Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification is described herein. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method. Initial studies showed excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting hyperplasia in blood vessels provide controlled and safe cryotherapy treatment of a target portion within a body lumen of a patient. Efficacy of endoluminal cryogenic cooling can be enhanced by limiting cooling of target tissues using a thermal barrier disposed between a dual balloon cryotherapy catheter. Containment of both balloons can be monitored by applying a vacuum within a space between the first and second balloons, and by coupling the vacuum space to a fluid shutoff so as to inhibit flow of cryogenic fluid in response to a change in the vacuum space. Controlled cooling of the vessel can be improved by use of a nebulizer in fluid communication with a cryogenic liquid supply lumen and a gas supply lumen.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting hyperplasia in blood vessels provide controlled and safe cryotherapy treatment of a target portion within a body lumen of a patient. Efficacy of endoluminal cryogenic cooling can be enhanced by limiting cooling of target tissues using a thermal barrier disposed between a dual balloon cryotherapy catheter. Containment of both balloons can be monitored by applying a vacuum within a space between the first and second balloons, and by coupling the vacuum space to a fluid shutoff so as to inhibit flow of cryogenic fluid in response to a change in the vacuum space. Controlled cooling of the vessel can be improved by use of a nebulizer in fluid communication with a cryogenic liquid supply lumen and a gas supply lumen.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting hyperplasia in blood vessels provide controlled and safe cryotherapy treatment of a target portion within a body lumen of a patient. Efficacy of endoluminal cryogenic cooling can be enhanced by limiting cooling of target tissues using a thermal barrier disposed between a dual balloon cryotherapy catheter. Containment of both balloons can be monitored by applying a vacuum within a space between the first and second balloons, and by coupling the vacuum space to a fluid shutoff so as to inhibit flow of cryogenic fluid in response to a change in the vacuum space. Controlled cooling of the vessel can be improved by use of a nebulizer in fluid communication with a cryogenic liquid supply lumen and a gas supply lumen.