2888results about How to "Inhibit swelling" patented technology

Expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. The valves are rolled into a first, contracted configuration for minimally invasive delivery using a catheter, and then unrolled or unfurled at the implantation site. One- and two-piece stents may be used in conjunction with a plurality of flexible leaflet-forming membranes. The stents may include an annulus section, a sinus section with the membranes attached over sinus apertures, and an outflow section. Lockout tabs and making slots secure the stents in their expanded shapes. Alignment structure ensures concentric unfurling of the stent. Anchoring elements at the stent edges or in the stent body secure the valve within the annulus. A method of manufacture includes shape setting the sheet-like stent to ensure an outward bias during deployment. The stent may also include dear tracks for engagement with a gear mechanism for deployment. The stent is desirably made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol and may have areas removed or thinned to reduce the bending stresses when rolled into its small spiral for catheter delivery.

Surgical systems for less invasive access to and isolation of an atrial appendage are provided. A suturing grasper compresses soft tissue structures and deploys one or more sutures through complimentary pledget(s) carried by the grasper. The pledgets are reinforced, containing support members that define the profile of the stitch and distribute stresses applied by the stitch, once tightened, over a length of tissue. This hardware may be applicable to other surgical and catheter based applications as well including: compressing soft tissue structures lung resections and volume reductions; gastric procedures associated with reduction in volume, aneurysm repair, vessel ligation, or other procedure involving isolation of, resection of, and reduction of anatomic structures.

The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. In one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the volume of enlarge swollen tissue in the patient's nose, such as swollen nasal tissue, mucus membranes, turbinates, polyps, neoplasms, cartilage (e.g., the nasal septum) or the like. In particular, the turbinates are treated by positioning one or more electrode terminal(s) adjacent to the turbinates, and delivering electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, to the nasal cavity to substantially surround the electrode terminal(s) with the fluid. High frequency voltage is applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to remove a small tissue segment, channel or hole from the region near or in the turbinates to shrink the turbinates and prevent swelling, due to the formation of scar tissue as the wound heals. The high frequency voltage may be selected to effect a small amount of thermal damage to the walls of the channel or hole to facilitate the formation of scar tissue without extending this thermal damage beyond the immediate region of the target site.

Embodiments disclose a method for repairing a heart of a human. A method may include introducing a collapsed reinforcing element through the skin into the vascular system of the human. The method may include delivering the reinforcing element into a left ventricle through the arteries. Once inside the left ventricle, the reinforcing element may be expanded to an expanded shape. In certain embodiments, a reinforcing element may be used to structurally reinforce a portion of an endocardial surface of a heart. The reinforcing element may include a preshaped patch and / or a plurality of preshaped flexible conduits. The method may include deploying the reinforcing element soon after a myocardial infarction to inhibit naturally occurring remodeling of the heart. The reinforcing element may be deployed with or without the use of a shaper. In some embodiments, a reinforcement element may be positioned on / coupled to an external surface of a human heart. In some embodiments, a reinforcing element may include an externally positioned apparatus configured to substantially reshape a portion of an interior chamber of a heart.

A bioactive / biodegradable nucleus implant for repairing degenerated intervertebral discs that is inflated inside the nucleus space after the degenerated nucleus has been removed to re-pressurize the nuclear space within the intervertebral disc. The implant is inflated with a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer, preferably an under-hydrated HA hydrogel / growth factor mixture with or without host cells. The implant includes an internal, integral, self-sealing valve that allows one-way filling of the implant after it is placed within the disc, and is made from a material that allows fibrous in growth thereby stabilizing the implant. A variety of substances can be incorporated into the implant to promote healing, prevent infection, or arrest pain.

A composition such as a water-based consumer product comprises material (e.g. perfume) encapsulated within shell capsules, each capsule comprising an encapsulating wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, with a coating on the inner surface and / or outer surface of the shell wall, the composition further comprising surfactant and / or solvent. The coating can improve the barrier properties of the shell and can enhance retention of the encapsulated materials within the shell.

Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. Some embodiments relate to vascular access grafts comprising an instant access or self-sealing material reinforced with expanded PTFE to resist stretching of the instant access material and thereby resist leakage associated with stretching or bending. The graft may comprise two end segments comprising ePTFE without the instant access material to allow easier anastomosis of the graft to veins and arteries. The graft may have a unibody design or have modular components that may be joined together to create a graft with customized length or other features. One or more sections of the graft may also be cut or trimmed to a custom length.

