Almost 10 years ago I stopped reading, listening to and watching the news. The relentless onslaught of negative stories had become too much. I was already full of my own negativity and had no room for any more.
Later, I became frightened of being overwhelmed by my own emotional reaction to the news. I avoided looking at the pictures of hatred and violence and death because the waves of sadness and grief they triggered were too much to handle.
And for the first time ever, I'm feeling it all. I'm not sure whether it's really true that something has shifted in our collective consciousness and we are ready to get way more real about the horrors we keep repeating. Or whether maybe I'm more sensitive than before, my heart now open enough to feel both my own rage and grief over the senseless killing and the shock and sadness coming from people on the street in suburban Oakland, where there are no bombs exploding today. Whatever the cause, I no longer feel like I can hide from the impact of the news media.
In hindsight, giving up news was an important first step towards my own emotional healing. But (as usual) I overdid it and thought I should/could block out my own emotional responses to the news along with the actual information. This morning I realised that, while I'm not about to start seeking out distressing news coverage, I don't need to be frightened of it any more. I just need to be prepared to have my heart torn open, again and again. To sit in a cafe weeping quietly over my breakfast, mourning those who have died, knowing that perhaps hundreds of children also died this week in South Sudan without any recognition because that's not the lead story today. Knowing that there is nothing I can do today to stop any of it. The only choice is to open my heart, see the fear that this pain will overwhelm me and choose instead to open again, ready to be used for restoring the balance in favour of life, however that may happen.
May all beings live free of fear. May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy. May all beings walk in beauty, this day and every day. And for all those who have died this week, a swift and auspicious rebirth.


Whether you're exploring Christianity or are a committed Christ-follower, equip yourself in your spiritual journey by choosing from a variety of courses designed to help you grow.
This is a 9 week course conducted by Gary and Sarah Morgan. It gives a great opportunity to develop a lifestyle of encountering God's heart and being attuned to what He is speaking. Class size is limited, so register early!
Tracks 3 of our Life Development and Leadership course will help you grow your inner strength. This course addresses personal and spiritual issues and provides you with strategies to handle emotions, relationships and life-contradictions to find freedom in Christ.
Track 1 of our Life Development and Leadership course explains the beliefs that make up the foundation of our Christian faith.
Track 2 of our Life Development and Leadership course. This course provides an in-depth understanding of CityLife Church's mission, values, vision, statement of faith, structure and governance model.


LEGO Ideas Back to the Future Time Machine (21103) - This LEGO Ideas Back to the Future Time Machine building set features mini figures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown. This kid's building toy also includes opening gull-wing doors, fold-up wheels, flux capacitor, time travel display, two license plates, Marty's skateboard as well as extra engine and wheels. You can customize the car to match the movie versions and refer to the building instructions and exclusive Back to the Future information booklet. Pack includes 401 pieces.


Indian Beauty Blog | Fashion | Lifestyle | Makeup | SparkleWithSurabhi : Asus Har Pal Happiness Offer for Diwali!!
Diwali is a time of Happiness time for families to get together, every year Diwali is celebrated around the world by all Hindus. Kids love Diwali for sweets, crackers and new clothes others love as it is a time to celebrate. A festival which is full of laughter and joy, a time away from the boring stressful job of 9 to 6.
Every year festive offers are launched at the time of Diwali by all major and small brands; there is hardly any business that does not offer anything at all. Obviously it is great time for all of us to grab the opportunity first hand before the stocks run out or offer closes.
I love buying gifts for my family and friends every Diwali, It is a festival to spread joy and express your love to your family. I just love surprising them all and too see the smile on their faces which is priceless… It's even more fun when they tell you that they were planning to buy it themselves and were happy to receive it as a gift.
I was planning to buy something really nice this Diwali as well and then I came across the Asus "Har Pal Happiness Offer", where customers buying a ASUS Zenfone will get a chance to win Flipkart gift vouchers worth Rs.1,000 every hour. And, one lucky customer will also stand a chance to win gold vouchers worth Rs.25,000 every day!
The offer is available here: Asus Har Pal Diwali Offer!!
I couldn't believe my eyes when I found out that Asus is also offering something more unique as well it's called - Gift Yourself Happiness. If you gift an Asus mobile this Diwali, the chances are you'll win a gift for yourself too!
Buy any of these Zenfone this Diwali and to win Flipkart gift vouchers worth Rs.1,000 every hour. And, one lucky customer will also stand a chance to win gold vouchers worth Rs.25,000 every day!!
Asus recently launched Zenfone 2 Deluxe, Zenfone Selfie, Zenfone Go, and Zenfone 2 Laser in August and all of them are available through this exclusive link "Har Pal Happiness Offer" for special offers mentioned above..
I am madly in love with Zenfone Selfie and Zenfone 2 Deluxe and I think that it would be great time to purchase one with the #HarPalHappiness offer I would definitely advise to take advantage of this brilliant scheme this Diwali. Who knows you might just win gold vouchers worth Rs.25,000 for yourself? Now isn't that twice the reason to celebrate!!
This offer is valid from 13 October to 11th November only!!
Celebrate this Diwali with Asus!!!


I have purchased the Poweramp ("PWa") program time ago for, and in my cellular I have my own system to identify in decimal codes my songs; it is to much better than I watch in the commercial programs that I know. however, I noticed that the data-fields in PWa only can read 2^9 characters. For my own system is fatal, even for some names of songs that need to express more information in one field. For example, Winamp, a program from the last decade for pc's, can accept 2^10 characters in the data-fields. Twice the capacity of PWa, and is still insufficient. In my opinion and experience of years classifying my music, a good – data-field -- should accept 2^11 characters at least. Recommendable 2^12. My request is to expand the capacity of data-fields to read more information in the next PWa version. Consider that almost any program of music, doesn't have one personal interaction data-field for personal purposes, that can be read for the program, like are for the name song, artist. About, today, only exist the -- comments data-field --, but this can't be read for interaction with the program. just represent additional information. One data-field, to put only --tags-- as creating this new topic on this space, is desirable in PWa. I like very much this program, and I would like to use it as my unique program of music anywhere anyway.
Hi, Just bought Poweramp from Google Playstore. It is an amazing app! I do not know if this is already in the settings but I am unable to find it. I want all the songs that have already been played in a playlist to change color. This is helpful when you switch between playlists. All that is needed is if the play-head crosses from the end of 1 song to the next one in a playlist the previous song title changes color. This is already implemented in Queue! All the songs that have been played change color to dark grey. Is there some setting I need to switch-on to make this feature work in Playlist as well? (I have read on the forum that the last played song in a playlist is not remembered if you play some other song. So this simple sensible workaround is not available). I hope the above feature actually exists for playlist since it has already been implemented for Queue else it makes Poweramp much less useful for me. Thank you.
All of my music starts on CD's then is ripped to my PC in wma format and then is transferred to my phone by album. The tracks in most albums are in the correct order but some get put into alphabetic order. This happens even when the track number is part of the track title. If I look at the files of the albums that are out of order in a file explorer I can see the track number in the title but it does not appear in the title as shown in Poweramp. How can I fix this? Thanks.


text:
package org.hisp.dhis.android.core.category;

import android.database.Cursor;

import androidx.annotation.Nullable;

import com.fasterxml.jackson.annotation.JsonProperty;
import com.fasterxml.jackson.databind.annotation.JsonDeserialize;
import com.fasterxml.jackson.databind.annotation.JsonPOJOBuilder;
import com.gabrielittner.auto.value.cursor.ColumnAdapter;
import com.google.auto.value.AutoValue;

import org.hisp.dhis.android.core.arch.db.adapters.custom.internal.AccessColumnAdapter;
import org.hisp.dhis.android.core.arch.db.adapters.custom.internal.DbDateColumnAdapter;
import org.hisp.dhis.android.core.arch.db.adapters.ignore.internal.IgnoreObjectWithUidListColumnAdapter;
import org.hisp.dhis.android.core.arch.helpers.AccessHelper;
import org.hisp.dhis.android.core.common.Access;
import org.hisp.dhis.android.core.common.BaseNameableObject;
import org.hisp.dhis.android.core.common.CoreObject;
import org.hisp.dhis.android.core.common.ObjectWithUid;

import java.util.Date;
import java.util.List;

@AutoValue
@JsonDeserialize(builder = AutoValue_CategoryOption.Builder.class)
public abstract class CategoryOption extends BaseNameableObject implements CoreObject {

    @Nullable
    @JsonProperty()
    @ColumnAdapter(DbDateColumnAdapter.class)
    public abstract Date startDate();

    @Nullable
    @JsonProperty()
    @ColumnAdapter(DbDateColumnAdapter.class)
    public abstract Date endDate();

    @JsonProperty()
    @ColumnAdapter(AccessColumnAdapter.class)
    public abstract Access access();

