System for Non-Invasive Assay of Liver Function

A system, method and apparatus are disclosed for using a transcutaneous detection system to measure the quantity of a circulating organ activity detection analyte in the blood, and thereby assay the activity of an organ. A preferred organ for assay is the human liver and a preferred indicator is indocyanine green (ICG) dye The procedure is under the control of a monitor/controller having a visual display and capable of providing cues to the operator. A sensor array apparatus for use in conjunction with the system monitor/controller is configured for increased sensitivity of assaying organ function.

Antibodies specific for immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ilt3) and uses thereof

Humanized, non-promiscuous monoclonal antibodies specific for immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3), also known as Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 4 (LILRB4), are described.

End cap for battery or cylindrical rechargeable cell

Devices for insulating the electrical terminals of cylindrical batteries, such as lithium-ion cells, to prevent the occurrence of shorting. Certain embodiments are directed to devices which cover one or more terminals of the cell, thereby providing an insulative barrier, while still allowing the cell to be used. Various embodiments are described including partially covering the topmost portions of the negatively charged exterior cell case, closest to the positive terminal of the cell, and attaching the covering via a circumferential appendage which locks onto the cell. In another embodiment the cell covering extends axially down the side of the cell case to cover part of, or the entirety of, the side of the negatively charged case.

Methods and Apparatus for Multiple Beam Antenna Structures

A multiple beam antenna structure. Network components ( 7, 8 ) may be integrated into panels ( 4, 5 ). Panels ( 4, 5 ) may be joined to form a panel architecture ( 6 ). Network paths ( 9 ) may be formed through the panel architecture ( 6 ) at joinder locations ( 9 ) of network components ( 7, 8 ) integrated into the panels ( 4, 5 ). The panel architecture ( 6 ) may have a reduced mass and permit increased network density.

Apparatus, System and Method for Excision of Soft Tissue

Disclosed is a soft tissue excision apparatus having a handle and an elongated blade support member extending from the handle. The distal end of blade support member includes a first thermally conductive blade support arm and a second thermally conductive blade support arm. An electrically heatable blade is supported at and electrically isolated from the distal ends of the two thermally conductive blade support arms. A first electrically conductive lead extends from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a first blade heater contact pad. A second electrically conductive lead extends from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a second blade heater contact pad. First and second electrically conductive flexible leads extend from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a controller.

Minimally Invasive Diagnostic and Therapeutic Excision of Tissue

The recovery of an intact volume of tissue proceeds with a delivery cannula distal end positioned in confronting adjacency with the volume of tissue to be recovered. A tissue cutting and capture assembly formed of a plurality of metal leafs is deployed from the distal end of the delivery cannula. The tips of these leafs carry a pursing cable assembly, which is electrically excited to electrosurgically cut around and circumscribe the tissue volume. These pursing cables are tensioned to complete the envelopment of the tissue volumes by drawing the leaf tips together. An essential attribute of the disclosed apparatus is the confinement of the path of electrical conduction of constant current required to achieve tissue cutting to only those portions of the deploying and retracting resistively heated portion of the electrically conductive cutting and pursing cable that are in direct contact with tissue.

Apparatus, System and Method for Excision of Soft Tissue

Disclosed is a soft tissue excision apparatus having a handle and an elongated blade support member extending from the handle. The distal end of blade support member includes a first thermally conductive blade support arm and a second thermally conductive blade support arm. An electrically heatable blade is supported at and electrically isolated from the distal ends of the two thermally conductive blade support arms. A first electrically conductive lead extends from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a first blade heater contact pad. A second electrically conductive lead extends from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a second blade heater contact pad. First and second electrically conductive flexible leads extend from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a controller.

Incorporation of a projected filtered reticle into an observational device or riflescope

A system that projects a specifically filtered Heads-Up Display or some other form of display or illuminating device created reticle onto one of the specifically coated focal points of an observational device or riflescope. The reticle producing Heads-Up Display is filtered with a thin film coating limiting the spectral emission of the display to the transmission specification of the coating. A second coating with a reflectivity corresponding to the filter coating's transmission is placed on the focal plane upon which the Heads-Up Display reticle is to be projected. The reflective coating can be placed on, but not limited to, the reticle displaying surface of the optical device is disclosed.

Target enhanced filtering device

A rifle scope target enhancement filtration filter device wherein the ambient spectra's expected target reflected spectra is enhanced and the ambient spectra's expected background reflected spectra is lessened by thin film coatings on the plastic or glass filter is disclosed.

Reflex sight incorporating an infrared camera

A reflex sight that incorporates an Infrared or low light camera using one, or any combination of, VIS-NIR, NIR, SWIR, LWIR and VLWIR wavelength ranges such that the IR image is projected by a Heads Up Display through a beamsplitter and onto the surface facing the observer of the sight's reflective optic giving the sight Infrared sighting capabilities is disclosed.

Suspension for preventing agglomeration of charged colloids

The present invention discloses a suspension comprising: a solvent; a plurality of solid particles supported in the solvent, wherein each of the plurality of solid particles has a surface charge having a first polarity, wherein a charge layer overlies the surface of each solid particle, the charge layer having a second polarity different from the first polarity; and a plurality of charged species, wherein at least some of the plurality of the charged species are attached to the charge layer and wherein the plurality of charged species comprises: an anionic surfactant if the first polarity is negative, and a cationic surfactant if the first polarity is positive.

Method and apparatus for the measurement of components of exhaled breath in humans

Methods and related equipment for measuring components of exhaled breath of a subject are provided which involve causing the subject to exhale into an appropriate apparatus for receiving exhaled breath; increasing the pressure in the mouth of the subject to a level sufficient to close the vellum and isolate the nasopharynx during exhalation; a means of monitoring nasal CO2 to confirm vellum closure; and measuring the level of one or more components of the collected exhaled breath. Endogenous nitric oxide is a preferred component of exhaled breath for monitoring and analysis.

