Abstract:
Recognizing substances, including epidermal growth factor, gelatin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, have been covalently bound to liposomal surfaces and utilized to attach liposomes onto a cellular or an extracellular matrix (ECM) target site. These "bioadhesive" liposomes offer several advantages including the mutual protection of both the drug and biological environment; an increase in drug bioavailability and retention at the target site; and improved adherence or adhesion to the designated target site.
Abstract:
An apparatus (31) and a method are disclosed for temporarily separating multiple webs (51, 53) while performing an operation (123, 125, 133) thereon, including the feeding of multiple webs (51, 53), the provision of a retractable web separator (68) for temporarily separating the webs, the performance of an operation (123, 125, 133) upon the webs, the provision of a gripping device (65) for gripping the webs and assisting in moving the webs (51, 53) along a predetermined path (83), and the provision of a sealing device (71) for sealing the webs together to form a package seal (73). The retractable separators (68) are mounted on a conveyor (83) and each separator (68) in turn temporarily separates the webs (51, 53), for insertion of a port (45), fitting or the like, whereupon the separator (68) may be retracted and the port (45) may be sealed into the packages (41) being manufactured. The preferred separator (68) has a shaped head (170) on the end of a reciprocating shaft (158). The head (170) may be enlarged and may have a tapered end (171) for insertion between the webs (51, 53).
Abstract:
The invention comprises a closed system blood sampling device comprising a bifurcated capillary tube (10) which has a first branch (12) having a cannula shaped end (14) for withdrawing and conveying blood to a communicating blood collection zone. The second branch of the bifurcated capillary tube (32) is connected to and is in fluid communication with the blood collection zone. It terminates in an opening adapted to receive a blood withdrawal device.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an intravenous fluid flow regulator (10) for controlling the I.V. administration of medical fluid to a patient. The fluid flow regulator (10) provides a housing (12) having a top (18) and a bottom (20). A flexible diaphragm (14) is positioned within housing (12). A diaphragm holder (16) is provided inside housing (12) for holding a sealing edge (56) of flexible diaphragm (14) in fluid sealing engagement with diaphragm holder (16). The housing (12) and flexible diaphragm (14) define an inlet fluid reservoir (62) and an outlet fluid reservoir (64). The diaphragm holder (16) defines a by-pass fluid channel (54) from inlet fluid reservoir (62), around diaphragm (14), to outlet fluid reservoir (64). The flexible diaphragm (14) being flexible to alternatively move into inlet fluid reservoir (62) and outlet fluid reservoir (64) depending on a fluid pressure differential between inlet fluid reservoir (62) and outlet fluid reservoir (64).
Abstract:
A continuous cardiac output monitor includes a general-purpose monitoring console (32) with local display (34) and communications facilities, and a module (40) removably interfacing with the console (32) to configure the latter for performing continuous cardiac output monitoring. The module (40) includes a switch-mode high efficiency power amplifier (60) for providing electrical heating power at a selected voltage, frequency, and wave form to a heating element (50) of a continuous cardiac output monitoring catheter (16), which catheter (16) at a distal end portion thereof is immersed in the blood flow of a patient (10). The catheter (16) effects a temperature transient in the patient's blood flow by the controlled application of electrical resistance heating utilizing electrical power from the power amplifier (60), and this temperature transient is sensed and used to derive a value for the patient's cardiac output.
Abstract:
An improved peritoneal dialysis method and system. The method utilizes a purified pulse peritoneal dialysis system. To this end, a system for providing peritoneal dialysis to a patient is provided. The system comprises a single catheter that is placed in the patient, a source of dialysate, and a dialyzer in fluid communication with the source of dialysate and the catheter. A single sterile fluid pump is used for pumping the dialysate into and out of the patient.
Abstract:
The invention provides a non-enzymatic method for the release of cells which have beem positively selected from a heterogeneous cell suspension by antibody-mediated binding to beads or other solid support. The method entails forming within the cell suspension a complex comprising the solid support linked to a primary monoclonal antibody, which in turn is bound to a cell surface antigen on the target cells. The complex is separated from the cell suspension, and then contacted with a specific peptide which binds to the primary antibody, displacing the antibody from the cell surface antigen, thereby releasing the target cell from the complex. The invention also provides methods for positive/negative cell selection wherein target cells having a first antigen are selected from a heterogeneous cell suspension containing undesired cells having a second antigen. The invention also provides methods for identifying a specific peptide useful for the release of a target cell from the binding of a specific monoclonal antibody. The methods of the invention are particularly useful for the positive selection of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and the concomitant purging of undesired tumor cells or lymphocytes from the positively selected cell population. The purified CD34+ cell composition is then useful for reinfusion to a cancer patient after high-dose therapy in order to reconstitute the patient's immune system.
Abstract:
Disclosed are improved hollow fiber semipermeable membranes having monofilamentous spacer members spirally disposed or formed on the outer surface thereof, and extracorporeal blood treatment devices incorporating such improved hollow fiber membranes. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the hollow fiber membranes and a continuous method for manufacturing a blood processing apparatus which incorporates the hollow fiber membranes.
Abstract:
A system and method using same are provided for determining the optimum operating conditions of a dialysis process that yields the highest whole body dialysis clearance. The system varies a parameter that effects dialysis efficiency during part of a dialysis run. The system then measures a metabolite concentration in an outflow dialysate. The system develops a metabolite concentration profile as a function of the varied parameter. Based on these measurements, the system correlates the metabolite concentration measurements to determine the optimum parameter setting that yields the maximum metabolite concentration.
Abstract:
Administration of low doses of hemoglobin minimizes damage to the myocardium after blockage and significantly reduces reperfusion injury. Hemoglobin exerts a pharmacological effect by increasing perfusion and blocking the molecular events leading to permanent injury following an ischemic episode. Additional benefits include a reduction in the number of post-ischemic arrhythmias, reduction in the incidence of restenosis, and improved contractile function in the area of risk.