Abstract: An external fixation system for percutaneous drainage procedures may include a base with a first and second side, a first coupler couplable to a conduit, and a second coupler couplable to a drainage bag or mechanism to flush or evacuate a drainage tube during use. The system may be modified to include a locking mechanism to secure conduit sutures. The system may also be used to convert a standard drainage tube into a low profile drainage tube. Also disclosed herein are methods and devices for converting standard feeding tubes into low profile feeding tubes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inducing neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) in Schwann cells. The method comprises contacting the cells with laminin-1 so as to bind ?6?1 integrin sufficiently to activate endogenous kinase Cdc42-Pak; and phosphorylating Schwannomin-S518 in the cells by the activated kinase, effectively inactivating. Schwannomin's tumor suppressor activity and allowing proliferation of subconfluent Schwann cells, thereby modeling NF2. The invention also includes a method of preventing a Schwann cell from forming a tumor by contacting the cell with an amount of tyrphostin AG825 sufficient to inhibit a receptor selected from ErB2, ErB3, ?1 integrins and combinations thereof, so as to prevent phosphorylation of Schwannomin-S815 by one or more endogenous kinases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inducing neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) in Schwann cells. The method comprises contacting the cells with laminin-1 so as to bind ?6?1 integrin sufficiently to activate endogenous kinase Cdc42-Pak; and phosphorylating Schwannomin-S518 in the cells by the activated kinase, effectively inactivating Schwannomin's tumor suppressor activity and allowing proliferation of subconfluent Schwann cells, thereby modeling NF2. The invention also includes a method of preventing a Schwann cell from forming a tumor by contacting the cell with an amount of tyrphostin AG825 sufficient to inhibit a receptor selected from ErB2, ErB3, ?1 integrins and combinations thereof, so as to prevent phosphorylation of Schwannomin-S815 by one or more endogenous kinases.

Abstract: The device described herein facilitates interventional medical procedures, reduces the formation of skin tag, and increases the safety of such procedures relative to the operator and patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a guidance system and method for providing an angular orientation of a medical device. The system and method may utilize a fluid-filled portion with a position indicator that floats in the fluid contained within the fluid-filled portion. The guidance system may be coupled to the medical device so that when the angular orientation of the guidance system is varied, the position indicator moves within the fluid-filled portion. The position of the position indicator is designated by angle gradations on the outer portion of the fluid-filled portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a guidance system and method for providing an angular orientation of a medical device. The system and method may utilize a fluid-filled portion with a position indicator that floats in the fluid contained within the fluid-filled portion. The guidance system may be coupled to the medical device so that when the angular orientation of the guidance system is varied, the position indicator moves within the fluid-filled portion. The position of the position indicator is designated by angle gradations on the outer portion of the fluid-filled portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating strictures in an organ (e.g., a biliary duct or ureter) of a mammal by temporally expanding a collapsed or occluded fluid passageway in the anatomy to allow fluid (e.g., bile or urine) to flow through the passageway. The apparatus comprises a guider, a network of flexible metallic wires, and one or two retainers, depending on its use, to allow for the deployment and the retrieval of the apparatus. To temporarily expand a collapsed or occluded fluid passageway in the organ, the network of flexible metallic wires is compressed into an insertion form using an applicator and inserted into the body to a position within the collapsed or occluded passageway. The network of flexible metallic wires is then expanded into a larger operational form within the passageway to open and support the passageway.