Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide an implant configured to utilize at least two different scar-generating mechanisms that are generated in sequential or overlapping stages. For example, in one embodiment the present invention provides an expandable device that can be positioned at a desired target location within a patient to generate mechanical ablation damage. After a predetermined amount of mechanical ablation has occurred, additional ablation damage is generated by a different source, such as energy delivery, drug delivery, or inflammatory material delivery. In this respect, the overall ablation scarring can be better controlled by utilizing the ablation techniques that are most appropriate at specific phases of a technique or locations within a patient.

Abstract: The present invention describes various devices and methods wherein a cytostatic antiproliferative drug, either alone or in combination with other drugs, is placed between internal body tissues to prevent the formation of scar tissue and/or adhesions during healing of a wound or surgical site. Specific devices to achieve this administration include, but are not limited to, a permanent implant or a biodegradable material having an attached antiproliferative drug such as sirolimus. These antiproliferative drugs may be combined with other drugs including, but not limited to, antiplatelets, antithrombotics or anticoagulants. The present invention also contemplates methods to a reduce scar tissue and/or adhesions or adhesion formation at an anastomosis site. In particular, a cytostatic antiproliferative drug is administered to an arteriovenous shunt anastomoses in patients having end-stage renal disease.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide an implant configured to utilize at least two different scar-generating mechanisms that are generated in sequential or overlapping stages. For example, in one embodiment the present invention provides an expandable device that can be positioned at a desired target location within a patient to generate mechanical ablation damage. After a predetermined amount of mechanical ablation has occurred, additional ablation damage is generated by a different source, such as energy delivery, drug delivery, or inflammatory material delivery. In this respect, the overall ablation scarring can be better controlled by utilizing the ablation techniques that are most appropriate at specific phases of a technique or locations within a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and methods for early detection of acute myocardial infarction in a patient. In particular, the invention relates to a device and method for detecting the presence of biomarker analytes in a specimen which are indicative of a potential acute myocardial infarction in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention describes various devices and methods wherein a cytostatic antiproliferative drug, either alone or in combination with other drugs, is placed between internal body tissues to prevent the formation of scar tissue and/or adhesions during healing of a wound or surgical site. Specific devices to achieve this administration include, but are not limited to, a permanent implant or a biodegradable material having an attached antiproliferative drug such as sirolimus. These antiproliferative drugs may be combined with other drugs including, but not limited to, antiplatelets, antithrombotics or anticoagulants. The present invention also contemplates methods to a reduce scar tissue and/or adhesions or adhesion formation at an anastomosis site. In particular, a cytostatic antiproliferative drug is administered to an arteriovenous shunt anastomoses in patients having end-stage renal disease.