Abstract:
The involvement of serine esterase activity in a number of clinical conditions is disclosed. A rapid test for serine esterase activity is disclosed, this test involving (a) fixing the sample which is to be tested, e.g. in formalin; and (b) contacting the fixed sample with a solution containing N-alpha benzyloxy carbonyl-L-lysine thiobenzyl ester and a chromogen (e.g. Fast Blue BB). The use of this test as a diagnostic indicator or monitor of the progress of therapeutic treatment is disclosed. Techniques for the treatment of diseases, particularly auto-immune diseases, are also suggested.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods suitable for causing tissue ablation at a specified therapeutic site in the body of a patient. The apparatus comprises an ablation device having a distal end and a proximal end and a central lumen extending along its length, the distal end comprising at least one energy delivery element suitable for causing tissue ablation. A penetrating member having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising a sharp tip suitable for piercing tissue and creating a channel for the device in the tissue, is coaxially positioned within the central lumen of the ablation device and is capable of being advanced distally out of the central lumen of the device and retracted back to within the central lumen of the device. The apparatus may further comprise an endoscope for delivery of the device to the site of treatment.
Abstract:
A device for treating diseased tissue includes a plurality of needles (21) connected to a central shaft (22) via a hub (23), the connection of each needle to the hub including a hinge mechanism so that the needles can open out once the hub is pushed out of a catheter. RF power can be applied so that tissue can be treated via electrodes defined by the needles.
Abstract:
A removable stent (10) has guide member pairs (16) and loops (20), the guide member pairs being used to align arms of a framework (28) which may expand or collapse the stent. The stent can be retained inside an outer sheath (30) of a catheter (32) with a collapsible filter net (34). Magnetic stents and stents with springs (170) and hinges (156) are also provided.
Abstract:
A device is provided that is suitable for percutaneous insertion into a hollow vessel, such as a blood vessel, within the body of a patient for purpose of causing endoluminal closure of the vessel at a specified therapeutic site in the body of a patient. The device suitably is in the form of a catheter that is slidably mounted on a guidewire. The catheter may comprise one or more heating modules, as well as one or more extendable structures located on the device and optionally on the associated guidewire, that lead thermal ablation of the vessel walls and subsequent collapse of the vessel. The catheter can function alone or in cooperation with an associated guidewire to induce sealing of the vessel. Methods of using the catheter to treat lesions such as tumours or haemorrhages are also described.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule and a peptide or peptide derivative, said peptide or peptide derivative comprising a peptide of general Formula (I ) R 1 - R 2 - R 3 - R 4 - R 5 - R 6 (I ) wherein: R 1 is arginine or lysine; R 2 is glutamine or asparagine; R 3 is methionine; R 4 is serine Or threonine; R 5 is histidine, tryptophan, arginine or lysine; and R 6 is valine, leucine or isoleucine; or a functionally active fragment thereof and a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule and a peptide or peptide derivative, said peptide or peptide derivative comprising a peptide of general Formula (III) R 1 - R 2 - R 3 - R 4 - R 5 - R 6 - R 7 - R 8 - R 9 - R 10 (III) wherein: R 1 is threonine; R 2 is alanine; R 3 is tyrosine; R 4 is Serine; R 5 is serine R 6 is tyrosine R 7 is any amino acid, R 8 is any amino acid; R 9 is glycine; and R 10 is glycine or a functionally active fragment thereof and uses thereof in gene cancer
Abstract:
A surgical organ resection device comprising a plurality of elongate electrodes (4) for insertion into organ tissue, the electrodes being capable of operating in a bipolar manner, and an input for receiving a drive signal for driving the electrode, the elongate electrodes being arranged in a two-dimensional array and/or the device being arranged such that, in use, subsets of the elongate electrodes are driven in turn.
Abstract:
Use of certain fatty acids in effecting modifications to the lipid structure of cell membranes. The invention also relates to the formulation of pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments and to such products per se; to the treatment of a variety of clinical and veterinary disorders associated with elevation of the saturation index of cell membranes, including nervous disorders including multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia; and to the use of the active materials of the invention in the treatment thereof. The active principles in the present invention are mono-unsaturated fatty acids having from 12 to 28 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, e.g. oleic acid, or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof.
Abstract:
A device and method suitable for remodelling the internal surface of a hollow vessel at least partially occluded by a mass is provided. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising a tip portion located at the distal terminus of the body, and at least one heating element located proximally to the tip portion within the distal end. The at least one heating element is configured to be greater in dimension proximally than distally and thereby tapers towards the distal end. Furthermore, the at least one heating element is arranged so that it can be deployed outwardly from the body of the device and in so doing exert an expansion force on the hollow vessel. The at least one heating element is capable of delivering sufficient energy to remodel the internal surface, and if necessary caused localised ablation, of the hollow vessel without inducing closure of the hollow vessel.
Abstract:
A device and method suitable for remodelling the internal surface of a hollow vessel at least partially occluded by a mass is provided. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising a tip portion located at the distal terminus of the body, and at least one heating element located proximally to the tip portion within the distal end. The at least one heating element is configured to be greater in dimension proximally than distally and thereby tapers towards the distal end. Furthermore, the at least one heating element is arranged so that it can be deployed outwardly from the body of the device and in so doing exert an expansion force on the hollow vessel. The at least one heating element is capable of delivering sufficient energy to remodel the internal surface, and if necessary caused localised ablation, of the hollow vessel without inducing closure of the hollow vessel.