a central passage or lumen for loading marker and spacer material. These are characterized by specific spacing, color, shape or diagnostic imaging criteria to facilitate passage through and placement within the vasculature. Hemostatic stents or balloons are used to prevent bleeding and facilitate closure at sites for entry of catheters or introducer sheaths into luminal structures, especially for procedures such as TAVI through the subclavian artery.

Abstract: The present invention identifies genes whose gene products are differentially expressed during restenosis, including de novo restenosis and in stent restenosis (ISR). Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating a patient or methods for prophylactically treating an individual susceptible to restenosis. Additionally, the invention describes screening methods for identifying agents that can be administered to treat individuals that have or at risk of developing restenosis.