Abstract: Ligand-capped nanoparticles are dispersed in an organic solvent. There is then phase transfer of the nanoparticles introducing into the organic solvent an aqueous solution of polymer surfactant dissolved in water. The organic solvent and the aqueous solution are then mixed until the polymer forms micelles which encapsulate the nanoparticles in assemblies. The resultant nanoparticle assemblies in an aqueous phase may be used for any of a range of desired applications. It has been found that the assembly size can be tuned by control of any or a combination of method parameters such as concentration of polymer surfactant, and/or temperature of the phase change reaction, and/or rate of mixing, such as rotational rate of stirring. The nanoparticle assemblies find particular application as fluorescent biomarkers.

Abstract: A vascular filter device (1) has a perfusion balloon (3) with a through-hole for blood flow. There is a distal filter (4) for trapping emboli, and the filter (4) is configured to filter an annular cross-sectional area extending from a vessel wall, while leaving an un-filtered central passageway. The filter (4) may be substantially frusto-conical in shape when deployed, and have a proximal tubular part (41) which is attached to the perfusion balloon or a support for the perfusion balloon. The filter has a retainer (5) to retain an end of the filter in an in-use position abutting a vessel wall. The retainer may comprise wires (5) or an inflated ring (8). The device may have an internal support (2, 12, 22, 96, 112) for the perfusion balloon (3, 11, 21, 95, 111). The balloon inflates and expands the inner arterial wall, and the filter captures emboli released during the procedure while leaving a channel that allows blood to flow to tissues distal to the blockage, maintaining antegrade flow.

Abstract: Ligand-capped nanoparticles are dispersed in an organic solvent. There is then phase transfer of the nanoparticles introducing into the organic solvent an aqueous solution of polymer surfactant dissolved in water. The organic solvent and the aqueous solution are then mixed until the polymer forms micelles which encapsulate the nanoparticles in assemblies. The resultant nanoparticle assemblies in an aqueous phase may be used for any of a range of desired applications. It has been found that the assembly size can be tuned by control of any or a combination of method parameters such as concentration of polymer surfactant, and/or temperature of the phase change reaction, and/or rate of mixing, such as rotational rate of stirring. The nanoparticle assemblies find particular application as fluorescent biomarkers.

Abstract: A vascular graft (30) comprises a proximal inlet section (31), a first distal section (32) and a second distal section (33). The first distal section (32) and the second distal section (33) are attached to the proximal inlet section (31) at a Y-shaped bifurcation region. In use the proximal inlet section (31) is attached to a first part (34) of a host artery in an end-to-side anastomosis. A second part (35) of the host artery is cut to form a first section (36) of the host artery on a first side of the cut and a second section (37) of the host artery on a second side of the cut. The first distal section (32) is attached to the first section (36) in an end-to-end anastomosis, and the second distal section (33) is attached to the second section (37) in an end-to-end anastomosis.

Abstract: A vascular graft comprising a proximal section, iliac distal legs and a bifurcation blending section (7) between the proximal section and the distal legs. The cross-sectional area of the proximal section at the bifurcation point is less than or equal to the sum of the two cross sectional areas of both iliac legs. The blending section (7) generates a smooth transition from the proximal section to both iliac legs which minimizes wave reflections by ensuring that the area ratio at the bifurcated junction (7) is as close to unity or greater than unity as possible. The blending section (7) defines a first lumen for fluid flow from the proximal section into the first distal leg, and a separate second lumen for fluid flow from the proximal section into the second distal leg. The two lumen are separated by means of a gradual flow which separates the fluid flow from the proximal section into each lumen.

Abstract: A modelling system (1) comprises a blood vessel simulating model (2) connected to a pump system (3) and mounted in the field of view of a polariscope system (4) and a camera system (7). The model (2) is mounted on an adjustable stand (5). The blood vessel simulating model (2) is connected to the pump system by outlet control and access valves (10). The blood vessel simulating model (2) is connected to the pump system (3) by a clip (9). A pressure sensor (8) is provided to monitor pressure levels within the model (2). The pump system (3), pressure sensor (8), polariscope (4) and camera (7) are controlled by controllers (39, 11, 13). The adjustable stand (5) is movable to facilitate rotation, change of orientation, change of level of one end of the model with respect to the other end, and bending of the blood vessel simulating model (2). The pump system (3) circulates a liquid to the model (2) to simulate blood flow in the model.

Abstract: A vascular graft (20) comprises a proximal section (4), integral with two branches (2, 3) which terminate in a distal end-to-end section (30). The end-to-end section (30) is attached to a host artery (5) at end-to-end anastomoses (31, 32). Flow of blood from the proximal section (4) to the host artery (5) occurs with a self-correcting flow pattern at the opposing junctions, avoiding arterial bed impingement and associated risk of restenosis.