Abstract:
The invention provides an apoptosis-modulating cell-free composition comprising conditioned extracellular medium of a stem cell and uses thereof, particularly therapeutic uses. Also provided is a method of obtaining such a composition and an in vitro method of modulating apoptosis.
Abstract:
Devices suitable for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure within a patient for the purpose of ablating tissue within or surrounding the hollow structure so as to induce occlusion of the hollow structure are provided. The devices are in the form of guidewires with functional tips, that comprise at least one heating module, at their distal ends. The devices of the invention are suitable for occluding hollow anatomical structures selected from vasculature or from non-vascular ducts and tubes, via percutaneous, laparoscopic or endoscopic routes of access. Methods of using the devices in the treatment of patients are also described.
Abstract:
A flexible RF device (1) can be deployed through a flexible endoscope. An electrode structure has a central electrode (12) and outer electrode (11). Flexible electrodes (30), circular electrodes (51, 53) and circular loop assemblies (55, 56) with different diameters are also disclosed, as well a tweezer electrodes (41) with pads (43) for increasing contact area. Retractable electrodes (100) are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method for using thiazine dyes, especially methylene blue or methylene blue derivatives, in an immediate or controlled release formulation, alone or in combination with low levels of light or other drugs, to selectively inactivate or inhibit hepatitis infection, has been developed. Clinical trial results demonstrate efficacy in a human clinical trial for treatment of hepatitis C by oral administration of methylene blue immediate release formulation, in a dosage of 65 mg twice daily, over a period of at least 100 days. A method for using thiazine dyes, especially methylene blue or methylene blude derivatives, in an immediate or controlled release formulation, alone or in combination with low levels of light or other drugs, to prevent or decrease reactivation of viruses, is also described. The preferred class of patient is infected with, or has been exposed to, viruses such as Herpes simplex virus type 1 & 2, Varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes virus type 6 & 7, Adenovirus, and Human polyoma viruses, e.g. JC virus and BK virus. In one embodiment the thiazine dye is administered to a patient experiencing symptoms or disease caused by reactivation of a virus. In a preferred embodiment the thiazine dye is administered to a patient at risk for or experiencing symptoms or disease caused by reactivation of a virus, prior to or during immunosuppression or chemotherapy.
Abstract:
A provision of improving the flow of blood through a region of increased impedance is disclosed. The provision comprises assisting blood flow is said region by means of a pump placed in or around a blood vessel supplying blood to said area, and acting to pump blood in the required direction. The pump (1) comprises, in one embodiment, a housing (2) annularly surrounding a compressible conduit (3), said housing (2) containing a plurality of flexible inflatable containers (4) mounted for contact with said conduit (3) (e.g. a blood vessel) and means for effecting sequential inflation and deflation of said containers (4) so as to create a peristaltic pumping effect.
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 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 catheter (4) may be introduced into the body of a patient to provide electromagnetic power, such as RF power, directly to a stent (2) to cause heating of surrounding tissue for ablation. The stent may have a conducting portion (14) and insulated portions (13). Struts (15) on the catheter may be deployed by a balloon (103) to contact the stent. The stent may have radial or sector segments (16) which may be individually powered for treating asymmetric tumours.
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