    /**
     * This method only return results in versions greater or equal to 2.37.
     */
    @Nullable
    @JsonProperty()
    @ColumnAdapter(IgnoreObjectWithUidListColumnAdapter.class)
    public abstract List<ObjectWithUid> organisationUnits();

    public static CategoryOption create(Cursor cursor) {
        return $AutoValue_CategoryOption.createFromCursor(cursor);
    }

    public abstract Builder toBuilder();

    public static Builder builder() {
        return new AutoValue_CategoryOption.Builder();
    }

    @AutoValue.Builder
    @JsonPOJOBuilder(withPrefix = "")
    public static abstract class Builder extends BaseNameableObject.Builder<Builder> {
        public abstract Builder id(Long id);

        public abstract Builder startDate(@Nullable Date startDate);

        public abstract Builder endDate(@Nullable Date endDate);

        public abstract Builder access(Access access);

        public abstract Builder organisationUnits(@Nullable List<ObjectWithUid> organisationUnits);

        abstract CategoryOption autoBuild();

        // Auxiliary fields
        abstract Access access();

        public CategoryOption build() {
            try {
                access();
            } catch (IllegalStateException e) {
                access(AccessHelper.defaultAccess());
            }

            return autoBuild();
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Home›News›6 killed in New Jersey gunbattle
6 killed in New Jersey gunbattle
Six people, including a police officer and three bystanders, were killed in a furious gunbattle on Tuesday that filled the streets of Jersey City with the sound of heavy fire for hours, authorities said.
The dead included the two gunmen, Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly said.
The slain officer, Detective Joseph Seals, 40, was credited by his superiors with having led the department in the number of illegal guns removed from the streets in recent years, and might have been trying to stop an incident involving such weapons when he was cut down by gunfire that erupted near a cemetery, authorities said.
The shooting then continued at a kosher supermarket about a mile away, where five more bodies were found, Kelly said.
"It's a really tough day for the city of Jersey City," Mayor Steven Fulop said. Seals "was one of the best officers for getting the most guns off the streets. He was a good cop."
Two other officers were wounded but were later released from the hospital, authorities said.
Catholic bishops angry over injustice
Calling the president by military rank, not wrong – Adesina
Barcelona FC returns to training after nearly two months
N5tr debt: AMCON mulls bankruptcy tag on debtors
Bayelsa: Constituencies of Lyon's ouster by Supreme Court

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
OVHcloud joins forces with Google to build an "operated and managed in Europe" solution
Google Cloud, one of the world leaders in cloud (cloud computing), has signed a "Strategic partnership" with the French OVHcloud, which will allow the French to use Google Cloud technology on their own infrastructure. "OVHcloud will propose a new offer" a private cloud using Google Cloud's Anthos technology, "Fully exploited and managed in Europe by OVHcloud teams", sure "Its own dedicated infrastructure", according to a joint statement from the two groups. Anthos is a software tool that allows developers to transfer already existing applications to the cloud, or directly create new ones.
For OVHcloud, which has often denounced the dangers of Europeans' great dependence on American cloud platforms such as Amazon, Microsoft or Google, this step is symbolically significant. But OVHcloud believes that this possibility of using Google code on its own servers, under the responsibility of its own developers, represents an opportunity to be seized.
" With this new kind of partnership, OVHcloud will offer developers one of the most efficient and agile solutions on the market while guaranteeing them full data sovereignty, since the platform will be fully operated and managed by OVHcloud teams ", told AFP Michel Paulin, general manager of the French company. " This is an important step that we are taking together to bring out " a new offer for European cloud users, "While promoting openness, reversibility and relying on a trusted infrastructure, that of OVHcloud", he added in a written statement.
A non-exclusive partnership
" This offer goes unambiguously in the right direction both for European independence and for the economic development of our national champions ", said the Secretary of State for Digital, Cédric O. The partnership also represents a real evolution for Google Cloud, which claims that this is the first time that it has allowed a rival cloud infrastructure to operate one of its tools. . The American group thus shows that it has "listened" to customers and public decision-makers in Europe, and that it "Understands their need for greater control and autonomy" on the processing of their data, said Thomas Kurian, the boss of Google Cloud, quoted in the joint statement.
While it is a first in many respects, the partnership is not exclusive, and each of the two partners reserves the right to enter into similar agreements with other operators. European leaders are increasingly worried about the Old Continent's dependence on large American data processing platforms. If in Europe "We are just capable of producing data, needing others to be able to exploit them, so we will be in the same situation as countries which have mineral resources but which have given the capacity to others to s 'enrich with, with extremely low impact' for themselves, explained a senior French official a few months ago.
OVHcloud is one of the 22 founding members of Gaia X, a project launched by the German and French governments to develop a European cloud offer. Gaia X does not aim to bring out a giant like the American or Chinese groups, but a galaxy of operators operating according to common standards: a sort of "market place" where each potential customer would find what he needs, without leaving European jurisdiction.


The environmental performance and energy efficiency of buildings, and the associated environmental impacts of the built environment has on the wider natural environment in most instances requires statutory monitoring and compliance.
From normal septic tank issues to NIEA Regulated Premises, CD Consulting can provide competent and best-practice advice to cater for your requirements.
Site Characterisation Assessments for Percolation Areas/Polishing Filters.
Specialist Deer Management – Stalking – Firearms Training and Inspection of Carcasses.
CD Consulting are certified Passive House (Passivhaus) Designers & Consultants. Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling.
A 90% saving on annual heating costs is possible. Consider that modern houses use between 100-150kWh/m² for heating. 220m² @ 125kWh/m²= 27,500kWh/year if using home heating oil that equates to 2,535ltrs of oil a year, currently at 48p/ltr - £1,215 heating cost for the year.
Using Passivhaus this can drop to 220m² @ 15kWh/m²= 3,300kWh/year, if using home heating oil that equates to 305ltrs of oil a year, £146 heating cost for the year. The key principles of Passivhaus are reducing heat loss, through improved insulation and airtightness, whilst maximising the solar gains through careful sizing and orientation of windows and doors.
There are many myths in relation to Passivhaus in, e.g. costly to construct, can't open windows, modern odd looking buildings. Consider the single storey detached bungalow, certified PassivHaus, built to a standard spec finish, costing approximately £67 per ft² , built by builders Moffitt & Robinson.
It is just as easy to build Passive, if you have designed with the principles in mind from the start, feel free to contact us to discuss.


text:
Острица е село в Южна България. То се намира в община Чепеларе, област Смолян.

География
Село Острица се намира в планински район.

История
Според преброяването на населението в Царство България през 1910 година, към 31 декември същата година в Острица живеят 213 помаци.

Бележки

Външни препратки

Села в област Смолян
Населени места в община Чепеларе

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The ALICE Training Institute is seeking a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick, high transaction oriented sales cycle environment. The successful candidate will play a fundamental role in achieving our ambitious customer acquisition and revenue growth objectives. You must be comfortable making dozens of calls per day, working with channel partners, generating interest, qualifying prospects and closing sales. This is a full time position in our Corporate Offices. The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, a Social Science, or a Marketing / Advertising degree and three to five years of inside sales experience selling professional services, training, or learning management software solutions to the business, education, or law enforcement markets.
Generate revenue by soliciting and obtaining orders; understanding and interpreting business and technical requirements; providing business and technical information and solutions; developing new name accounts.
Meeting Sales Goals, Salesforce.com, Closing Skills, Prospecting Skills, Personal Drive to Succeed, Ability and Willingness to pick up the phone and call people you don't know, Building Relationships over the phone, People Skills, Data Entry Skills, Customer Focus, Professionalism, Motivation for Sales; attention to detail and ability to work independently are required.


