Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological molecules for use in detecting, identifying and/or removing microbes and microbial components; diagnostic, therapeutic and filtration devices comprising the biological molecules; and systems and methods for treating fluids using the biological molecules and devices of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological molecules for use in detecting, identifying and/or removing microbes and microbial components; diagnostic, therapeutic and filtration devices comprising the biological molecules; and systems and methods for treating fluids using the biological molecules and devices of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are described for preparing samples including biological, environmental, and food products for microbial analysis. Microbes and microbe components in the sample can be treated with antimicrobial compounds and a matrix solution to permit fast and accurate characterization using analysis techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining blood flow in tissue are disclosed. The methods and apparatus are used to establish a baseline for both thermal properties of the tissue and non-physiologic conditions. Periodic changes in either or both constituents of the baseline are determined and, when the changes correspond to a need for a new baseline, a new baseline is established.

Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.

Abstract: The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system and method of forming same includes an ablation device having a substrate with an outer surface and energy transport elements coupled to the outer surface. The substrate is configured to have a shape that approximates an interior shape of a uterus. The system and method further including an energy source electrically coupled to the energy transport elements and at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in a lateral region of the uterus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining blood flow in tissue are disclosed. The methods and apparatus are used to establish a baseline for both thermal properties of the tissue and non-physiologic conditions. Periodic changes in either or both constituents of the baseline are determined and, when the changes correspond to a need for a new baseline, a new baseline is established.

Abstract: The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system and method of forming same includes an ablation device having a substrate with an outer surface and energy transport elements coupled to the outer surface. The substrate is configured to have a shape that approximates an interior shape of a uterus. The system and method further including an energy source electrically coupled to the energy transport elements and at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in a lateral region of the uterus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining blood flow in tissue are disclosed. The methods and apparatus are used to establish a baseline for both thermal properties of the tissue and non-physiologic conditions. Periodic changes in either or both constituents of the baseline are determined and, when the changes correspond to a need for a new baseline, a new baseline is established.

Abstract: The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject.

Abstract: A brachytherapy treatment device includes an insertion member, an expandable chamber, and first and second immiscible fluids. The insertion member has proximal and distal ends. The expandable chamber is disposed on the distal end of the insertion member and has an inner surface defining a three-dimensional volume. First and second immiscible fluids are disposed within the expandable chamber and have different radiation absorption properties. At least one of the first and second immiscible fluids forms a fluid radiation shield having a predetermined orientation within the three-dimensional volume. First and second immiscible fluids may have different densities and utilize fluid buoyancy to form an symmetric fluid radiation shield to create an asymmetric radiation dosing profile relative to an inner boundary of a treatment site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining blood flow in tissue are disclosed. The methods and apparatus are used to establish a baseline for both thermal properties of the tissue and non-physiologic conditions. Periodic changes in either or both constituents of the baseline are determined and, when the changes correspond to a need for a new baseline, a new baseline is established.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining blood flow in tissue. Particularly methods and apparatus are disclosed for establishing baseline thermal properties for the tissue and providing one or more steps for periodically determining changes in the tissue thermal properties that correspond to a need for a new baseline and establishing the new baseline.

Abstract: The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject.

Abstract: The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject.

Abstract: A brachytherapy treatment device includes an insertion member, an expandable chamber, and first and second immiscible fluids. The insertion member has proximal and distal ends. The expandable chamber is disposed on the distal end of the insertion member and has an inner surface defining a three-dimensional volume. First and second immiscible fluids are disposed within the expandable chamber and have different radiation absorption properties. At least one of the first and second immiscible fluids forms a fluid radiation shield having a predetermined orientation within the three-dimensional volume. First and second immiscible fluids may have different densities and utilize fluid buoyancy to form an symmetric fluid radiation shield to create an asymmetric radiation dosing profile relative to an inner boundary of a treatment site.

Abstract: A brachytherapy treatment device includes at least one tubular insertion member, an expandable member, and means for deflecting the at least one tubular insertion member. The tubular insertion member has a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends. The expandable member is disposed on and surrounding the distal end of the tubular insertion member. The distal end of the at least one deflected tubular insertion member within the first expandable member is offset from the longitudinal axis when deflected. The at least one deflected tubular insertion member is configured to receive a radiation source to position a radiation source offset with regard to the longitudinal axis to form an asymmetric radiation dosing profile. Additional brachytherapy treatment devices and methods for forming an asymmetric radiation dosing profile are disclosed.