text:
|Numéro de publication
|Type de publication
|Numéro de demande
|Date de publication
|7 sept. 2010
|Date de dépôt
|23 mai 2007
|Date de priorité
|24 mai 2006
|État de paiement des frais
|Autre référence de publication
|Numéro de publication
|Amy Lee, Michael A. Evans
|Cessionnaire d'origine
|Nellix, Inc.
|Exporter la citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Citations de brevets (86), Citations hors brevets (3), Référencé par (15), Classifications (28), Événements juridiques (3)
|Liens externes: USPTO, Cession USPTO, Espacenet
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/802,951 filed May 24, 2006.
The present invention relates generally to materials and apparatus for use in the treatment of patients. More particularly, the present invention relates to biocompatible material having greater functionality, and methods for making and using the same.
Plastic materials have long been used in medical applications, including implants. An example of such use is in treating aneurysms. Aneurysms are enlargements or "bulges" in blood vessels which are often prone to rupture and which therefore present a serious risk to the patient. Aneurysms may occur in any blood vessel, but are of particular concern when they occur in the cerebral vasculature or the patient's aorta. The present invention is particularly concerned with biocompatible materials, including multilayer materials, for use in such applications.
A material for use in medical treatment, in particular implantable devices, requires many attributes which need to work in synergy to provide for optimum performance. Examples of such attributes include: ease of deployment (in case of use as a deployable component), adaptable configuration for design and use within various tortuous lumens of the body, ease of manufacture, and/or identification and tracking during treatment procedures.
A commonly used biocompatible material is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is chemically inert, thus desirable for use in medical devices that come in contact with the human body. However, material, such as films formed from PTFE may lack, or possess less than desirable properties such as ease of processing into desired forms.
For at least these reasons, it would desirable to provide improved biocompatible material, in particular those for use in treatment of aortic aneurysms.
The present invention provides materials, such as films, methods for making and using the same, and systems. In particular, such material is employable in medical devices in the form of vascular grafts, biocompatible coverings, inflatable bladders, prosthesis for the endoluminal treatment of aneurysms, particularly aortic aneurysms including both abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA's) and thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA's). In an exemplary embodiment, the materials of the present invention are usable in forming the walls of devices for use in the treatment of AAA. Examples of such suitable structures and devices are described in co-pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/855,889, entitled "Methods and Systems for Aneurysm Treatment," filed on Oct. 31, 2006, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention provides for a multi-layered structure with a first layer comprising a fluorinated material; and at least one second layer (polymer backbone) formed from a second polymeric material, and disposed adjacent a surface of the first layer.
The fluorinated material forming the first layer may be selected from any suitable fluorinated material, including but not limited to, FEP, PFA, ETFE, PTFE, ePTFE, or any combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer is formed from ePTFE. For purposes of describing the invention, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) will be used as the exemplary fluorinated material.
As used herein, it should be understood that the term "layer" is broadly used and is not restricted to a layer formed from a molecular layer. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that a multilayer material, formed from different materials, may include an interface which includes the materials of the adjacent layers. In other words, the interface between two different layers may be formed which includes a mixture of the materials from the different layers.
Depending on the intended use of the composite material, it might be desirable for the composite material to have a tensile strength in only one or multiple directions. To achieve the desired tensile strength, PTFE may be stretched (prior to sintering) in one or more directions (i.e., along one or more axes). The stretching of the PTFE will impart greater tensile strength in the direction of the stretch. In an exemplary embodiment, such direction may be in a single direction, while in other exemplary embodiments, the PTFE may be stretched along multiple axes (including bi-axial). The more the number of axes along which the PTFE is stretched, the more tensile strength it will be imparted to the PTFE in all such directions. In an exemplary embodiment, the multilayer material has a high tensile strength/low elongation along a single axis. In other exemplary embodiments, the composite material has high tensile strength/low elongation along multiple axes.
Some of the properties of native PTFE that make it attractive for use in medical devices are its high resistance to chemicals and low surface energy. However, these same properties that make PTFE attractive for use in medical applications, coupled with the extremely high temperatures required to manufacture the material, render native PTFE difficult for processing into forms/shapes/structures that may be intended for use in various applications. Another property of PTFE is its susceptibility to creep (e.g., the unwanted relative movement of PTFE molecules past one another and deformation of the parts formed from PTFE) which may be detrimental to mechanical strength and geometric stability of the structure or object which has been formed from PTFE.
To reduce some of the undesirable properties of native PTFE without losing the chemical properties that make it desirable for use in medical applications, it is processed into ePTFE, by way of stretching the PTFE (un-sintered) to induce the formation of pores or small tears. The resulting material produces a porous matrix which includes nodes and fibrils that can be modified or altered to achieve specific mechanical properties, including but not limited to, pore size, pore density, modulus of elasticity, tensile anisotropy. These various mechanical properties may be imparted based on the degree and method of expansion of the PTFE into ePTFE.
The porous nature of ePTFE is particularly attractive for long-term medical implants by providing a suitable substrate for incorporation into the host (i.e., in-growth). On the other hand, for short term or temporary implant applications in which the device will eventually be removed, in-growth is not a desirable characteristic. In either case, because the degree of in-growth has been shown to be related to the pore size of the matrix, the ePTFE can be modified to whichever mode desired.
The first and the second layers may be formed from similar or different material. By way of example, both layers may comprise fluorinated material (the same or a different fluorinated material) or the second layer may be formed from non-fluorinated material. The second layer or polymer backbone, may be formed from thermoplastic or thermoset materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer is formed from a thermoplastic material.
Further processing of the composite film to create the desired structure or forms is further affected by the interaction of the secondary polymer to itself and/or to ePTFE. The secondary polymer material(s) serve as the polymer backbone and enables the processing of the subsequent steps, while the ePTFE serves as the biocompatible interface with its biological surroundings. The mechanical properties of each of the material also contribute to the overall mechanical properties of the composite film.
Suitable exemplary material forming the second layer includes any one or more of polyolefins including: low density polyethylene; polyesters including polyester terapthalate; polyurethanes formulations including biodurable aromatic polyethers including Biospan® (an aromatic polyetherurethaneurea with a soft segment of polytetramethyleneoxide (PTMO) and a hard segment of diphenylmethane diisocyanate and mixed diamines, available from companies such as the Polymer Technology Group, Berkeley Calif.) and Elasthane™ (a polyether urethane is a thermoplastic elastomer formed as the reaction product of a polyol, an aromatic diisocyanate, and a low molecular weight glycol used as a chain extender. Polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO) is reacted in the bulk with aromatic isocyanate, 4,4′-methylene bisphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and chain extended with 1,4-butanediol, available from companies such as the Polymer Technology Group, Berkeley Calif.); polycarbonates including Bionate® (a polycarbonate urethane, available from companies such as the Polymer Technology Group, Berkeley Calif.), Chronoflex® (a medical-grade segmented polyurethane elastomers, available from companies such as CardioTech International, Wilmington, Mass.), and Carbothane® (a thermoplastic polyurethanes manufactured using the aliphatic compound, hydrogenated methylene diisocyanate (HMDI), and formulated with a polycarbonate diol (PCDO)); silicone modified polyurethanes including PurSil™ (a silicone polyether urethane available from companies such as the Polymer Technology Group, Berkeley Calif.); silicones; fluoropolymers including FEP, PFA and ETFE; and acetates including ethylene vinyl acetates; and any combinations thereof. The material forming the second layer preferably is selected such that it can seal to other materials (e.g., the first layer) at temperatures ranging from about 100° C. to about 400° C.
The polymer backbone material of the second layer may generally form about 1 to about 99 percent (%) of the total thickness of the composite material, normally from about 10 to about 90 percent.
The first and the second layers may be formed contiguously adjacent each other. Alternatively, the layers, although adjacent, may not be completely contiguous. In an embodiment, a portion of the second material impregnates a portion of the first layer. In other words, during formation of the composite film, some of the polymer backbone material will impregnate the ePTFE layer due to the porous nature of the ePTFE. Such impregnation may range from about 0.1 to about 95%, from about 5 to about 95%, normally from about 5 to about 70%.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second layers have compatible elongation properties which allow the film/structure to elongate without separation of the layers. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongation properties are such that the composite film does not elongate more than about 120%.
As stated earlier, the composite film may be formed such that it has high tensile strength/low elongation along a single axis or multiple axis by way of its manufacture and as described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite film has a high tensile strength/low elongation along a single axis.
In some exemplary embodiments, the first layer may be processed to increase its surface energy. The activation of the surface may be achieved through suitable means such as plasma treatment, laser roughening, wet chemical treatment, biological treatment, and any combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the activated surface of the first layer is the layer which is not adjacent the polymer backbone. In some instances, the biologically activated surface of the fluorinated first layer, (e.g., ePTFE) promote thrombogenesis and/or healing of an area within a patient's body which is going under treatment using structures made from the composite material.
The first and the second layer may be disposed adjacent one another by suitable means such as lamination, including thermal lamination, or film casting. The polymer backbone material, as for example, when made from elastomeric materials, may have a tendency to adhere to itself when folded over. To minimize this effect an additive may be added to the surface of the polymer backbone which is not adjacent the first layer. Examples of such additives include, but are not limited to, alumina, tantalum, or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the composite film may be configured for diagnostic visibility such that it, or structures made from the composite film, are echo-lucent, radio-lucent, ultrasound-lucent, CT-lucent, fluoro-lucent, or any combination thereof. To impart diagnostic visibility, the second layer may be the layer chosen to have such diagnostic visibility characteristics. Similarly, at least a portion of the composite material, preferably that of the second layer, may include markers to enhance identification of the location of the composite film, or structures which are made from the composite material, when it is disposed within a patient.
Similarly, in some embodiments, to aid in any of the delivery, placement, visualization, or fixation of the composite film, or structures made from the material, it includes structural element/s. The structural element may be disposed at any suitable location within or on the composite film. In an embodiment, the structure element is a marker for diagnostic visualization. Such markers may be made from suitable material such as, but not limited to platinum, iridium, or gold.
In some embodiments, to impart further rigidity and support to the composite film, supporting elements are incorporated into the film. The supporting element may be metallic (e.g., shape memory materials, stainless steel, cobalt chromium alloys, and any combinations thereof) or polymeric, and may be incorporated into either or both of the layers of the composite film, preferably the first layer. By way of example, the supporting material may be a stent or a polymeric mesh material.
Exemplary embodiments of multilayered material of the present invention may be formed into any shape or structure suitable for its intended purpose. By way of example, the shape of the multilayer material may be adapted to conform to an aneurysm being treated. In some instances, the multilayer material can be shaped for the aneurismal geometry of a particular patient using imaging and computer-aided design and fabrication techniques. In other instances, a family or collection of multilayer material formed into the desirable shape or structure may be developed having different geometries and sizes so that a treating physician may select a specific filling structure to treat a particular patient based on the size and geometry of that patient's aneurysm. It should be appreciated that the multilayered material described in the present invention may be used for a variety of purposes, and formed, as needed into any desirable shape or form, and that it is not limited to the treatment of an aneurysm.
For purposes of description, multilayer materials embodying the features of the present invention will be referred to as "film," "composite material," "composite film," or the like, unless otherwise indicated.
The composite film may be formed by many methods, some of which will be further described below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that various features of the films of the present invention are not limited to the specific embodiment shown, and may be used and formed with other features described in relation with other exemplary embodiments.