text:
SCARED IN JERSEY-the Northeast's Premier Halloween Event-Debuts This October in Holmdel, NJ
Posted on August 9, 2017 by Hana Ali
DT: AUGUST 9, 2017
FM: BARI LIEBERMAN, MSO PR
SCARED IN JERSEY
THE LEGEND OF THE JERSEY DEVIL
THE NORTHEAST'S PREMIER HALLOWEEN EVENT
DEBUTS THIS OCTOBER
AT THE PNC BANK ARTS CENTER IN HOLMDEL, NJ
This October, the legend of the Jersey Devil comes to life with the debut of SCARED IN JERSEY, the Northeast's premier Halloween event, taking place every Thursday through Sunday throughout the month, plus Halloween night, at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ (dates listed below).
The multi-attraction event, presented by Live Nation, is the brainchild of industry veterans Artist Group International, SRae Productions and Blood Drums by Street Drum Corps. SCARED IN JERSEY features such attractions as the Pine Barren Maze, Mother Leeds' Haunted Cottage, The Devil's Midway and multiple live performances from Blood Drums nightly. Watch the promo video here.
"As entertainers and producers working in the Halloween industry for over a decade, we feel confident that Scared In Jersey will give Halloween lovers and haunted attraction goers just what they need," share the creators and founders of Blood Drums: Bobby Alt, Adam Alt and Frank Zummo. "We are looking forward to introducing you to the Jersey Devil and the story of his haunted legend!"
The legend of the Jersey Devil is not one for the faint of heart. Folklore claims that the Leeds family was an eccentric one: Mother Leeds was a witch and Father Leeds a drunkard, described as the Devil himself. Upon learning of the conception of her 13th child, Mother Leeds exclaimed "let this one be a devil!" As the child grew in her belly, she knew her child would be a special one. Legends say that she purposely performed ghastly spells to ensure the Devil's birth. On a dark and stormy night in October 1735, Mother Leeds went into labor. The birth was one of terrible struggle and a physician was called upon to aid the midwife. When the child was born, it was seemingly a perfectly healthy baby boy, but within minutes, much to Mother Leeds excitement, the child began to turn. The changeling suddenly sprouted horns; his head began to morph into that of a goat with terrible vampirish fangs; its feet formed into hooves as the fingers on its hands elongated and grew sharp claws; bat like wings began to expand from his back while a forked tail burst forth from his tailbone. The midwife stared in amazement as Mother Leeds began laughing hysterically at the creature she had just birthed. Suddenly, the changeling became aware of his surroundings and turned on the cottage's inhabitants, taking out the midwife first, and then his father, by ripping their throats via its razor-sharp claws before finally turning on his mother, ripping her abdomen to shreds. After the murderous scene unfolded, the monster darted to the fire place and flew out the chimney to wreak havoc on the Pine Barrens area for centuries to come. The only witness to the Devil's birth to survive was the physician; read his journal entry about it at www.scaredinjersey.com.
Attendants of SCARED IN JERSEY will wind their way through a Pine Barrens-inspired maze–whose walls will be formed by large pine trees, branches and fallen leaves–where ghosts of 18th century victims and the Jersey Devil will frighten all that make their way through the winding paths. At Old Mother Leeds' Cottage, an experiential theater style attraction, guests will experience the birth of the Jersey Devil while witnessing scenes played out in Mother Leeds' residence. The Devil's Midway experience is plagued with the ghosts of 18th century individuals that were attacked by the Devil himself. Attendants can buy food, purchase merchandise and engage with the victims of the Jersey Devil's terrifying chilling attacks.
Tickets for SCARED IN JERSEY–taking place every Thursday through Sunday in October (October 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31)–are available now online via Ticketmaster.com and Live Nation.com, by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the venue box office starting at $25.
About Artist Group International:
Artist Group International ("AGI") is a leading live entertainment agency that books an expensive roster of musicians, comedians, and sporting events worldwide. AGI collaborates strategically with its clients to identify opportunities for creative growth and financial success in a rapidly evolving marketplace. AGI is a part of Y Entertainment Group LLC, the Yucaipa Companies' dedicated entertainment vehicle.
About SRae Productions:
SRae Productions is a full service design and production company owned and operated by Sooner Routhier and Robert Long. We pride ourselves in creating, developing, and actualizing full, cohesive and memorable events from early conception to completion through design, direction, and production. Additionally, SRae Productions serves as production consultants for various management companies and booking agencies.
About Street Drum Corps:
Street Drum Corps is a world-renowned, high energy, drum and percussion show formed in Los Angeles in 2004 that performs on musical tours and a wide range of events. Founding members Bobby Alt, Adam Alt, and Frank Zummo had a vision to create something unique and unseen in the percussion world. Today, SDC has grown into a global movement with honorary members such as Tommy Lee, Adrian Young, Max Weinberg, Shannon Leto, Rob Bourdon, Jeremy Piven, Chad Smith, Matt Sorum, and Stephen Perkins.
About Live Nation Entertainment:
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
www.scaredinjersey.com
www.facebook.com/ScaredInJersey
https://twitter.com/scaredinjersey
http://instagram.com/scaredinjersey
For more information on SCARED IN JERSEY, please contact MSO PR:
Bari Lieberman 818-380-0400 x222 blieberman@msopr.com
This entry was posted in Press Releases, SCARED IN JERSEY. Bookmark the permalink.


Take a look, see what interests you, and consider volunteering! Feel free to contact us through the chairperson of the program/event or school office at 681-1284 for more information. We look forward to working together for our children.
Kick off the new year in September.
Children participate in themed national PTA art program using various media.
Program teaches children tolerance and how to resolve conflict.
Program trains children to resolve peer conflicts without adult intervention.
Awareness of safe and healthy life choices, one week in October.
Support plantings and upkeep of school gardens.
After school programs include Band, Marine Biology, Art, etc.
Opportunity for children to help other children in need.
Walk/Bike to School Days in October and May.
Trained volunteer program helps with literacy.
Various topics addressed at assemblies held throughout the year.
Professional assistance for children to explore poetry, self expression.
Host various exhibitors for an evening of fun and education for the whole family, held in spring.
Annual event in May complete with activity booths, prizes, bake sale.
Mountain View's own version of I Madonnari right on the blacktop.
Meet monthly to administer programs.
September back-to-school and June end-of-year luncheon for staff.
Chance to meet or get reacquainted on the first day of school in the MPR.
Annual opportunity to join PTA.
Monthly celebration of our treasured staff; rotating classroom food donations.
Monthly update of PTA activities.
School logo sweatshirts, caps, etc.
Children run for fun and sponsorship; held in January.
Annual adult evening of dinner, dancing, fundraising in Spring.
Yummy treat at Open House in April.
Earn for our school at participating merchants.
Vons, Ralphs, Box Tops, pizza nights, etc.
Select the future leaders of PTA.
Recognize those who have contributed significantly to Mountain View.
Determine best allocation of funds in proposal for next year's budget.
help with small groups, listen to a child read, correct papers, stuff Friday Folders weekly, chaperone field trips, bake for special events, more!


text:
HomeInsureTech$31m Series B Round Completed by SPHERE Tech Solutions
$31m Series B Round Completed by SPHERE Tech Solutions
1 December 2022 alastair walker InsureTech 0
SPHERE Technology Solutions (SPHERE) has announced a $31 million Series B investment led by Edison Partners, a Princeton-based leading growth equity firm, with participation from existing investor Forgepoint Capital. As part of the transaction, Edison General Partner Lenard Marcus will join SPHERE's board of directors.
For insurers the matter of verifying ID is becoming more important, as there may be multiple agencies and suppliers involved in processing a complex PI claims for example. Developing an eco-system of digital suppliers and partners also means granting systems access to various companies on a daily basis. So logins need to be more rigorous in cases where sensitive personal or company data is involved.
As many cyber specialists in the insurance sector have noted, emails tend to be the best route into a company for hackers and DDOS attackers, so verifying the ID attached to that email address is essential.
SPHERE neutralises threats through an automated platform that provides visibility and remediation of identity risks along with tech-enabled managed services, delivering expertise to accelerate these crucial programs. SPHERE's current customers are some of the largest and most highly regulated organizations globally, ranging from financial institutions to healthcare providers and more. With this investment, SPHERE will expand its SaaS offering, channel ecosystem and alliances, and sales and marketing to accelerate growth.
"As a company founded and operated by a team of security practitioners, we developed a mission-critical solution well before the market even deemed it mission-critical," said Rita Gurevich, founder and CEO of SPHERE. "We've experienced the problems that our customers encounter firsthand, and understand the time, dedication, and resources it takes to solve the complex issues they face every day. We're thrilled to have the support of Edison Partners and Forgepoint Capital for our next chapter of growth."
Hey What If You Needed Some Extra Claims Hands on Deck?
SSP Attack is Part of A Global Pattern, Expect More in 2023
Insurtech Investment Opps: Fintech Alliance Teams Up With Delio
9 June 2019 alastair walker InsureTech 0
FinTech Alliance, a digital platform launching on 10th June to unite both the UK and the global financial technology sector, announced today a partnership with Welsh startup Delio, a private asset investment infrastructure as a […]
Think Your InsurTech Brainwave Has Potential? Prove It. NavVid Did.
24 February 2020 alastair walker InsureTech 0
The insurance sector has been overwhelmed with insurtech investment, new start-ups, labs, innovation hubs, hackathons and much more in the last three or four years. Investment keeps pouring in, and there's no doubt that companies […]
Kasko and Signal Iduna Team Up on Legal Protection Product
19 May 2020 alastair walker News 0
KASKO, the London InsurTech providing the fastest and most flexible platform for insurance incumbents and startups to digitalise and scale their product offering, has announced its latest work for German insurance provider, SIGNAL IDUNA, launching […]


