Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing hyperpolarization-activated cation inward current and disrupting inwardly rectifying potassium current of cells are described. The compositions and methods may be employed to cause the cells to become biological pacemaker cells, e.g. to become more like SA node cells, and to undergo spontaneous oscillating action potentials.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing hyperpolarization-activated cation inward current and disrupting inwardly rectifying potassium current of cells are described. The compositions and methods may be employed to cause the cells to become biological pacemaker cells, e.g. to become more like SA node cells, and to undergo spontaneous oscillating action potentials.

Abstract: A dashboard indicator module including a rotating actuator including a hollow output shaft controlling movement of an indicator with a light conducting path, connected to a light source, diffusing a light at an angle, and a reduction gear set. The external diameter of the conducting path is between 2.6 and 5.5 millimeters.

Abstract: An electric dashboard actuator including an electric motor driving an indicator. The electric motor includes a hollow output shaft of which the ends are located at and flush with two opposite surfaces of the motor, and the indicator includes a male coupling member with a cross-section matching the cross-section of the hollow motor output shaft. One motor surface includes a male or female coupling perpendicular to the surface.

Abstract: A method of connecting an electric actuator to a printed circuit by metal contacts having an open contact zone. The metal contacts are soldered to the printed circuit using an SMD-type automated method performed at a high speed and at a high temperature, and the electrical connection pins of the actuator can be mechanically connected to the metal contacts without soldering by butting the contact zone of the metal contacts against the connection pins of the actuator once the connection pins have been inserted through the contact zone.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods of treating cardiac pacing dysfunction by administering HCN genes, alone or in combination with other genes.

Abstract: An electric dashboard actuator including an electric motor driving an indicator. The electric motor includes a hollow output shaft of which the ends are located at and flush with two opposite surfaces of the motor, and the indicator includes a male coupling member with a cross-section matching the cross-section of the hollow motor output shaft. One motor surface includes a male or female coupling perpendicular to the surface.

Abstract: A self-fixating scaffold delivers therapeutic material to tissue for treating various diseases/conditions. A scaffold holds the therapeutic material and is implanted into the tissue. A fixation element anchors the scaffold in the tissue making the scaffold less likely to become dislodged.

Abstract: Control of conduction through a heart is described. A lead with a proximal end and a distal end is provided. The distal end of the lead is inserted into a target area. An agent is delivered through the lead to the target area. Delivery of the agent is monitored via a closed loop feedback system.

Abstract: A biologic intervention method and apparatus generates a persistent modification to an AV node that is physiologically stable after the agent has matured but is alterable with subsequent application of an agent. Specifically, the generic agent is used to modulate a node in a cardiac conduction system including rate control using one and a combination of a family of K+ channel or equivalent. Specifically, the channel is implemented to slow conduction by generating an outward current during optimization of action potential and repolarization phase thus decreasing the current that is available to excite downstream cells. A Kv 1.3 channel, for example, may be used as the biologic channel. The invention enables reversal of the modulation or adjustment for various heart rates (BPM) based on medical and patient-specific needs.

Abstract: Novel oligonucleotides and methods of treating a cardiac disease or disorder using the same are provided. The oligonucleotides are useful in modulating the expression of the connexin 43 protein and may be combined with other biologically active agents and compositions to treat cardiac disease. Methods of modulating connexin expression include the suppression of the expression of connexin 43 and the inducement of expression of connexin 45.

Abstract: Electrical medical leads having active fixation electrodes, particularly helix electrodes intended to be screwed into body tissue, e.g., the heart, are disclosed having selectively applied insulation to optimize exposed electrode surface area and dispose the exposed electrode surface area toward tissue that is less traumatized by injury caused by screwing in the fixation helix. In a preferred fabrication method, an outer helical surface is masked by contact with a masking tube while a dielectric coating is applied to the inner helical surface of the coil turns of the helix, and the masking tube is removed when the dielectric coating has set. In one variation, at least one aperture is formed through the masking tube sidewall exposing an area of the outer helical surface thereby interrupting the uninsulated outer helical electrode.