The composite films, embodying features of the present invention, may include one or more of the following properties and may be engineered by selecting one or more of the following factors. The composite film, in some exemplary embodiments, has constrained elongation (expansibility) along one or more axes. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite film has constrained elongation (expansibility) along a single axis. Expansion of the composite film 10 may be constrained by either or both the material of the first layer (e.g., ePTFE) and the polymer backbone. As used herein, the terms elongation or expansibility refer to the ability of the composite film to stretch in one or more directions before it is torn. As stated above, for purposes of description PTFE/ePTFE will be used when describing the fluorinated material of the first layer.
The methods for creating an ePTFE composite film will vary depending on the density and porosity of the ePTFE, as well as the properties of the secondary material(s) (i.e., polymer backbone) chosen. The polymer backbone may be selected for any number of chemical and mechanical properties including biocompatibility/biostability, melt temperature, fluid permeability, chemical adhesion, elasticity/plasticity, and tensile strength. The details of the various methods will be separately discussed following the description of the various exemplary composite films and structures made therefrom.
Now referring to
The polymer backbone may be formed from thermoset or thermoplastic material. For purposes of description, thermoplastic material will be used as the material forming the polymer backbone. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
Thermoplastic materials can be applied to the ePTFE for thermal lamination in the form of sheet, or through application of powder dispersions that can be applied to the surface of the ePTFE. After application of heat and pressure, the powder will melt and reflow into a solid, contiguous layer.
The composite film 10 may also be formed by means of film casting. Suitable materials (e.g., silicones, and polyurethanes) may be placed into solution and made into very thin sheets of material by film casting onto the ePTFE which will act as the carrier material. Solutions or dispersions of such materials can also be sprayed on or directly applied to the ePTFE material in order to create the composite film. The polymer in solution flows into the pores of the ePTFE through wicking, pressure, or a combination of both, to create a mechanical interlock between the two materials similar to the configuration shown in
The polymer backbone may form a continuous composite film with the two materials (i.e., ePTFE and the polymer backbone) adhering to one another in a continuous manner. However, composite films can also be created where the materials are not fully adhered to each other. By way of example, portions of the surface 19 of the ePTFE may not be laminated or covered by the polymer backbone (not shown).
The present invention provides for several methods for creating seals/bonds between the surfaces of the different composite films to further form suitable structures.
In one exemplary embodiment as shown in
As seen in
Now referring to
Mechanical suturing is another suitable method for creating a seam between composite films (not shown) in order to reinforce the bond between sheets of materials. The mechanical stitching may be done alone or in combination with other forms of seals/bonds, as for example those described above. In an exemplary embodiment, thermally laminated composites can be combined with mechanical suturing in a number of ways. Seams comprised of thermoplastic-thermoplastic or thermoplastic-ePTFE interfaces can be heat treated either before or after stitching to melt/reflow the thermoplastic material, strengthening the bond between sheets. In addition, sutures comprised of a thermoplastic material can melt/reflow throughout an ePTFE through a similar heat treatment process after stitching.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, when the polymer backbone of the composite film is formed from silicone, silicone adhesives can be applied at the seams and stitched while still uncured. As the silicone continues to cure, the holes in the material seal and provide the necessary bond.
The composite films 10 embodying features of the present invention may be used to create a number of structures, such as containment members including containment bags usable in medical devices and applications as those described earlier above (e.g., AAA). Some exemplary methods for forming containment members with simple and/or complex geometric shapes, including those with multiple chambered/segmented containment units; are further described below.
Various geometrical containment devices can be created by sealing the flat composite films 10 together to create structures with volumetric forms. One such method for creating a simple volumetric form, as shown in
Similarly, cylindrical tubes, whether simple cylindrical tubes such as 80A, or tapered and contoured tubes such as 80B (e.g., Y-shaped as shown in
Due to the non-porous nature of a fully covered composite films/sheet, a flat sheet of ePTFE composite can be manufactured into contoured pre-form shaped sheets through methods such as vacuum- or thermo-forming. As shown in
The ability of the ePTFE composite films to retain the pre-form contours is a result of the combination of the plastic elongation properties of both the ePTFE and the selected polymer backbone material. In addition to the potential to make large scale pre-form shapes, the methods described herein, can similarly be used to create films with macroscopic surface texture patterns to increase the surface area of the pre-form containment members or structures, to enhance its grip or traction.
Below, additional descriptions regarding the various material and methods is provided.
Mechanical Property Modification of the Composite Film
Normally, ePTFE is stretched, at least in one direction, prior to being sintered, to induce the formation of micro-tears and thus, imparting expansibility and shapeability onto the ePTFE. The size and density of these micro-tears are what gives ePTFE its porosity and flexibility. As such, the ePTFE material typically has anisotropic tensile and elongation characteristics depending on its orientation, with the preferential yield direction being perpendicular to the initial stretch direction. Tensile properties in the stretch direction are higher and result in brittle-like fractures.
This directional stretching characteristic can be used to create forms that will yield before failure when a force is applied in the tensile direction. This expansible characteristic can be desirable for fault tolerance or used deliberately as a design feature. A composite film sealed perpendicular to the initial stretch direction results in failure before material elongation, while a composite film sealed parallel to the initial stretch direction results in material elongation before bond failure.
For example, in the case of a tube formed with composite films of the present invention, with longitudinal seams subjected to internal radial forces, the highest tensile load will be exerted circumferentially on the device using the formed tube. Thus, by orienting the seams parallel to the preferential ePTFE stretch direction, the composite can elongate under such a load before breaking.
Similarly, a stent-graft can be made from a tube of the composite material (comprised of an ePTFE that has been manufactured to allow for expansion in the radial direction and a polymer backbone with high elongation properties) by attaching it to a balloon expandable stent in its unexpanded configuration. Since the composite material has the ability to expand to great diameters without breaking, the material can expand without failure as the stent is deployed. Using a stent oversized relative to the composite graft material results in a smooth, unwrinkled interior surface.
To create a constraining ePTFE material for use in the composite film, the ePTFE is sintered to about 80 to about 100% crystallinity after it has been expanded. To create anisotropically constrained ePTFE, it is expanded and sintered in a single direction which will be the constraining element; while to create isotropically constrained ePTFE, it is expanded in multiple directions and sintered. During stretching in each of the processes, the material tears which leads to the island and node structure that gives ePTFE its porous quality. To create the constraining ePTFE, the PTFE is processed such that the fibril density of the material is greater than the node island density. By way of example, an isotropically constrained ePTFE may be suitable in devices and applications (e.g., inflatable balloons) where a non-compliant material might be desirable.
In contrast, to create ePTFE with greater expansibility characteristics, a lower degree of sintering can be used, typically less than 80%. This leads to an uncoalesced material with lower mechanical strength and inherent structural integrity.
ePTFE as manufactured is a porous material with nodes and fibrils, the size and density of which can be independently controlled during processing. Depending on the use and the desired effect, as for example when rapid and aggressive tissue in-growth (in the case of a graft for use in treating AAA), the ePTFE is processed to have an internodal distance (porosity) ranging from about 35 to about 200 micrometer (μm). To balance optimal tissue compatibility and in-growth with mechanical strength, the internodal distance ranges from about 15 to about 35 μm. An ePTFE material with internodal distance ranging from about 0.1 to about 15 μm may be used for clinically non-porous material to stimulate an encapsulating fibrotic healing response, as opposed to physical in-growth into the material.
Similarly, the selection of the material for the polymeric backbone will have an impact on the composite film. To create a constraining composite film, the polymeric backbone is selected to have high tensile modulus (>1 GPa) and/or a low elongation characteristic (from about 20 to about 150%). In contrast, to create an expansible composite film, the polymeric backbone is selected to have low tensile modulus (<100 MPa) and/or a high elongation characteristic (from about 150 to about 600%).
Suitable thermoplastic materials include polyolefins (e.g. polyethylene, polyester terapthalate, and ethylene vinyl acetates); polyurethanes formulations such as biodurable aromatic polyether (e.g. Biospan, Elasthane); polycarbonates (e.g. Bionate, Chronoflex, Carbothane); silicone modified (e.g. PurSil) polyurethanes; and fluoropolymers (e.g. FEP, PFA, ETFE). The thermoplastic material for use as the polymer backbone will preferentially be sealable using conventional heat sealing technology at temperatures less than about 300° C.
In one exemplary embodiment, the PTFE is stretched in at least one, preferably multiple directions, prior to sintering. The stretching in multiple directions or axes, results in a composite film having reduced expansion or creeping upon inflation.
Burst Tolerance
It is desirable, in particular, in medical applications such as grafts for treating AAA, that the burst tolerance of the composite film be relatively high. In one exemplary embodiment, the structure formed from the composite film has a burst tolerance such that it can be expanded up to 150% of its original unexpanded volume. Such characteristic may be affected by the modulus of elasticity of the selected polymer backbone.
Manufacturability and Construction of Geometric Inflatable Forms
The composite films, according to the present invention, are highly advantageous for use in forming structures. Factors, including but not limited to the following, affect the manufacturability and the construction of the structures made from the composite films of the present invention: choice of polymer backbone; choice of formation of the composite film (e.g., thermal lamination or spray); method of sealing of the composite film at desirable locations to form the structure; thermal formability; and the presence and incorporation of other elements to either or both the ePTFE and the polymer backbone.
During the making of the composite film, the polymer backbone and the ePTFE may form distinct layers or a composite film having an interface between the ePTFE and the polymer backbone wherein at least some of the polymer backbone penetrates into at least some of the pores of the ePTFE (i.e., it does not fully impregnate the entire thickness of the ePTFE layer). In either scenario, the multi-layered material (i.e., composite film) on the two opposing sides has distinctly two layers, ePTFE and the polymer backbone. The ePTFE and the polymer backbone may be brought together to form the composite film in any number of suitable manners.
One such manner is lamination using a combination of heat and pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the polymer backbone is formed from a thermoplastic polymer such as, but not limited to: polyolefins, polyurethanes, and/or fluoropolymers.
Heating the thermoplastic polymer to its melting temperature and applying it onto the ePTFE under pressure allows the thermoplastic melt to flow into the pores of the ePTFE material (see
Typically, the polymer backbone layer has a thickness ranging from about 0.2 to about 3 mils (from about 0.0002 inch to about 0.003 inch). The polymer backbone is thermally laminated onto the surface of the ePTFE at generally about or less than 350° C. As can be appreciated, different polymers used as the polymer backbone may require different lamination temperatures. For example, polyurethanes, polyolefins, and fluoropolymers, may be laminated onto the ePTFE, at temperatures; respectively; from about 100 to about 200° C., from about 100 to about 350° C., and from about 250 to about 350° C. The pressure applied during the lamination process is generally less than about 150 psi.
The thermoplastic materials (e.g., for use as the polymer backbone) can be applied to the ePTFE for thermal lamination in the form of a sheet, or through application of powder dispersions that can be applied to the surface of the ePTFE. After application of heat and pressure, the powder will melt and reflow into a solid, contiguous layer (or a non-contiguous layer, as may be desired and explained further below).
Another suitable method for forming the composite film is "film casting." Using this process, a dispersion/solution comprising the polymer backbone (e.g., silicones, polyurethane) is sprayed onto the surface of the ePTFE (the carrier material) which may be in the form of a flat sheet, a tubing, or any other suitable structure.
Solutions or dispersions of such materials can also be sprayed on or directly applied to the ePTFE material in order to create the composite film. The polymer in solution flows into the pores of the ePTFE through any one or more mechanisms such as wicking, pressure, or any combinations thereof, to create a mechanical interlock between the two materials similar to that shown in
The layers of the composite film may be contiguously adjacent one another (e.g., along the entire or substantially the entire length of the interface between the two layers). Alternatively, the composite film may have non-contiguous regions wherein the two layers are not adhered to one another. By way of example, a mask may be placed on some portions of either or both of the layers such that the two layers do not adhere to one another after the composite film has been created. Structures formed from such non-contiguously joined layers may be useful when it is desirable to have agents, such as therapeutic agents contained within such structures to be released to the outside environment of the structure (e.g., within the body of a patient).
