Abstract: The invention generally relates to a system, method and apparatus for detection of circulatory anomalies in the mammalian body. Particularly, apparatus is provided that allows the clinician to quantitatively determine the extent of any anomalies in the pulmonary circulation. Specifically a quantifiable agent is injected into a peripheral location, and the transit of the indicator agent is monitored. Aberrant circulation is them quantified. The preferred indicator is an injection of indocyanine green dye, detected and measured by fluorescence at a sensor location, for example, at the human ear. Quantification is carried out by using cardiac output procedures and alternatively, the use of Valsalva Maneuver is monitored at a monitor/controller providing visual cues to the patient and operator.

Abstract: Method for carrying out the recovery of an intact volume of tissue wherein a delivery cannula tip is positioned in confronting adjacency with the volume of tissue to be recovered. The electrosurgical generator employed to form an arc at a capture component extending from the tip is configured having a resistance-power profile which permits recovery of the specimen without excessive thermal artifact while providing sufficient power to sustain a cutting arc. For the recovery procedure, a local anesthetic employing a diluent which exhibits a higher resistivity is utilized and the method for deploying the capture component involves an intermittent formation of a cutting arc with capture component actuation interspersed with pauses of duration effective to evacuate any accumulation or pockets of local anesthetic solution encountered by the cutting electrodes.

Abstract: Method for carrying out the recovery of an intact volume of tissue wherein a delivery cannula tip is positioned in confronting adjacency with the volume of tissue to be recovered. The electrosurgical generator employed to form an arc at a capture component extending from the tip is configured having a resistance-power profile which permits recovery of the specimen without excessive thermal artifact while providing sufficient power to sustain a cutting arc. For the recovery procedure, a local anesthetic employing a diluent which exhibits a higher resistivity is utilized and the method for deploying the capture component involves an intermittent formation of a cutting arc with capture component actuation interspersed with pauses of duration effective to evacuate any accumulation or pockets of local anesthetic solution encountered by the cutting electrodes.

Abstract: A method and system of distinguishing physiological pulses as measured by pulmonary artery catheterization. The method includes positioning two measurement devices in blood vessels of a subject, one in a major systemic artery and one in the pulmonary artery, and measuring blood pressure in the blood vessel with the measuring device to generate a pressure waveform. A phase difference between the two pressure waveforms is determined and used to create a warning or to display the phase difference on a display. The system includes an analysis module that determines phase differences based on the inputs from two or more physiological sensing modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's heart to remove calcified deposits and fibroid material from valve leaflets. The method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe or catheter adjacent the target site so that one or more electrode terminal(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with the target heart valve. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the calcified material while minimizing damage to the heart valve and substantially preserving the elastic fiber layer of the valve leaflets.