Abstract: A wire frame stent and stent delivery system for inserting the stent into the body.

Abstract: Disclosed are water soluble compositions of paclitaxel and docetaxel formed by conjugating the paclitaxel or docetaxel to a water soluble polymer such as poly-glutamic acid, poly-aspartic acid or poly-lysine. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions for treatment of tumors, auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Other embodiments include the coating of implantable stents for prevention of restenosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are water soluble compositions of paclitaxel and docetaxel formed by conjugating the paclitaxel or docetaxel to a water soluble chelator, polyethylene glycol or polymer such as poly (1-glutamic acid) or poly (1-aspartic acid). Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions for treatment of tumors, auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and for prediction of paclitaxel uptake by tumors and radiolabeled DTPA-paclitaxel tumor imaging. Other embodiments include the coating of implantable stents for prevention of restenosis.

Abstract: A wire frame stent and stent delivery system for inserting the stent into the body.

Abstract: A multi-stage graft for implantation into a blood vessel is disclosed. The multi-stage stent graft may be used to repair aortic aneurysms. Each stage or layer may comprise radially compressible spring portions. The inner stages may be provided with or without a fabric covering. Also disclosed is a coaxial delivery system for the delivery and endovascular assembly of the multi-stage stent graft.

Abstract: The synthesis of tamoxifen derivatives, most particularly halo, halo alkyl, hydroxy, and amino tamoxifen derivatives is disclosed. The native tamoxifen molecule includes a substituted chemical group positioned on the aliphatic chain of the tamoxifen molecule. Particular tamoxifen derivatives of the invention include chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoro, amino and DTPA tamoxifen derivatives, and corresponding lower alkyl halogenated forms. The halogenated tamoxifen derivatives possess superior binding affinities for estrogen receptor rich tissues, such as uterine tissue and breast tissue, relative to unsubstituted native tamoxifen. Radiolabeled forms of the tamoxifen derivatives may be used as highly specific imaging agents for estrogen receptor rich tissues. The fluoro and bromo tamoxifen derivatives are particularly useful for imaging estrogen receptors by PET whereas the iodinated tamoxifens are particularly useful in imaging estrogen receptors by SPECT.

Abstract: Disclosed are water soluble compositions of paclitaxel and docetaxel formed by conjugating the paclitaxel or docetaxel to a water soluble chelator, polyethylene glycol or polymer such as poly (1-glutamic acid) or poly (1-aspartic acid). Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions for treatment of tumors, auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and for prediction of paclitaxel uptake by tumors and radiolabeled DTPA-paclitaxel tumor imaging. Other embodiments include the coating of implantable stents for prevention of restenosis.

Abstract: A closure prosthesis and transcatheter delivery system are disclosed, wherein the closure prosthesis seals across an opening of a fluid passageway within a living body. The closure prosthesis is a flexible disk including a flexible ring and diaphragm having a plurality of hollow flexible wire segments attached thereto. Delivery of the closure prosthesis is accomplished using a hollow sheath and a pusher catheter slidable within the sheath, wherein filaments are looped through the wire segments to releasably connect the disk to the pusher catheter. The disk is resiliently compressed within the sheath and, upon release therefrom, the disk resiliently expands into a larger, unrestrained shape. Tension applied to the filaments resiliently bends the wire segments so that they may be drawn through the opening of the defect. Upon releasing the filaments from the disk, the wire segments resiliently expand to trap the disk in place to seal across the opening.

Abstract: The present invention involves a rapid synthesis of .sup.18 F-FMISO and analogs thereof. New precursors such as 1-(2'-nitro-1'-imidazolyl)-2-0-acetyl-3-0-tosylpropanol, glycerol-1,3-ditosylate-2-0-acetylate, 1-(2'-nitro-1'-imidazolyl)-2,3-0-diacetyl-4-0-tosylbutanol and threitol 1,4-di-tosylate-2,3-0-diacetylate, are also important aspects of the invention.A further aspect of the invention is the development of a hydrophilic PET ligand to image tumor hypoxia. Erythrotosyl analogue of 2-nitroimidazone (Ts-ETNIM) was prepared from a mixture of 2-nitromidazole, ditosylthreitol and cesium carbonate at 60.degree. C. for 1 hr. Ts-ETNIM was isolated at 70% yield. ?.sup.18 F!fluoroerythronitroimidazole (FETNIM) was then prepared from Ts-ETNIM and K.sup.18 F/kryptofix.RTM.. The yield for ?.sup.18 F!FETNIM was 26-30% (60 min, decay corrected). Results of biodistribution and PET studies indicate that ?.sup.18 F!FETNIM has the potential to detect tumor hypoxia and is indicated to be less neurotoxic.

Abstract: A wire frame stent and stent delivery system for inserting the stent into the body.

