Abstract: A system for managing healthcare-related communications includes a computer network and a server system that includes a portal accessible through the computer network. The server system includes a referral tracking subsystem that is operable to perform operations including tracking referrals among physicians based on communications sent through the server system, and storing information about the tracked referrals.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes a container for holding an electrolyte. A conductively doped single crystal diamond anode electrode is positioned to be disposed within the electrolyte, as is a conductive cathode electrode. Conductors are coupled to the electrodes for coupling to a power supply. An electrolyte inlet and an electrolyte outlet are coupled to the container for causing electrolyte to flow past the electrodes. The anode electrode is downstream from the cathode electrode in one embodiment, such that an electrolyte comprising water is purified by generation of oxygen and/or ozone.

Abstract: A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises alkylated chitosan or a gelatin, and a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, in an aqueous medium. The premix can also include a dehydrating reagent, a carboxyl activating reagent, or both. A specific use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for removing solid matter from a brain and controlling bleeding associated with the removal of the matter. The method involves securing a cranial anchor to a region of the skull in which an opening has been created to expose brain matter and introducing through a passage defined by the anchor a channel member that displaces brain tissue and exposes the solid matter. After removing the solid matter, a flowable hemostat is introduced into the cavity created by removal of the matter. A balloon introduced into the working channel is then inflated to compress the hemostat against the wall of the cavity to control bleeding from blood vessels around the cavity. The device includes a cranial anchor, a channel member defining a working channel, an optional removable trocar, and a catheter for introducing the hemostat and the inflatable balloon into the cavity.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal implant device, comprising: a sliding portion provided with a tongue; and, a non-sliding portion provided with a slot adapted for receipt of the tongue; wherein the tongue is slidably and rotatably positioned within the slot.

Abstract: A locking spring screw, comprising: a cylindrical screw body; a flexible spring member; and, a screw head attached to the cylindrical screw body, wherein the screw head comprises a tool slot adapted for receipt of the spring member, at least one outlet adjacent to the tool slot adapted for passage therethrough of a tongue of the spring member, and, a ridge located opposite the at least one outlet from the cylindrical screw body and at least partially around the circumference of the screw head.

Abstract: Masked and controlled ion implants, coupled with annealing or etching are used in CVD formed single crystal diamond to create structures for both optical applications, nanoelectromechanical device formation, and medical device formation. Ion implantation is employed to deliver one or more atomic species into and beneath the diamond growth surface in order to form an implanted layer with a peak concentration of atoms at a predetermined depth beneath the diamond growth surface. The composition is heated in a non-oxidizing environment under suitable conditions to cause separation of the diamond proximate the implanted layer. Further ion implants may be used in released structures to straighten or curve them as desired. Boron doping may also be utilized to create conductive diamond structures.

Abstract: A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises alkylated chitosan or a gelatin, and a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, in an aqueous medium. The premix can also include a dehydrating reagent, a carboxyl activating reagent, or both. A specific use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises alkylated chitosan or a gelatin, and a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, in an aqueous medium. The premix can also include a dehydrating reagent, a carboxyl activating reagent, or both. A specific use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: Masked and controlled ion implants, coupled with annealing or etching are used in CVD formed single crystal diamond to create structures for both optical applications, nanoelectromechanical device formation, and medical device formation. Ion implantation is employed to deliver one or more atomic species into and beneath the diamond growth surface in order to form an implanted layer with a peak concentration of atoms at a predetermined depth beneath the diamond growth surface. The composition is heated in a non-oxidizing environment under suitable conditions to cause separation of the diamond proximate the implanted layer. Further ion implants may be used in released structures to straighten or curve them as desired. Boron doping may also be utilized to create conductive diamond structures.

Abstract: A biocompatible adherent sheet for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The biocompatible adherent sheet includes a carrier sheet including a biocompatible polymer and a modified chitosan evenly disposed on one or both sides of the carrier sheet. Methods of preparing a biocompatible adherent sheet and methods of using a biocompatible adherent sheet are also provided. The biocompatible adherent sheet may also include a bioactive agent.

Abstract: A formulation is provided for treatment or prevention of neural ischemic damage, or for treatment of stroke, hemorrhage, trauma, epilepsy, tumor, or any disease of the brain, the formulation comprising a mixture of a substantially solid, substantially water-insoluble, biocompatible, polymeric material, and a gap junction inhibitor such as carbenoxolone. The polymeric material may comprise a synthetic polymer such as EVA, for example in the physical form of a fiber, or a natural polymer such as a chitosan derivative, for example in the physical form of a hydrogel, disposed on or in a medical device such as a stent, which is implanted within the tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A cosmetic formulation containing an alkylated chitosan derivative, a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, and water, for moisturizing and/or softening skin is provided. The formulation is in the physical state of a viscous liquid or a gel, and when applied to skin, serves to moisturize and soften the skin. One embodiment of the formulation comprises PEG-chitosan and hyaluronic acid at a pH of about 3.5 to about 5.5. The formulation may be applied to skin as a bulk composition, on a towel or wipe, or in the form of a facial foam mask.

Abstract: A tissue sealant for use in surgical and medical procedures for sealing the tissues of a living mammal is provided. The tissue sealant comprises a hydrogel which is formed by gelation of a premix disposed on the tissue to be sealed. The premix comprises alkylated chitosan or a gelatin, and a polybasic carboxylic acid or an oxidized polysaccharide, in an aqueous medium. The premix can also include a dehydrating reagent, a carboxyl activating reagent, or both. A specific use of the tissue sealant is in the repair of the dura mater after brain surgery to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tissue sealant may include a therapeutic or protective agent such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: Described is a remotely programmable control device for use in electroluminescent display and lighting applications. Elements of this invention include a power supply, various inverters/wave form conditioners, a motherboard, inbound/outbound communications capability, motion-sensing devices, ambient light sensing facilities, and a floppy disk reader. Remote programmability is achieved through several methods including detecting the driving instructions from the lamp display itself, or downloading data from a remote network or a floppy disk.