text:
Barwell's Ben gets brush out for TV show
With the show broadcast Ben is still trying to live down his newfound celebrity, particularly among his mates at the gym
Barwell painter and decorator Ben Gardner on the show
Local knowledge earned a Barwell painter and decorator a prime contract to complete a property makeover for a popular television show.
Ben Gardner, who runs his own decorating business, was contacted by a member of the research team of Channel 5 series The House Doctor.
The assistant, from Boundless Productions, used to live in the area and decided to see if Ben was interested.
Ben was happy to help and along with workmate Dave Brakes set to work transforming the dining room and living room of an Earl Shilton couple struggling to sell their home.
Under the guidance of the 'house doctor' herself, Tracy Metro, the guys were part of a larger team which updated the decor and turned the house from a 'buyer beware' money pit to a thoroughly modern abode.
Although the full-day session was filmed in April the programme, episode four in the newly relaunched series, was only recently broadcast.
Ben watched it with his two young children, one of who he says was more excited about seeing a Christmas tree in the ad break.
Hinckley firm answers call of DIY SOS
The tradesman explained he had got a call out of the blue from one of the production people at Boundless asking if he fancied appearing in a makeover show.
"It was all very secretive and he wouldn't tell me what the show was because it was a relaunch after being off the air for a long time," said Ben. "I actually didn't find out until I turned up at the house in Earl Shilton on the day when I learned it was the House Doctor.
"There was myself and Dave Brakes and we got there about 1.30pm and finished about 10pm. Our job was painting the living room and small dining room and putting up wallpaper, we did the bulk of the decorating."
Despite being a bit daunted about being on TV the pair got stuck in, sprucing up the interior, eventually forgetting the cameras were there.
Ben said: "There were times when it was all a bit unnatural such as when I'd ask Dave to pass me something and the crew would go 'say it again Ben we didn't catch that'. Then it was getting towards 10pm and I got asked to take off two rolls of wallpaper and redo them because the work hadn't been caught on camera - but I said no, we need to get it done."
With the show broadcast Ben is still trying to live down his newfound celebrity, particularly among his mates at the gym.
However, he doesn't think TV super stardom beckons, saying: "I think I've had my five minutes of fame."


Nestled in Fontaine-Notre-Dame on the edge of Cambrai by the Escaut River, this cheery hotel is a comfortable option for business guests and holidaymakers. This lovely establishment is situated 93 kilometres from Amiens and close to links of transport including the A2 motorway connecting Picardie with the boarder with Belgium. This establishment is conveniently close to the old town of Cambrai together with the Musée de Cambrai and nearby the magnificent Abbaye de Vaucelles. The guest rooms are individually decorated and offer soothing and warm tones to inspire a homely relaxing atmosphere, ideal to have a goodnight's sleep. In the mornings guests may have a delicious breakfast buffet including fine French bread and taste regional delicacies at the hotel's restaurant. This establishment features versatile meeting rooms for added convenience of business travellers. The guests can make use of the free parking.