Systems and methods for electrosurgical myocardial revascularization

A method for transmyocardial revascularization of the heart of a patient includes positioning an active electrode surface in close proximity to a target site on the wall of a patient's heart, and applying high frequency voltage between the active voltage surface and a return electrode to ablate tissue at the heart wall. The high frequency voltage ablates, i.e. volumetrically removes the heart tissue, and the electrode surface is axially translated into the space vacated by the removed tissue to bore a channel through the heart tissue. The active electrode surface may be introduced into the thoracic cavity and placed adjacent the epicardium to form an inward channel toward the ventricular cavity, or it may be delivered into the ventricular cavity of the heart and positioned adjacent the endocardium to form a channel extending outward towards the epicardium. In either case, the channels formed through the myocardium promote direct communication between blood within the ventricular cavity and that of existing myocardial vasculature to increase blood flow to the heart tissue.

System and method for electrosurgical tissue canalization

A method for transmyocardial revascularization of the heart of a patient comprises introducing a probe (10) into the thoracic cavity through a percutaneous penetration, a thoracotomy or a sternotomy. An active electrode surface (58) is then positioned adjacent a wall of the patient's heart, e.g., the ventricular wall. Electrically conducting liquid (50) is directed to the heart wall to provide a current flow path and high frequency voltage is applied to ablate or disintegrate tissue at the heart wall. The probe is then axially translated towards the ventricular wall to form a revascularizing channel or artificial vessel from the ventricle to the myocardium to increase blood flow therethrough.

Method for preventing agglomeration of charged colloids without loss of surface activity

A method for chemically stabilizing polishing slurries in aqueous suspension to prevent their agglomeration while maintaining their surface activity is disclosed. The method prevents the formation of irreversible particle agglomerates during drying and permits the subsequent re-suspension of dried particles with no impact on the particle size distribution. The stabilization method can be customized based on knowledge of the colloid surface charge at suspension pH conditions, addition of a charged species having like charge to the colloid at the suspension conditions, and control of the concentrations of the charged species and other ions in suspension.

Method and system for convergent polishing

A polishing system for polishing an optical element includes a polishing pad having a radial dimension and a septum disposed on the polishing pad. The septum is configured to partially surround the optical element. The optical element contacts the polishing pad over a range of the radial dimension and a pad wear rate of the polishing pad is substantially constant as a function of radial dimension over the range of the radial dimension.

Method for preventing agglomeration of charged colloids without loss of surface activity

A method for chemically stabilizing polishing slurries in aqueous suspension to prevent their agglomeration while maintaining their surface activity is disclosed. The method prevents the formation of irreversible particle agglomerates during drying and permits the subsequent re-suspension of dried particles with no impact on the particle size distribution. The stabilization method can be customized based on knowledge of the colloid surface charge at suspension pH conditions, addition of a charged species having like charge to the colloid at the suspension conditions, and control of the concentrations of the charged species and other ions in suspension.

Phosphonate linkers and their use to facilitate cellular retention of compounds

Phosphonate linkers and their use for delivering compounds with passive cell permeability into a cell wherein the phosphonate group facilitates cellular retention of the compound are described.

Phosphonate linkers and their use to facilitate cellular retention of compounds

Phosphonate linkers and their use for delivering compounds with passive cell permeability into a cell wherein the phosphonate group facilitateS cellular retention of the compound are described.

Systems and methods for electrosurgical myocardial revascularization

A method for trans-myocardial revascularization of the heart of a patient includes positioning an active electrode surface (82) close proximity to a target site on the wall of a patient's heart, and applying high frequency voltage between the active voltage surface (82) and a return electrode (56) to ablate tissue at the heart wall. The high frequency voltage ablates, i.e., volumetrically removes the heart tissue, and the electrode surface (82) is axially translated into the space vacated by the removed tissue to bore a channel through the heart tissue. The active electrode surface (82) may be introduced into the thoracic cavity and placed adjacent the epicardium to form an inward channel toward the ventricular cavity of the heart and positioned adjacent the endocardium to form a channel extending outward towards the epicardium. In either case, the channels formed through the myocardium promote direct communication between blood with the ventricular cavity and that of existing myocardial vasculature to increase blood flow to the heart tissue.

Electrosurgical accessing of tissue with controlled collateral thermal phenomena

Method, system and apparatus for carrying out electrosurgical procedures interstitially. Elevated temperature fluid such as steam generated by an instrument born electrosurgical cutting arc is evacuated through an intake port located adjacent the cutting electrode. Instrument cannula surface heating caused by transport of the heated fluid is isolated. Such thermal isolation is provided by a thermal shield which may be configured as an enveloping sheath.

Electrosurgical apparatus employing constant voltage and methods of use

Methods and apparatus are provided for use in performing electrosurgery, wherein a power supply supplies an electrosurgical instrument with a low voltage power signal having a substantially constant peak-to-peak voltage that is independent of the load impedance and which has a crest factor near unity. A power supply is provided to supply a voltage waveform in accordance with the methods of the invention. A clipping circuit is also provided to permit practice of the methods using conventional electrosurgcial generators and previously known electrosurgical instruments, wherein the voltage amplitude and waveform is modified to the desired regime.

Electrosurgical generator adaptors

Adaptors are provided for use with electrosurgical bipolar instruments and standard commercially available electrosurgical generators that reduce coagulum buildup and sticking on electrosurgical instruments. A first type of adaptor converts a high voltage, high crest factor output voltage waveform typical of conventional electrosurgical generators to a more desirable lower voltage, lower crest factor regime. A second type of adaptor limits the peak open-circuit voltage supplied by a conventional electrosurgical generator to an electrosurgical instrument.

System and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation

An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (12) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (55, 56) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket (18). The return electrode defines an inner passage (83) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid (50). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the target site and the return electrode so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the return electrode and the target site.

Electrosurgical treatment of tissue in electrically conductive fluid

A method is provided for applying electrical energy to a tissue structure within a patient's body. The method includes positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent to the tissue structure so that an electrode array including a plurality of isolated electrode terminals is brought into at least partial contact with the body structure. A high frequency voltage is then applied between each electrode terminal within the electrode array and a common, return electrode. Current flow from the electrode terminals is selectively limited to minimize low electrical impedance paths emanating from the electrode array. The present invention takes advantage of the differences in electrical properties between a target tissue and the surrounding conductive liquid (e.g. isotonic saline irrigant) in the region immediately adjacent to the electrode array to ablate the target tissue while minimizing overheating of the surrounding liquid.

