Abstract: The present invention includes a prosthesis device composed of a plurality of filaments engaged together to self expand against the inner surface of a vessel. In this respect a pocket is created between the prosthesis and the vessel walls which prevent plaque and other debris from escaping downstream to potentially cause complications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to generating a smooth muscle cell from another cell, such as a fibroblast, by delivering to the cell serum response factor, a CRP, and a GATA. In specific embodiments, the methods are utilized to generate vascular tissue and/or to repair vascular tissue.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for transseptal access into the left atrium of a heart. In one embodiement an apparatus for transseptal left atrial access comprised of a catheter adapted for insertion into a vessel and one or more RF devices adapted to be extendable from the distal end of said catheter and configured for the penetration or sealing of septal tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems for the application of heat to an area of the body of a mammal, a system including a device fabricated from or coated with a material comprising of a non-metal matrix and susceptor particles, a non-invasive inductor and magnetic circuit for heating the particles by transmitting an alternating magnetic field (AMF), and an alternating current generator that provides an alternating current to the inductor. Also disclosed are methods related to the non-invasive application of heat to mammalian tissue. These systems and methods are useful where heat must be applied in a controlled manner to avoid undesired damage to tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an effective amount of zinc-containing layered material, an effective amount of a surfactant including a surfactant with an anionic functional group, wherein the zinc-containing layered material has a relative zinc lability of greater than about 15%. The present invention further relates to a composition according to Claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of a pyrithione or a polyvalent metal salt of a pyrithione.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an effective amount of pyrithione or a polyvalent metal salt of a pyrithione and an effective amount of a zinc-containing layered material which provides an augmentation factor greater than 1. The present invention further relates to a method of treating microbial infections, fungal infections, or treating dandruff comprising the use of a composition comprising an effective amount of pyrithione or a polyvalent metal salt of a pyrithione, an effective amount of a zinc-containing layered material which provides an augmentation factor greater than 1.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition comprising a particulate zinc material wherein the particulate zinc material has a crystallite size less than 600 Å. The present invention further comprises a shampoo composition comprising an effective amount of a surfactant, an effective amount of a particulate zinc material, an effective amount of a metal salt of pyrithione, and an effective amount of a suspending agent wherein the particulate zinc material has a crystallite size less than 600 Å.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.

Abstract: A membrane applied to the ostium of an atrial appendage is disclosed. The membrane prevents blood clots in the atrial appendage from escaping therefrom and entering the blood stream which can result in a blocked blood vessel, leading to strokes and heart attacks. The membrane may be permeable or impermeable with respect to blood flow. The membrane is configured to extend over the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The membrane has an outer periphery with a dimension larger than a corresponding dimension of the ostium. Securement means is provided to secure the outer periphery of the membrane in direct engagement with the atrial wall surrounding the ostium. The securement means may located between the membrane and the atrial wall, or the securement means may extend distally from the membrane through the ostium.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure attached to the filtering membrane which retains the filtering membrane in position across the ostium of the left atrial appendage by permanently engaging a portion of the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The support structure may be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration which engages the ostium or the interior wall of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane may define an opening therethrough that is configured to expand from a first size which inhibits the passage of thrombus therethrough to a second size which allows an interventional device, e.g.

Abstract: A membrane applied to the ostium of an atrial appendage is disclosed. The membrane prevents blood clots in the atrial appendage from escaping therefrom and entering the blood stream which can result in a blocked blood vessel, leading to strokes and heart attacks. The membrane may be permeable or impermeable with respect to blood flow. The membrane is configured to extend over the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The membrane has an outer periphery with a dimension larger than a corresponding dimension of the ostium. Securement means is provided to secure the outer periphery of the membrane in direct engagement with the atrial wall surrounding the ostium. The securement means may located between the membrane and the atrial wall, or the securement means may extend distally from the membrane through the ostium.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising an effective amount of a zinc containing material having an aqueous solubility within the composition of less than about 25% by weight at 25° C.; from about 5% to about 50% of a surfactant; and from about 40% to about 95% water; wherein the pH of the composition is greater than about 7. Further disclosed are compositions comprising an effective amount of a zinc containing material having an aqueous solubility within the composition of less than about 25% by weight at 25° C.; from about 5% to about 50% of a surfactant; and from about 0.1% to about 5% of a zinc ionophoric material; from about 40% to about 95% water; and wherein the pH of the composition is greater than about 7.

Abstract: A composition to provide a calming stress hormone regulating and immune stimulation effect, which includes a combination of linoleic and linolenic acids, within certain ratios; at least one flavenoid; and at least one component having calming properties.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for managing an investment to increase the after-tax death benefit of the investment received by the beneficiaries, the system comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program receives and stores information relating to an investment and periodically assesses the value of the investment. The computer program then determines an insurance premium that will provide a death benefit based on the assessed value of the investment. Next, the computer program collects or otherwise receives information of receipt of the insurance premium. In the preferred embodiment, the insurance premium provides a life insurance death benefit of forty percent (40%) of the assessed value of the investment.

Abstract: A composition to provide a calming stress hormone regulating and immune stimulation effect, which includes a combination of linoleic and linolenic acids, within certain ratios; at least one flavenoid; and at least one component having calming properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to gene delivery and expression, including gene therapy, by using vectors which encode stable mRNA and methods of using such vectors. In particular, this invention relates to vectors which establish controlled expression of recombinant IGF-I genes within tissues at certain levels. The vector includes a 5′ flanking region which includes necessary sequences for expression of a nucleic acid cassette, a 3′ flanking region including a 3′ UTR and/or 3′ NCR, and a linker which connects the 5′ flanking region to a nucleic acid sequence. The linker has a position for inserting a nucleic acid cassette. The linker does not contain the coding sequence of a gene that the linker is naturally associated with. The 3′ flanking region is 3′ to the position for inserting the nucleic acid cassette. The expression vectors of the present invention can also be regulated by a regulatory system and/or constructed with a coating.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for providing stabilized annuity payments and control of investments in a variable annuity, the system comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program allocates the short and long term risks associated with an investment to the potential beneficiaries of the annuitant by controlling the allocation of assets between two investment pools. The annuitant pool is the pool on which annuity payments are based and the beneficiary pool contains assets that are provided to the beneficiaries upon the death of the annuitant. The beneficiary pool is used as a cushion to isolate the contents of the annuitant pool from fluctuations in value. The beneficiary pool is initially funded with sufficient assets to minimize the likelihood of its depletion under fairly conservative estimates of market conditions.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allocating assets among a plurality of investments to guarantee a predetermined value at the end of a predetermined time period, the system comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program controls the allocation of assets in the investment vehicle, which allows the investor to initially invest one hundred percent of the initial deposit in non-secure, high risk investments, such as for example mutual funds and/or stocks. At the end of the each trading day, the computer program determines if assets should be reallocated from the non-secure investments to the secure investments, from the secure investments to the non-secure investments, or if no reallocation is necessary.