Different composite films may be sealed together along one or more portions thereof (as for example, when it is desirable to form a structure using the composite films of the present invention). By way of example, it may be desirable that a seal is formed between the polymer backbone surface of two composite films, or to form a seal between the polymer backbone surface of one composite film and the ePTFE surface of another (or any other variations). Different parameters may be used in selection of the sealing parameters, such as but not limited to, polymer backbone melting temperature, flexural modulus, and percentage elongation. The characteristics of the ePTFE such as but not limited to, pore size/density (e.g., internodal distances ranging from about 0.2 um to about 300 um) and surface activation of the ePTFE for adhesion. By way of example, and as further described below, the surface activation of the ePTFE may be increased by one or more methods.
The conditions of the sealing will further affect the sealing quality and degree between the composite films. Generally, the seal between layers of different composite films is achieved at a temperature ranging from about 100 to about 600° C., normally ranging from about 100° C. to about 250° C. when using thermoplastic material. In an exemplary embodiment, when the composite films simultaneously undergo sealing and cutting, the sealing temperate normally ranges from about 150° C. to about 500° C. Normally, the sealing of the layers of the different composite films is performed under pressures ranging from 0.1 to about 60 psi. By way of example, when the polymer backbone material has a thickness of less than about 1 mil, the pressure ranges from about 5 to about 20 psi; while for polymer backbone material having a thickness ranging from about 1 to about 2 mil, the pressure can range from about 15 to about 60 psi.
Another factor that may be taken under consideration in manufacturing of the composite film is the thermal formability of the material. In an exemplary embodiment, it is advantageous to either or both, to create textured surfaces to enhance sealing and create high aspect ratio preforms through vacuum forming/thermoforming of the polymer backbone of the composite material. Thermoforming (particularly by vacuum forming) is particularly helpful when it is desirable to turn flat sheets or films into parts which have some degree of contours or cavities (such that the film no longer lays flat—see
Yet another factor is consideration of introduction of other materials into the ePTFE surface. The introduction may be achieved by thermal lamination of the material between the primary ePTFE and polymer backbone layer. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metallic or polymeric materials. Additionally, or alternatively, polymeric netting or mesh may be selectively added to the composite in order to provide localized or general reinforcement (e.g., tear propagation resistance, expansibility constraint) of the material. Metallic supports in the form of rings, stents, or columns may also be incorporated for structural support to the material. Objects which are anchored by lamination between the layers but have features which penetrate one or both layers (e.g., hooks, barbs) may also be used to aid anchoring or fixation of the composite to other materials.
Surface Modifications
In some exemplary embodiments, another attribute that affects composite films according to the present invention is the surface characteristics of the film.
ePTFE surfaces can be modified by RF induced plasma (using gases such as sulfur dioxide, argon, ammonia, oxygen, etc.), laser roughening, or wet chemical treatment (e.g., sodium/ammonia solution (e.g., Tetratech)) to improve the surface energy of the material. The surface modification can improve the ability of the ePTFE to bond to other materials, such as the polymer backbone or other biologically functional chemicals that would be desirable to add to the exterior of the ePTFE layer. Examples of biologically functional surface modifications that can be applied to ePTFE include the application of fibrin, RGD, or other fibrin precursors to promote thrombogenesis and healing.
The porous nature of ePTFE allows for the use of the composite film (e.g., having a volumetric shape or containment members) as a therapeutic agent delivery device. Therapeutic drugs can be loaded either within the porous matrix alone, or within the containment device formed from the composite material for continuous release after implantation. To enhance the ability of the containment device to serve as a drug reservoir, the composite material may be manufactured to allow selective transfer of the therapeutic agent to the exterior of the device. Another option would be to use a polymer backbone that is porous to allow for transfer of chemicals or materials across the containment membrane (e.g., the agent would transfer from the porous polymer backbone material through the porous ePTFE).
Another such attribute, is the affinity of the polymer backbone to attach (stick to itself—otherwise, tackiness), as for example, when it is folded upon itself or when layers of the same polymer backbone are disposed across from one another. The reduction of the tackiness of the polymer backbone may be advantageous in many circumstances, such as release and expansion of the material from a compact delivery profile to a larger profile. Biocompatible powders such as alumina or tantalum can be used to reduce the surface tackiness of the polymer backbone materials such as silicone and polyurethanes. Chemical groups such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be bound to the surface of the polymer backbone material in order to create a hydrophilic surface. Issues with surface tack can also be addressed by selectively laminating a porous mesh comprised of a low surface energy material (e.g., polyester mesh, ePTFE film) to the internal surface of the composite film. The use of ePTFE can also act as a hydrophobic film over the polymer backbone material.
The composite material of a containment device may also be modified by adding sensors (e.g., pressure transducers, strain gauges, temperature sensors, chemical sensors, etc.) to the surface of the material. These sensors can be attached to the material by chemically compatible adhesives or by laminating the sensor directly onto the composite (depending on the function of the sensor) and can be used to monitor in situ conditions within the structures, containment bags, formed from the composite films, and/or its external environment. Using micro-electromechanical device technology, these sensors may be passively powered and/or transdermally (wirelessly) monitored using inductive power and data transfer. The antennae/inductive power coils required for such a function can also be attached directly to the containment unit through the use of chemical adhesives or lamination.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, thrombogenic "flocking" materials such as non-woven polyester/Dacron fibers can be selectively laminated or attached to the polymer backbone of the composite as another method of macro-surface functionalization. Fibers positioned such that they face the interior of the containment bag can also be used to help promote adhesion between the bag and the filling contents.
In some exemplary embodiments, supporting elements can be incorporated into the device structure by lamination or adhesive sealing the supporting elements into the composite film. The supporting elements may range from rigid metallic structures (e.g., mesh, braid, laser-cut or self-expanding stent) to flexible polymeric forms (e.g., mesh, film) and can be used to reinforce the shape the containment device formed from the composite films of the present invention, or to impart physical properties such as increasing the puncture and tear resistance, reducing elongation, improving longitudinal stiffness, etc. Structural elements such as hooks, tethers and barbs may also be attached to the device in order to aid the delivery, placement, and fixation of the device by laminating the elements between the composite layers.
In some exemplary embodiments, supporting structures such as stents, can be incorporated into the ePTFE layer through high temperature sintering prior to application of the polymer backbone. Support structures can range from shape memory materials such as nickel titanium alloys (nitinol) to materials such as stainless steel and cobalt/chromium alloys. After application of the polymer backbone, the supporting structure can be incorporated into a device comprised of a similar ePTFE composite material. The support structure may also be incorporated into a device structure comprised of an ePTFE composite material without additional application of the polymer backbone by allowing the polymer backbone of the remaining structure to be sealed to the ePTFE material of the device using suitable sealing methods.
In certain circumstances, it is useful to ascertain the location of the composite film, in particular, when structures formed from the composite film are used within a patient's body. The diagnostic visualization of the composite film and structures formed therefrom may be achieved by several methods. By way of example, diagnostic visualization may be achieved by addition of materials, visible to the particular diagnostic method, in powder form, as for example premixing of the powder within the polymer backbone, lamination of powder between the ePTFE and the polymer backbone, or preferably, addition of the power to the surface of either or both the ePTFE and the polymer backbone. Other exemplary methods for providing diagnostic visualization is lamination of a bulk material (e.g., trips, beads, rings) between the ePTFE and the polymer backbone; surface texturing of either or both the ePTFE and the polymer backbone, and chemical marking such as the use of fluoroscopic dyes.
Exemplary materials for enhancing diagnostic visualization by means such as CT or MRI, include materials such as ceramic powders (e.g., alumina, tantalum, gadolinium oxide), metallic powders (e.g., Tantalum, platinum alloys), contrast salts (e.g., barium sulfate), and bulk metals (e.g., trips, beads, rings); to either or both the ePTFE and the polymer backbone, preferably the surface of the polymer backbone, or inbetween.
Imparting ultrasonic diagnostic visibility is another feature of some exemplary embodiments (i.e., creating echolucent materials such that they are visible under ultrasound to create a contrast in the echo response of an ultrasound beam between the desired location and the surrounding environment). The contrast within soft tissue can be made by relatively sharp changes in density (e.g., hard/high density materials) and/or echo scattering by changes in surface textures (i.e., recognition can be enhanced using repeating patterns of a diagnostically visible signal caused by the materials and surface of the composite film).
To achieve ultrasound visibility, powders having high hardness such as, but not limited to, ceramic powders including alumina, glass, zirconia; and metallic powders such as titanium; may be added to the surface of the composite film. Alternatively or additionally, stippled/textured formation of surface of the composite film in combination with the hard ceramic or metallic powders may further be useful in imparting ultrasound visibility. By way of example, textured forms can be made by thermoforming the shape of the composite material, or by embedding material within the composite film in a pre-recognizable pattern. In some exemplary embodiments, such material may be added to the polymer backbone or in between the polymer backbone and the ePTFE, using methods similar to those described above.
Imparting fluoroscopic diagnostic visibility is another feature of some exemplary embodiments of the composite films according to the present invention, and structures made thereof. To achieve fluoroscopic visibility, different methods and means may be used, such as addition of highly radiodense powders (e.g., tantalum, tungsten, Pt/Ir compounds), contrast salts (e.g., barium sulfate), bulk metals (e.g., strips, beads, rings; gold, Pt/Ir compounds). Such material may be added to the polymer backbone or in between the polymer backbone and the ePTFE, using methods similar to those described above.
Other Exemplary Embodiments of Containment Devices Made Using Composite Films
As described above, the composite films of the present invention, may be used in a number of ways, to make different structures, and for use in a variety of application. One such structure is a containment member which is usable with medical devices for treatment of a patient, such as treatment of AAA.
In an exemplary embodiment, a containment device is made from a composite ePTFE material with an overall thickness less than about 0.00610″ and comprises a layer of ePTFE having a thickness less than about 0.0045″ with an IND between ranging from about 0.1 to about 30 microns. The containment member further comprises at least one layer of non-porous thermoplastic polymer backbone material having a total thickness of about less than 0.0025″. Suitable thermoplastic materials include polyolefins (e.g. polyethylene, polyester terapthalate, and ethylene vinyl acetates), polyurethanes formulations such as biodurable aromatic polyether (e.g. Biospan, Elasthane), polycarbonate (e.g. Bionate, Chronoflex, Carbothane), silicone modified (e.g. PurSil) polyurethanes, and fluoropolymers (e.g. FEP, PFA, ETFE) that can be sealed using conventional heat sealing technology at temperatures of about less than 300° C. The interior surface of the containment device can be treated with a biocompatible material to increase visualization of the device under CT, as well as specific radiopaque markers (e.g. platinum iridium, gold) to delineate the proximal and distal ends of the device, as well as its rotational orientation. The interior surface may also be treated with an additional layer of material to reduce or eliminate any sticking between the interior surfaces. The greatest diameter of the containment device may range from about 15 to about 120 mm.
The containment device will include a single through lumen and provide filling access. The device will be lined with the composite film such that the ePTFE is oriented along the outward facing surface of the entire device (including the lumen). The lumen of the device will be tapered from a larger proximal diameter (ranging from about 15 to about 70 mm) to a smaller distal diameter (ranging from about 8 to about 34 mm). Proximal and distal cuffs ranging in length from about 0 to about 36 mm and reinforced by internal supports can be incorporated into the device to provide a smooth transition of flow into the lumen of the device. A self expanding stent laminated to the interior lumen of the containment device may also be used to provide additional support.
Although the above description provides a complete and accurate representation of the invention, the present invention may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departures in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as described in the appended claims.
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|Classification aux États-Unis
|428/213, 428/523, 428/422, 623/1.2, 428/421, 623/1.44, 428/306.6
|Classification internationale
|Classification coopérative
|Classification européenne
|8 oct. 2010
Owner name: NELLIX, INC., CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEE, AMY;EVANS, MICHAEL A.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070626 TO 20070627;REEL/FRAME:025114/0205
|15 juin 2011
Owner name: ENDOLOGIX, INC., CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NELLIX, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026456/0171
Effective date: 20110523
|19 févr. 2014
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4