An apparatus and method for detecting moisture in a diaper is disclosed. A moisture sensor apparatus is comprised of a housing made of material dimensionally-sensitive to moisture, such that the housing will expand or contract. Electrically conductive contacts disposed on / in the housing, are selectively coupled to, or decoupled from, each other based on a dimensional change of the sensor device when it comes into contact with moisture. An electrical signal routable through the electrically conductive contacts detects a change in state, e.g., from open to closed, and activates a local or remote alarm to indicate the presence of moisture. The consumable low-cost sensor and the optional non-metallic leads and contacts, that are at least partially biodegradable, are coupled via a convenient slidable brush connector to a resusable alarm system having optional low duty cycle transmitting capability to a receiver base station, thereby providing a cost-effective, eco-friendly and user-friendly system.

The invention relates to a high-strength hydrogel and a preparation method thereof. The preparation method comprises the steps of directly mixing a polymer, a monomer, an initiator, a cross-linking agent and water once, dissolving all the substances to form a homogeneous solution under a certain simulation condition, and then initiating and polymerizing by using heat or light to obtain the high-strength hydrogel, wherein the polymer is needed for preparation of the hydrogel and used for forming a first double network of a dual-network hydrogel; the monomer is used for polymerizing and forming a second double network of the dual-network hydrogel; the initiator is used for initiating the monomer to be polymerized; the cross-linking agent is used for performing cross-linking reaction in a monomer polymerizing process so as to form the second double network. According to the preparation method, a one-pot method is used for preparing the high-strength hydrogel, so that the method is simple and practicable; the prepared high-strength hydrogel has the characteristics of high strength and high toughness; a tensile strength of the gel is 0.6-1.2MPa, a tensile modulus is 100-200 KPa and a tensile strain reaches 1000-2680%; the prepared high-strength hydrogel can be widely applied to the fields of tissue repair, artificial organ, drug sustained release, sensors and the like.

A stent deployment system includes a catheter shaft, an expandable member mounted to the catheter shaft, and one or more stents or stent segments slidably positioned on the expandable member. The stent deployment system is adapted for deployment of stents or stent segments in very long lesions and in tapered and curved vessels. The stent deployment system facilitates slidable movement of a stent in a distal direction relative to the expandable member while inhibiting slidable movement in a proximal direction relative to the expandable member.

A laptop computer has an exhaust port on a rear panel. A thin film skin is engaged with the computer placing a generally planar top panel and a generally planar bottom panel on the computers top and bottom exposed faces. The panels are joined by an elastic hinge around the rear panel. Comer grippers are engaged with the computer's corners to enable the skin to fit tightly on the computer. The hinge has such an elastic property, that, with the comer grippers engaged with the computer, the hinge lays in a stretched condition proximate the rear panel with the computer open or closed thereby preventing bulging of the hinge or thin film panels.

Methods, systems and devices for treatment of musculoskeletal tissue may include one or more of stretching, scoring, cutting, and cryogenic cooling of the tissue. Exemplary usage includes the treatment of compressive neuropathy such as in carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis. Other musculoskeletal tissues such as those in the hip, shoulder, and other regions of the body may also be treated.

The present invention restores the normal low-dose flushing of the lower airways with air from the upper airways, containing nitric oxide (NO) and possible other biologically active agents by aspiration of air from the upper airways and introducing said air in the inspiratory airflow of a ventilator. The inventive apparatus and method is free from the risks associated with traditional administration of exogenous NO.

A semiconductor display device with an interlayer insulating film in which surface levelness is ensured with a limited film formation time, heat treatment for removing moisture does not take long, and moisture in the interlayer insulating film is prevented from escaping into a film or electrode adjacent to the interlayer insulating film. A TFT is formed and then a nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating film that transmits less moisture compared to organic resin film is formed so as to cover the TFT. Next, organic resin including photosensitive acrylic resin is applied and an opening is formed by partially exposing the organic resin film to light. The organic resin film where the opening is formed, is then covered with a nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating film which transmits less moisture than organic resin film does. Thereafter, the gate insulating film and the two layers of the nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating films are partially etched away in the opening of the organic resin film to expose the active layer of the TFT.

A simple, safe and effective invention devices for treating bags under the eyes pressure exerting glasses devices, compress badges, bag pressure adhesive strips, cosmetic pressure adhesive strips; to be put on to prevent, and to reduce the bags under the eyes. They are designed to apply antiwrinkle and other cosmetic and therapeutic agents such as hormones, known therapeutic agents, as well as other pharmaceutical, biochemical, nurticeuticals and biological agents, or compounds to enhance the health and beauty of the eye, strengthen the lower eye lids and to treat many oculopathies which can contribute to the condition. They can be used for the eye makeup cosmetically as adjuvant to eye makeup. The electrical stimulation and electromotive force are incorporated in the invention to strengthen the lower eye lids muscles, to improve the health of the eye lids skin and for the delivery of therapeutic agents to treat various oculopathies.