Shaped electrodes and methods for electrosurgical cutting and ablation

An electrosurgical system and method allow the surgical team to perform electrosurgical interventions, such as ablation and cutting of body structures, while limiting the depth of necrosis and limiting damage to tissue adjacent the treatment site. The system includes an electrosurgical probe having a shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one active electrode at or near the distal end. The active electrode includes at least one active portion having a surface geometry configured to promote substantially high electric field intensities and associated current densities between the active portion and the target site when a high frequency voltage is applied to the electrodes. These high electric field intensities and current densities are sufficient to break down the tissue by processes including molecular dissociation or disintegration. The high frequency voltage imparts energy to the target site to ablate a thin layer of tissue without causing substantial tissue necrosis beyond the boundary of the thin layer of tissue ablated. This ablative process can be precisely controlled to effect the volumetric removal of tissue as thin as a few layers of cells with minimal heating of or damage to surrounding or underlying tissue structures.

Power supply for limiting power in electrosurgery

A high frequency power supply for applying electrical energy to a target site on or within a patient's body includes an electrical output driver, an output current sensor detecting the current output from the driver, and a power limiting device coupled to the current sensor during normal conditions, the power limiting device operates on a continuous basis. When current output exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the power limiting device is adapted to reduce power on the output driver to a standby mode. The power limiting device operates on a periodic detection or duty cycle when in the standby mode. The power limiting device switches into the stand-by mode to prevent excessive power drains. The power supply operates at a low power, pulsatile manner when an attached probe is in conductive or isotonic fluid but is not engaging body tissue or near a high impedance source. In this pulsatile mode, the power supply operates in a cyclical manner, typically at a predetermined duty cycle.

Irrigation and shroud arrangement for electrically powered endoscopic probes

An irrigation arrangement is provided for electrically powered endoscopic probes that supplies the surgeon with suction or irrigation on demand. The irrigation arrangement is described for use with endoscopic probes employing thermal auto-regulating and bipolar electrosurgical probe tip configurations. An extendable shroud is also provided for selectively covering tip of the endoscopic probe while positioning or manipulating the endoscopic probe at the surgical site.

Local in-device memory feature for electrically powered medical equipment

A non-volatile memory disposed within electrically powered medical equipment is described. The non-volatile memory may be preprogrammed to store utilization limits and parametric data for the equipment. An external control module may be programmed to store the utilization history for the equipment in the non-volatile memory on an on-going basis. The control module compares the utilization limits and utilization history during each use, and disables the equipment if a utilization limit is exceeded. The control module may also use the parametric data stored in the non-volatile memory to regulate the power supplied to the equipment.

Power supply and methods for fluid delivery in electrosurgery

A system for applying high frequency electrical energy to a body structure within a patient where the system detects the presence of conductive fluid. In one embodiment, the system includes a high frequency power supply, a surgical instrument having an electrode terminal, and a conductive fluid sensor coupled to the probe for detecting the presence of conductive fluid near the electrode terminal. The surgical instruments preferably has a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end, an electrode terminal on or near the distal end, and a connector coupling the electrode terminal to the power supply. The conductive fluid sensor may comprise of an electric switch adapted to create an open circuit when in contact with conductive fluid. Alternatively, the conductive fluid sensor may be a resistor that changes resistance when in contact with conductive fluid. The sensor detects for conductive fluid such as body fluid or saline solution. For devices having an active and return electrode (i.e. bipolar), the sensor may detect for the presence of fluid between the two electrodes.

Methods and apparatus for therapeutic cauterization of predetermined volumes of biological tissue

Methods and apparatus are provided for cauterizing predetermined volumes of abnormal biological tissue using a user selectable or adjustable energy applicator including two or more electrodes having electrode parameters configured cause cauterization of predetermined volumes when operated in a bipolar mode. The energy applicators are employed with a control device that couples the energy applicators to a power source and includes circuitry for interrupting activation of the energy applicator when the current between the two or more electrodes decreases more than a predetermined amount from the current sensed upon initial activation of the energy applicator.

Methods for electrosurgical treatment of intervertebral discs

Systems, apparatus and methods for ablation, resection, aspiration, collagen shrinkage and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular, the present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within spinal discs, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure and for reducing the volume of the disc to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. High frequency voltage is applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the disc tissue, and the active electrode(s) are advanced through the space left by the ablated tissue to form a channel, hole, divot or other space in the disc tissue. In addition, the high frequency voltage effects a controlled depth of thermal heating of the tissue surrounding the hole to thermally damage or create a lesion within the tissue surrounding the hole to debulk and/or stiffen the disc structure, thereby relieving neck or back pain.

Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment

Systems and methods are provided for removal (ablation) or modification of soft tissue with high frequency voltage through a capacitive charge process. Specifically, one of the conductors of a capacitor device maybe positioned adjacent to, or in the region of, a body structure. The other conductor is spaced, and electrically insulated from, the first conductor. A high frequency voltage is applied across the conductors to create a potential difference that results in a charge on the conductors and creates an electric field therebetween. High frequency alternating current flows between the conductors to a degree dependent on the capacitance and the current frequency. The charge on the first conductor is sufficient to modify the adjacent tissue. In some variations the charge is sufficient to heat the tissue for tissue coagulation or tissue shrinkage (i.e., collagen contraction). In other variations, the charge is sufficient to ablate or volumetrically remove the tissue.

Systems for tissue resection, ablation and aspiration

The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for ablation and hemostasis of tissue in sinus surgery (e.g., chronic sinusitis and/or removal of polypectomies) and for resecting and ablating soft tissue structures, such as the meniscus and synovial tissue within a joint.

Methods for electrosurgical dermatological treatment

Systems and methods are provided for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location on an external body surface, such as skin tissue removal and/or collagen shrinkage in the epidermis or dermis, e.g., the removal of pigmentations, vascular lesions (e.g., leg veins), scars, tattoos, etc., and for other surgical procedures on the skin, such as tissue rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, wrinkle removal, hair removal and/or transplant procedures. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals adjacent an external body surface, such as the outer surface of the skin, to remove and/or modify the structure of tissue structures within the skin. Depending on the specific cosmetic procedure, the present invention may be used to: (1) volumetrically remove tissue or hair (i.e., ablate or effect molecular dissociation of the tissue structure); (2) separate a tissue layer from an underlying tissue layer so that the tissue layer can be removed; (3) shrink or contract collagen connective tissue; and/or (4) coagulate blood vessels underlying the surface of the skin.