Abstract: The present invention involves a rapid synthesis of .sup.18 F-FMISO and analogs thereof. New precursors such as 1-(2'-nitro-1'-imidazolyl)-2-0-acetyl-3-0-tosylpropanol, glycerol-1,3-ditosylate-2-0-acetylate, 1-(2'-nitro-1'-imidazolyl)-2,3-0-diacetylate, are also important aspects of the invention.A further aspect of the invention is the development of a hydrophilic PET ligand to image tumor hypoxia. Erythrotosyl analogue of 2-nitroimidazone (Ts-ETNIM) was prepared from a mixture of 2-nitromidazole, ditosylthreitol and cesium carbonate at 60.degree. C. for 1 hr. Ts-ETNIM was isolated at 70% yield. ?.sup.18 F!fluoroerythronitroimidazole (FETNIM) when prepared from Ts-ETNIM and K.sup.18 F/kryptofix.RTM.. The yield for ?.sup.18 F!FETNIM was 26-30% (60 min, decay corrected). Results of biodistribution and PET studies indicate that ?.sup.18 F!FETNIM has the potential to detect tumor hypoxia and is indicated to be less neurotoxic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for chemically modifying non-ionic, water soluble particulate contrast agents so that they degrade in vivo to their non-ionic parent contrast material and carbon dioxide. According to the present invention, known particulate, non-ionic contrast agents are chemically modified to form a precursor or "prodrug" comprising cyclic carbonates and carbamates of the parent compound. The resulting cyclic carbonates and carbamates are lipid soluble, biodegradable, and can be prepared in large quantities using well-established methods. These cyclic carbonates and carbamates can be converted to particulate contrast media using simple, well known techniques, such as solvent-extraction or solvent evaporation.

Abstract: A closure prosthesis and transcatheter delivery system includes a closure prosthesis for sealing across all opening of a fluid passageway within a living body. The closure prosthesis is a flexible disk including a flexible ring and diaphragm having a plurality of hollow flexible wire segments attached thereto. Delivery of the closure prosthesis is accomplished using a hollow sheath and a pusher catheter slidable within the sheath, wherein filaments are looped through the wire segments to releasably connect the disk to the pusher catheter. The disk is resiliently compressed within the sheath and, upon release therefrom, the disk resiliently expands into a larger, unrestrained shape. Tension applied to the filaments resiliently bends the wire segments so that they may be drawn through the opening of the defect. Upon releasing the filaments from the disk, the wire segments resiliently expand to trap the disk in place to seal across the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly efficient method of preparing modified microcapsules exhibiting selective targeting. These microcapsules are suitable for encapsulation surface attachment of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. In one aspect of the invention, surface charge of the polymeric material is altered by conjugation of an amino acid ester to the providing improved targeting of encapsulated agents to specific tissue cells. Examples include encapsulation of radiodiagnostic agents in 1 .mu.m capsules to provide improved opacification and encapsulation of cytotoxic agents in 100 .mu.m capsules for chemoembolization procedures. The microcapsules are suitable for attachment of a wide range of targeting agents, including antibodies, steroids and drugs, which may be attached to the microcapsule polymer before or after formation of suitably sized microcapsules. The invention also includes microcapsules surface modified with hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprises a poppet, a seat and a restraining element. The poppet, seat and restraining element include an insertion form for percutaneously inserting into a fluid passageway within a living body and an operational form for operating within the fluid passageway. The valve is self-expanding so that upon insertion the valve automatically assumes the operational form. In the operational form the poppet is movably restrained between the valve seat and restraining element. The poppet seals against the valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the valve and unseats from the valve seat to permit fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: A flexible vena cava filter comprises a flexible stent having a plurality of flexible wire segments attached across the ends of the stent. The filter is resiliently compressible for percutaneous insertion into a fluid passageway and expands against the passageway upon placement therein. The filter includes different levels of filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing microcapsules suitable for encapsulation of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. The capsular coats are prepared from biodegradable polymers. In a particular aspect of the invention, surface charge of the polymeric material is altered by conjugation of an amino acid ester to the polymer, providing targeting to specific tissue cells. Encapsulation of hydrophilic radiodiagnostic agents in 1 .mu.m capsules provides improved opacification. Encapsulation of cytotoxic agents in 100 .mu.m capsules is useful in chemoembolization procedures.

Abstract: Applicants describe the synthesis of fluorotamoxifen and iodotamoxifen analogs with the halogen atom positioned on the aliphatic chain of the tamoxifen molecule. The halogenated-tamoxifen derivatives possess superior binding affinities to estrogen receptors of pig uteri compared with tamoxifen. The fluorinated tamoxifens have potential use in imaging estrogen receptors by PET whereas the iodinated tamoxifens have potential use in imaging estrogen receptors by SPECT. Rapid and efficient methods of preparing fluorotamoxifen and iodotamoxifen derivatives with high specific activity are also disclosed. Fluorotamoxifen and iodotamoxifen derivatives may advantageously be used as anti-cancer therapeutic agents to halt estrogen-receptor positive tumors.

Abstract: The synthesis of tamoxifen derivatives, most particularly halo, haloalkyl and hydroxy tamoxifen derivatives, wherein the native tamoxifen molecule includes a substituted chemical group positioned on the aliphatic chain of the tamoxifen molecule, is provided. Methods for imaging estrogen receptors using the tamoxifen derivatives of the invention are also described. The aliphatic chain substituted tamoxifen derivatives of the invention possess greater estrogen receptor binding affinities and more potent tumor cell inhibiting activity than native tamoxifen or tamoxifen derivatives substituted at other locations on the molecule (i.e., non-aliphatic chain substituted tamoxifen, phenolic-ring substituted tamoxifen). Examples of the halogenated tamoxifen derivatives of the invention include chloro-, bromo-, iodo- and fluoro-tamoxifen derivatives, and their corresponding lower alkyl halogenated forms.