Abstract: Systems and methods for gas exchange in a patient are provided that use an external circuit to cause oxygenation perfusion in a patient's body cavity (such as the abdomen) using an inert chemical (e.g., perfluorocarbon), independent of the lungs. The external circuit includes components configured to control properties of the chemical, including temperature, flow rate, pressure, oxygenation percentage, carbon dioxide percentage. The system also includes safety features to reduce the likelihood of injury to the patient. Each of the safety features and chemical properties can be controlled by a healthcare worker, such as a physician, nurse, or emergency operator, for a particular patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for assisting in the carrying of an object having a handle are disclosed. The apparatus is in one embodiment a strap formed into a loop with a reinforcing member attached to a portion of the loop so as to create a rigid portion of the strap. The loop is passed through the handle of the object to be carried, with the rigid portion on the side of the handle away from the user. The user's hand is passed through the loop on the side facing the user and the user lets the weight of the object pull the loop onto the back of the user's wrist. The user can control the object by rotating the hand with minimal pressure by the fingers on the rigid portion of the loop.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating access to a perimeter surface of a body structure is provided. The device includes an elongate flexible member configured to be positioned adjacent the perimeter surface of the body structure, an atraumatic tip positioned at a distal end of the elongate flexible member, and an elongate body. The elongate body has a surface positioned to guide the elongate flexible member and to permit longitudinal movement of the flexible member with respect to the elongate body. The body also has a curved distal portion and a distal end for releasably engaging the atraumatic tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for assisting in the carrying of an object having a handle are disclosed. The apparatus is in one embodiment a strap formed into a loop with a reinforcing member attached to a portion of the loop so as to create a rigid portion of the strap. The loop is passed through the handle of the object to be carried, with the rigid portion on the side of the handle away from the user. The user's hand is passed through the loop on the side facing the user and the user lets the weight of the object pull the loop onto the back of the user's wrist. The user can control the object by rotating the hand with minimal pressure by the fingers on the rigid portion of the loop.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vaccine for mesothelioma generated using photodynamic therapy and its use in methods and compositions for treating mesothelioma.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for radioisotope-photodynamic therapy for treating cancer. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions and methods for administering a radiation emitter, a rare-earth doped down-converting nanophosphor and a photosensitizer for treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of red blood cells antigens. The methods and compositions are based on antibodies, serving as primary antibodies or secondary antibodies, that are labeled with a rare-earth based crystal. Methods utilizing antibodies labeled with a rare-earth based crystal enhance the efficiency and accuracy of blood compatability tests and red blood cells phenotyping.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vaccine for mesothelioma generated using photodynamic therapy and its use in methods and compositions for treating mesothelioma.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating access to a perimeter surface of a body structure is provided. The device includes an elongate flexible member configured to be positioned adjacent the perimeter surface of the body structure, an atraumatic tip positioned at a distal end of the elongate flexible member, and an elongate body. The elongate body has a surface positioned to guide the elongate flexible member and to permit longitudinal movement of the flexible member with respect to the elongate body. The body also has a curved distal portion and a distal end for releasably engaging the atraumatic tip.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that an increase in systemic oxygenation can be achieved by gastric perfusion of an oxygenated liquid, e.g., perfluorocarbon. Accordingly, the invention provides for a method of treating hypoxia comprising infusing an oxygenated perfluorocarbon fluid into the stomach of the patient for oxygenation throughout the body, and subsequently removing the fluid from the stomach.