Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for measuring skin elasticity that comprises: a probe with one or more holes, a vacuum source, a pressure sensor, and one or more infrared or optical proximity sensors aligned about the one or more holes, wherein the probe further comprises a raised area surrounding the one or more holes; and a processor for recording the deformation of the skin using a control unit comprising a microcontroller connected to the one or more infrared or optical proximity sensors and the one or more pressure sensors, to measure an amount of skin drawn into and out of the one or more holes to determine the distance between the one or more proximity sensors and the skin both inside and outside the probe.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for measuring skin elasticity that comprises: a probe with one or more holes, a vacuum source, a pressure sensor, and one or more infrared or optical proximity sensors aligned about the one or more holes, wherein the probe further comprises a raised area surrounding the one or more holes; and a processor for recording the deformation of the skin using a control unit comprising a microcontroller connected to the one or more infrared or optical proximity sensors and the one or more pressure sensors, to measure an amount of skin drawn into and out of the one or more holes to determine the distance between the one or more proximity sensors and the skin both inside and outside the probe.

Abstract: The invention is a nanoporous membrane exchanger.

Abstract: An expandable biodegradable polymeric stent is fabricated with biodegradable polymer fibers (Poly-L-lactic acid, PLLA) in a coil shape that is constructed with both central and external or internal peripheral lobes. It is delivered and expanded using a conventional angioplasty balloon system. The disclosed stent can serve as a temporary scaffold for coronary vessels after PTCA or for peripheral endovascular stenting, or it can provide mechanical palliation for strictures of ductile organs (trachea, esophagus, bile and pancreatic ducts, ureter etc.). The disclosed stent also serves as a unique device for specific local drug delivery. Therapeutic agents (chemical compounds, protein enzyme and DNA sequences) and cells can be loaded into the stent and gradually released to target tissues. Local radiation therapy can also be delivered by a specially adapted stent.

Abstract: An expandable biodegradable polymeric stent is fabricated with biodegradable polymer fibers (Poly-L-lactic acid, PLLA) in a coil shape that is constructed with both central and external or internal peripheral lobes. It is delivered and expanded using a conventional angioplasty balloon system. The disclosed stent can serve as a temporary scaffold for coronary vessels after PTCA or for peripheral endovascular stenting, or it can provide mechanical palliation for strictures of ductile organs (trachea, esophagus, bile and pancreatic ducts, ureter etc.). The disclosed stent also serves as a unique device for specific local drug delivery. Therapeutic agents (chemical compounds, protein enzyme and DNA sequences) and cells can be loaded into the stent and gradually released to target tissues. Local radiation therapy can also be delivered by a specially adapted stent.

Abstract: Articles having reduced thrombogenicity when in contact with blood products containing albumin and methods of their use are provided. The articles comprise at the surface of blood contact a water insoluble polymeric substrate material having covalently attached thereon aliphatic extensions of 14 to 20 carbon units. When exposed to blood the aliphatic chain extensions provide a hydrophobic binding site for albumin. The articles when implemented with whole blood or blood products selectively enhance albumin affinity binding to the exclusion of other blood components, and subsequently minimize thrombus formation.