Abstract: An incentive spirometry device designed to assist patients with respiratory therapy by means of an electronic air flow sensor that provides patients with visual or other positive feedback when they inhale or exhale at a predetermined flow rate or volume and sustain the act for a predetermined minimum time period. The objectives are to increase transpulmonary pressure and inspiratory volumes, improve inspiratory muscle performance, and re-establish or simulate the normal pattern of pulmonary hyperinflation. When the procedure is repeated on a regular basis, airway patency may be maintained and lung atelectasis prevented and reversed. By means of a connection to a personal computer, a video game like therapy session could enable patients to have a more effective and enjoyable session.

Abstract: We hypothesized that gene expression patterns in peripheral blood cells may correlate with TAA disease status, and carried out a comprehensive gene expression survey on peripheral blood cells obtained from TAA patients and normal individuals. A distinct gene expression profile in peripheral blood cells can classify TAA patients from normal individuals. The genes provided by the present teachings define a set of diagnostic markers, thus providing a blood-based gene expression test to facilitate early detection of TAA disease. Methods of distinguishing ascending from descending TAA are also provided, as are methods of distinguishing familial from sporadic TAA.

Abstract: A method for cooling of a brain with localized hypothermia allowing for maintenance of the core body temperature is achieved by positioning a cooling catheter within a ventricular cavity of the brain. The cooling catheter includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel providing for a closed flow of a cooling fluid into and out of the cooling catheter. A sack is formed at a distal end of the cooling catheter. The sack is in fluid communication with distal ends of the inlet channel and the outlet channel such that the sack is continually flushed with the cooling fluid as the cooling fluid flows into and out of the cooling catheter. The sack, when filled, takes the shape and size of the ventricular cavity filling the ventricular cavity in which it is positioned. The method further includes cooling the cooling catheter and the ventricular cavity through the closed flow of the cooling fluid through the cooling catheter.

Abstract: We hypothesized that gene expression patterns in peripheral blood cells may correlate with TAA disease status, and carried out a comprehensive gene expression survey on peripheral blood cells obtained from TAA patients and normal individuals. A distinct gene expression profile in peripheral blood cells can classify TAA patients from normal individuals. The genes provided by the present teachings define a set of diagnostic markers, thus providing a blood-based gene expression test to facilitate early detection of TAA disease. Methods of distinguishing ascending from descending TAA are also provided, as are methods of distinguishing familial from sporadic TAA.

Abstract: A method for cooling of the brain includes the steps of positioning a cooling catheter within a ventricular cavity of the brain, the catheter including an inlet channel and outlet channel providing for the closed flow of cooling fluid into and out of the catheter, and cooling the catheter and ventricular cavity through the closed flow of cooling fluid through the catheter. An alternate method for cooling of the brain including the steps of positioning a cooling catheter within a spinal canal, the catheter including an inlet channel and outlet channel providing for the closed flow of cooling fluid into and out of the catheter, and cooling the catheter and brain through the closed flow of cooling fluid through the catheter.

Abstract: An intra-thecal cooling catheter system includes a catheter having an inlet channel and outlet channel providing for the closed flow of cooling fluid into and out of the catheter. The catheter further includes a cooling system coupled to the catheter. The method is achieved by positioning an intra-thecal cooling catheter within a spinal canal, the catheter including an inlet channel and outlet channel providing for the closed flow of cooling fluid into and out of the catheter, and cooling the catheter and spinal cord through the closed flow of cooling fluid through the catheter.

Abstract: A sutureless, anastomotic marking device for the fluoroscopic localization of a coronary graft. Radiopaque indicators are circumferentially arranged around a centrally located opening in an absorbable hemostatic sheet material so that the indicators surround the anastomosis and are held in position by the fibrous tissues of the body to provide a radiopaque guide during angiographic procedure.