text:
Black Friday Blow out
Come in today for our black friday sale and get 30% off all atv parts and accessories but the sale last today only so come see us @ 5717 Airport Freeway Haltom City Tx 76117 and don't miss out..
Um......OK, I'll be right there.
lets see 1400 miles or so, could make it by say Monday?
But just think of the savings. :w00t:
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Drinking song with guitars. Further details refer ILAM field card (F1H6)
Musonda, T. (Composer/Performer)
Tom Musonda (Composer/Performer)
Chisanga, A. (Performer)
Augustine Chisanga (Performer)
78 RPM acetate record
Sound Forge v.8
Technics SP - 10 MKII direct drive turntable
Studer Revox interface SP 10-8
Master number XYZ 7042
Tape number F14
International Library of African Music
International Library of African Music


text:
Due to office shenanigans, I try to leave my computer locked when I step away. Sometimes I forget and hilarity ensues.
What I'd like, though, is a way to detect when attempted shenanigans occur. That is, I'd like my screensaver to simply look like an unlocked computer but change in some way when it's disturbed. It doesn't need to be overly convincing--just a simple freeze until touched is fine.
Anything like that out there?


text:
Construction: Carbon blade with ABS edge guard, 26.2mm pre-preg carbon shaft
Most in-stock orders leave our warehouse within 1 to 2 business days (after paid and finalized by our staff).
Free Shipping* to U.S. mainland residence, work/commericial address or local YCR Freight terminal.
Residential deliveries require delivery appointment (arranged with YRC Freight).
Please contact us before ordering if you require clarification on free shipping restrictions or residential delivery.
*Free Shipping restrictions apply. See TERMS for details.
All Stand Up Paddle Boards shipped from our NY warehouse,
are double boxed to ensure they ship safely and arrive in pristine condition.
Ask Our Pros which board & paddle is best for you.
We Use Them. We Know Them.
E-mail or Call 1-888-291-9905.
We're Here to Help.
Before and After Your Purchase.
*16 Kg EPS water-tight core
*Tri-stringers (glass)
*4.5mm EVA nose to tail of board
*Ergo Carry Handle
*2+1 fins (flexible plastic)
*Breathable Membrane Deck Air Vent
TOP: Soft & Strong
6 oz fiberglass
Real wood - Full Length
6 oz fiberglass
6 oz fiberglass reinforcement in standing area
Premium brushed EVA deck pad in nose and "croc" non-slip texture in the standing area
BOTTOM: Hard & Strong
6 oz fiberglass
Real wood - Full Length
6 oz fiberglass
Optional Dura-ShieldTM (Poly-Carbonate) bottom layer, which also covers the rails and tail for extra ding resistance.
Rails: Painted and Strong
5 layers of 6oz fiberglass


