Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and computer readable media for Group Activity Management And Monitoring Automation (GAMMA), are described.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structure, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structure, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structure, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the compliance of a portfolio account used to finance benefit obligations containing a plurality of assets distributed among at least one fund category, containing at least one investment vehicle such as cash, stocks, bonds, insurance policies, is disclosed. The method monitors the balance of assets included in selected investment vehicles, e.g., stocks, equities and relates them to new or modified liability allocations. The method identifies a liability balance associated with selected ones of the investment vehicles within each of the fund categories, identifies an asset balance associated with the value of equities in the account and divests a portion of selected investment vehicles when the asset balance is in violation of a known regulation with regard to the liability balance. The method further provides an indication for reporting when the asset balance is within the known relation to the liability balance as required by appropriate regulations.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structure, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structures, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: Devices and methods compress cancellous bone. In one arrangement, the devices and methods make use of an expandable body that includes an internal restraint coupled to the body. The internal restraint directs expansion of the body. In one arrangement, a method for treating bone inserts the device having the internal restraint inside bone and causes directed expansion of the body in cancellous bone. Cancellous bone is compacted by the directed expansion.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the compliance of a portfolio account used to finance benefit obligations containing a plurality of assets distributed among at least one fund category, containing at least one investment vehicle such as cash, stocks, bonds, insurance policies, is disclosed. The method monitors the balance of assets included in selected investment vehicles, e.g., stocks, equities and relates them to new or modified liability allocations. The method identifies a liability balance associated with selected ones of the investment vehicles within each of the fund categories, identifies an asset balance associated with the value of equities in the account and divests a portion of selected investment vehicles when the asset balance is in violation of a known regulation with regard to the liability balance. The method further provides an indication for reporting when the asset balance is within the known relation to the liability balance as required by appropriate regulations.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the compliance of an insurance policy's portfolio account used to finance benefit obligations containing equity-linked assets distributed among at least one fund category, containing at least one investment vehicle such as equities, bonds, cash, etc. This method monitors the balance of assets included in selected investment vehicles, e.g., equities, bonds, etc. and relates them to new or modified liability allocations. The method identifies a liability balance associated with selected investment vehicles within each of the insurance fund categories, identifies an asset balance associated with the value of equities in the account, and divests a portion of the equity assets when that asset balance exceeds a regulation regarding liability balance. The method further provides an indication for reporting when the asset balance is within the known relation to the liability balance.

Abstract: A method for forming an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided, in which electric discharges are applied to a metal surface of the implantable medical device. The electric discharges pit the surface. The pitted surface improves retention of a coating on the device and increases the amount of coating that can be carried by the device. An electric discharge machining process is described for applying electric discharges to the surface of the implantable medical device or portion thereof.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structures such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: Devices and methods compress cancellous bone. In one arrangement, the devices and methods make use of an expandable body that includes an internal restraint coupled to the body. The internal restraint directs expansion of the body. In one arrangement, a method for treating bone inserts the device having the internal restraint inside bone and causes directed expansion of the body in cancellous bone. Cancellous bone is compacted by the directed expansion.

Abstract: A balloon for use in compressing cancellous bone and marrow (also known as medullary bone or trabecular bone). The balloon comprises an inflatable balloon body for insertion into said bone. The body has a shape and size to compress at least a portion of the cancellous bone to form a cavity in the cancellous bone and/or to restore the original position of the outer cortical bone, if fractured or collapsed. The balloon desirably incorporates restraints which inhibit the balloon from applying excessive pressure to various regions of the cortical bone. The wall or walls of the balloon are such that proper inflation of the balloon body is achieved to provide for optimum compression of the bone marrow. The balloon can be inserted quickly into a bone. The balloon can be made to have a suction catheter. The balloon can be used to form and/or enlarge a cavity or passage in a bone, especially in, but not limited to, vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A balloon for use in compressing cancellous bone and marrow (also known as medullary bone or trabecular bone). The balloon comprises an inflatable balloon body for insertion into said bone. The body has a shape and size to compress at least a portion of the cancellous bone to form a cavity in the cancellous bone and/or to restore the original position of the outer cortical bone, if fractured or collapsed. The balloon desirably incorporates restraints which inhibit the balloon from applying excessive pressure to various regions of the cortical bone. The wall or walls of the balloon are such that proper inflation of the balloon body is achieved to provide for optimum compression of the bone marrow. The balloon can be inserted quickly into a bone. The balloon can be made to have a suction catheter. The balloon can be used to form and/or enlarge a cavity or passage in a bone, especially in, but not limited to, vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Devices and methods compress cancellous bone. In one arrangement, the devices and methods make use of an expandable body that includes an internal restraint coupled to the body. The internal restraint directs expansion of the body. In one arrangement, a method for treating bone inserts the device having the internal restraint inside bone and causes directed expansion of the body in cancellous bone. Cancellous bone is compacted by the directed expansion.

Abstract: A system and method for querying, selection and ordering complex multi-component item packages using a personal computer communicating over a global communications network. The system prompts the user with interactive staged queries on the intended equipment use, location, type and relative equipment quality requirements, for instance. The system determines the required item components of a package that correspond to the user requirements by referencing an expert system database which contains a listing of items. The user may then choose the entire selected package of items or delete any items not needed and then place the order. The selection website has interchangeable framing for access from another website in a manner transparent to the user.

Abstract: A method for forming an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided, in which electric discharges are applied to a metal surface of the implantable medical device. The electric discharges pit the surface. The pitted surface improves retention of a coating on the device and increases the amount of coating that can be carried by the device. An electric discharge machining process is described for applying electric discharges to the surface of the implantable medical device or portion thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided, in which electric discharges are applied to a metal surface of the implantable medical device. The electric discharges pit the surface. The pitted surface improves retention of a coating on the device and increases the amount of coating that can be carried by the device. An electric discharge machining process is described for applying electric discharges to the surface of the implantable medical device or portion thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods compress cancellous bone. In one arrangement, the devices and methods make use of an expandable body that includes an internal restraint coupled to the body. The internal restraint directs expansion of the body. In one arrangement, a method for treating bone inserts the device having the internal restraint inside bone and causes directed expansion of the body in cancellous bone. Cancellous bone is compacted by the directed expansion.