Abstract: Methods for predicting whether or not a patient is likely to experience restenosis after the placement of a bare metal stent are provided. The methods involve detecting and analyzing gene expression patterns of the cellular components of whole blood, where activation of selected genes has been found to be indicative of a high probability of restenosis. The method thus allows the identification, prior to placement of a stent, of patients who are i) likely to experience restenosis, and thus should receive a stent that includes anti-restenosis agents; or ii) unlikely to experience restenosis, and thus should receive a stent without anti-stenosis agents.

Abstract: Methods for predicting whether or not a patient is likely to experience restenosis after the placement of a bare metal stent are provided. The methods involve detecting and analyzing gene expression patterns of the cellular components of whole blood, where activation of selected genes has been found to be indicative of a high probability of restenosis. The method thus allows the identification, prior to placement of a stent, of patients who are i) likely to experience restenosis, and thus should receive a stent that includes anti-restenosis agents; or ii) unlikely to experience restenosis, and thus should receive a stent without anti-stenosis agents.

Abstract: A catheter is used to assist in imaging, e.g., 3D imaging, an anatomical location in a human or veterinary subject. The catheter includes a plurality of horizontal markings which extend in the longitudinal direction between the distal and proximal ends. The horizontal markings can be made throughout the entire length of the catheter, or at one or more locations. At each location, the horizontal markings will appear as successive sets of markings. Each horizontal marking is made of two markings that are the same length. The two markings are arranged such that identically sized gaps between the ends of the markings are positioned on the front and back side of the catheter. In one embodiment, an image where the source and catheter are precisely aligned will show gaps of succeeding larger or smaller sizes. However, when the source is off center the gap lengths will be smaller or not exist.

Abstract: A solid lubricant consisting of metals combined with a high lubricity salt fabricated in pellet form and introduced into the fuel reservoir of an internal combustion engine. The pellet slowly disintegrates to produce extremely minute solid particles which are dispersed in the fuel and delivered to the fuel-contacting engine parts of the engine to deposit a lubricant film thereon.