Electrosurgical forceps

Surgical forceps which are configured having oppositely disposed tissue grasping surfaces at the tip regions of corresponding tines. An electrically insulative spacer assembly is positioned on and supported from at least one of the tissue grasping surfaces to space the tissue contacting surfaces apart an optimized distance, T, when the tines are in a substantially closed orientation. A preferred, strip form of spacer assembly formed of an electrically insulative material is employed and improved current paths are defined between the grasping surfaces to derive an efficient and effective hemostasis substantially without sticking of tissue to the surfaces. The geometric configuration of the spacer regions functions to enhance cleanability of the forceps and the tines of the forceps additionally are formed with side and nose surfaces at the tip regions having effective side surface current delivery areas improving forceps performance when used in a coagulative painting modality.

Interstitial cauterization of tissue volumes with electrosurgically deployed electrodes

Apparatus system and method for cauterizing a volume of tissue wherein electrode assemblies are deployed from the forward end region of an instrument in conjunction with an electrosurgical cutting activity. Upon deployment to one or more deployed orientations, the electrodes assemblies are made biactive and the cauterization of tissue is carried out in a bipolar fashion. Following the procedure, the electrode assemblies are retracted toward the instrument and the instrument is withdrawn from the tissue region.

Electrosurgical generator

An electrosurgical generator which provides a constant voltage and variable power output particularly suited for cutting arc formation at an active electrode which exhibits a dynamic active surface area of varying geometry. Essentially constant voltage-based control is achieved through the utilization of a d.c. link voltage the level of which functions to establish the amplitude of the output of an RF resonant inverter. A dual loop feedback control is described wherein output voltage based control signals are slowly introduced at low gain, while link voltage motor-based controls are comparatively rapidly applied. Enhanced development of a controlling d.c. link voltage is achieved through the utilization of an input network incorporating a power factor correction stage.

Electrosurgical generator

An electrosurgical generator which provides a constant power output particularly suited for cutting arc formation at an active electrode which exhibits a dynamic active surface area of varying geometry. Essentially constant power-based control is achieved through the utilization of a d.c. link voltage the level of which functions to establish the amplitude of the output of an RF resonant inverter. A dual loop feedback control is described wherein output power based control signals are slowly introduced at low gain, while link voltage based controls are comparatively rapidly applied. Enhanced development of a controlling d.c. link voltage is achieved through the utilization of an input network incorporating a power factor correction stage.

Electrosurgery with infiltration anesthesia

Method for carrying out the recovery of an intact volume of tissue wherein a delivery cannula tip is positioned in confronting adjacency with the volume of tissue to be recovered. The electrosurgical generator employed to form an arc at a capture component extending from the tip is configured having a resistance-power profile which permits recovery of the specimen without excessive thermal artifact while providing sufficient power to sustain a cutting arc. For the recovery procedure, a local anesthetic employing a diluent which exhibits a higher resistivity is utilized and the method for deploying the capture component involves an intermittent formation of a cutting arc with capture component actuation interspersed with pauses of duration effective to evacuate any accumulation or pockets of local anesthetic solution encountered by the cutting electrodes.

Bi-polar electrosurgical endoscopic instruments having a detachable working end

Endoscopic surgical instruments are provided that have detachable working ends for use with a reusable handle portion. The detachable working end includes bipolar electrodes on opposing movable members for passing a high frequency current through tissue for simultaneously severing or manipulating the tissue and causing hemostasis of the tissue. An electrically insulating material is interposed between the movable members so that the electrodes are spaced apart from 0.002 to 0.050 inches and the current passes between the opposing electrodes through the tissue.

Bi-polar electrosurgical instruments and methods of making

Bipolar surgical instruments for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissue are provided that feature increased manufacturability and durability, reduced component cost and reduced assembly requirements. The bipolar instruments include opposite polarity electrodes isolated by a layer of electrical insulation deposited and specially prepared to reduce electrical breakdown and increase smoothness. A pivot pin connecting the electrodes is impregnated with hydrophobic material, and organic materials are generally avoided in the components and manufacture of the instruments. A simplified design for an endoscopic bipolar instrument is also provided to reduce cost and improve manufacturability and durability of such devices.

Coating compositions containing polyisocyanates and aldimines which have improved storage stability

The present invention relates to a coating composition having an improved pot life without a corresponding increase in dry time when cured under ambient conditions which contains a) a polyisocyanate component, b) an aldimine based on the reaction product of a polyamine having 2 or more primary amino groups with an aldehyde corresponding to the formula: O=CHCH(R1)(R2) wherein R1 and R2 may be the same or different and represent optionally substituted hydrocarbon radicals, or R1 and R2 together with the .beta.-carbon atom form a cycloaliphatic or heterocyclic ring and c) 0.001 to 5 weight percent, based on the weight of components a) and b), of a tin(IV) compound which is a catalyst for the reaction between isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups, wherein components a) and b) are present in an amount sufficient to provide an equivalent ratio of isocyanate groups to aldimine groups of 0.5:1 to 20:1.

Hemostatic bi-polar electrosurgical cutting apparatus and methods of use

A surgical instrument is described that incorporates bipolar electrodes on opposing shearing members for passing a high frequency current through the tissue for causing hemostasis of the tissue and for cutting the tissue. An electrically insulating material is interposed between the shearing members so that the electrodes are spaced apart from 0.002 to 0.050 inches and the current passes between the opposing electrodes through the tissue and not between the opposing shearing surfaces. The insulating material has a higher hardness than the opposing members to reduce wear of the insulation and provide a self-sharpening feature. Methods of simultaneously causing tissue and severing tissue are also provided. The use of a constant voltage high frequency power supply to deliver current to the tissue to cause hemostasis is described in conjunction with those methods.