text:
Negotiate Salary Like a Pro: Know Your BATNA, Resistance Point and Opening Offer!
by Sharon Cohen - Apr, 2010
• Can you negotiate for a better salary during a recession? • What is your BATNA and Resistance Point? • Who makes the Opening Offer? • What else should you negotiate, when accepting a new job? In last week's article, we reviewed the intrinsic factors for career satisfaction and the seven sources of psychological motivation. Take the time to analyze what is truly important to you and what you need for career satisf...
Salary Requirements
by Judi Perkins - Apr, 2010
Aside from "Why did you leave?" the question "What are your salary requirements?" is probably the one that causes job seekers the most discomfort. The company holds all the cards, and they're not letting you peek. You know that if they don't like your answer, you might easily kill any further discussion. As if the question isn't awkward enough at any time, it's usually asked at the beginning of the process during a phon...
Avoid Mistakes and Negotiate the Salary That You Desire
by John Crant - Feb, 2010
Mistakes that people make when looking to negotiate salary: Negotiating salary can be one of the most challenging aspects to handle properly, and to your advantage, when seeking a new career opportunity. In times of economic challenge, such as a recession or long recovery period, every business is looking to do more for less, and that affects offers made to those that they look to hire. Workloads for current employees have...
Frustrated About Your Performance Appraisal? Time To Take Control
by Dawn Lennon - Feb, 2010
Here we go again! It's time for the annual performance review, an experience that creates either euphoric satisfaction or stunned disbelief. Anything in the middle feels like a dull thud and doesn't amount to much. Once we get our rating news, we're left with several options: reach higher, get better, give up, or hide. Performance reviews often feel like verdicts by a one person jury. That's because the process for ev...
Tutorial: Analyzing The Offer
by Debra Wheatman - Jan, 2010
When it comes to analyzing the job offer there are some key things that you should be reviewing to determine whether or not the position is right. Of course if you have made it this far, chances are you like the company and they like you. But how much do they really like you? Is it worthwhile to leave (if you are currently employed) or accept vs. continuing the search for something more suitable? Since you are not going to...
Nail Your Next Job Interview - Seven Key Strengths to Leverage During Negotiations
by Dee McCrorey - Jan, 2010
Everyone has a unique negotiating style that when effectively used becomes your calling card in building healthy relationships. So often in business, professionals focus on their weak areas and less about the value they bring to the deal. How does this apply to you when interviewing for a new position inside your organization or outside the company? Interviewing for a new position provides you with an opportunity to conn...
Is A Raise In Your Future For 2010?
by Mary Sherwood Sevinsky - Jan, 2010
Are you considering asking for a raise, but are fearful about the outcome? It may be time to ask for a raise if it has been a year or more since you received a raise or you have done exceptionally good work in the past 6 months. Do not ask for a raise unless you this is the case. If you are uncertain about your standing with your company, you may want to read, "Am I Being Leveraged Out Of A Job?" Good employers want to kee...
New Year, New Career: The
by Ford R. Myers - Jan, 2010
Do you hope to get your career on track in 2010, with more power and momentum than ever before? Even though we're in a very challenging recession and a very bad job market, do you want to "buck the trend" and create breakthrough results? Are you prepared to create the focused and productive career that you know you are capable of having – one that will give you great satisfaction and financial reward? More than 75% of adult...
Three Reasons You're Earning Less Than What You're Worth
by Tai Goodwin - Dec, 2009
Recently, I began reflecting back to when I began my journey towards earning a 6-figure income in corporate America. I remember spending a lot of time in blame mode. First, I blamed the system for not paying teachers enough. When I left teaching to join the corporate world, I blamed my job for not paying me enough money and my boss for not offering me a raise when I was clearly performing above and beyond expectations. Ch...
'Fair' Compensation of Employees: A 10-Point Inspection
by Stephanie Thomas, Ph.D. - Dec, 2009
The issue of fairness is a dominant theme in today's employment environment. Employers and employees alike are concerned about equity in all areas of employment, from hiring decisions to promotion opportunities, to compensation and benefits. How does an employer know whether its employes are being 'fairly' compensated? Examining the compensation structure is best done through a comprehensive self-audit. This self-audit is t...
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text:
For all the talk of entrenched partisanship and fierce party loyalty in Washington, there's one group that has no problem switching allegiances.
Bloomberg News reported at least eight corporate PACs who donated to losing congressional candidates starting giving to the winners after the 2012 elections. Boeing and General Dynamic were two of the donors who switched sides once the votes were counted.
From the story:
"Corporations tend to be very pragmatic in their political giving," said Viveca Novak, editorial and communications director at the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington- based research group that tracks campaign donations. "They were giving to somebody who was in power and now they're again giving to the new occupant of that seat. They're not going to be helped by the loser."
Former U.S. senator and campaign finance reformer Russ Feingold also weighed in.
"There's a misconception that corporate money cares which party wins elections," Feingold said. "The truth is, corporate money's only loyalty is to its own benefit."