Abstract: An electrical distribution box includes a housing having a front wall containing an opening surrounded by a flange portion, a plurality of side and end walls cooperating with the front wall to define a chamber communicating with the front wall opening, and a lid connected with the front wall for movement between open and closed positions relative to the opening, characterized in that at least a first one of the side and bottom walls is contained in a plane that is angularly arranged at an acute angle relative to the plane of the front wall, the angularly arranged first wall containing an opening in which an electrical component is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods for regulating biological pacemaking activity and devices used in such regulation. Such regulation can be accomplished by introducing genetic material to the heart by transfecting heart cells of the atrium or ventricle with an oligonucleotide, small interfering RNA, that silence KCNJ2, and suppress the IK1 current. Suppression (or silencing) of KCNJ2 subsequently induces pacemaker-like activities in previously regular myocytes. This invention provides for methods of targeted delivery using a fluid delivery catheter. Such a catheter allows the targeting of a specific area in the atrium or the ventricle of the heart. Also, combination methods of treating arrhythmia with traditional device-based therapies (e.g., pacemakers and defibrillators) and an oligonucleotide of the subject invention.

Abstract: An electrical distribution box includes a housing (1) having a front wall (2) containing an opening surrounded by a flange portion (6), a plurality of side and end walls cooperating with the front wall to define a chamber (5) communicating with the front wall opening, and a lid (3) connected with the front wall for movement between open and closed positions relative to the opening, characterized in that at least a first one of the side and bottom walls (14, 15) is contained in a plane that is angularly arranged at an acute angle relative to the plane of the front wall, the angularly arranged first wall containing an opening in which an electrical component (10-12) is mounted.

Abstract: A sympatholytic cardiovascular agent delivered by a drug delivery pump to a central nervous system site to alleviate symptoms of acute or chronic cardiac insult or impaired cardiac performance. The drug delivery pump can be external or implantable infusion pump (IIP) coupled with a drug infusion catheter extending to the site. A patient activator can command delivery of a dosage and/or an implantable heart monitor (IHM) coupled with a sensor can detect physiologic parameters associated with cardiac insult or impaired cardiac performance and trigger dosage delivery. The IIP and IHM can be combined into a single implantable medical device (IMD) or can constitute separate IMDs that communicate by any of known communication mechanisms. The sympatholytic cardiovascular agent is one of the group consisting of an alpha-adrenergic agonist and an alpha2-adrenergic agonist (e.g.

Abstract: A sympatholytic cardiovascular agent delivered by a drug delivery pump to a central nervous system site to alleviate symptoms and otherwise treat heart failure (HF) and pathologies associated with HF. The drug delivery pump can be external or implantable infusion pump (IIP) coupled with a drug infusion catheter extending to the site. A patient activator can command delivery of a dosage and/or an implantable heart monitor (IHM) coupled with a sensor can detect physiologic parameters associated with HF (or pathologies associated with HF) and trigger dosage delivery. The IIP and IHM can be combined into a single implantable medical device (IMD) or can constitute separate IMDs that communicate by any of known communication mechanisms. The sympatholytic cardiovascular agent is one of the group consisting of an alpha-adrenergic agonist and an alpha2-adrenergic agonist, e.g.

Abstract: A therapy delivery and/or diagnostic device includes a layer of a catalytic agent, having nitrite reductase and/or nitrate reductase, or nitrosothiol reductase activity. The catalytic layer converts nitrate/nitrate or nitrosothiols to nitric oxide when in contact with blood.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transvenously accessing the pericardial space via the vascular system and atrial wall, particularly through the superior vena cava and right atrial wall, to deliver a pharmacologic agent, particularly a NO-donor drug, to the heart are disclosed. A proximal connector of an infusion catheter is coupled to an infusion pump, and a distal catheter segment having a distal infusion catheter lumen end opening is disposed in the pericardial space. The implantable infusion pump is operable in conjunction with an implantable ischemia monitor to monitor the ischemic state and trigger delivery or regulate the periodic delivery of the pharmacologic agent to optimally treat ischemia. The patient may operate a patient activator that the patient when feeling ischemia symptoms to transmit a signal that is received by the implantable infusion pump and triggers delivery of a bolus and/or continuous infusion.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for delivering macromolecules to a tissue site via electroporation. Particularly, a catheter detects contact between a distal end of the catheter and a target tissue site via a sensing electrode at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter delivers a fluid containing macromolecules to the tissue site upon detecting contact between the tissue site and the catheter. Concurrently or soon after delivery of the fluid, an electrical stimulus is applied to the tissue site. The electrical stimulus can be applied by the catheter or directly from a power supply, such as an implanted pulse generator. The electrical stimulus causes membranes of cells within the tissue site to destabilize, in turn, forming pores through which the macromolecules migrate into the cells of the tissue site.