Methods for electrosurgical dermatological treatment

Systems and methods are provided for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location on an external body surface, such as skin tissue removal and/or collagen shrinkage in the epidermis or dermis, e.g., the removal of pigmentations, vascular lesions (e.g., leg veins), scars, tattoos, etc., and for other surgical procedures on the skin, such as tissue rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, wrinkle removal, hair removal and/or transplant procedures. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals adjacent an external body surface, such as the outer surface of the skin, to remove and/or modify the structure of tissue structures within the skin. Depending on the specific cosmetic procedure, the present invention may be used to: (1) volumetrically remove tissue or hair (i.e., ablate or effect molecular dissociation of the tissue structure); (2) separate a tissue layer from an underlying tissue layer so that the tissue layer can be removed; (3) shrink or contract collagen connective tissue; and/or (4) coagulate blood vessels underlying the surface of the skin.

Bipolar surgical snare and methods of use

A bipolar snare instrument for use in surgery is provided. The snare instrument has a snaring loop comprising a flexible continuous electrically-insulating loop for supporting bipolar electrodes. The electrodes may be arranged in various geometries on the insulating loop to provide localized selective necrosis and hemostasis of a patient's protruding tissue. Methods of performing surgery with such devices are also provided.

System and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment in the presence of electrically conductive fluid

Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to create a relatively low-temperature plasma for ablation of tissue adjacent to, or in contact with, the plasma. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical probe or catheter is positioned adjacent the target site so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into contact with, or close proximity to, a target tissue in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to generate a plasma adjacent to the active electrode(s), and to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. The high frequency voltage generates electric fields around the active electrode(s) with sufficient energy to ionize the conductive fluid adjacent to the active electrode(s). Within the ionized gas or plasma, free electrons are accelerated, and electron-atoms collisions liberate more electrons, and the process cascades until the plasma contains sufficient energy to break apart the tissue molecules, causing molecular dissociation and ablation of the target tissue.

Power supply for electrosurgery

Anti-factor D antibody variant conjugates and uses thereof

The disclosure relates to antibody-polymer conjugates comprising one or more anti-Factor D antibody variants, their production and their use in the preparation of compositions and medicaments for treatment of diseases and disorders associated with excessive or uncontrolled complement activation.

Tie2-binding agents and methods of use

The invention provides Tie-2 antibodies and fragments thereof and conjugates and methods of using the same.

Il-22 polypeptides and il-22 fc fusion proteins and methods of use

Anti-factor D antibody variant conjugates and uses thereof

The disclosure relates to antibody-polymer conjugates comprising one or more anti-Factor D antibody variants, their production and their use in the preparation of compositions and medicaments for treatment of diseases and disorders associated with excessive or uncontrolled complement activation.

Phosphate based linkers for intracellular delivery of drug conjugates

Phosphate-based linkers with tunable stability for intracellular delivery of drug conjugates are described. The phosphate-based linkers comprise a monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or tetraphosphate group (phosphate group) and a linker arm comprising a tuning element and optionally a spacer. A payload is covalently linked to the phosphate group at the distal end of the linker arm and the functional group at the proximal end of the linker arm is covalently linked to a cell-specific targeting ligand such as an antibody. These phosphate-based linkers have a differentiated and tunable stability in blood vs. an intracellular environment (e.g. lysosomal compartment).

Anti-interleukin-33 antibodies and uses thereof

The invention provides interleukin-33 (IL-33) antibodies and methods of using the same.

Pharmaceutical compositions of IL-22 Fc fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

Nucleic acids encoding IL-22 Fc fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

Methods of accelerating or improving wound healing using IL-22 FC fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

Methods of treating inflammatory bowel disease using IL-22 Fc fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

IL-22 Fc fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

IL-22 Fc fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

Methods of treating acute pancreatitis using IL-22 fc fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

Methods for preventing or treating cardiovascular conditions using il-22 fc fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

Methods for treating metabolic syndrome using IL-22 Fc fusion proteins

The invention relates to IL-22 polypeptides, IL-22 Fc fusion proteins and IL-22 agonists, composition comprising the same, methods of making and methods of using the composition for the treatment of diseases. The invention also relates to IL-22 receptor associated reagents and methods of use thereof.

Anti-interleukin-33 antibodies and uses thereof

The invention provides interleukin-33 (IL-33) antibodies and methods of using the same.

External pressurized closed-cyclone apparatus for fcc unit

A pressurized closed-cyclone catalyst disengaging apparatus for use in an FCC unit. A closed-cyclone apparatus of the present invention independently pressurized in the absence of a disengager vessel has a line for venting stripping steam and hydrocarbon vapor from a catalyst stripping stage to a catalyst disengaging stage for rapidly disengaging catalyst particles from an FCC reaction hydrocarbon effluent.

Phosphate based linkers for intracellular delivery of drug conjugates

Phosphate-based linkers with tunable stability for intracellular delivery of drug conjugates are described. The phosphate-based linkers comprise a monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or tetraphosphate group (phosphate group) and a linker arm comprising a tuning element and optionally a spacer. A payload is covalently linked to the phosphate group at the distal end of the linker arm and the functional group at the proximal end of the linker arm is covalently linked to a cell-specific targeting ligand such as an antibody. These phosphate-based linkers have a differentiated and tunable stability in blood vs. an intracellular environment (e.g. lysosomal compartment).

Liner hanger packer

Electrosurgical systems and methods for treating tissue

Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for removing tissue from a target site of a patient, the apparatus including a probe adapted for coupling to a power supply. The electrosurgical probe includes a shaft having a first electrode type and a second electrode type. The electrosurgical apparatus/probe lacks a dedicated return electrode. Instead, the first electrode type and the second electrode type alternate between serving as active electrode and serving as return electrode. The first electrode type comprises at least one ablation electrode adapted for aggressively removing tissue from a target site. The second electrode type comprises at least one digestion electrode adapted for aggressively digesting resected tissue fragments present in an aspiration stream. The apparatus may shift from a first mode of operation wherein the first electrode type serves as active electrode, to a second mode of operation wherein the second electrode type serves as active electrode, and back to the first mode of operation, without operator input. Such a shift may be determined by the presence or absence of tissue at the first and second electrode types, or by a change in electrical impedance in the milieu of the second electrode type, and such a shift may be dependent on a suitable surface area ratio of the first electrode type to the second electrode type. The probe may include an aspiration device which accommodates an aspiration stream emanating from the target site, and a fluid delivery device for delivering an extraneous electrically conductive fluid to the probe or to the target site.

Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue contraction

Systems and methods are provided for performing electrosurgical interventions, such as selectively contracting soft collagen tissue and other body structures, while limiting thermal damage or molecular dissociation of such tissue and limiting the thermal damage to tissue adjacent to and underlying the treatment site. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for surgical procedures in electrically conducting environments, such as arthroscopic procedures in the joints, e.g., shoulder, knee, hip, hand, foot, elbow or the like. The present invention is also useful in relatively dry environments, such as treating and shaping the cornea, and dermatological procedures involving surface tissue contraction of tissue underlying the surface of the skin for tissue rejuvenation, wrinkle removal and the like.

Apparatus and method for characterization and treatment of tumors

Apparatus and methods are provided for performing an in situ characterization of a tissue mass which may be normal, malignant, or benign, and, based on the measured characteristics of the tissue mass, therapeutically treating the tissue mass to cause necrosis of the tissue. In an illustrative preferred embodiment, the characterization of the tissue is accomplished by measuring an electrical property of the tissue, such as electrical impedance, while treatment is accomplished by supplying heat to the tissue to induce cauterization.

Optical symbologies imager

A hand-held imager (10) which is capable of reading both linear and two dimensional symbologies, which can perform focusing and illuminating steps quickly and accurately so as to eliminate variation in the position of the imager (10) relative to the code becoming a negative factor, in which can operate in environment where the imager (10) is anywhere from 1.5 inches to 16 inches from the code. The imager (10) includes an imaging system having a focusing system, an illumination system (82), and a two-dimensional photodetector (93) which forms an image of the coded symbology. After achieving targeting of the coded symbology, the scanning system adjusts the focus between multiple different focuses, and utilizes a portion of the two-dimensional photodetector (93) to determine the optimum focus.

Cardiac output measurement with metabolizable analyte containing fluid

Cardiac output is measured utilizing a catheter in conjunction with the indicator dilution technique. Non-thermal analyte-containing fluid is used as the injectate. This fluid is biocompatible with and metabolizable within the body of the patient. An analyte concentration sensor is mounted upon the catheter and located downstream within the bloodstream from the port from which the analyte-containing fluid is expressed. Because of the matching of rapid concentration sensor response with an analyte-containing fluid which is metabolizable, the measurement of cardiac output may be carried out as often as about one to three minutes in conjunction with an infusion interval substantially less than the measurement frequency interval. The analyte-containing fluids are selected from a group consisting of ammoniacal fluid, heparin, ethanol, a carbon dioxide releasing fluid, glucose, and anesthesia agent. The system performs in conjunction with a microprocessor-driven controller which automates the measurement procedure and provides a display of cardiac output and various cardiovascular parameters.

Monitoring total circulating blood volume and cardiac output

A system and method for measuring total circulating blood volume and cardiac output employing an analyte diffusion approach. The analyte sensor as well as the analyte-containing fluid infusion procedure may be carried out with instruments which are inserted in the bloodstream at peripheral locations of the body spaced from the heart. A controller is provided to automatically carry out these measurements as well as to provide threshold comparisons for alerting the practitioner to excursion in the parameters. The preferred analyte containing fluid is an ammoniacal fluid and the preferred sensed components is ammonia gas.

specific antibodies to transcript 3 similar to immunoglobulin (ilt3) and uses thereof

Anticorpos monoclonais não promíscuos, humanizados específicos para transcrito 3 semelhante à imunoglobulina (ILT3), também conhecido como membro 4 da subfamília B de receptor semelhante à imunoglobulina leucocitária (LILRB4), são descritos. Non-promiscuous, humanized monoclonal antibodies specific for immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3), also known as member 4 of the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB4), are described.

Method and apparatus for the measurement of components of exhaled breath in humans

Methods and related equipment for measuring components of exhaled breath of a subject are provided which involve causing the subject to exhale into an appropriate apparatus for receiving exhaled breath; increasing the pressure in the mouth of the subject to a level sufficient to close the vellum and isolate the nasopharynx during exhalation; a means of monitoring nasal CO2 to confine vellum closure; and measuring the level of one or more components of the collected exhaled breath. Endogenous nitric oxide is a preferred component of exhaled breath for monitoring and analysis.

Method and apparatus for the measurement of components of exhaled breath in humans

Methods and related equipment for measuring components of exhaled breath of a subject are provided which involve causing the subject to exhale into an appropriate apparatus for receiving exhaled breath; increasing the pressure in the mouth of the subject to a level sufficient to close the vellum and isolate the nasopharynx during exhalation; a means of monitoring nasal CO 2 to conrirm vellum closure; and measuring the level of one or more components of the collected exhaled breath. Endogenous nitric oxide is a preferred component of exhaled breath for monitoring and analysis.

Polyurea coating compositions having improved pot lives

The present invention relates to a coating composition for the preparation of a polyurea coating which contains a) a polyisocyanate component, b) at least one compound corresponding to the formula ##STR1## wherein X represents an organic group which has a valency of n and is inert towards isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less, R 1 and R 2 may be identical or different and represent organic groups which are inert towards isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less, R 3 and R 4 may be identical or different and represent hydrogen or organic groups which are inert towards isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100° C. or less and n represents an integer with a value of at least 2, and c) 0.001 to 5 weight percent, based on the weight of components a) and b), of a tin(IV) compound which is a catalyst for the reaction between isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups.

Apparatus for advancing catheters

A catheter comprises a catheter body (10) having a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode array disposed near the distal end(12). The electrode array includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals (18). The electrode array and a common electrode (16) are connected to a high frequency power supply (32) and the common electrode (16) may be located on the catheter, may be secured separately to a patient's skin, or may be formed as part of a movable guidewire. By contacting the electrode array against a target location in the patient's body, the target location may be selectively heated, with current density being contacted at the points of contact between the electrode terminals (18) and the tissue or stenotic material. For example, by positioning the common electrode within a stenotic region and contacting a leading surface of the stenotic region with the electrode array, the stenotic material can be heated by applying a high frequency voltage between the electrode array and the common electrode. The stenotic region can thus be recanalized by advancing the distal end of the catheter body through the heated stenotic material.

