370results about How to "Improve clinical outcomes" patented technology

A method of treating a tumor includes providing a tissue biopsy and treatment apparatus that includes an elongated delivery device that has a lumen and is maneuverable in tissue. A sensor array having a plurality of resilient members is deployable from the elongated delivery device. At least one of the plurality of resilient members is positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state. At least one of the plurality of resilient members includes at least one of a sensor, a tissue piercing distal end or a lumen. The sensor array has a geometric configuration adapted to volumetrically sample tissue at a tissue site to differentiate or identify tissue at the tissue site. At least one energy delivery device is coupled to one of the sensor array, at least one of the plurality of resilient members or the elongated delivery device. The apparatus is then introduced into a target tissue site. The sensor array is then utilized to distinguish a tissue type. The tissue type information derived from the sensor array is utilized to position the energy delivery device to ablate a tumor volume. Energy is then delivered from the energy delivery device to ablate or necrose at least a portion of the tumor volume. The sensor array is then utilized to determine an amount of tumor volume ablation.

Pumps and sensors for contact with tissue are used in combination with an anti-scarring agent (e.g., a cell cycle inhibitor) in order to inhibit scarring that may otherwise occur when the pumps and sensors are implanted within an animal.

A motion interface structure for use with a pedicle screw is provided, the motion interface structure defining a central passage having an internal face. A helical thread is formed on at least a portion of the internal face of the central passage. The motion interface element is designed to cooperate with an upstanding region of a pedicle screw. The upstanding region includes a threaded region that is adapted to threadingly engage the helical thread associated with the motion interface element. The motion interface element may take the form of a spherical element or a universal joint mechanism. The pedicle screw and motion interface element may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system that includes one or more additional pedicle screw / motion interface element subassemblies. The spinal stabilization system may also include a dynamic stabilizing element that provides clinically efficacious results.

Hibernating myocardium is characterized by viable myocardium with impaired function due to localized reduced perfusion. Hibernating myocytes retain cellular integrity, but cannot sustain high-energy requirements of contraction. High plasma levels of catecholamines, such as norepinepherine, are believed to be predictive of mortality from hibernating myocardium. Likewise, high levels of catecholamines lead to cardiomyopathy in patients with diabetes. GLP-1 reduces plasma norepinepherine levels, and it thus is useful in a method of treating hibernating myocardium or diabetic cardiomyopathy.

A method of inserting and positioning an intervertebral spacer is provided. The spacer includes a longitudinal axis, an on-axis interface coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an off-axis interface angled to the longitudinal axis. The spacer's front end may be curved. The method may include inserting the spacer into the disc space utilizing a tool to engage an on-axis interface and then to engage one or more of the off-axis interfaces, which may be used for further modification of the spacer. The tool is moved substantially along a single insertion direction, which may be substantially parallel to a posterior-anterior axis of the disc space. The method may result in the longitudinal axis of the spacer being perpendicular to the insertion direction, or substantially parallel to a medial-lateral axis of the disc space. The spacer may also be positioned in an anterior aspect of the disc space.

Disclosed is a compound represented by the Structural Formula (I): Y is a covalent bond, a phenylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted straight chained hydrocarbyl group. In addition, Y, taken together with both >C═Z groups to which it is bonded, is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group. Preferably, Y is a covalent bond or —C(R7R8)—.R1 and R2 are independently an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, R3 and R4 are independently —H, an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.R5–R6 are independently —H, an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.R7 and R8 are each independently —H, an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group, or R7 is —H and R8 is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or, R7 and R8, taken together, are a C2–C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group.Z is ═0 or ═S.Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.Also disclosed is a method of treating a subject with cancer by administering to the subject a compound of Structural Formula (I) in combination with taxol or an analog of taxol.

A cutting tool to be utilized in the resection or removal of bone tissue from patients includes a handle that tensions a wire or cable-like cutting member with a small diameter between at least two features on the handle to present a thin cutting profile. The design of the cutting tool includes features that protect against soft tissue damage and minimize the incision size necessary to utilize the tool. Some embodiments feature details of the cutting tool that interface with a surgical cutting guide system. Other embodiments describe a cutting tool with a selectively changeable length of the cutting profile of the wire cutting member. In one embodiment, the wire cutting member of the cutting tool is energized by mechanical energy in the form of a unidirectional rotation of the cutting member, a mechanical vibration of the cutting member, or an oscillating movement of the wire cutting member.

A method for implanting a longitudinal intramedullary nail into the tibia comprises inserting the tibia nail along a plane of symmetry through the tuberositas tibiae. Thereby, the tuberositas tibiae can be used during nail insertion to correctly align the nail and the target arm to the symmetry plane of the bone. This means, that the whole construct, the nail attached to the target arm, has to be inserted in external rotation.

Multi-level spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one multi-level connector, one elongated member with an enlarged head, at least one pedicle screw, and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to both the elongated member and the pedicle screw each. The mechanism may include universal joint mechanisms or ball and socket mechanisms. In the case of the ball and socket mechanisms, the enlarged head of the elongated member cooperates with a first socket member of the multi-level connector to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the enlarged head of the elongated member while remaining engaged therewith.

The present invention relates to methods and devices for administration of vaccines and gene therapeutic agents into the intradermal layer of skin.