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Co-written by Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz, this high-tech British stage musical reboots Lewis Carroll's classic novel for the social media generation. Read more
Jennifer Hudson's tribute to Whitney Houston and Paul McCartney's reunion with Ringo Starr are just two of many performances that left a lasting impression.Read more
The band's last album was 2011's 'The Fall.'Read more
The Blur and Gorillaz frontman has already written a pair in "Dr Dee: An English Opera" and "Monkey: Journey to the West."Read more
Blur frontman Damon Albarn and his Gorillaz animation partner Jamie Hewlett team with director Chen Shi-Zheng on this musical stage spectacle based on the classic Chinese tale.Read more
The multimedia theater piece by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett will open this summer's Lincoln Center Festival, which also includes shows from John Malkovich and Sinead O'Connor.Read more
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Businesses along one North Carolina highway say potential customers are passing them by, and they say the Highway 17 bypass in Beaufort County is to blame.
The Harbor District Alliance and Tourism Board are sending out a message, hoping to steer drivers to Washington.
The agencies surveyed companies along the business route in Washington and Chocowinity and all but one business reported a noticeable drop in sales since the bypass was completed.
The new billboard campaign cost about $15,000 and includes five signs to the north and south of Washington to help convince travelers to stop and explore Washington and Chocowinity.


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Archive - Jun 2009
June 28th
Re-signing Antonio McDyess for sixth season might prove difficult for Pistons
Baylor's Jerrells extended invite by Mavs
Christmas accepts invite
Rice, Adrien on NBA summer league teams
June 27th
Media Day Interviews
What will it be like sharing the city with Kobe?
"I don't know how you share it with somebody like that, but I'll take my little corner, and we'll go to work."
The Clippers are known as one of the worst franchises in the League. Are you ready to embrace being part of the solution?
USA Men's U19 World Championship Team Announced
June 26th
Knicks' interest heightens Rubio hype
Don Nelson to Stephen Curry: Unpack your bags and relax
The Jackson Draft
The Jackson Draft
By Jon Pastuszek
Yesterday afternoon, the world received shocking news that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had died of a heart attack. He was 50 years young.


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CLEVELAND (AP) - Eugenio Suarez's two-run single and Victor Martinez's three-run homer highlighted a seven-run 11th inning that lifted the Detroit Tigers to an 11-4 win over the Cleveland Indians on Thursday night.
Detroit scored four runs in the first and then was shut down for the next nine innings. The Tigers sent 10 men to the plate in the first and 11 batted in the final inning.
Cleveland chipped away against defending Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and tied the score against the Tigers' bullpen in the seventh.
Article Photos
AP?Photo/Cleveland's Tyler Holt breaks his bat on a pitch from Detroit relief pitcher Al Alburquerque in the seventh inning Thursday in Cleveland.
Phil Coke (4-2) pitched 1 2-3 innings.
Josh Tomlin (6-9) gave up five runs and three hits in one-third of an inning.
Detroit, which holds the American League's second wild-card spot, won three of four in the crucial series to pull one game behind Kansas City in the AL Central. Cleveland is six games out in the division and five games back for a wild card.
Josh Tomlin (6-9) gave up a one-out walk to Rajai Davis in the 11th. Ian Kinsler's blooper then fell between right fielder Tyler Holt and second baseman Jason Kipnis, and Holt's throw to third was late and allowed Kinsler to take second.
Ezequiel Carrera was intentionally walked to load the bases before Suarez, who pinch-ran for Miguel Cabrera in the 10th, lined an 0-1 pitch to left.
Martinez followed with his 29th homer, a line drive to right. Andrew Romine, who grounded out to start the inning, added a two-run single.
Scherzer staggered through six innings, allowing three runs and throwing 124 pitches before being pulled.
Michael Brantley's seventh-inning double tied the score.
A rocky first inning by Trevor Bauer gave Cleveland an early deficit. The inning included 38 pitches, 10 batters, four hits, three walks and a bases-loaded wild pitch.
Bauer's wild pitch scored the first run before Bryan Holaday's two-run single with the bases loaded made it 3-0. Davis added an RBI single.
Michael Bourn's one-out single off Al Alburquerque started the tying rally. Blaine Hardy relieved with two outs, but Brantley doubled to left-center on the first pitch and Bourn raced home.
Brantley also had a sacrifice fly in the fourth. The Indians scored twice in the sixth on Yan Gomes' groundout and Lonnie Chisenhall's double.
Bauer has allowed a major league high 20 runs in the first inning, including 16 earned. The right-hander regrouped Thursday and didn't allow another run before being pulled with two outs in the sixth.
Yankees 5, Red Sox 4
NEW YORK (AP) - Mark Teixeira and Chase Headley hit solo home runs off Koji Uehara in the ninth inning, and the New York Yankees stunned the Boston Red Sox 5-4 Thursday night to bolster their slim playoff hopes.
New York had just one hit since the third inning before Teixeira drove a pitch into the second deck in right field for his 21st home run this season. One out later, Headley homered deep into the right-field bleachers against Uehara (6-5).
Adam Warren (3-5) pitched a scoreless ninth for the Yankees, who began the night four games out of the second AL wild-card spot and are in danger of missing consecutive postseasons for the first time since 1992 and '93.
David Ortiz homered twice and drove in three runs for the Red Sox. Brock Holt put Boston ahead 4-3 with a fifth-inning homer, then made a great sliding grab in the bottom half.
Blue Jays 1, Rays 0, 10 innings
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Pinch-hitter Colby Rasmus homered in the 10th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays earned their first three-game sweep at Tampa Bay by beating the Rays 1-0 on Thursday night.
Rasmus led off with a long drive into the right-field seats against Steve Geltz (0-1).
Tampa Bay had runners at first and third with none out, and the bases loaded with one out, in the ninth. But reliever Brett Cecil (2-3) worked out of the jam by striking out three in the inning. Casey Janssen got three outs for his 21st save.
Angels 5, Twins 4
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Pinch-hitter Chris Iannetta's sacrifice fly in the ninth inning lifted the Los Angeles Angels to a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.
David Freese broke out of an 0-for-21 slump with two doubles and an RBI, and Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar each had two hits and an RBI to help the Angels bounce back from a two-game sweep in Houston.
Cardinals 3, Brewers 2
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Marco Gonzales and his fellow St. Louis relievers worked out of several jams in combining for six innings of one-run ball, and the Cardinals held off the slumping Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 Thursday night for their sixth straight win.
The Cardinals moved to a season-high 14 games above .500 and extended their lead to four games in the NL Central over the Brewers, who lost their ninth straight.
St. Louis used the bullpen early after Michael Wacha was limited to three innings in his first start off the disabled list. Gonzales (2-2) went 2 1-3 innings for the win.
The Brewers stranded potential tying runs in scoring position from the sixth through the ninth.
St. Louis never trailed after Yadier Molina's two-run single in the first off Wily Peralta (15-10).
Orioles 9, Reds 7
BALTIMORE (AP) - J.J. Hardy hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the seventh inning, and the Baltimore Orioles gave away a six-run lead before rebounding to beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-7 Thursday night for a three-game sweep.
After completing a 9-2 homestand against Tampa Bay, Minnesota and the Reds, the AL East-leading Orioles (82-57) are assured a third straight winning season for the first time since 1992-94.
Nelson Cruz hit his major-league leading 37th home run in a six-run first inning, but the Reds chipped away and finally pulled even with a four-run seventh.
Nick Markakis led off the bottom half with a single off Manny Parra (0-2), and Hardy put Baltimore back in front with a bases-loaded single on a 3-1 pitch from Sam LeCure.


