Abstract: A fire barrier laminate comprising: at least one fire barrier layer directly or indirectly coated onto at least one first polymeric flame propagation resistant film layer; at least one second film layer proximate to the fire barrier layer opposite the first polymeric flame propagation resistant film layer; at least one scrim layer disposed: (i) between the fire barrier layer and the first polymeric flame propagation resistant film layer; and/or (ii) between the fire barrier layer and the second film layer; and/or (iii) proximate to the first polymeric flame propagation resistant film layer opposite the fire barrier layer; and/or (iv) proximate to the second film layer opposite the fire barrier layer; wherein the fire barrier layer comprises inorganic fibers, at least one inorganic platelet material, optionally at least one organic binder and/or inorganic binder, and optionally at least one functional filler.

Abstract: A magnetically steerable catheter system and method of using the system is provided. The system comprises an outer elongated, flexible member having a proximal and distal end, an inner elongated, flexible, member having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner member slidably disposed within the outer member. The system further comprises an electromagnet disposed on the distal end of one of the outer member and inner member, and a magnetically attractive element disposed on the distal end of another of the outer member and inner member. The magnetically attractive element is configured for magnetically interacting with the electromagnet to deflect the distal end of the inner member.

Abstract: A burnthrough protection system including a fire barrier layer, a foam insulation material, and a distinct buffer layer disposed between the fire barrier layer and the foam insulation material, wherein the buffer layer is adapted to prevent adhesion between the fire barrier layer and the foam insulation at elevated temperature. The burnthrough protection system may be capable of passing the flame propagation and burnthrough resistance test protocols of 14 C.F.R. §25.856(a) and (b), Appendix F, Parts VI and VII. Also, an aircraft including an exterior skin, an interior liner, and the burnthrough protection system disposed between the exterior skin and the interior liner.

Abstract: A burnthrough protection system including a fire protection laminate and a foam insulation material, wherein the fire protection laminate includes a fire barrier layer and a buffer layer, the buffer layer being disposed between the fire-barrier layer and the foam insulation material, wherein the buffer layer is adapted to prevent adhesion between the fire barrier layer and the foam insulation at elevated temperature. The burnthrough protection system may be capable of passing the flame propagation and burnthrough resistance test protocols of 14 C.F.R. §25.856(a) and (b), Appendix F, Parts VI and VII. Also, an aircraft including an exterior skin, an interior liner, and the burnthrough protection system disposed between the exterior skin and the interior liner.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of asthma are provided, which comprise: (a) providing an implantable or insertable medical device that comprises an asthma treatment agent; and (b) inserting or implanting the medical device within the lungs (e.g., the trachea or the bronchial tree) of a patient, whereupon the therapeutic agent is delivered to the patient in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of asthma. Also disclosed herein are medical devices and kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: A fire barrier laminate including: at least one non-fibrous fire barrier layer directly or indirectly coated onto at least one first polymeric flame propagation resistant film layer; at least one second film layer proximate to the non-fibrous fire barrier layer opposite the first polymeric flame propagation resistant film layer; at least one scrim layer disposed: (i) between the non-fibrous fire barrier layer and the first polymeric flame propagation resistant film layer; and/or (ii) between the non-fibrous fire barrier layer and the second film layer; and/or (iii) proximate to the first polymeric flame propagation resistant film layer opposite the non-fibrous fire barrier layer; and/or (iv) proximate to the second film layer opposite the non-fibrous fire barrier layer. Also, a method of making the fire barrier laminate.

Abstract: An agent delivery device includes an inner tubular body having a proximal end, a sharpened distal end, a delivery lumen extending therebetween, and one or more outlet ports on the distal end communicating with the delivery lumen. The device also includes one or more seals sealing the one or more outlet ports, the one or more seals capable of being melted to allow a fluid to be delivered from the delivery lumen through the one or more outlet ports. The agent delivery device may further include a monopolar or bipolar electrode and/or a radio-opaque marker carried at the distal end of the device. The inner tubular body can be made from a conductive material to thereby allow the inner tubular body to function as an electrode.

Abstract: An entry port cuff for providing antimicrobial properties to a medical device having a portion that is insertable into the body of a patient is disclosed. The cuff, which is charged with an antimicrobial agent, is removably attached to the medical device immediately prior to or immediately after insertion of said medical device into the body. The cuff is attached to the medical device in a manner such that the cuff is located outside of the body and in the proximity of the point of entry of the medical device into the body. Also, the cuff is substantially free of an adhesive for adhering the cuff to the body. Methods for using and making the entry port cuff are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a lightweight, fibrous thermal insulation panel including high temperature resistant biosoluble inorganic fibers, expanded perlite, binder, and optionally conventional high temperature resistant inorganic fibers. Further provided is a method for preparing a lightweight, fibrous high temperature thermal insulation panel including: (a) providing an aqueous slurry comprising from about 15% to about 90% high temperature resistant biosoluble inorganic fibers, from about 10% to about 80% expanded perlite, at least one of from 0% to about 50% organic binder or from 0% to about 20% inorganic binder by weight, and optionally from 0% to about 70% conventional high temperature resistant fibers; (b) forming the lightweight, fibrous thermal insulation panel by depositing the said aqueous slurry onto a substrate; (c) partially dewatering the slurry on the substrate to form a fibrous layer; and (d) drying the fibrous layer to a moisture content of no greater than about 5% by weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a tissue ablation procedure includes a base, a fluid delivery tube coupled to the base, a first lever rotatably coupled to the base, the first lever having a first end biased to press against a portion of the fluid delivery tube to thereby close a lumen within the fluid delivery tube, and a second end, and a securing mechanism for securing the base relative to an ablation device. An ablation system includes an ablation device having an electrode, a fluid delivery tube coupled to the ablation device, and a control for simultaneously activating the electrode and opening the fluid delivery tube. A method of performing tissue ablation includes operating a control to activate an electrode, thereby delivering ablation energy to target tissue, wherein the step of operating the control also causes fluid to be delivered to the target tissue.

