Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for reducing the severity of a birth defect in a mammal by exposing the mammal (e.g., in utero) to a herpes virus amplicon particle comprising a cis element-flanked transgene and a sequence encoding a transposase. Upon expression, the transposase inserts the transgene into the genome of a cell (e.g., a neuron) within the mammal and the transgene expresses a polypeptide or RNA that compensates for a protein or gene defect that is causally associated with the birth defect.

Abstract: This disclosure features vectors, targeting vectors, modified artificial chromosomes, herpes virus particles in which such chromosomes are packaged, and methods of using the herpes virus particles to identify therapeutic agents and targets for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicon particles which includes co-transfecting a host cell with the following: (i) an amplicon vector comprising an HSV origin of replication, an HSV cleavage/packaging signal, and a heterologous transgene expressible in a patient, (ii) one or more vectors individually or collectively encoding all essential HSV genes but excluding all cleavage/packaging signals, and (iii) a vhs expression vector encoding a virion host shutoff protein; and then isolating HSV amplicon particles produced by the host cell, the HSV amplicon particles including the transgene. Also disclosed are a system and a kit for preparing HSV amplicon particles, HSV amplicon particles prepared according to the process of the present invention, and their use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrosurgical generator that comprises a circuit and method to produce a filtering technique that utilizes the output transformer as the inductive element of the filter and places two capacitors on the output of the transformer to produce the desired filtering. The output filter configuration eliminates the use of power inductors and still creates the filtering required in electrosurgical applications. The filter utilizes the inductive properties of the output transformer along with several capacitors to form the bandpass filter.

Abstract: The invention features new helper virus-free methods for making herpesvirus amplicon particles that can be used in immunotherapies, including those for treating any number of infectious diseases and cancers (including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, other cancers in which blood cells become malignant, lymphomas (e.g. Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's type lymphomas). Described herein are methods of making helper virus-free HSV amplicon particles; cells that contain those particles (e.g., packaging cell lines or patients'cells, infected in vivo or ex vivo); particles produced according to those methods; and methods of treating a patient with an hf-HSV particle made according to those methods.

Abstract: A probe for use in minimally invasive surgery incorporates a nozzle and electrode assembly at the distal end of the probe for achieving gas assisted electro-fulguration. In addition, the probe accommodates the simultaneous use of other auxiliary surgical instruments, such as standard electrosurgical electrodes, laser fiber optic conduits and mechanical tools. Further still, the probe includes a passageway for achieving evacuation, irrigation or aspiration at the surgical site. The probe thus allows a surgeon to achieve multiple different surgical functions during a minimally invasive surgical procedure without removing one probe and inserting a different probe to achieve a different surgical function.

Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece applies electrical energy to a blade electrode to accomplish blade electrosurgery or to a transfer electrode in a nozzle to transfer electrical energy in arcs in a flowing gas to accomplish conductive gas electrocoagulation. The blade electrode may be selectively extended to conduct blade electrosurgery and withdrawn when conductive gas electrocoagulation is accomplished. Finger activated switches on the handpiece control the application of electrical energy to the blade electrode and the application of gas to the nozzle and the electrical energy to the transfer electrode within the nozzle. A cord includes a tubing for supplying gas to the handpiece. The cord also includes a plurality of conductors for conducting electrical energy to the two electrodes and conducting control signals to an electrosurgical apparatus which delivers the electrical energy and the gas. A nozzle and electrode assembly fits within the end of the tubing.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation technique regulates the output power of each cycle of a radio frequency surgical signal of an electrosurgical generator. The delivered power of the surgical signal is determined by multiplying the sensed current and the sensed voltage of the surgical signal. An error signal is established by the difference of the actual delivered power with respect to a selected desired output power. The error signal is operatively utilized to modulate the pulse width of each driving pulse which creates the cycles of the surgical signal. Limits on the sensed voltage and sensed current signals are established to limit the output characteristics of the surgical signal. A minimum current limit signal is utilized to limit the maximum output voltage into relatively high impedances. A minimum voltage limit signal is utilized to limit the maximum output current into relatively low impedances.

Abstract: A solid-state electrosurgical generator is disclosed which provides three separate output circuits that may be operated from a single common power source. One of the output circuits produces an output electrical waveform which is optimized for cutting and coagulation with monopolar electrodes. Another source provides a waveform which is optimized for cutting and coagulation with bipolar electrodes. The other electrosurgical source produces an output electrical waveform which is optimized for fulguration. The output circuits produce the optimized waveforms by appropriately processing electrical power provided by a D.C. power source. In order to do this, the output circuits may be connected to the power source by means of four semiconductor switches which may be arranged in either a bridge configuration for one output circuit or in a series arrangement for the other output circuit.

Abstract: A solid-state electrosurgical generator is disclosed which provides three separate output circuits that may be operated from a single common power source. One of the output circuits produces an output electrical waveform which is optimized for cutting and coagulation with monopolar electrodes. Another circuit provides a waveform which is optimized for cutting and coagulation with bipolar electrodes. The other electrosurgical circuit produces an output electrical waveform which is optimized for fulguration. The output circuits produce the optimized waveforms by appropriately processing electrical power provided by a D.C. power source. In order to do this, the output circuits may be connected to the power source by means of four semiconductor switches may be arranged in either a bridge configuration for one output circuit or in a series arrangement for the other output circuit.