Abstract: A method and kit for aspirating and treating a cyst is provided. In an embodiment, the method comprises aspirating fluid from the cyst through a first lumen, while venting the cyst using a second lumen, so as to stabilize pressure variations within the cyst. The aspirated cyst is then injected with a tissue sealant using the second lumen, while continuing to vent the cyst using the first lumen. To enhance visualization of the tissue sealant during imaging, the tissue sealant may be augmented so as to increase its radio-opacity.

Abstract: The present specification provides, amongst other things, a method of treating scoliosis comprising delivering a therapeutically acceptable amount of a growth modulator to an epiphyseal growth plate to correct or compensate for disproportionate growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a therapeutic agent is provided. The apparatus, in an embodiment, includes an ozone generator connected to a scavenger and an ozone administrator via network of tubing and valves. When activated and the valves placed in the proper position, the ozone generator will fill the ozone administrator with ozone. The ozone generator can then be turned off and the valves moved so that the administrator can be disconnected from the remainder of the apparatus. The administrator is typically in the form of a syringe and needle. Once the syringe and needle is filled with ozone, the needle can be inserted into a tissue and the ozone expressed therefrom into the tissue. Various other apparatuses and methods are also contemplated.

Abstract: Vascular conditions are detected non-invasively in the human body using a collection of acoustic information from small local regions of the vasculature. An array of accelerometers or other sensors are attached to the head or other points of interest of a patient and blood flow sounds are recorded. Vibration signatures of vessel structures such as branches, aneurysms, stenosis, etc. using random, periodic, band limited or transient analysis provides a library for further processing. The signature library is used to localize the origin of the recognized vascular feature, and the localized feature is presented to the physician in a clinically relevant manner.

Abstract: There is disclosed a scheme for secure distribution of content in a manner that users will perceive as fair, while enforcing restrictions on the use of the content in accordance with the intentions of the content originator. The scheme provides a method of encrypting data set comprising: generating a seed value; seeding a pseudo-random number generator with the seed value; creating an encrypted data set by combination of the output of the pseudo-random number generator with the data set; and encrypting the seed value and associating the encrypted seed value with the encrypted data set. In a typical embodiment, the encrypted seed and the encrypted data are combined in a single file and conveyed to a media player that includes decryption core compatible with the encoding encryption scheme. Also disclosed is a content distribution system and a media player to take advantage of such an encryption scheme and a media player for use with the scheme.

Abstract: A self-sealing catheter for use in non-conformable tissue is provided. In an embodiment, the catheter includes a tube with an expandable portion that comprises nitinol. Upon an increase in temperature, the expandable portion of the tube expands to conform to the surrounding non-conformable tissue such that the expandable portion in the expanded state provides a seal between an exterior of the catheter and the non-conformable tissue. In a specific embodiment, the nitinol is embedded in the wall of the expandable portion of the tube in a braided mesh configuration, and provides a radial force that substantially prevents the expandable portion of the tube from collapsing when bent. Additionally, the catheter can include one or more radiopaque markers to assist in X-ray guided placement of the catheter in a patient's tissue. In another embodiment, the catheter includes an expandable coating surrounding the expandable portion of the tube, wherein the expandable coating comprises a hydrogel polymer.

Abstract: A method for augmenting bone is provided. In an embodiment, a bone cement is administered, typically directly to the affected bone, and a bone augmentation agent administered, via any suitable means including orally, nasally, transdermally. The bone augmentation agent is chosen to complement the bone cement, to thereby facilitate the integration of the bone cement into the natural bone which contacts the bone cement.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a kit of parts for use in a surgical procedure performed under image guidance, and particularly under real time image guidance. The kit includes a sterilized drape for use with the chosen imaging machine and which can be used to provide a sterile operating environment when the procedure is performed under the imaging beam. The kit also includes a needle holder that can keep the surgeon's hand away from the imaging beam. The needle holder is operable to hold a needle that is made from a material suitable for piercing tissue, but also substantially preserves the appearance of the needle when it is viewed under the imaging beam.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a kit of parts for use in a surgical procedure performed under image guidance, and particularly under real time image guidance. The kit includes a sterilized drape for use with the chosen imaging machine and which can be used to provide a sterile operating environment when the procedure is performed under the imaging beam. The kit also includes a needle holder that can keep the surgeon's hand away from the imaging beam. The needle holder is operable to hold a needle that is made from a material suitable for piercing tissue, but also substantially preserves the appearance of the needle when it is viewed under the imaging beam.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain and an access port for use therein is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components.

Abstract: A cerebral ischemia diagnosis assisting apparatus comprises a storing portion for storing multi-slices or volume data with regard to the head portion of a subject, an image generating portion for generating a tomography image of a brain from the multi-slices or the volume data, an image processing portion for processing the tomography image for generating a contrast highlighting image and a brain sulci highlighting image or either thereof, and a display portion for displaying the tomography image along with the contrast highlighting image and the brain sulci highlighting image.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a therapeutic agent is provided. The apparatus, in an embodiment, includes an ozone generator connected to a scavenger and an ozone administrator via network of tubing and valves. When activated and the valves placed in the proper position, the ozone generator will fill the ozone administrator with ozone. The ozone generator can then be turned off and the valves moved so that the administrator can be disconnected from the remainder of the apparatus. The administrator is typically in the form of a syringe and needle. Once the syringe and needle is filled with ozone, the needle can be inserted into a tissue and the ozone expressed therefrom into the tissue. Various other apparatuses and methods are also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention relates to stent delivery system and method. A stent delivery system includes a self-expandable stent and a sheath configured to surround the stent in a compressed state. A catheter is adapted to deliver the stent and the sheath into a predetermined deployment site. A balloon is mounted on a tip of the catheter and is inflated to expand the stent. Upon deployment of the stent, the sheath is trapped between the stent and a vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides a stent made from a material operable to perform a stent's desired therapeutic functions, and also made from a material that has a radiopacity that substantially preserves the appearance of the stent when the stent is viewed under a CT imaging beam. Such a stent can allow for follow-up of the stent and the surrounding blood-vessel on CT.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing vertebroplasty are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit for performing vertebroplasty having two packs, each pack having the necessary components for performing vertebroplasty via each pedicle of the damaged vertebrae. Each pack is sterilized, so that if the vertebroplasty performed via one pedicle is sufficient, then the second pack can be saved for later used. In another embodiment, each pack within the kit has two cements, each cement having different imaging properties, such that each cement will appear different when viewed with an imaging device in the lateral plane and/or will be viewable when overlapping. A presently preferred embodiment involves two packs having methylmethacrylate powder but each pack has a different amount of opacifier, either as supplied or added by the vertebroplasty professional, such that when each cement is mixed and injected, each cement is visible when exposed to X-ray lateral fluoroscopy.