Abstract: Weight loss can be promoted by introducing a microcatheter into the mid segment or distal portion of a human subject's left gastric artery and delivering, via the microcatheter, a plurality of particles with sizes between 300 and 500 ?m into the distal portion of the subject's left gastric artery. The particles cause endovascular flow reduction or interruption in the distal portion of the subject's left gastric artery. The reduced or interrupted blood flow decreases the production of the hormone ghrelin, which reduces the subject's appetite, thereby promoting weight loss.

Abstract: A stent includes a lattice defining a substantially cylindrical configuration having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and a middle portion between the proximal end and the distal end. The lattice being moveable from a crimped state to an expanded state, and a plurality of adjacent hoops. Each hoop has a plurality of adjacent loops. Additionally, the stent further includes a plurality of bridges connecting adjacent hoops and a plurality of extensions on the lattice. Each of the hoops and bridges define a cell. The proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the lattice have at least one cell respectively and the middle portion of the lattice has at least one cell. The plurality of extensions are on the middle portion of the lattice. The plurality of extensions are cantilevered projections from the bridges and/or hoops of the lattice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for use in revascularization of damaged areas of myocardium through application of one or more radiation type treatment modalities.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac or myocardial conditions comprises the administration of an effective amount of autologous bone marrow. The bone marrow may optionally be stimulated and/or administered in combination with a pharmaceutical drug, protein, gene or other factor or therapy that may enhance bone marrow production of angiogenic growth factors and/or promote endothelial cell proliferation or migration or blood vessel formation.

Abstract: The method of vascular treatment for restenosis or vulnerable plaque after an invasive procedure, such as for example angioplasty, stenting with or without drug coating, or drug delivery, comprises: inserting a catheter or hollow guide wire to the treatment location; delivering light through the catheter in the wavelength range of about 700–2500 nm; and moving the light to treat the affected region.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac or myocardial conditions comprises the administration of an effective amount of autologous bone marrow. The bone marrow may optionally be stimulated and/or administered in combination with a pharmaceutical drug, protein, gene or other factor or therapy that may enhance bone marrow production of angiogenic growth factors and/or promote endothelial cell proliferation or migration or blood vessel formation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing capacity of impaired bone marrow cells to promote angiogenesis when introduced into an ischemic site in a patient by transfecting early attaching cells derived from bone marrow in culture with an angiogenesis promoting transgene. Methods are also provided for utilizing such early attaching cells derived from autologous bone marrow, or media derived from these cells while the cells are grown in culture (which need not be from autologous cells) to deliver angiogenesis-promoting transgenes or proteins to a patient. The transfected early attaching cells, or media derived from these cells while the cells are grown in culture, are introduced into an ischemic tissue, such as the heart, to enhance formation of collateral blood vessels.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing high-risk plaque is provided. The method may include applying to a medical device an effective amount of a composition comprising a sex hormone, anti-hormone, sex-hormone agonist, steroid-hormone inhibitor/antagonist (partial or full), selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), or a combination thereof. The medical device may be inserted into an area of a living organism that is or has a propensity to be affected by high-risk plaque.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing vascular disease in a living organism. The method includes delivering an effective amount of a composition including a sex hormone, anti-hormone, sex-hormone agonist, steroid-hormone inhibitor/antagonist (partial or full), selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), or a combination thereof, to an affected area of a living organism.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing vascular disease in a living organism. The method includes delivering an effective amount of a composition including a sex hormone, anti-hormone, sex-hormone agonist, steroid-hormone inhibitor/antagonist (partial or full), selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), or a combination thereof, to an affected area of a living organism.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing vascular disease in a living organism. The method includes delivering an effective amount of a composition including a sex hormone, anti-hormone, sex-hormone agonist, steroid-hormone inhibitor/antagonist (partial or full), selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), or a combination thereof, to an affected area of a living organism.