Abstract: A method for updating a database schema may include maintaining a database, database schema and a first version of an application. The method may include generating application schema for the first version of the application, the application schema including a mapping of one or more classes of the application to a respective table in the database. The method may include executing the first version of the application and storing an application data object in the database in accordance with the application schema. While the first version of the application is executing, the method may include receiving a request to update the first version of the application to a different version, identifying application metadata for the different version of the application, comparing the application metadata for the different version of the application with the database schema for the database, and updating the database schema based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for updating a database schema may include maintaining a database, database schema and a first version of an application. The method may include generating application schema for the first version of the application, the application schema including a mapping of one or more classes of the application to a respective table in the database. The method may include executing the first version of the application and storing an application data object in the database in accordance with the application schema. While the first version of the application is executing, the method may include receiving a request to update the first version of the application to a different version, identifying application metadata for the different version of the application, comparing the application metadata for the different version of the application with the database schema for the database, and updating the database schema based on the comparison.

Abstract: A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of advancing a guidewire from a first intermediate location to a further intermediate location which is proximal of the treatment location and, subsequently, advancing a medical device over the guidewire toward the further intermediate location. The method may comprise repeating these steps for additional intermediate locations. In one case the treatment location is in the carotid artery. The treatment location may be at or adjacent to the carotid bifurcation. An intermediate location may be at or adjacent to the aortic arch. An intermediate location may be at or adjacent to the carotid take-off. The medical device may be delivered over the guidewire using a delivery catheter. The delivery catheter and the medical device may be advanced through the vasculature without the use of a guide catheter.

Abstract: A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.

Abstract: In a method for filtering embolic material, a guide catheter (5) is advanced through a vasculature. A delivery catheter (4), a guidewire (2) and a collapsed filter are advanced together through the guide catheter (5) to a point distally of the distal end of the guide catheter (5). The guidewire (2) is then advanced across the lesion. During this advancement of the guidewire (2), the delivery catheter (4) and the collapsed filter remain substantially stationary. When the guidewire (2) has crossed the lesion, the delivery catheter (4) and the collapsed filter are then advanced across the lesion until the collapsed filter is distal of the lesion. The delivery catheter (4) is then withdrawn to facilitate deployment of the filter at the location distal of the lesion to ensure that any embolic material released during performance of an interventional procedure at the lesion will be captured and safely retained within the filter.

Abstract: A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.

Abstract: A tissue engineering scaffold for cell, tissue or organ growth comprises a biocompatible porous polyurethane cellular material comprising a plurality of substantially spherical voids of diameter from 20 to 300 microns, preferably 80 to 200 microns, interconnected by generally elliptically shaped pores. The cellular material has a void content of from 85% to 98% and a surface area to volume of from 5 to 400 mm2/mm3, ideally from 20 to 80 mm2/mm3.