Use of immunoconjugates for diagnosis and / or therapy of vascularized tumors

Rbp1 polypeptides and uses thereof

Medical appliance securing device

A device for securing a generally tubular member of a medical appliance to a support surface. In one embodiment, the device comprises an anchoring patch, the anchoring patch including a first segment and a second segment and having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is coated with an adhesive for attaching the anchoring patch to the support surface. A pair of flexible retaining tabs extend from and interconnect the inner edges of the first and second segment, the flexible retaining tabs being of sufficient length to helically wrap around the circumference of the generally tubular member and contact the top surface of the anchoring patch. First fasteners are secured to the free ends of the flexible retaining tabs and a pair of complementary fasteners are spaced outwardly relative to the tabs and are secured to the top surface of said anchoring patch. A generally tubular member may be retained in the device either by helically wrapping the flexible retaining tabs around the circumference of the generally tubular member and then coupling together the fasteners or by positioning the generally tubular member between the flexible tabs and the complementary fasteners and looping the retaining tabs over the generally tubular member and then coupling together the fasteners.

Methods and apparatus for surgical cutting

An electrosurgical probe comprises a shaft having an electrode array at its distal end and a connector at its proximal end. The array includes a plurality of isolated electrode terminals, and an electrosurgical power supply is provided with a multiplicity of independently limited or controlled current sources and a connector. The electrosurgical probe and the power supply may be connected through their respective connectors so that the independent current sources are connected to individual electrode terminals. In other configurations, the probe includes a single electrode terminal spaced from a return electrode such that when the electrode terminal is brought adjacent a tissue structure immersed in electrically conductive fluid, the electrically conductive fluid completes a conduction path between the electrode terminal and the return electrode. By applying very high frequency electrical energy to the electrode terminal, target tissue may be cut or ablated while heat dissipation through low impedance paths, such as blood and normal saline, will be minimized.

Minimally invasive intact recovery of tissue

System, method and apparatus for carrying out the recovery of an intact volume of tissue wherein a delivery cannula distal end is positioned in confronting adjacency with the volume of tissue to be recovered. A capture component formed of a plurality of metal leafs is deployed from the distal end of the delivery cannula. The tips of these leafs carry a pursing cable assembly which is electrically excited to electrosurgically cut around and circumscribe the tissue volume. These pursing cables are tensioned to complete the envelopment of the tissue volumes by drawing the leaf tips together. Drive to the capture component ultimately is developed from an electric motor and electrosurgical cutting current is supplied initially at a boost voltage level and thereafter at a lower normal cutting voltage level.

Hemostatic surgical blade, system and method of blade manufacture

A hemostatic surgical blade is described which is formed of five symmetrically disposed layers. A martensitic stainless steel core is provided with oppositely disposed faces which are bonded to hard pure copper thermal transfer layers which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. The blade is heated by a blade heater circuit which is provided as a flexible circuit carrying one or more resistor heaters and associated leads supported by a polyimide substrate. A thermally conductive and electrically insulative adhesive is used to bond the flexible circuit to a blade blank. The system employs a multi-lead cable which is removable from an instrument handle. One blade embodiment involves an elongate stem for accessing body cavities and another embodiment incorporates a controller function within an instrument handle.

Method and composition for specific coagulation of blood circulatory system

【課題】特異的凝固、例えば、腫瘍血管系中の凝固を達成する使用のための、 副作用が制限された新規な組成物および方法を提供することによる、先行技術の 制限を克服、および特定の血液凝固の達成に使用される種々の組成物および方法 の提供。 【解決手段】以下の（ａ）および（ｂ）：（ａ）疾患細胞、疾患関連血管系の 成分、または疾患関連支質の成分に結合する第１結合領域；該第１結合領域が作 動可能に連結した、（ｂ）凝固因子、または凝固因子に結合する第２結合領域、 を含むリガンド。 【選択図】なし

Electrosurgical systems and methods for the removal of pacemaker leads

The present invention is directed to systems, methods and apparatus for removing implanted objects from a patient's body, particularly implanted endocardial or epicardial pacemaker leads and transvenous defibrillation leads from a patient's heart. In one aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical catheter is advanced to a position within the thoracic cavity adjacent a portion of a pacemaker lead that is affixed to heart tissue. Preferably, the catheter is advanced over the pacemaker lead, i.e., using the pacemaker lead as a guidewire, to facilitate this positioning step. Once the distal end of the catheter reaches a blockage, or a portion of the lead that is attached to fibrous scar tissue, a high frequency voltage difference is applied between one or more electrode terminal(s) at the distal end of the catheter and one or more return electrode(s) to remove the scar tissue around the lead. The catheter is then advanced further along the lead until it reaches another blockage caused by fibrous scar tissue, and the process is continued until the catheter reaches the distal tip of the lead in the myocardium. At this point, the distal tip may be severed from the rest of the lead, or pulled out of the myocardial tissue in a conventional manner. The scar tissue around the pacemaker lead is precisely ablated before removing the lead, which minimizes or eliminates the risks associated with mechanical traction and countertraction, such as disruption of the heart wall, lead breakage with subsequent migration and the like.

Low surface energy polyisocyanates and their use in one- or two-component coating compositions

The present invention is directed to a polyisocyanate mixture i) having an NCO content of 5 to 35% by weight and prepared from an organic diisocyanate, ii) containing less than 5% by weight of isocyanurate groups (calculated as N 3 , C 3 , O 3 , MW 126), iii) containing allophanate groups in an amount such that there are more equivalents of allophanate groups than urethane groups and iv) containing fluorine (calculated as F, AW 19) in an amount of 0.001 to 50% by weight, based on solids., wherein fluorine is incorporated with compounds containing two or more carbon atoms, one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more fluorine atoms. The present invention is also directed to a process for the production of this polyisocyanate mixture and to its use, optionally in blocked form, as an isocyanate component in one- or two-component coating compositions.

Low surface energy polyisocyanates and their use in one- or two-component coating compositions

The present invention is directed to a polyisocyanate mixture i) having an NCO content of 5 to 35% by weight and prepared from an organic diisocyanate, ii) containing up to 25% by weight of isocyanurate groups (calculated as N 3 , C 3 , O 3 , MW 126), iii) containing allophanate groups in an amount such that there are more equivalents of allophanate groups than urethane and urea groups and such that the polyisocyanate mixture remains stable and homogeneous in storage for 3 months at 25° C. and iv) containing siloxane groups (calculated as SiO, MW 44) in an amount of 0.002 to 50% by weight, wherein the preceding percentages are based on the solids content of the polyisocyanate mixture, excluding any unreacted organic diisocyanate, and wherein the siloxane groups are incorporated by reacting an isocyanate group with a compound containing two or more isocyanate-reactive groups directly attached to carbon atoms and one or more siloxane groups. The present invention is also directed to a process for the production of this polyisocyanate mixture and to its use, optionally in blocked form, as an isocyanate component in one- or two-component coating compositions.