2001-07-13 Assigned to AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS reassignment AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HAUSCHILD, SIDNEY F., RYKHUS, ROBERT L. JR., BOLEA, STEPHEN L., NEISZ, JOHANN J., POLYAK, MARK, STAEHLE, BRADFORD G.
2003-06-27 Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS AGENT reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS AGENT NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST Assignors: AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
2004-03-08 Assigned to AMS RESEARCH CORPORATION reassignment AMS RESEARCH CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC.
2004-07-30 Assigned to AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. reassignment AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Assignors: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
A removable stent system and method for extraction of a removable stent from a target site is disclosed. The removable stent includes a removable stent having a collapsible end and a collapsing element configured for coupling with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be configured as a lasso or can be movable between two positions when deployed at a target site in vivo. The removable stent overcomes disadvantages and limitations of previous types of stents as well as overcoming complications during or following stent deployment in vivo. The removable stent further includes features that increase its ease of use and reduce the maneuvering required of devices or tools used to remove the stent. This then decreases the amount of effort required by the physician, the procedure time, and the level of discomfort experienced by a patient during the procedure.
This application claims benefit of Provisional No. 60/295,128, filed Jun. 1, 2001.
The present invention relates generally to a removable stent and an assembly for its delivery or removal from a target site. The present invention particularly relates to a removable stent and system for its use in a medical procedure involving blood vessels, ducts, treatment of enlarged prostate gland, coronary artery disease and the like.
Stents are used in a wide variety of medical procedures where the permanent expansion of an occluded vessel is desired. Usually, stents are constructed of a metal cylinder that is implanted into a patient at the site of obstruction. In a patient suffering from an occluded vessel, balloon catheterization or balloon angioplasty is often the prescribed treatment. However, following such a procedure, restenosis or re-narrowing of the occluded tissue often occurs. Therefore, stents were developed and are used to optimize and improve the initial and long-term outcome in patients treated for an obstructed vessel. In addition to obstructions, stents are also used to provide support for a graft during healing of reconnected vessels. Diseases most often treated using a stent include coronary artery disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia (also referred to as an enlarged prostate gland), and other medical indications where expansion of a lumen, vessel or duct is desired. As such, a variety of stent systems have been developed for medical use. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,100,429; 4,762,128; and 4,800,882.
Although the development of stents for use in medical procedures has been a major advance in treating a narrowed lumen, a variety of complications can and do occur in connection with either the delivery of the stent or, at a later time, following deployment of the stent in vivo. Such problems or complications include failure of proper deployment of the stent, misalignment, dislodgement, or damage of the stent after it is deployed, or re-occlusion of the vessel over time once the stent is inserted. In these cases, removal of the stent is desired. Devices and/or assemblies allowing for the extraction of a stent are known and include, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,474,563; 5,624,450 and 5,411,507. In particular, Hendrik, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,450 describes an assembly for the removal of an implanted stent. The assembly entails use of an expandable element having an adhesive outer surface. The expandable element is connected to a pulling device. Insertion followed by expansion of the expandable element inside the faulty stent causes its attachment (adhesion) to the inner surface of the stent allowing the user to then "pull" the stent out. A particular disadvantage in this system is that it is unreliable, as attachment of the expandable element to the stent occurs by adhesion. As a result, a more reliable and effective removal system is desired.
An example of an additional stent removal system may also be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,563, which describes a system for removal of a cardiovascular stent device from a blood vessel. The system includes a self-expanding elastomeric stent and an extraction catheter for removal of the cardiovascular stent. The extraction catheter is especially designed so as to specifically engage with projections located on the stent. Removal of the stent occurs by engaging the extraction catheter with the projections. One disadvantage of this extraction system and other similar systems is the requirement for complex extraction instrumentation as well as specific and intricate maneuvering by the physician to engage the extraction tool with the stent.
The above-described removal systems (and other similar devices not specifically described) offer advantages, including effectiveness and safety to both the user and the patient. However, it has been discovered that an obstacle or disadvantage to such devices is that their use is complicated. Additionally, even with the more simple removal systems, the susceptibility of separation of the removal device from the stent during use result in major limitations to the reliability of these systems.
In view of the above, it is apparent that there is a need to provide a removable stent and a system which allows for reliable and minimally traumatic removal of a stent from an in vivo target site. There is also a need to provide a removable stent and system that is efficient, simpler to use for the physician and easy to maneuver in vivo. A reliable and efficient removal system would reduce the overall procedure time required, reduce possible trauma to the lumen wall during use, and therefore reduce patient discomfort during recovery. Such removal systems include properties that reduce the amount of effort required by the physician prior to and during use of the system as well as properties that ensure the system remain intact during removal of the stent.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a removable stent device that addresses the limitations and disadvantages associated with prior removal devices, yet meets the needs of the users.
A further object of the invention is to provide a removable stent system that is efficient, requires minimal effort by the user and that is reliable.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a removable stent assembly having a collapsing element configured around the circumference of the stent so as to allow retrieval of the stent by collapsing one end of the stent to a smaller diameter.
A further object of the invention is to provide a stent removal system where removal of the stent can be achieved by use of a simple removal tool having a grasper attachment. In one aspect of the invention, a stent removal system for removing a stent from a target site in a patient is disclosed. The system can include a removable stent that is collapsible at a proximal end by engagement of a collapsing element with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be a lasso or a discontinuous lasso configured so as to collapse the proximal end of the removable stent for removal from a body site. Alternatively, the collapsing element can be a hook that is movable between an up and a down position. The removal tool is configured so as to allow coupling to the collapsing element of the removable stent. The removal tool can be configured as a tube having a slot at one end allowing for its coupling to the collapsing element. The stent removal system can also include a grasper element designed to aid in the removal of the stent by attachment to a removal tool or a delivery tool.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a method of removing a stent in vivo using a stent removal system.
These and other objects not specifically enumerated herein are believed to be addressed by the present invention which contemplates a stent removal system for removing a stent from a body site that includes a removable stent having a collapsible proximal end, a collapsing element and a removal tool.
FIG. 24 is a view of a grasper device for attachment to a removal or a delivery tool.
FIG. 1 shows a representative view of a removable stent 10 in situ within a body vessel 11. For convenience and ease of comprehension, the medical device referenced in the text and figures of the present disclosure is a stent. However, it should be noted that other medical devices or prosthesis including, but not limited to, balloons, stent coverings, vascular grafts, or other implantable devices, are also within the scope of the claimed invention.
The removable stent 10 is an intraluminal prosthesis or device having proximal 22 and distal ends 24 that are open. The removable stent is generally tubular in shape and has an outer surface 30 which contains an inner lumen 32 that extends axially between collapsible proximal 22 and distal ends 24. A removable stent includes collapsing elements 40, which aid in collapsing or compressing the stent 10 for its removal from an intralumenal site. The collapsing element 40 of the stent is a feature that aids in its efficient and easy removal from a body lumen. As used herein, the term "proximal" is intended to refer to the end of the stent closest to the physician when deployed at a target site, or the end that will be collapsed for removal of the deployed stent from its target site. The "distal" end is intended to refer to that end which is opposite to the proximal end 22.
A removable stent 10 can be of the type that is self expanding, or of the type that is expandable using a balloon mechanism. Methods for the construction, manufacture or deployment of self-expanding stents are known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,423 as well as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,771. Balloon expandable stents are also known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,623. Alternatively, the stent can be expandable by any other means, or can be of any variety of expandable prostheses or intralumenal implantation devices that include an element capable of collapsing or constricting the stent from an end, such as the proximal end.
Referring to FIG. 1, a removable stent 10 can be constructed so as to have a mesh structure 26. The mesh can be made of elongate elements, such as metal wires, that are woven, braided, or stamped. Alternatively, the mesh-work can be formed from any other type of material or structure so long as it is biocompatible and of sufficient rigidity so as to support patency of a body lumen or target site when implanted in vivo. Biocompatible materials suitable for such construction include, for example, stainless steel, alloys, composite materials, or plastics. The removable stent can also be constructed of a flexible or non-metallic material such as an elastic polymer or rubber, medical-grade nylon or polyester, or any material that is either itself collapsible or can be formed or configured to be compressible.
In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the removable stent 10 is a braided tubular mesh 26, constructed of a collection of wires 28 (approximately 24 in number) held together by friction. The wires are formed or woven in such a way so as to facilitate and maintain radial expansion of the stent when deployed in vivo (See FIG. 1), while also allowing for radial compression of the stent when pulled along its longitudinal axis (FIG. 7). The expansion/compression feature of the removable stent 10 is designed such that application of a pulling force along the stent's longitudinal (x-x) axis results in radial compression and reduced lumen diameter. Release of the longitudinal force returns the stent to its deployed radially expanded dimension. This feature of the removable stent is similar to the mechanism employed in a child's Chinese handcuff toy.
A collapsing element 40 can be of a variety of structural configurations. The collapsing element 40 is preferably located at or near the proximal end 22 of the removable stent 10 as this is generally the end from which the physician will first encounter the stent during a removal procedure. In a preferred embodiment, a removable stent can include a collapsing element 40 designed as a clasping structure that is located within the inner lumen 32 of the removable stent as shown in FIG. 1 and 3. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a removable stent taken along the 3—3 line at the proximal end 22 of the removable stent 10 of FIG. 1. Such a collapsing element 40 (also referred to herein as a "hinged hook" or a "hook"e) is movable between a first and a second position. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 2 the hook elements 42 can be lifted into an upright or "up" position (FIG. 2A) for engagement with and extraction by a removal tool, or can be pushed into a "down" position (FIG. 2B) where it lays flat against the inner wire surface 42 of the removable stent when the stent is deployed in vivo. As illustrated in FIG. 3, when in the "up" position, the hooks 40 protrude away from the inner surface 30 of the stent into the inner lumen 32. A removable stent having a hinged hook type of collapsing element 40 will preferably include 2 to 3, or 3 to 4 hooks, spaced equally along the inner circumference or surface 30 of the removable stent.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged views illustrating a hook type of collapsing element 40 of a removable stent when deployed in vivo. When in the first or "down" position (FIG. 2B), the hook element 40 resides substantially parallel to or flat against the inner surface of a cross wire 42 of a stent. The ability of the hook 40 to lay flat against the inner surface of the removable stent ("down" position) is particularly advantageous in that such a collapsing element 40 will not interfere with the patency, impede the flow, or increase the possibility of clot formation of a fluid through the stent. This is of particular concern when a stent is deployed in a blood vessel. A collapsing element 40 that is movable between an up and a down position allows for placement of the collapsing element 40 into a more accessible position for engagement with a removal tool. This aspect of the present invention provides a more versatile and effective removable stent.
A hinged hook type of collapsing element 40 includes an upper region that is curved or shaped as a hook 44. The lower or bottom portion 46 of the collapsing element 40 is configured so as to enclose or wrap around a wire 43 of the stent so as to function as a hinge. The collapsing element 40 can be attached to a stent wire 43 at the inner surface of the removable stent. A hinged hook 44 can be designed or configured so as to snap onto a stent wire 43 with a portion 46 of the hinged hook disposed toward the outer surface of the stent. Once snapped into place, the hinged hook 44 can be pushed or slid along the stent wire 43, passing underneath a crossing wire 41, so as to position the hook 44 underneath a cross wire 42 as shown in FIG. 2B.
In addition, a hook type of collapsing element can be configured so as to include tab components, which allow it to be easily snapped or clipped onto a stent wire. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B detailed cross-sectional views through the hinge portion 46 of a hook 44 illustrate two exemplary designs of tab components of a hook hinge region. In the first design (FIG. 4A), the tab gap element 8 is an extension of the hinge portion 46 that, when pressed, will become captured in the hinge latch 47 which is an extension of the hook 44. In the second design (FIG. 4B), the hinge latch 47 is pressed such that it becomes captured by the tab gap element 8. Both of these hinge designs allow rotational movement of the cross wire 43 relative to the hook 44. That is, the hinge 46 portion of a hook type 44 of collapsing element 40 allows the collapsing element to be movable between its deployed, "down" position and a removable "up" position. A hinged hook 44 type of collapsing element as described herein is also advantageous in that the tab gap design reduces undesired movement of the hook element 44 between its two positions (upright or down) by virtue of how the tab gap design is comprised around and in frictional contact with the cross wire 43. Therefore, a hinged hook is preferably manufactured of a material that maintains a certain degree of resistance so as to ensure the collapsing element remains in either the up or the down position, as is desired by the physician during use. A hinge material can be manufactured of a same material as the stent wire, such as stainless steel or plastic. An optimal method of fabricating and handling a hinged hook is by continuous metal stamping on a band or a ribbon.
A stent of the present invention can be removed from an intralumenal site by collapsing one of its ends, such as the proximal end, with the aid of a removal tool. Several types of removal tools 62 can be used to remove a stent 10 of the present invention, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Referring to FIG. 5, a removal tool 62 suitable for use with a hook type of collapsing element 40 can be designed to have coupling structure 64 for engaging the hook elements 40. The stent 10 can then be collapsed beginning at its proximal end 22 using the removal tool 62 to grasp the hooks 40 and to apply a pulling force. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a removable stent having hook elements 40 engaged with a removal tool. As indicated in FIG. 6, application of a rotational force on the constricting elements 40 via the coupling means 64 collapses the stent 10 radially inward.
In a preferred embodiment, a removal tool 62 can take the form of a standard stone basket tool. One such tool includes a stone basket as manufactured by Cook Urologic. In this embodiment, the strands forming the basket of the tool engage the hooks 40 as shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 7 illustrates a stent 10 of the present invention during removal from an intralumenal site 11. Radial constriction begins at the proximal end 22 of the stent 10 extending toward the distal end 24 longitudinally, as the stent 10 is pulled by a removal tool 62 coupled to the collapsing elements 40. Radial compression and collapse of the stent 10 beginning with the proximal end 22 allows the physician to easily withdraw or ensnare the stent 10 into an endoscope sheath for its removal from an in vivo intralumenal site 11. This aspect of the removable stent 10 is particularly advantageous to achieving the goals of the invention in that a stent 10 having a collapsible end allows for easy manipulation of the stent 10 into a catheter or endoscope sheath to completely remove the stent 10 from the patient's body.
Referring to FIG. 8, a collapsing element can also be configured as a lasso 80 situated around the circumference of the proximal end 22 of a stent 10. The lasso 80 is constructed of a wire which functions as a noose capable of constricting or tightening itself around the outside surface 82 of the stent 10. The lasso 80 can include a loop region 84, which allows for engagement of a removal tool 101 to grasp and remove the stent 10 (see FIG. 10). The loop region 84 of the lasso 80 is disposed internally within the stent 10 with the remainder of the lasso wire 86 wrapped externally around the stent 10. Alternatively, the lasso 80 can be woven into and out of the stent surface 82. Therefore, the lasso 80 is preferably incorporated substantially around the circumference on the outside surface 30 of the stent 10.