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Applications Live March 1st
Food Vendor, Marketplace Vendor, Nonprofit Night Vendor and Legendary Lentil Cook-off Applications go live March 1! Don't miss out on your chance to win $2,000 with your lentil recipe. Vendor space is limited and sold on a first come, first serve basis.Vendor Applications Cook-off Application Legendary Lentil Cook-off is sponsored by
Since its beginning in 1989, the National Lentil Festival has brought national attention to Pullman. The Palouse region of farmlands in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho has a reputation for producing the highest quality lentils in the United States. We think that is worth celebrating.


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Auburn runners hunting for Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run finishes
Dan Barger, Elke Truscott and Matt Keyes are representing the Endurance Capital of the World in Saturday's Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.
The trio are the only runners from Auburn in this year's field of about 359 for the footrace that starts in Squaw Valley at 5 a.m. and ends at Placer High.
All three ultrarunners are familiar with each other, as they run in Tuesday night "Hunts" together along the Western States Trail.
The "Hunts" feature a group of about 10 or 15 runners. Each week, a different person leads the pack for a two-hour run.
"The leader gets to go whatever route they want and nobody can pass them," Barger said. "That person also provides the adult beverages for the entire group after the run. It's not hard training or anything but it's nice to get to know people around the area."
Added Truscott: "It's local runners on the local trails. It's really good for developing friendships."
The "Hunts" started in Eugene, Ore., where second-year Western States 100 race director Craig Thornley lived before moving to Auburn.
"We used to be in a phase running with orange safety vests," Thornley said. "I don't know why. But while we were running, somebody asked us if we were hunting."
And from then on, the runs became known as "Hunts."
"It kept developing a life of its own and then beer became involved," Thornley added. "I moved to Auburn and then started up the Auburn Chapter of the Hunt. It's fun. It's a good way to run different trails and share local knowledge.
"Afterward, you have to look everybody in the eye when you toast. It brings some people together every week and builds good camaraderie."
'Tru' story
Elke Truscott, one of 10 core Western States Trail crew members, and about 50 volunteers spent 6,000 hours of their time fixing the trail after the American Fire.
Thanks to the volunteers, the 10-mile stretch of trail that was affected by last year's blaze in August will be open for Saturday's 41st annual Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.
A collective group of volunteers from the Western States Trail Foundation and Tevis Cup put in a ton of hours of work through the winter and fall, bringing back burned areas of the trail.
"We might have 2,000 volunteer hours on an average trail year," said Truscott, who is running the Western States 100 for the third time Saturday and has been on the trail team since 2006. "This year we had 6,000. It was a big concentration from Last Chance to Devil's Thumb. We replaced the Pacific Slab Mine Bridge, which was built by Bill Rose at his home. It was disassembled, brought to Last Chance, hand carried down to the site and rebuilt. It was kind of the highlight of our efforts."
Truscott, 50, has had a busy year, as she also works full time as a project coordinator in the wireless industry — and trains on the trail.
"Everybody wants to give back to the trail," she said. "It's a requirement for 100s and Western States. … They want to give back to the trail they love so much. I just do so more often and more intensively."
Truscott, who had to drop the race in 2007 because of kidney issues and finished in 2012 in a time of 28:56, will be paced by her daughter, Chloe Romero, from Foresthill to the finish line.
She said this year's run will have "extra meaning" after putting in so much work on the trail and she isn't sure if she'll be competing in the Western States 100 again in the future.
Said Truscott: "I don't know if I'll always be running, but I'll always be working on the trail."
Eight is great
Matt Keyes, a Placer High alumnus who also helped with rebuilding the Pacific Slab Mine Bridge and said it's something he's always going to remember, is going for his eighth buckle Saturday.
"He's a 20-hour guy the last few years," Thornley said of Keyes, who finished 40th overall in last year's Western States 100 in a time of 21 minutes, 43 hours. "He'll be up there. He's in really good shape this year."
Keyes, a 40-year-old information technology engineer, first got into ultrarunning after his second child was born.
"I started pushing a jog stroller with two kids in it," he said. "My wife, Kim, and I were out on the trail almost every day but she had no desire to run ultramarathons. I figured, any idiot can run a marathon but it takes a special idiot to run an ultramarathon."
In the past, Keyes, whose best finish time-wise was in 2012 with a 20:18 clocking, has hosted a few out-of-town runners during the Western States 100.
"Anybody who comes into Auburn for the race ends up in Matt's house," Thornley said. "He shows them the trail. He's very hospital."
"Not everybody," Keyes countered, laughing. "We've hosted a few people. We live close by the finish line. We let a few crews use our house as a home base during the weekend. Our parents take the kids."
Keyes' kids will also be out on the trail Saturday.
"I've got the best crew in the race," he said. "Wife and kids will be out there at various times. My wife crews me every day. She's the most patient woman in the world. (My children) Aidee, Aidan and Alex will all be out there."
Dan the Man
Dan Barger holds the rare distinction of posting a top-10 finish in both the Western States 100 and Tevis Cup, the 100-mile horse-and-human endurance test along the Western States Trail.
"Not too many people can say that," Barger said. "There are not a lot of people that have that broad experience level. It's good fun. It keeps you out of trouble and gives you something to focus on."
This year marks the ninth time the 48-year-old contractor will be contesting the Western States 100. He's eyeing a 1,000-Mile, 10-Day Buckle, awarded to those who have completed the run 10 times and each in fewer than 24 hours.
"I'm going to keep going and try to do 10 of them," said Barger, who hopes to earn a top-20 finish this year. "I'll run the 10th at the age of 50."
Last year Barger completed the footrace in 19:43, good for 20th place. His all-time best clocking was 17:36 in 2010.
Barger's looking ahead to turning 50, hoping he can best Doug Latimer's 50- to 59-year-old male course record time of 18:43 in 1988.
"No one's cracked it," he said. "I'll try and go for that record."
Reach Matthew Kimel at email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @matthewkimel


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Manchester United Message Board
Players are more liable to get injured when they are tired and misjudge challenges, even 'impact' injuries.
Why , in a fairly pedestrian match so early in the season, were so many United players obviously 'blowing hard' towards the end of last night's match?Sort: Newest | Oldest | Most Replied Expand all replies
'Anderson got tired'
I guess the fact that he's fat as fuck for a supposed elite athlete had nothing to do with that.
Eric Cantona Eric Cantona Oct 3, 2012 18:05 Flag
"so many"? Name them.
- 1 Reply to Eric Cantona
United do rule United do rule Oct 3, 2012 18:38 Flag
Yes jim, name them .I thought United played well last night. Anderson showed a little of what he can do.
Well, Fletcher and Anderson haven't exactly had much game time.
The pitch was bumpy. I don't know if that adds up to more exertions in 90 minutes?
Anderson's weight is a concern for me but I am not really concerned elsewhere, ignoring the defensive injuries.


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4 reviews | 4.3 out of 5
For the price, this little wine cooler works just fine. The dual setting for white or red wines is a nice feature. Although the cooling mechanism is vibration free and quieter than a regular refridgerator, it still hums a little louder than I expected. Also, it is a little too shallow to hold some of my wine bottles. But all in all, it seems to do a good job for the money.
It does its job pretty well. Only problem is that some bottles does not fit.