System and method of virtual disk drive

【課題】動的にデータを割り当てる改善されたシステムを提供する。 【解決手段】システムは、ストレージのプール（ＲＡＩＤのフリーリストを維持するストレージのページプール等）又はＲＡＩＤのヌルリストを維持するディスクストレージブロックのマトリックスを持つＲＡＩＤサブシステムと、ディスク記憶システム制御装置を持つディスクマネジャとを含む。サブシステム及びマネジャは、ストレージのプール及びディスクドライブにわたりデータを動的に割り当て、また、ディスクドライブが更に必要かを判定して必要な場合に通知を送る。 【選択図】図２

Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of tissue in the brain and spinal cord

The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's brain and spinal cord. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for treating cerebrovascular diseases, such as vessel occlusion, or for the volumetric removal or ablation of intracranial tumors or Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs). The method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe or catheter adjacent the target site so that one or more electrode terminal(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with a body structure within the patient's head or neck, such as tumor tissue or an occlusion within a blood vessel. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the body structure in situ. In specific embodiments, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to effect the dissociation or disintegration of organic molecules into non-viable atoms and molecules. Specifically, the present invention converts the solid tissue cells into non-condensable gases that are no longer intact or viable, and thus, not capable of spreading viral or bacterial particles to other portions of the body structure.

Core redundancy in a chip multiprocessor for highly reliable systems

In one embodiment, a node comprises a plurality of processor cores and a node controller coupled to the processor cores. The node controller is configured to route communications from the processor cores to other devices in a computer system. The node controller comprises a circuit coupled to receive the communications from the processor cores. In a redundant execution mode in which at least a first processor core is redundantly executing code that a second processor core is also executing, the circuit is configured to compare communications from the first processor core to communications from the second processor core to verify correct execution of the code. In some embodiments, the processor cores and the node controller may be integrated onto a single integrated circuit chip as a CMP. A similar method is also contemplated.

Compounds containing alkoxysilane groups and hydantoin groups

The present invention relates to compounds containing alkoxysilane and hydantoin groups and corresponding to the formula wherein X represents identical or different organic groups which are inert to isocyanate groups below 100°C, provided that at least one of these groups is an alkoxy group, Z represents COOR, or an aromatic ring, R represents the residue obtained by removing the isocyanate groups from an organic monomeric polyisocyanate, a polyisocyanate adduct or an NCO prepolymer, R1 represents an organic group which is inert to isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100°C or less, R3 and R4 are identical or different and represent hydrogen or organic groups which are inert to isocyanate groups at a temperature of 100°C or less, n is an integer from 1 to 8 and m has an average value of 1.5 to 6. The present invention also relates to the use of these compounds for the preparation coatings, sealants and adhesives.

Systems for tissue resection, ablation and aspiration

Aqueous polyurethane dispersions and their use for preparing coatings with excellent hydrolytic and thermal stability

The present invention relates to aqueous dispersions of polyurethanes containing hydantoin groups (calculated as C3N2O2, MW 96) in an amount of 1 to 40% by weight, based on resin solids. The present invention also relates to the use of these dispersions for preparing coatings with excellent hydrolytic and thermal stability.

Electrosurgical apparatus and method employing constant voltage

Methods and apparatus (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) are provided for use in performing electrosurgery, wherein a power supply (14) supplies an electrosurgical instrument (11,12,13) with a low voltage power signal having a sub-stantially constant peak-to-peak voltage that is independ-ent of the load impedance and which has a crest factor near unity. A power supply (14) is provided to supply a voltage waveform in accordance with the methods of the invention. A clipping circuit is also provided to permit practice of the methods using conventional electrosurgical generators and previously known electrosurgical instru-ments, wherein the voltage amplitude and waveform is modified o the desired regime.

Tie2-binding agents and methods of use

The invention provides Tie-2 antibodies and fragments thereof and conjugates and methods of using the same.

Electrosurgical method for the removal of pacemaker leads

The present invention is directed to systems, methods and apparatus for removing implanted objects from a patient's body, particularly implanted endocardial or epicardial pacemaker leads and transvenous defibrillation leads from a patient's heart. In one aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical catheter is advanced to a position within the thoracic cavity adjacent a portion of a pacemaker lead that is affixed to heart tissue. Preferably, the catheter is advanced over the pacemaker lead, i.e., using the pacemaker lead as a guidewire, to facilitate this positioning step. Once the distal end of the catheter reaches a blockage, or a portion of the lead that is attached to fibrous scar tissue, a high frequency voltage difference is applied between one or more electrode terminal(s) at the distal end of the catheter and one or more return electrode(s) to remove the scar tissue around the lead. The catheter is then advanced further along the lead until it reaches another blockage caused by fibrous scar tissue, and the process is continued until the catheter reaches the distal tip of the lead in the myocardium. At this point, the distal tip may be severed from the rest of the lead, or pulled out of the myocardial tissue in a conventional manner. The scar tissue around the pacemaker lead is precisely ablated before removing the lead, which minimizes or eliminates the risks associated with mechanical traction and countertraction, such as disruption of the heart wall, lead breakage with subsequent migration and the like.

Cauterization of tissue with deployable electrodes

Low surface energy polyisocyanates and their use in one- or two-component coating compositions

Methods and Apparatus for Surgical Cutting

An electrosurgical probe comprises a shaft having an electrode array (12) at its distal end and a connector at its proxi-mal end. The array (12) includes a plural-ity of isolated electrode terminals, and an electrosurgical power supply (28) is pro-vided with a multiplicity of independently limited or controlled current sources and a connector. The electrosurgical probe and the power supply may be connected through their respective connectors so that the independent current sources are con-nected to individual electrode terminals. By applying very high frequency electrical energy to the electrode array, target tissue may be cut or ablated while heat dissipa-tion through low impedance paths, such as blood and normal saline, will be mini-mized.