As illustrated again in FIG. 9, the inner lumen 90 of the removable stent 10 has a cross-sectional diameter, along its x-x, or its y-y axis, which dimensions can vary depending on use. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a removable stent 10 when expanded. The diameter of the inner lumen 90 can vary between a relatively larger diameter such as when the stent is deployed, and a significantly smaller diameter. Therefore, when the proximal end 22 of the stent is collapsed, through constriction of the lasso 80, the inner lumen will have a reduced cross-sectional diameter allowing for its extraction from an intralumenal site (see FIG. 11). This aids the physician in removing the stent from its target site with minimal damage or trauma to the surrounding tissue.
FIGS. 10 & 11 shows views from internal perspectives (inside viewing outward) of a removable stent 10 during collapse and removal of the stent 10. The lasso 80 type of collapsing element functions by radial contraction, which collapses a removable stent 10 from an expanded diameter (FIG. 10) to a reduced diameter (FIG. 11). The loop region 84 of the lasso 80 protrudes into the inner lumen of the removable stent 10, thereby allowing the physician to grasp the lasso 80 by a hook element 102 disposed at the end of the removal tool 101 (FIG. 10). Constriction of the proximal end 22 of the stent 10 is achieved by rotating the removal tool 101, which causes the lasso to twist upon itself, thus also collapsing the stent 10. Alternatively, the lasso can be designed to include internal elements such as a ball, a hook, or a loop that assists in locating as well as operating the lasso. The lasso 80, therefore, constricts or collapses the proximal end 22 of the removable stent 10 by radial tightening 88 of the lasso 80 upon itself. A lasso type of collapsing element can be constructed from permanent materials (stainless steel, or metal wire, for example) or from temporary degradable materials.
Referring to FIGS. 12-15, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the collapsing element of a removable stent 10 need not extend over the entire circumference of the removable stent 10 as a lasso or a noose, but can be a collapsing element that is a discontinuous type of lasso. Referring to FIG. 12, the collapsing element includes a discontinuous lasso 120 having a first end 122 and a second end 124. The first end 122 is attached or anchored to the proximal end 22 of the removable stent 10. This attachment can be permanent if desired. The second end 124 of the collapsing element or discontinuous lasso 120 is not attached to the stent, but is freely associated with the stent 10. This allows for the free expansion of the stent as needed in vivo. At least a portion of the discontinuous lasso between its first and second ends is juxtaposed, adjacent or interwoven to the outer surface 30 of the stent 10.
A discontinuous lasso 120 can be a wire 128 that is woven in between the wires 26, 28 forming the removable stent 10. The discontinuous lasso 120 is connected to the removable stent 10 at a diamond 140 that is formed by the weaving of the wires 142 comprising the removable stent 10. The second end 124 of the discontinuous lasso 120 includes a ball 126 which protrudes into the lumen 32 of the stent 10, thereby allowing the user access to the discontinuous lasso 120 by insertion of a removal tool 150 into the lumen of the stent 10. The diameter of the ball 124 is slightly larger than the diagonal diameter of the diamond 140, thereby maintaining the ball 126 within the inner lumen 32 of the stent 10. When the removable stent 10 is expanded, the ball 126 is seated partly within a diamond 140. The removable stent 10 can, therefore, freely expand to any given cross-sectional diameter without being restricted by its collapsing element. The design of a discontinuous lasso type of constricting element allows for a freely associated second end 124 which does not restrict expansion of the removable stent 10.
Referring to FIG. 14 & 15, in order to collapse and remove a stent having a discontinuous lasso type of collapsing element 120, a removal tool 150 is used. An example of such a tool is shown in FIG. 14. The removal tool 150 can be configured as a cylindrically shaped tube having a slot 152 disposed at its end. The removal tool should be sufficiently rigid so as to allow the user to easily maneuver and engage the ball 126 of the collapsing element 122 into the slot 152. The slot 152 is slid underneath the ball 126 of the collapsing element 120 (FIG. 14), thereby lifting the ball 126 out of its seating within the stent 10. Once the ball 126 is lifted, the removal tool 150 is twisted, wrapping the wire of the discontinuous lasso 128 around the outer surface of the removal tool 150. Because the pulling force of the discontinuous lasso 120 and the holding force of the removable stent 10 are at the tip 154 of the removal tool 150 (FIG. 14) the proximal end 22 of the stent 10 is easily collapsed (FIG. 15), enabling the physician to pull or withdraw the collapsed stent away from the implanted site in vivo.
In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 16 to 21, the removable stent 10 includes one or more eyelets or loops 170 formed at or near the ends of the elongate elements or wires 172 of the stent 10. The loops 170 can be shaped either before or after the wires 172 are assembled into the mesh-structure that forms the stent 10. The shape of the loops 170 can include "p"-shaped, helical, twisted, oval, circular, diamond, square or any other similar configuration that forms a hole capable of receiving and/or capturing a cord-like member, such as a lasso 80. The design and alignment of the loops 170 at the ends of the wire elements 172 are configured to prevent the loops 170 and/or lasso 80 from projecting or extending into the interior of the stent 10. This, in turn, reduces the potential for encrustation or clot formation within the lumen of the implanted stent 10.
In one embodiment, at least one end of the wire element 172 is twisted or wound into a loop 170. Although the material characteristics of the wire element 172 maintain the end of the wire element 172 in a loop configuration, a resistance laser weld, crimp or other connection can be made at the location on the loop 170 where the wire element 172 crosses over itself. The resistance weld can be used to further secure the end of the wire element 172 in a permanent loop arrangement.
In an alternate embodiment, the elongate element 172 can be laser-cut, stamped or punched from a sheet of material. As shown in FIG. 17, at least one loop 170 is formed at an end of the stamped element 172. Other embodiments of forming the loop 170, though not specifically described herein, are also included within the scope of the claimed invention.
Referring to FIG. 16, the mesh-structure of the stent 10 is formed from two sets or groups of parallel wires 172. The first set of parallel wires 174 is placed at approximately a 90 degree angle with respect to the second set of parallel wires 176, forming a diamond-shaped pattern 178 of wire elements 172. However, the actual placement of the two sets of parallel wires 174, 176 may vary within the range of 10 degrees to 170 degrees. As shown in FIG. 16, a loop 170 is formed at or near an end of every other wire 172 of the first set of parallel wires 174. The configuration of the first set of wires 174, in particular the placement of the wires 172 so that each wire end rests on the external surface of a wire element 172 (whereby the external surface of the wire element 172 corresponds to the outside surface 82 of the stent 10, not shown) from the second set of wires 176, further enhances the constriction characteristics of the stent 10. In addition, this configuration also prevents potential flaring of the distal end of the stent 10 as the proximal end 22 of the stent 10 is constricted or collapsed during stent removal. Flaring of the distal end of the stent 10 not only impedes stent removal, but also causes the wire ends to anchor or embed into the wall tissue of the lumen. Thus, the loop design at the ends of the wire elements 172 also mitigates potential tissue trauma associated with the stent removal procedure.
In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 18, a total of at least three loops 170 are formed at the ends of the wires 172 near the proximal end 22 the stent 10. In general, the loops 170 are formed at the ends of the wires 172 and a lasso-type element is woven through the loops 170. Placement of the loops 170 at the ends of the wires 172 improves user accessibility to the lasso for facilitated stent 10 removal. In another embodiment, the loops 170 can be formed anywhere within the region approximately two diamonds 178 distal to or 10 mm or 5 mm (0.39 inches or 0.020 inches) from the ends of the wire elements 172.
As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the lasso 80 type collapsing element is woven or threaded through the loops 170 of the stent 10. In one embodiment, the lasso 80 type collapsing element is a flexible closed-loop or ring-like structure. When the stent 10 is in an expanded configuration, portions of the lasso 80 extending between each loop 170 are easily accessible for engagement from the end of the stent 10 in vivo using a standard alligator gripper or custom removal tool 178. As such, the stent 10 is removed from the lumen of the patient by twisting the removal tool 178 so that the lasso 80 wraps around the outer surface of the removal tool 178 or pulling the lasso axially. Because the pulling force of the lasso 80 and the holding force of the removable stent 10 are at the tip of the removal tool 178, the proximal end 22 of the stent 10 is easily collapsed, enabling the physician to pull or withdraw the collapsed stent 10 away from the implanted site in vivo. Referring to FIG. 21, during constriction of the proximal end 22 of the stent 10, the lasso 80 is configured so that it acquires a folded profile. The folded configuration of the lasso 80 prevents portions of the lasso 80 from hanging into the lumen and causing associated blockages or clot formations. As such, any slack or folds in the lasso 80 is generally held or captured between the external surface of the stent 10 and the tissue wall of the patient's lumen.
In an alternate embodiment, the collapsing element of the removable stent 10 need not extend over the entire circumference of the removable stent 10 as a lasso or a noose does. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the collapsing element can be a discontinuous spiral 180 or c-shaped 182 clip member. In general, the spiral 180 or c-shaped 182 clip member can be fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid material. As with the elongate elements 172 of the stent 10, the clip member 180, 182 can be fabricated from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, laser cut, woven, braided, or stamped. Various other material types and configurations may also be used provided that the type of material or structure is biocompatible and of sufficient rigidity so as to support constriction of the stent 10. Examples of suitable biocompatible materials include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, alloys, composite materials, plastics, or other non-metallic materials such as an elastic polymer or rubber, medical-grade nylon or polyester.
In one embodiment, the spiral or c-shaped member 180, 182 is attached or clipped onto the external surface of the stent 10. To constrict the stent 10, a removal tool is maneuvered between the external surface of the stent 10 and the lumen of the patient and engages/grasps the ends 184 of the clip member 180, 182. Using the tool, the ends 184 of the clip member 180, 182 are then moved toward each other and/or, depending on the desired degree of constriction of the stent 10, past each other. Radial constriction of the clip member 180, 182 causes inward collapse or radial contraction the stent 10. In an alternate embodiment, one end of the clip member 180, 182 is attached or secured to the stent 10 (not shown). As such, the removal tool need only grasp or engage the unattached end of the clip member 180, 182, moving the free end of the clip member 180, 182 toward and/or past the secured end. As with the previous embodiment, constriction of the clip member produces radial contraction of the stent 10, without causing the stent 10 to rotate within the lumen of the patient.
Due to the dynamic nature of living tissue, ingrowth can occur around an implanted stent. As a result, it is sometimes necessary for the physician to resect or cut the implanted stent away from the surrounding tissue. As such, heated methods of resection are often used to cut the stent out. Therefore, a lasso type collapsing element 120 can be a wire constructed of a material that is resistant to heat during resection, such as a flexible carbon fiber substance. In addition, the discontinuous lasso 120 can be coated with an anti-adhesive substance such as heparin, or other pharmaceutical or chemical agent which aids in preventing adherence of tissue to the collapsing element.
As disclosed above, a collapsing element can be configured in a number of ways and is preferably designed so as to allow the user to grasp the stent and collapse the proximal end of the stent. It should be noted, however, that also included in the present invention is a removable stent having a collapsing element whose location is not at or restricted to the proximal end of the stent. For example, a collapsing element can be disposed anywhere along the length of the stent so long as the collapsing element is designed so as to be capable of collapsing an end of the stent. This allows for removal of the stent from an intraluminal site with minimal damage to adjacent tissue or intraluminal wall of the target site.
A variety of tools or devices can be used to grasp the collapsing element of a removable stent. In addition to the removal tool as described above, stone or basket extractors or grasping forceps known in the art can be used with the present invention. For example, with a removable stent having a hinged hook type of collapsing element, a physician can use a basket extractor to engage and grasp the hinged hooks. Using a stone extractor, for example, the physician will first position the hooks into their upright position (while viewing the deployed stent through a cystoscope). Once upright, the physician then engages the wires of the extractor with the hooks, thereby grasping the stent by the collapsing elements. By collapsing the wires of the extractor, the physician also pulls on the collapsing elements, thereby collapsing the proximal end of the stent. Once collapsed, the stent can then be pulled into the sheath of the cytoscope.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises a removal attachment or grasper for use with a delivery tool to engage or grasp the removable stent. FIG. 24 shows a view of a removal attachment 200 that can be used with a removal tool. Alternatively, such an attachment can be attached or used with a stent delivery tool. Removal tools suitable for use with a removal attachment include those described herein as well as others known in the art, such as the Urolume Delivery System. Stent delivery tools suitable for use with a removal attachment include the Urolume Delivery System.
The removal attachment includes a base portion 202 that is tubular in shape. The base portion 200 has a front end 208 and a back end 210. The base portion 202 includes an element 204 disposed at the back end 210 which locks the removal attachment 200 to a delivery tool such as a grapple. The front end 208 of the removal attachment 200 includes prong(s) 212 that are configured or shaped as curved finger-like projections that extend outward or away from the removal attachment 200. The prong(s) 212 can be manipulated so as to grasp or hook a collapsing element of a removable stent. One aspect of the removal attachment that is particularly advantageous to achieving the goals of the invention is that it is designed to be adaptable with a wide variety of tools used in the art for delivery and/or removal of a stent.
The methods and devices of the present invention provide simple, accurate and stable removal of a stent or prosthesis from an intraluminal or other, site in vivo. The features of the invention, as described herein, provide a removable stent and system that is reliable and less awkward or cumbersome for the physician to use.
The present invention can be used for a variety of medical treatments where removal of a stent from a patient is or may be desirable. For example, in the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland, a stent is often placed in the patient's urethra, intraluminally at the site of compression by the enlarged prostate. The deployed stent is often intended as a permanent means of providing support and radial expansion to the constricted urethra so that urine flow from the bladder through the compressed site is remedied. However, failure of the implanted stent to function properly can occur. For example, over time, tissue ingrowth from the urethral wall through the openings of the stent wall can occur, resulting in reobstruction or restenosis of the lumen. The present invention is particularly advantageous in that it has elements allowing for its easy access, and removal in vivo should the need arise to remove or explant the stent after deployment. Therefore, the present invention can function as a permanently implanted stent or as a temporary or removable stent in vivo. Use of the present invention in medical indications requiring stent treatment adds a precautionary measure not provided in permanent stent implants or prostheses.
Depending upon the location of the deployed stent and/or the physician's preference, a removable stent can be extracted using a removal tool and withdrawn into a catheter or a sheath of a viewing instrument. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, with a removable stent 10 having a lasso type of collapsing element 80, a removal tool 101 having a hooked end 102 is first inserted into a patient's urethra through a viewing instrument, up to the site of the deployed stent. Once at the stent, the physician engages the hooked end of the removal tool 101 with the loop 84 portion of the collapsing element 80. The physician maneuvers by twisting or rotating the removal tool so as to cause the lasso 80 to constrict upon itself Tightening of the lasso 80 around the stent 10 collapses the proximal end 22 of the removable stent 10 (FIG. 11). The collapsed end of the removable stent is then easily aimed into the lumen of an extraction catheter or the sheath of a cystoscope. Once inside the lumen, the stent 10 is extracted by further pulling on the lasso 80, which is coupled to the stent. The remainder of the stent 10 is then pulled away from and out of its in vivo site.
Alternatively, as described previously, where a stent having an alternative collapsing element configuration is to be removed, there are a variety of commercially available devices that can be used as the removal tool. If the deployed stent comprises a swinging hook type of collapsing element, a removal tool such as a loop snare, wire basket stone extractor, stone forceps, or other device can also be used to grasp and withdraw the deployed stent. These types of devices are known in the art, available commercially, and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,482. A basket retrieval device can be used to catch or engage the stent from its internal lumen. As described previously, when deployed in a target site, a removable stent can have a hinged hook collapsing element in a down position so as not to impede the fluid flow. In order to collapse the proximal end of the stent, the physician can position the hook(s) into an upright or up position. The resistive characteristics of the hinge portion of the hook maintains the collapsing element in the up position, allowing the physician to manipulate the wires of the basket retrieval device until they engage with the hooks. Retraction of the basket pulls on the collapsing element, which collapses the proximal end of the stent. The stent is withdrawn and removed from the patient.
The systems and methods of the present invention provide accurate, easy to use and stable grasping of a stent allowing for its safe removal from a target site in vivo. The features of the invention, as described herein, also provide a removable stent that is less awkward or cumbersome for the physician to use.
All publications and patent applications in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.
wherein said collapsing element comprises a lasso having a loop disposed within said inner lumen of said removable stent.
FR2902642B1 (en) * 2006-06-21 2009-02-27 D Arleux Eric Morel Endoprosthesis type "stent"