An electrode according to the invention can provide a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having an ability to release a volume expansion at the time of charge and discharge as well as the time of a cycle. The electrode comprises a current collector made of a material which is not alloyed with Li, and a dot pattern 2 of a metallic material able to be alloyed with Li formed on the current collector. At the time of charge, since the volume expansion of each dot 3 is carried out so as to bury adjoining crevices 4 between the dots, a stress generated is released, thereby degradation of an electrode being avoided. Each dot may also be made into porosity.

A constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring formed with an annular space therein having an opening at one end thereof. The annular space is defined by a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall. One of the radially inner and outer walls is formed with three axially extending track grooves circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees. A cage is inserted in the annular space with one end thereof protruding from the opening of the annular space. A second shaft is provided on the one end of the cage. Balls are retained by the cage and adapted to roll in the track grooves. At least one of the outer ring and the cage is formed of a synthetic resin.

A heavy duty ground retractable automobile barrier for a railroad crossing. Concrete bunkers are placed at each side of a roadway. An upstanding concrete-filled steel pipe fixed in each bunker has a sleeve for rotational and axial movement. Shock absorbers are mounted on each sleeve. A net extends across the road and is attached to the opposite ends of the shock absorbers. Collision of an automobile with the net creates tensile forces in the net. The shock absorbers expand while rotating about the pipe's axis in response to tensile forces from the net that meet or exceed a minimum threshold. Forces from the net pass through the axis of the steel pipe. The net is stored in a pit transverse the roadway parallel to the railroad tracks and is raised and lowered as appropriate. The net includes a cable that extends across the road in a wave pattern, having peaks, valleys and midpoints, wherein tangents of the wave midpoints are at least 90 degrees from tangents of the peaks and valleys.

Provided are a pouch-type secondary battery having improved safety, and a battery pack including the pouch-type secondary battery. When inner pressure of a pouch is increased by an overdischarge, the pouch is deformed to separate electrode leads from electrode tabs. When the secondary battery is manufactured, an additional material or device is unnecessary. In addition, since the pouch-type secondary battery fundamentally cuts off electric current when gas is generated therein, the service life and safety of the secondary battery can be significantly improved, and the manufacturing costs and the weight thereof can be reduced. Furthermore, the shape of the secondary battery can be easily modified.

A stent deployment system includes a catheter shaft, an expandable member mounted to the catheter shaft, and one or more stents or stent segments slidably positioned on the expandable member. The stent deployment system is adapted for deployment of stents or stent segments in very long lesions and in tapered and curved vessels. The stent deployment system facilitates slidable movement of a stent in a distal direction relative to the expandable member while inhibiting slidable movement in a proximal direction relative to the expandable member.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for eliminating duplication of a file in a distributed storage system. The apparatus and method for eliminating duplication of a file in a distributed storage system according to the present invention calculates a hash value of each chunk for an active file; calculates a secondary hash value by adding the hash values calculated for respective chunks; examines duplication of the file using the hash value of each chunk and the secondary hash value; and eliminates a duplicated file depending on a result of the examination.

A bioactive / biodegradable nucleus implant for repairing degenerated intervertebral discs that is inflated inside the nucleus space after the degenerated nucleus has been removed to re-pressurize the nuclear space within the intervertebral disc. The implant is inflated with a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer, preferably an under-hydrated HA hydrogel / growth factor mixture with or without host cells. The implant includes an internal, integral, self-sealing valve that allows one-way filling of the implant after it is placed within the disc, and is made from a material that allows fibrous in growth thereby stabilizing the implant. A variety of substances can be incorporated into the implant to promote healing, prevent infection, or arrest pain.

An electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery having the electrolyte, the electrolyte including a lithium salt; a non-aqueous organic solvent including γ-butyrolactone-; and a succinic anhydride.

The present invention provides methods, compositions and modified foods and foodstuffs useful for weight management and glycemic control.

An AlN buffer layer, an undoped GaN layer, an undoped AlGaN layer, a first p-AlGaN layer, a second p-AlGaN layer and a high concentration p-GaN layer are formed in this order on a substrate. A gate electrode establishes ohmic contact with the high concentration p-GaN layer. A source electrode and a drain electrode are formed on the undoped AlGaN layer. Two-dimensional electron gas generated at the interface between the undoped AlGaN layer and the undoped GaN layer and the first and second p-AlGaN layers form a pn junction in a gate region. The second p-AlGaN layer covers a SiN film in part.

An apparatus for measuring permeability accurately in expansive clay and non-expansive soils is provided. The apparatus includes hollow porous stone cylinders which prevent the sample from bulging and at the same time allow application of confining pressure on the soil sample enclosed in a flexible membrane, which simulates the field condition and allows for application of back pressure to aid in saturation. The apparatus also allows for accurate comparison of hydraulic characteristics of swelling clays with fluids of various dielectric and other properties. The apparatus can also be used to consolidate the sample either three dimensionally or in one direction and perform permeability tests as well as find out the consolidation characteristics of the sample.