Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for treating a diseased portion of the ascending aorta includes a tubular graft material having an outer surface and an inner surface and a support structure coupled to the graft material. An anchoring device is coupled to the proximal end of the support structure to engage the sinotubular junction or the sinuses adjacent the sinotubular junction. The anchoring device may be a stent ring with barbs on an outer surface to engage the sinotubular junction, a plurality of anchors extending into the sinuses including hooks to engage the sinuses, a plurality of bent stents with distally facing shoulders extending into the sinuses and engaging a distal edge of the sinuses, or a series of progressively larger diameter stent rings extending into the sinuses to engage the distal edge of the sinuses.

Abstract: A percutaneous dilation apparatus is shown. The apparatus is useful for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations to a variety of target locations within a patient's body for multiple purposes. The apparatus includes an at least one dilator segment, a dilator probe, and a mechanism for moving each dilator segment along the dilator probe so as to place it within the penetration thereby dilating the penetration.

Abstract: A percutaneous dilation apparatus is shown. The apparatus is useful for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations to a variety of target locations within a patient's body for multiple purposes. The apparatus includes an elongate dilation tube, a plurality of elongate expansion members disposed in a nested concentric arrangement around the elongate expansion tube, and an outer sheath for capturing the plurality of elongate expansion members and maintaining the apparatus in an assembled configuration. Each expansion member is independently movable from a first to a second position along the central axis of the tube as well as each concentrically smaller member. A trocar may be provided for slidably engaging the lumen through the elongate dilatation tube.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract is disclosed. The system includes a carrier having a first well and a second well. A first composition is disposed in the first well and contains urea in powdered form. A second composition is disposed in a second well and contains an indicator. A biopsy of a gastric sample is manipulated with a specimen-handling tool and is first contacted with the first composition and then placed in the second composition. The second composition indicates the presence of an enzyme, which, in turn, indicates the presence of bacteria.

Abstract: A diagnostic system may include a carrier having at least one well, an upper surface, and a cavity extending downwardly from the upper surface. A specimen-handling tool may be configured to be positioned within the cavity and may include an elongated body having a longitudinal axis that extends along the length of the elongated body, a first end comprising an outermost portion adapted to skewer a tissue biopsy specimen.

Abstract: A diagnostic system may include a carrier having at least one well, an upper surface, and a cavity extending downwardly from the upper surface. A specimen-handling tool may be configured to be positioned within the cavity and may include an elongated body having a longitudinal axis that extends along the length of the elongated body, a first end comprising an outermost portion adapted to skewer a tissue biopsy specimen.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract is disclosed. The system includes a carrier having a first well and a second well. A first composition is disposed in the first well and contains urea in powdered form. A second composition is disposed in a second well and contains an indicator. A biopsy of a gastric sample is manipulated with a specimen-handling tool and is first contacted with the first composition and then placed in the second composition. The second composition indicates the presence of an enzyme, which, in turn, indicates the presence of bacteria.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for diagnostic testing having a carrier including at least one well, and a specimen-handling tool disposed about at least a portion of the well.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for diagnostic testing having a carrier including at least one well, and a specimen-handling tool disposed about at least a portion of the well.

Abstract: A method for diagnostic testing that includes obtaining a first specimen and, in some methods, obtaining a second specimen. The first specimen may be positioned in the first well of a carrier. The second specimen may be positioned in the second well of a carrier. The first well of the carrier may then be separated from the second well of the carrier.