They put most adults to shame. There is a lot we can learn from them.
About Aspiring Astronaut Abigail Harrison. 'We Need Communism' YouTube Vlogger Kid Sceneable Speaks Out. It's 2017 and the communist revolution is being spearheaded online by a 10-year-old vegetarian with a preference for red shirts and a lot to say.
If you frequent Reddit, Dylan, or "Sceneable" as he's known on YouTube, might have come into your sphere last week after his video, "We Need Communism," climbed to the top of the socialism subreddit declaring him "the smollest comrade." If you haven't yet been introduced to Dylan, well then, you are in for a treat. Select All caught up with the fourth grader via phone (with his dad also on the line) to discuss his political opinions, newfound viral fame, and his thoughts on President Trump. Let's start by talking a bit about your channel, Dylan. How long have you been on YouTube? What was the comment you wanted to leave that got you to join YouTube?
Then two years later you decided to start posting your own videos. This is the 'Kid Warrior' Mobilizing a Youth Army to Fight for the Environment. 17-Year-Old Builds Algae Biofuel Lab in Her Bedroom to Win $100K Intel Science Talent Search Prize. Meet a next-generation scientist making the next generation of biofuel. 17-year-old Sara Volz invented a process that increases the amount of biofuel produced by algae to win this year's Intel Science Talent Search.
The Colorado Springs student claimed the $100,000 grand prize with her project, which uses artificial selection to pinpoint which organisms are churning out the most fuel. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez Youth Leadership Bioneers. Climate Silence NOW! - Home. I Haven't Made Any Trash In 2 Years. Here's What My Life Is Like. Malala Gives a Powerful Acceptance Speech Upon Winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala Yousafzai has already made headlines quite a few times in her short 17 years.
A crusader for children's education, she was shot in the head twice by the Taliban before most kids get their drivers license. She narrowly survived, but survive she did and last week she made headlines once again, this time for being the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. A 17-Year-Old Invented This Smart Device That Makes Clean Water And Power At The Same Time. Around the world, many of the 783 million people who don't have clean drinking water also don't have access to electricity.
Navajo Teen Harnesses Solar Energy, Wins An Award (VIDEO) Teen scientist harnesses sun power to help Navajo community New Mexico teen Raquel Redshirt uses everyday materials and the sun to build solar ovens, fulfilling a Navajo community need and winning an award at the Intel ISEF competition.
The world is yours: Kids take the lead in the climate fight. The world might be headed to hell in a plastic basket of coal, but like Bob Marley said, you can't blame the youth.
In fact, the youth are rising up to make sure that nobody ever tries to pin this on them. Organizers and politicians like to use literal poster children as a way to pull on heartstrings when reaching policy impasses. But kids today are taking the climate change fight into their own hands, refusing the role of mere victim and collateral damage, as we're seeing at the local level in Baltimore, and also on the national stage. 7 Incredible Inventions by Teenage Wunderkinds. When many of us were in our teens, work for science fairs comprised cut and paste displays on colorful presentation boards, and our hobbies weren't exactly about to change the world.
But across the globe, teenagers with creative, scientific minds are already devising extraordinary devices, revolutionary materials and renewable technologies that might just change our planet for the greener. El niño que quería un Internet libre. El Abogado Lawrence Lessig y Aaron Swartz charlando en un intermedio de las reuniones sobre Creative Commons Había una vez… Aaron Swartz cuando cumplió los 8 años descubrió Internet, pasó horas leyendo y leyendo información y pensó que era ¡genial!
Porque se podrían aprender un montón de cosas allí, cosas que antes eran difíciles aprender porque se necesitaba no sólo comprar los libros sino saber qué libros comprar. Tenía una libreta de papel donde apuntaba sus "páginas web" favoritas, el problema era que después tenía que estar revisando en qué parte de la libreta estaba esa dirección que le interesaba, así que con otras personas comenzó a construir un sitio web que hiciera precisamente eso, ir agregando enlaces y que otros también compartieran sus sitios favoritos y así conocer más de los contenidos que circulaban libremente por Internet, este proyecto se llama Reddit Aaron tenía 14 años y por ese esfuerzo pasó a ser miembro de la organización mundial w3c La academia y su sin razón.
Hackschooling makes me happy: Logan LaPlante at TEDxUniversityofNevada. Rachel Parent Debates Kevin O'Leary About GMOs (VIDEO) Anti-GMO activist Rachel Parent got in a spirited debate with Kevin O'Leary on CBC's "The Lang And O'Leary Exchange" Wednesday night.
Parent, who scored the debate after a speech she gave critical of O'Leary's comments about GMOs was featured on HuffPost Canada, argued genetically-modified foods should be labelled in Canada and the United States. Europe, Japan, Australia and other nations require GMO labels, but Canada and the U.S. do not. Student finds new way of turning plastic into biofuel. [CAIRO] A method for generating biofuel by breaking down plastics using a low-cost catalyst will be developed further in the United Kingdom next month (16 July).
The process was developed by a sixteen-year-old Egyptian student, Azza Abdel Hamid Faiad, from the Zahran Language School in Alexandria, Egypt. Faiad won the European Fusion Development Agreement award at the 23rd European Union Contest for Young Scientists — involving 130 competitors from 37 countries — held in Finland last year (23–28 September). Science in Action Winner for 2013: Elif Bilgin. Elif Bilgin, winner of the 2013 Science in Action award, a $50,000 prize sponsored by Scientific American as part of the Google Science Fair. Credit: Elif Bilgin "Genius," Thomas Edison famously said, "is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration." He would have found a kindred spirit in Elif Bilgin, 16, of Istanbul, Turkey, winner of the 2013 $50,000 Science in Action award, part of the third annual Google Science Fair.
The award honors a project that can make a practical difference by addressing an environmental, health or resources challenge; it should be innovative, easy to put into action and reproducible in other communities. GSF 2013 : Project : Going Bananas!-Using Banana Peels in the Production of Bio-Plastic As A Replacement of the Traditional Petroleum Based Plastic. The banana fruit's peel was selected for this experiment because it is a waste material rich of starch-according to Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, the proximate composition of a banana peel is shown below. Items Content (g/100 g dry matter) Protein: 8.6±0.1 Fat: 13.1±0.2 Starch: 12.78±0.9 Ash: 15.25±0.1 Total dietary fiber: 50.25±0.2. Boyan Slat. 15-Year-Old Develops Hollow Flashlight Powered by Body Heat. From a sleeping bag that charges your gadgets to entire buildings warmed by body heat, scientists are harvesting the heat emitted by humans as a source of renewable energy.
But the latest development in thermoelectric energy generation doesn't come from a high-tech lab at MIT; it comes from Ann Makosinski, a 15-year-old Canadian girl who developed a flashlight that is powered by the heat from a human hand. Cancer, Innovation and a Boy Named Jack. US teen invents advanced cancer test using Google. The Life and Afterlife of Aaron Swartz. TEDxTeen - Jacob Barnett: Forget What You Know. Jake: Math prodigy proud of his autism. Childrenspeaceprize: Childrenspeaceprize powered by KidsRights. Malala Yousafzai. Malala Yousafzai (Pashto: ملاله یوسفزۍ [mə ˈlaː lə . ju səf ˈzəj]; Urdu: ملالہ یوسف زئی Malālah Yūsafzay, born 12 July 1997) is a Pakistani school pupil and education activist from the town of Mingora in the Swat District of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
She is known for her activism for rights to education and for women, especially in the Swat Valley, where the Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school. In early 2009, at the age of 11–12, Yousafzai wrote a blog under a pseudonym for the BBC detailing her life under Taliban rule, their attempts to take control of the valley, and her views on promoting education for girls. BBC News - Malala Yousafzai speech in full. A Urine Powered Generator : Maker Faire Africa. Posted on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 · 168 Comments. Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids.
The girl who silenced the world for 5 minutes. The Secret of Trees. Self-taught African Teen Wows M.I.T.