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A state Supreme Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit aimed at derailing a $100 million redevelopment in Patchogue's downtown.
The lawsuit, filed in last summer by seven local business owners and two residents, challenged both the local law creating the Downtown Redevelopment District and the amended site plan that paved the way for Tritec Real Estate to build 291 apartments and over 40,000 square feet of retail on West Main Street.
Judge Paul Baisley ruled the approvals and actions taken by the village were "legal, proper and lawful" in all respects. Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, who was re-elected on Tuesday, lauded the ruling.[dmc-related-post-wp numitems="3" title="Also read"]
"This decision by Judge Baisley, on the Article 78, and the election on Tuesday, reaffirms our position that this development, in the heart of our downtown, must and should go forward," Pontieri said in a statement. "As we maintained from the beginning, this case had no merit and was filed to simply delay this $100 million development."
Pontieri said Tritec hopes to start demolition on the project next month. Tritec was forced to wait for the court's decision before building its New Village development.
The plaintiffs had questioned the procedural mechanism whereby the zoning change was implemented, the legality of the village board's determination approving the amended site plan and the adequacy of the environmental review.
The court ruled that the complaint was "devoid of pleaded facts to support their vague and conclusory constitutional claims."
Read Baisley's full decision below. If it does not appear, click here.
More breaking news
- Caithness supporters call for PSEG-LI, LIPA to greenlight deal
- Penn Fabricators expanding in Medford
- Unity in transportation
- Kennedy touts Suffolk summer tourism
- State task force recommends ways to link job seekers with employers
- Jersey invades Long Island
- Huntington revises rental registration law
- US durable goods orders up, but business investment slips
- Pending US home sales hit highest level since February '06
- Applications for US unemployment benefits fell last week


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- ParaguayRetailFunding via Fundación Paraguaya
Kuña Guapa ...ParaguayRetailFunding via Fundación Paraguaya
Divino Niño...ParaguayRetailFunding via Fundación Paraguaya
Mujeres Unidas Group
One of the members of the group is Felipa. She makes and sells leather covered thermoses and also provides in-home manicure services. She tells us that thanks to her sacrifice added to her work and the help from the group she's able to get ahead and generate income she needs to contribute to her household. Her goal is to grow as a merchant and continue to help her family this way.
She's asking for the loan to buy thermoses to be covered and also to buy leather. She is grateful for the opportunity she's being given.
Una de las integrantes del grupo es la Sra. Felipa, ella se dedica a la fabricación y venta de termos forrados en cuero y también hace trabajos de manicura a domicilio. Ella nos cuenta que gracias a su sacrificio, sumado a su trabajo y a la ayuda de su grupo puede salir adelante y generar los ingresos que necesita para aportar en su casa. Su meta es crecer como comerciante y de esa forma seguir ayudando a su familia.
Ella solicita el crédito para la compra de termos para ser forrados y también cuero. Ella agradece por la oportunidad que se le está dando.
Additional Information
About Fundación ParaguayaFundación Paraguaya is a financially self-sustaining social enterprise that promotes entrepreneurship in urban and rural areas through microfinance, education programs, and more. Its focus on agriculture has helped many farmers boost their crop yields. And a number of other borrowers have taken out loans to start and grow social businesses that have helped deliver eyeglasses, medicines and other helpful services in their local communities.
This is a Group Loan
In a group loan, each member of the group receives an individual loan but is part of a larger group of individuals. The group is there to provide support to the members and to provide a system of peer pressure, but groups may or may not be formally bound by a group guarantee. In cases where there is a group guarantee, members of the group are responsible for paying back the loans of their fellow group members in the case of delinquency or default.
Kiva's Field Partners typically feature one borrower from a group. The loan description, sector, and other attributes for a group loan profile are determined by the featured borrower's loan. The other members of the group are not required to use their loans for the same purpose.
About Paraguay
80View loans »
Success!! The loan was 100% repaid
- Repayment Term
- 6 months (Additional Information)
- Repayment Schedule
- Monthly
- Pre-Disbursed:
- Nov 24, 2011
- Listed
- Dec 21, 2011
- Currency Exchange Loss:
- Covered
- Ended:
- May 16, 2012


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Michigan State wrapped up its spring ball with its annual White-Green spring game Saturday afternoon at Spartan Stadium.
Spring games are just glorified practices and most of the time are just used to give coaching staffs and fans a chance to check out new and unproven talent.
That explains why coach Mark Dantonio took a minute to scout some new talent when he inserted Sparty, the Michigan State mascot, into the backfield on a play.
With his size, you would figure he would be great as a running back however he wasn't able to hold onto the ball – go figure with massive foam hands – and he fumbles the ball presenting the defense with an opportunity.
Don't give up your day job, Sparty.
Check out the video below:


text:
Edit Article
How to Use Fondue Forks
Fondue is good! But you have to know how to use the forks to eat it!
This article has been tagged as a stub.
That means it's off to a good start, but still has room to grow into a more helpful resource. Until the article reaches its full potential, it will be hidden from search results. Can you help it flourish? If you think the article offers complete and accurate instructions, feel free to remove this tag.
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- Do not lose the item in the fondue or get too much fondue on it.
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Is it THAT hot? Data Quality Matters!
Yes, it does get hot in Texas, but I'm not sure it gets this hot:
If the heat doesn't do you in, the rainfall deluge, impossibly high humidity, and the ferocious winds will!
The above errant screen shot was sent to me recently by a GIS colleague. While this website's data was obviously full of errors at the time of this posting, it touches on a much larger issue: A major theme of this blog and our book is to increase awareness of the data quality issues that are all around us. The troublesome thing is that obvious errors like the one above are few and far between: It is usually far more difficult to determine what is missing, inaccurate either in position or in attributes, or just plain wrong — about data, and in particular, geospatial data.
I believe the reasons why it is difficult to understand and deal with geospatial data quality is in part because we are still so accustomed to viewing maps as "correct" without questioning them, and also in part for another reason: The advent of easy-to-use cloud-based geospatial tools with data at our fingertips makes it so easy to quickly gather data from a myriad of sources. As we gather data, not only do we often pay little attention to the metadata, but also, the providers of these cloud based services may not provide complete metadata. And, some important metadata may not be captured in today's metadata fields, as we explain in this example about mapping Lyme Disease. On this point, I was encouraged at this year's Esri User Conference announcement that metadata in ArcGIS Online will soon get a much-needed boost; more on that in a future blog essay.
Therefore, be critical of the data! And not just when the data are obviously wrong. And stay cool!
josephkerskiAugust 6, 2014 at 9:37 pm
According to my colleague who sent me the graphic, the issue lies with the station going off line during the night, which is when the bogus readings appear.
August 4, 2014 at 1:37 am
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I have an 18 month old who is on Flovent for Viral Asthma. His pulmonologist okayed him being off the medicine starting the end of April. He has been off for not even a week and of course... caught a terrible cold giving him asthma side effects. My questions are:
When have you guys taken your kids off asthma medicine and if so, did you slowly take them off or just go cold turkey?
He's back on Flovent, but we are hoping to possible try again in a month or so, and if this same thing happens, then we'll keep him on medicine through out the summer months. We live in CT by the way, so not sure if the allergies are also effecting him.


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Grassland restoration and creation
The loss of over 97% of our wildflower-rich grasslands has had a huge impact on bumblebees, which have seen simultaneous dramatic declines. Even with good management, many grasslands have lost their wildflower seed bank so seed introduction is needed to bring the flowers back.
Restoring or creating a meadow will, over time, help to increase the range and number of flowers that it supports, increasing the quantity and quality of foraging habitat for bumblebees.
Wildflower-rich grasslands are the most important habitat for bumblebees as they provide flowers throughout the summer and contain many nectar and pollen-rich plant species favoured by bumblebees.
Restoring or creating a grassland area could involve changing to a meadow or pasture management regime, the addition of locally sourced seed, and control of weeds and course vegetation.
For more information on restoring and creating grasslands for bumblebees, click here to download our factsheet.
Please be aware that each site is unique and the recommended management approach will depend on local site conditions and the historical or traditional management regime. For site-specific advice, please contact your local Bumblebee Conservation Trust Conservation Officer – email@example.com.
"Few people realise just how important bumblebees are. They are charming little things and a pleasure to see, but they also do an essential job which many people take for granted. If bumblebees continue to decline then we face ecological turmoil. Join BBCT today and support their important work."
Chris Packham
Naturalist, Television presenter