Abstract: A stent for maintaining an open passageway through a body lumen, such as the prostatic urethra of a male patient, includes an elongated segment including a flexible polymer material bridging a plurality of hoops. The elongated segment defines a lumen extending therethrough and has a distal end. A retention structure may be coupled to the distal end of the elongated segment to inhibit the distal end from migrating when the stent is placed within a body of a patient. The flexible polymer material is disposed between the plurality of hoops, thereby creating hinged members that allow for the spaces between the hoops to expand and contract longitudinally to accommodate prostatic swelling when the stent is placed within the prostatic urethra of the patient.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for immobilizing and stabilizing a breast in preparation for tumor ablation or biopsy while the patient is lying supine. The breast is lifted away from the chest wall of the patient, so that the tissue abnormality to be treated is also lifted away from the chest wall. This reduces the possibility of damage to the neighboring costochondral wall and the surrounding healthy tissue. The device includes a medical device holder that can be used to accurately aim a medical probe, and hold it in place during treating.

Abstract: A medical probe assembly and method for ablating tissue using radio frequency energy. The medical probe assembly includes an elongated shaft, a needle electrode array, and a hinged handle. The handle has a collar, which when in the up position covers the hinge so that the device can be used as a conventional medical probe. When the collar is in the down position the hinge is exposed, and the handle can be bent to reduce its overall height. With this reduced height the probe can be used while a patient is lying in a CT scanner or an MRI chamber. Therefore, the surgeon can monitor the ablation during the procedure, and thus avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding healthy tissue on the one hand, and insufficient ablation of the diseased tissue on the other hand. An alternate embodiment uses a flexible handle instead of a hinged one.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and the distal ends, and an array of delivery tubes at least partially disposed within the lumen, each of the delivery tube having a lumen, wherein each of the delivery tubes is slidable relative to the cannula, and has a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when outside the lumen. A system for treating tissue includes a treatment device having a distal end, and an indexing device for controlling a longitudinal position of the distal end of the treatment device relative to a target tissue region, the indexing device having a tubular portion for receiving the treatment device.

Abstract: A stent for assisting urinary release in a male patient includes a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the first and second segments. The first segment includes a multi-winged malecot. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter with the multi-winged malecot located within the bladder to inhibit migration of the stent, and the second segment is located on the other side of the external sphincter and also tends to inhibit migration of the stent. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.

Abstract: An agent delivery device includes an inner tubular body having a proximal end, a sharpened distal end, a delivery lumen extending therebetween, and one or more outlet ports on the distal end communicating with the delivery lumen. The device also includes one or more seals sealing the one or more outlet ports, the one or more seals capable of being melted to allow a fluid to be delivered from the delivery lumen through the one or more outlet ports. The agent delivery device may further include a monopolar or bipolar electrode and/or a radio-opaque marker carried at the distal end of the device. The inner tubular body can be made from a conductive material to thereby allow the inner tubular body to function as an electrode.

Abstract: Described herein are various implant delivery systems and methods of use. The systems can include an implantable medical device mated to a pusher wire via a detachable link. The user can detach the detachable link by rotating the pusher wire. For example, the detachable link can include first and second interlocking members, where the first interlocking member including a male mating surface and the second interlocking member including a female mating surface. The first and second body members can be mechanically interlocked, for example, with a pin and a slot.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for obtaining a sample of tissue with low power electrosurgical energy. The systems can include an apparatus for obtaining a sample of tissue from a patient having a cannula having a distal opening for receiving the sample of tissue. A wire, located proximate to the distal opening, can delivery energy to ablate tissue such that damage to the tissue sample is minimized.

Abstract: A method of treating a region of diseased tissue using a probe is disclosed. A probe cannula is introduced into the tissue of the patient until a distal end of the cannula is located at or proximate to the treatment region. A plurality of electrodes are then deployed from the distal end of the cannula into the treatment region. Energy (e.g., radiofrequency energy) is then delivered through the plurality of electrodes to the tissue. The cannula is then secured to an immobile object external to the patient. The treatment region is irradiated with a therapeutically effective dose of an ionizing radiation while the plurality of electrodes remain at least partially advanced within the treatment region and while the cannula remains secured to the immobile object.

Abstract: A magnetically steerable catheter system and method of using the system is provided. The system comprises an outer elongated, flexible member having a proximal and distal end, an inner elongated, flexible, member having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner member slidably disposed within the outer member. The system further comprises an electromagnet disposed on the distal end of one of the outer member and inner member, and a magnetically attractive element disposed on the distal end of another of the outer member and inner member. The magnetically attractive element is configured for magnetically interacting with the electromagnet to deflect the distal end of the inner member.