Abstract: A medical device includes a body defining an exterior surface, and a coating including a therapeutic agent-containing nanoparticle disposed on the exterior surface of the medical device. The nanoparticle may include a brush-arm star polymer. The therapeutic agent may be paclitaxel.

Abstract: A medical device includes a body defining an exterior surface, and a coating including a therapeutic agent-containing nanoparticle disposed on the exterior surface of the medical device. The nanoparticle may include a brush-arm star polymer. The therapeutic agent may be paclitaxel.

Abstract: A medical device includes a body defining an exterior surface, and a coating including a therapeutic agent-containing nanoparticle disposed on the exterior surface of the medical device. The nanoparticle may include a brush-arm star polymer. The therapeutic agent may be paclitaxel.

Abstract: A tubular sheath for enclosing an expandable balloon attached to the distal portion of a catheter encloses and protects the expandable balloon. The tubular sheath is configured to be slidable and removable from the catheter. The tubular sheath may include a longitudinal splitting element that is removable as a result of a force applied to the longitudinal splitting element. The longitudinal splitting element is configured to split the wall of the tubular sheath in response to the force. Alternatively, the tubular sheath may include a gripping portion that has relatively poor cohesive strength to adjacent portions of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath is configured to be removable in response to a force applied to the gripping portion.

Abstract: A tubular sheath for enclosing an expandable balloon attached to the distal portion of a catheter encloses and protects the expandable balloon. The tubular sheath is configured to be slidable and removable from the catheter. The tubular sheath may include a longitudinal splitting element that is removable as a result of a force applied to the longitudinal splitting element. The longitudinal splitting element is configured to split the wall of the tubular sheath in response to the force. Alternatively, the tubular sheath may include a gripping portion that has relatively poor cohesive strength to adjacent portions of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath is configured to be removable in response to a force applied to the gripping portion.

Abstract: A tubular sheath for enclosing an expandable balloon attached to the distal portion of a catheter encloses and protects the expandable balloon. The tubular sheath is configured to be slidable and removable from the catheter. The tubular sheath may include a longitudinal splitting element that is removable as a result of a force applied to the longitudinal splitting element. The longitudinal splitting element is configured to split the wall of the tubular sheath in response to the force. Alternatively, the tubular sheath may include a gripping portion that has relatively poor cohesive strength to adjacent portions of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath is configured to be removable in response to a force applied to the gripping portion.

Abstract: A medical device includes a body defining an exterior surface, and a coating including a therapeutic agent-containing nanoparticle disposed on the exterior surface of the medical device. The nanoparticle may include a brush-arm star polymer. The therapeutic agent may be paclitaxel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering a sealing element post-implantation of valve prosthesis that functions to occlude or fill gaps present between the valve prosthesis and the native valve tissue, thereby reducing, minimizing, or eliminating leaks there through. In a first method, an injectable material is placed within a native valve sinus to form a sealing element that presses native valve leaflets against an outer surface of a heart valve prosthesis. In a second method, an injectable sealing material or a preformed annular sealing component is positioned between the outer surface or perimeter of a heart valve prosthesis and native heart valve tissue. In a third method, a preformed sealing element or component is placed within a heart valve prosthesis to press the prosthesis against native valve tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering a sealing element post-implantation of valve prosthesis that functions to occlude or fill gaps present between the valve prosthesis and the native valve tissue, thereby reducing, minimizing, or eliminating leaks there through. In a first method, an injectable material is placed within a native valve sinus to form a sealing element that presses native valve leaflets against an outer surface of a heart valve prosthesis. In a second method, an injectable sealing material or a preformed annular sealing component is positioned between the outer surface or perimeter of a heart valve prosthesis and native heart valve tissue. In a third method, a preformed sealing element or component is placed within a heart valve prosthesis to press the prosthesis against native valve tissue.

Abstract: A method for forecasting a start period for a combined cycle power generation system including a gas turbine engine, a steam turbine and a computer control system, the method including: inputting a desired time at which the power generation system is to reach a dispatchable load; inputting a current value of a predetermined operational condition of the power generation system; the computer control system retrieving historical data relating the predetermined operational condition to prior start periods of the power generation system or a similar power generation system; the computer control system executing an algorithm which generates a forecasted start time based on the desired time, current value and the retrieve data, wherein the power generation system is predicted to reach the dispatchable load at the desired time when started at the forecasted start time, and the computer system outputting the forecasted start time to the output device.

Abstract: A method for forecasting a start period for a combined cycle power generation system including a gas turbine engine, a steam turbine and a computer control system, the method including: inputting a desired time at which the power generation system is to reach a dispatchable load; inputting a current value of a predetermined operational condition of the power generation system; the computer control system retrieving historical data relating the predetermined operational condition to prior start periods of the power generation system or a similar power generation system; the computer control system executing an algorithm which generates a forecasted start time based on the desired time, current value and the retrieve data, wherein the power generation system is predicted to reach the dispatchable load at the desired time when started at the forecasted start time, and the computer system outputting the forecasted start time to the output device.