Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems facilitate and enable treatment of ischemic stroke. More specifically, a tethered basket-like system operates in conjunction with a microcatheter system, to provide arterial support and capture emboli.

Abstract: An acute stroke recanalization system and processes include catheter-based improved reconstrainable or tethered neurological devices which are deliverable through highly constricted and tortuous vessels, crossing the zone associated with subject thrombi/emboli, where deployment impacts, addresses or bridges the embolus, compacting the same into luminal walls which enables perfusion and lysis of the embolus, while the improved neurological medical device itself remains contiguous with the delivery system acting as a filter, basket or stand alone stenting mechanism, depending on the status of the embolus and other therapeutic aspects of the treatment being offered for consideration.

Abstract: A cavitation nozzle includes a hydro-acoustic oscillator, an orifice, and a conical diffuser. The conical diffuser includes a first zone for diffusing a liquid jet, a second zone comprising two or more shear chambers for creating additional cavitation bubbles by creating rotational flow in the chamber, and a third zone which has a diameter larger than the shear chambers or the first zone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the knee brace disclosed herein provide a combination of external ligament support and/or relief from pain caused by osteoarthritis with patellofemoral support. The brace includes a rigid frame and a flexible strap configured to extend across the wearer's patella to provide anterior loading thereto. The strap is operatively secured at either end to components of the rigid frame, thereby providing maximum leverage for applying force to the wearer's patella. In some embodiments, the strap includes a removable and adjustable buttress for directly contacting the wearer's patella. The patellar strap provides dynamic loading to the patella through the wearer's range of motion for relief of patellofemoral dysfunction, such as patellar shift, subluxation and dislocation, and malalignments such as patella alta, patella baja, tilt and glide.

Abstract: Bacterial packaging strains useful for generating recombinant double-stranded RNA nucleocapsids (rdsRNs) are provided. The packaging strains are useful for the production of RNA encoding vaccine antigens, bioactive proteins, immunoregulatory proteins, antisense RNAs, and catalytic RNAs in eukaryotic cells or tissues. Recombinant ssRNA is introduced into the strains and packaged to form rdsRNs de novo.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a stent delivery system including a retractable sheath and an outer stability sheath. The stability sheath freely rotates relative to the retractable sheath, relieving compression forces caused by twisting of stability sheath in when in a tortuous conformation.

Abstract: A delivery system for deploying a medical device, such as a stent, at increasing deployment speed is described. The system comprises a catheter comprising a catheter shaft, a retractable sheath slidably mounted on the catheter shaft, and the device in a compressed state sandwiched between the shaft and sheath. A control handle is included with a housing and knobs for a user to apply a rotary or other force to retract the sheath. The sheath is attached to a slider that is mounted on a slide rod and attached to a drive belt. A take up pulley is provided in the housing and connected to the belt input knob, so that the pulley turns when the knob is turned. The belt is attached to the pulley so that the drive is wound onto the rotating pulley. As the belt winds upon the pulley, the overall outside diameter of the pulley increases, thereby increasing the deployment speed.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace including a buttress for supporting a wearer's patella is provided. The patellofemoral brace includes an elastic sleeve that is easy to apply to the wearer's leg and easy to remove from the wearer's leg. The sleeve includes distinct bands of material so that end bands are substantially rotationally independent of a central band. The end bands resist translation along and rotation about the wearer's leg. The brace further includes a tensioning strap that lies across the buttress to further support the buttress and the wearer's patella. A portion of the tensioning strap is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer, so that the strap provides firmer support to the buttress than a fabric strap, but is more comfortable and more evenly supports the buttress than a hard, inelastic strap.

Abstract: A cavitation nozzle includes a hydro-acoustic oscillator, an orifice, and a conical diffuser. The conical diffuser includes a first zone for diffusing a liquid jet, a second zone comprising two or more shear chambers for creating additional cavitation bubbles by creating rotational flow in the chamber, and a third zone which has a diameter larger than the shear chambers or the first zone.

Abstract: Bacterial packaging strains useful for generating recombinant double-stranded RNA nucleocapsids (rdsRNs) are provided. The packaging strains are useful for the production of RNA encoding vaccine antigens, bioactive proteins, immunoregulatory proteins, antisense RNAs, and catalytic RNAs in eukaryotic cells or tissues. Recombinant ssRNA is introduced into the strains and packaged to form rdsRNs de novo.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes an inner tubular member on which a stent is loaded, an outer jacket extending over said inner tubular member, the retraction of which causes deployment of the stent, and a handle adapted to move the jacket relative to the inner tubular member. The constructions of the inner tubular member and outer jacket and the handle provide increased control of the relative movement of the outer jacket relative to the inner tubular member, and prevention of premature release of the stent from the deployment instrument, and greater control over stent deployment among other advantages.

Abstract: A cavitation nozzle comprising a first cylindrical section that is connected to a second cylindrical section, which is connected to a diffuser. In the cavitation nozzle of the present invention, the diameter of the second cylindrical section is greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical section. The inner surface of the first diffuse section is rifled. An optimal magnet can be placed around either the first or the second cylindrical section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for intraluminal delivery and deployment of an expandable prosthesis at a site within a body canal is provided. The apparatus comprises an elongated sleeve and an outer shaft disposed within the elongated sleeve and movable relative to the sleeve. A securing member is disposed on a distal area of the outer shaft. The expandable prosthesis is housed within a distal area of the elongated sleeve, and a distal area of the prosthesis is secured to the outer shaft by the securing member. The stent is deployed by displacing the sleeve in a proximal direction relative to the outer shaft to expose the stent and by releasing the stent from the securing member. If necessary, the stent can be repositioned prior to releasing the stent from the securing member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for intraluminal delivery and deployment of an expandable prosthesis at a site within a body canal is provided. The apparatus comprises an elongated sleeve and an outer shaft disposed within the elongated sleeve and movable relative to the sleeve. A securing member is disposed on a distal area of the outer shaft. The expandable prosthesis is housed within a distal area of the elongated sleeve, and a distal area of the prosthesis is secured to the outer shaft by the securing member. The stent is deployed by displacing the sleeve in a proximal direction relative to the outer shaft to expose the stent and by releasing the stent from the securing member. If necessary, the stent can be repositioned prior to releasing the stent from the securing member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for intraluminal delivery and deployment of an expandable prosthesis at a site within a body canal is provided. The apparatus comprises an elongated sleeve and an outer shaft disposed within the elongated sleeve and movable relative to the sleeve. A securing member is disposed on a distal area of the outer shaft. The expandable prosthesis is housed within a distal area of the elongated sleeve, and a distal area of the prosthesis is secured to the outer shaft by the securing member. The stent is deployed by displacing the sleeve in a proximal direction relative to the outer shaft to expose the stent and by releasing the stent from the securing member. If necessary, the stent can be repositioned prior to releasing the stent from the securing member.