Isotopes of Alpha Ketoglutarate and Related Compounds for Hyperpolarized MRI Imaging

This technology includes 1-13C-ketoglutarate which can be used for imaging the conversion to hydroxyglutarate (HG) or Gln in cancer cells with an IDH1 mutations by hyperpolarized MRI. The ability to detect the status of IDH1 mutations is clinically prognostic for multiple cancers. These exciting observations are limited by two factors, the major one being that the natural abundance of 13C at position C5 overlaps with 1-13C-2-hydroxyglutarate peak, which limits the sensitivity of analysis and prevents simultaneous observations of HG and Gln formation.

Genetic Manipulation of Natural Killer Cells to Express c-MPL Growth Factor Receptor as a Therapy for Cancer

This technology includes genetic manipulation of natural killer (NK) cells to express thrombopoietin receptor (c-MPL) growth factor receptor as strategy to augment NK cell proliferation and anti-tumor immunity. Many investigational adoptive immunotherapy regimens utilizing NK cells require the administration of IL-2 or IL-15 cytokines to support the survival and function of the cells in patients, however administration of these cytokines causes a number of serious dose-dependent toxicities.

Novel Bicuspid Transcatheter Heart Valve Frame and Leaflets for Mitro Valve Implantation

This technology includes a pair of subsystems for a novel transcatheter bicuspid valve (frame and leaflets) intended for implantation in the mitral position. It is simple, it overcomes key limitations to transcatheter bicuspid mitral valve implants, and it overcomes key limitations to transcatheter tricuspid mitral valve implants.

Devices and Methods for Cerclage of Luminal Systems

This technology includes a family of transcatheter endovenous intramyocardial tether (MIRTH) procedures to impose myocardial constraint on the LV (MIRTH), LV and RV (SCIMITAR), and cardiac resynchronization procedures. Included is a set of advanced cardiac treatment technologies that focus on minimally invasive procedures for heart patients. The main technology is the transcatheter endovenous intramyocardial tether (MIRTH) procedure, which is designed to apply physical constraint to the left ventricle (LV) of the heart.

Segmented Metallic MRI Guidewires Using Stiffness-matched Nonconductive Connectors for Catheterization Procedures

This technology includes a metallic guidewire that is suitable for MRI catheterization, because it is mechanically long but electrically consists of short conductive segments that cannot resonate during MRI. The invention consists of stiffness-matched non-conductive connectors or connections that are used along with short metallic segments. The embodiment reduced to practice has torquability and flexibility comparable to marketed metallic guidewires, yet is free from MRI heating.

Endo-cameral Closure Device for Structural Heart Defects and Blood Vessel Repair

This technology includes a device to close a hole in the wall of a large blood vessel or cardiac chamber from the inside out, delivered over a guidewire and through a catheter or sheath. First, the proximal portion deploys within the vessel or chamber and is advanced over a guidewire to oppose the wall and seal the hole. Second, the distal portion self-assembles outside the vessel or chamber upon withdrawal of the guidewire. Deployment of the distal portion anchors the device securely in place.

Instant Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence/Structured Illumination Microscopy (instant TIRF/SIM)

This technology includes a method which enables high-speed, super-resolution microscopy at a very high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), for biological applications within ~200 nm (the evanescent wave decay length) of a coverslip surface. Instant TIRF/SIM may be implemented simply by modifying and adding to the excitation optics that are already present within a conventional instant SIM design. We enforce TIRF excitation by removing all wave vectors that propagate into the objective lens at sub-critical angles.

Three-dimensional Fluorescence Polarization Excitation via Multiview Imaging

This technology includes a method that extends fluorescence polarization imaging so that the dipole moment of a fluorescent dye may be excited regardless of its 3D orientation. By exciting the dipole from multiple directions, we ensure that excitation may occur even if the dipole is unfavorably oriented along the axial (propagation) axis. If the dye can be rigidly attached to the structure of interest, our method also enables the 3D orientation of the structure to be estimated accurately.