An apparatus that reduces a volume of a selected site in an interior of the tongue includes a handpiece means and an electrode means at least partially positioned in the interior of the handpiece means. The electrode means includes an electrode means electromagnetic energy delivery surface and is advance able from the interior of the handpiece means into the interior of the tongue. An electrode means advancement member is coupled to the electrode means and configured to advance the electrode means an advancement distance in the interior of the tongue. The advancement distance is sufficient for the electrode means electromagnetic energy delivery surface to deliver electromagnetic energy to the selected tissue site and reduce a volume of the selected site without damaging a hypoglossal nerve. A cable means is coupled to the electrode means.

Cell necrosis apparatus

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Transcutaneous analyte sensor

A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a proximal end with a first radius of curvature and a distal end with a second radius of curvature. The introduction member is configured to be introduced into the sphincter in a non-deployed state and to be expanded to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter or an adjoining structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the introduction member. A retainer member is coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member and configured to controllably position the introduction member in an orifice of the sphincter.

Sphincter treatment apparatus

A sensor designed to determine the amount and concentration of analyte in a sample having a volume of less than about 1 μL. The sensor has a working electrode coated with a non-leachable redox mediator. The redox mediator acts as an electron transfer agent between the analyte and the electrode. In addition, a second electron transfer agent, such as an enzyme, can be added to facilitate the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the analyte. The redox mediator is typically a redox compound bound to a polymer. The preferred redox mediators are air-oxidizable. The amount of analyte can be determined by coulometry. One particular coulometric technique includes the measurement of the current between the working electrode and a counter or reference electrode at two or more times. The charge passed by this current to or from the analyte is correlated with the amount of analyte in the sample. Other electrochemical detection methods, such as amperometric, voltammetric, and potentiometric techniques, can also be used. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is provided as a second electron transfer agent.

Small volume in vitro analyte sensor

Chitosan [a (1----4) 2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-Glucan] is a unique polysaccharide derived from chitin. Several attempts have been made to use this biopolymer in biomedical field. The use of this material in the development of hemodialysis membranes, artificial skin, drug targetting and other applications are discussed. It appears, this novel biomolecule, biodegradable, and biocompatible, find applications in substituting or regenerating the blood/tissue interfaces. This polysaccharide having structural characteristics similar to glycosaminoglycans, seems to mimic their functional behaviour.

Chitosan-as a Biomaterial

A new method was developed for evaluating kinetically the antithrombogenicity of materials. The amount of thrombus formed was measured gravimetrically at an appropriate interval of time after calcium chloride was added to ACD blood in contact with a test material. Graphic curves for thrombus formation on glass, Silastic, Hydron, and treated natural tissues were obtained and compared. There was good correlation between our in vivo tests and in vivo observations.

A new method for evalution of antithrombogenicity of materials.

Most acute studies of nonpulsatile blood flow have shown effects on systemic organs There have been few long-term studies of the effects of nonpulsatile blood flow due to lack of an appropriate experimental model and, consequently, it is unknown whether mammalian physiology can adapt to chronic nonpulsatile blood flow The following case report documents the effects of chronic nonpulsatile blood flow in an alive, awake animal maintained with fibrillating ventricles for a period of 34 days

Chronic nonpulsatile blood flow in an alive, awake animal 34-day survival.

Chronic nonpulsatile blood flow.

Clinical results of mechanical support of the failing left ventricle.

A fully reliable means of rehabilitating patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis has not yet been developed. In order to improve upon existing solutions to this problem, the authors have recently described a laryngeal pacemaker, initially tested through stimulation of a cross-over nerve-muscle pedicle from one sternohyoid muscle to the other in the canine. Afferent stimuli, initiated through elongation of the airway during inspiration, were detected by a linear strain gauge sutured to the tracheal rings and appropriately amplified. The current report deals with the application of this concept to pace a nerve-muscle pedicle reinnervating the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle. Videoscopic and cinematographic documentation of electrically paced abduction of the reinnervated vocal fold, synchronous with inspiration, was clearly demonstrated. Only miniaturization of an implantable electronic amplifier remains to permit an attempt at pacing of the paralyzed larynx in humans.

Yukihiko Nosé

Papers

A new method for evalution of antithrombogenicity of materials.

Chronic nonpulsatile blood flow in an alive, awake animal 34-day survival.

Chronic nonpulsatile blood flow.

Clinical results of mechanical support of the failing left ventricle.

Laryngeal pacemaker. II. Electronic pacing of reinnervated posterior cricoarytenoid muscles in the canine.