The current real estate market is tricky to understand. In this video with Steve Ostrom, we discuss who is obligated to whom, both in a short sale and in the case of bank owned homes. Understanding who our agreements are with as agents will help buyers better navigate the market.


Gone are the days for cashless payments; brace yourself up for contactless payments. Launched in the US by Apple, the contactless payment system has now been introduced in the UK as well. With this system in place users of iPhone 6, 6 Plus and Apple watches in UK would be able to make payments up to £20 simply by touching their gadgets to the payment terminal. There would be no need to type a pin or number.
Before you learn how to use Apple pay, you must understand that it is in fact a digital wallet which lets its users use the debit and credit cards. Apple's Passbook app is the app through which the payments are made. Apple Pay can be used in two ways: online and at a land based store but only by Apple Watch, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users. The system uses Near-field communications (NFC) to allow payments.
The details of the card used by the user are already in the smartphone. Using these details, Apple pay makes the payment for the item purchased. However, it has an added security feature known as tokenization, which provides a single use token to the merchant. Using this token, the payee gets the payment without getting any card details. In addition, Apple's Touch ID system ensures that the payments are verified by the fingerprints of the owner.
Where to use Apple Pay?
An important consideration now is 'where to use Apple Pay?' Apple users would not be surprised regarding this as several banks, retailers and credit card companies have shown their support for Apple Pay. Retailers who are already using the contactless payment system have given their acceptance to support the system. In UK, the Apple Pay system can be used at stores like McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Spar, Marks and Spencer, Boots, Transport for London and Liberty, Starbucks, Wagamama, KFC and a few other outlets. Online users can use the system at stores like Addison Lee, Ocado, easyJet, Zara, British Airways, Domino's, Hailo, lastminute.com, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Argos, Just Eat and hungryhouse.
For online payments, the system would work exactly the way PayPal works for smartphones from Samsung. You will probably have to download Apple Pay and use it make payments at the sites supporting the system. At present there is a limit to the amount for which payments can be made this way but Apple has promised to increase this limit soon.