Abstract: A shunt prosthesis comprises a synthetic tube having an inner wall defining a fixed inner diameter of the synthetic tube and a layer of hydrogel of a predetermined thickness coating the inner wall of the synthetic tube such that the layer of hydrogel has a fixed outer diameter and such that an inner diameter of the layer of hydrogel defines a diameter of a lumen extending through and defined by the shunt prosthesis. The layer of hydrogel being configured such that the predetermined thickness of the layer of hydrogel is reducable in vivo over a predetmined period of time by controlling the crosslinking density of the layer of hydrogel. A method of controlling flow through a shunt prosthesis is also provided.

Abstract: A cardioprotective patch with an integrated cutting guide includes a membrane having a top edge, a bottom edge distal from the top edge, a right side edge connecting the top edge and the bottom edge; and a left side edge, distal from the right side edge and connecting the top edge and the bottom edge. A fold extends parallel to the top edge about half way between the top edge and the bottom edge. The crease is slit from the right side edge, forming a right slit. An elongate frame is fixedly connected to the membrane. The frame includes a tubular member and a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the tubular member and connected to the membrane.

Abstract: A shunt prosthesis comprises a synthetic tube having an inner wall defining a fixed inner diameter of the synthetic tube and a layer of hydrogel of a predetermined thickness coating the inner wall of the synthetic tube such that the layer of hydrogel has a fixed outer diameter and such that an inner diameter of the layer of hydrogel defines a diameter of a lumen extending through and defined by the shunt prosthesis. The layer of hydrogel being configured such that the predetermined thickness of the layer of hydrogel is reducable in vivo over a predetmined period of time by controlling the crosslinking density of the layer of hydrogel. A method of controlling flow through a shunt prosthesis is also provided.

Abstract: A cardioprotective patch with an integrated cutting guide includes a membrane having a top edge, a bottom edge distal from the top edge, a right side edge connecting the top edge and the bottom edge; and a left side edge, distal from the right side edge and connecting the top edge and the bottom edge. A fold extends parallel to the top edge about half way between the top edge and the bottom edge. The crease is slit from the right side edge, forming a right slit. An elongate frame is fixedly connected to the membrane. The frame includes a tubular member and a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the tubular member and connected to the membrane.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a cellular communication system is disclosed wherein frequency reuse of available carrier frequencies is maximized, thereby maximizing system traffic capacity. The invention includes an outer cell grid generated by a plurality of base station transceivers connected to a common network controller. Within the grid of outer cells is at least one overlapping sub-grid of inner cells that may be generated by the same base stations as the outer cells, or which may be generated using separate base station transceivers located within the outer cell. At least two frequency reuse patterns are applied to the cells, one pattern for the outer cells and another, tighter pattern for the inner cells. The inner cells are defined and limited by a predetermined threshold co-channel interference level (C/I), the interference emanating from adjacent inner cells operating at the same frequencies.