Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to modified relaxin polypeptides, such as modified human relaxin 2 polypeptides, comprising a non-naturally encoded amino acid which is linked to a pharmacokinetic enhancer, and therapeutic uses of such polypeptides, such as for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions (such as heart failure) and/or conditions relating to fibrosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to modified relaxin polypeptides, such as modified human relaxin 2 polypeptides, comprising a non-naturally encoded amino acid which is linked to a pharmacokinetic enhancer, and therapeutic uses of such polypeptides, such as for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions (such as heart failure) and/or conditions relating to fibrosis.

Abstract: A method system and computer readable medium for a medical service provider to document and approve service and billing information substantially contemporaneous with a provision of services is disclosed. The method includes receiving context information about services for a patient and retrieving a first category of service identifier groups based at least in part on the context information. The method further includes receiving, in response to an approval by the medical service provider of a first group of the service identifier groups, a first identifier belonging to the first group as further input substantially contemporaneous with the provision of services by the medical service provider. The method further includes storing the context information and the first identifier for output in connection with billing information.

Abstract: A system for generating a billing report for rendered services includes local and remote processing devices. The local processing device is located locally with respect to a location at which the services are rendered and the remote-processing device is located remotely with respect to such location. The local and remote processing devices execute respective software programs and communicate in a particular manner over a wide area computer network (e.g., the Internet) such that a service provider using the local processing device can access the remote processing device and enter parameters related to the services (e.g., service codes) for use in generating the billing report. Entry of the parameters preferably occurs substantially during the time period when the services are being rendered and the parameters are preferably acceptable to a third party that is at least partially responsible for payment for the services.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for controlled sealant closure, visualization and evaluation of an anterior arteriotomy site in a patient by means of a fiberoptic system in combination with a radiant energy sensitive synthetic human or non-human base sealant. The sealant material undergoes a reaction in which the property of the sealant is converted from liquid to solid or semi-solid, with the reaction being triggered or energized by exposure to radiant energy.

Abstract: A method for surgically enlarging an arterial lumen totally occluded by a stenotic lesion, and a unique balloon catheter used during that operation. The balloon catheter is generally rod shaped and includes an elongated tubular member having a double central lumen with a proximal end and a distal end and a balloon portion having a concave distal tip smaller in diameter than the proximal tip. The method takes advantage of the catheter design and includes positioning of the catheter in close proximity to a total occlusion and inflating the balloon to form a plaque cleft.

Abstract: A catheter is provided comprising a first portion of substantially linear shape, a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle in a curved manner, and a third portion. The third portion extends from the second portion in an out of plane manner relative to the first and second portions. The catheter is thus constructed to provide hooked engagement of an internal thoracic artery.