Abstract: The following relates to catheter-based devices, systems, and methods for minimally-invasively delivering an inflatable pericardial support into the pericardial space of a mammalian myocardium. The devices and systems include extending and positioning plural support members through a catheter into the pericardial space and then positioning the inflatable member on the epicardial surface of the myocardium. Once positioned, fluid can be delivered to the inflatable member to provide a confining pressure to the myocardium.

Abstract: The following relates to catheter-based devices, systems, and methods for minimally-invasively delivering an inflatable pericardial support into the pericardial space of a mammalian myocardium. The devices and systems include extending and positioning plural support members through a catheter into the pericardial space and then positioning the inflatable member on the epicardial surface of the myocardium. Once positioned, fluid can be delivered to the inflatable member to provide a confining pressure to the myocardium.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transplanting tissue for the purpose of regeneration, for treating a patient having injured myocardial tissue, and/or for improving cardiac function through cell regrowth. More specifically, the devices and methods obviate the need for cellular alteration. The devices comprise a hollow cube with a sharp distal end, a stylet that is disposed and movable within the hollow tube, and a stopping device that constrains movement of the stylet. The methods comprise removing intact tissue from a first region of a mammalian organ and implanting the tissue in a second region of the same organ.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transplanting tissue for the purpose of regeneration, for treating a patient having injured myocardial tissue, and/or for improving cardiac function through cell regrowth. More specifically, the devices and methods obviate the need for cellular alteration. The devices comprise a hollow tube with a sharp distal end, a stylet that is disposed and movable within the hollow tube, and a stopping device that constrains movement of the stylet. The methods comprise removing intact tissue from a first region of a mammalian organ and implanting the tissue in a second region of the same organ.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transplanting tissue for the purpose of regeneration, for treating a patient having injured myocardial tissue, and/or for improving cardiac function through cell regrowth. More specifically, the devices and methods obviate the need for cellular alteration. The devices comprise a hollow tube with a sharp distal end, a stylet that is disposed and movable within the hollow tube, and a stopping device that constrains movement of the stylet. The methods comprise removing intact tissue from a first region of a mammalian organ and implanting the tissue in a second region of the same organ.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for preventing, reducing, or treating hypoxia and pathological disorders involving abnormal angiogenesis (e.g., conditions involving decreases or increases in blood flow, respectively). Where an increase in angiogenesis is desired, the mammal being treated for an ischemic condition is provided with Related Transcriptional Enhancer Factor-1 (RTEF-1; as a recombinant polypeptide or as an expression vector) sufficient to increase expression of VEGF, FGFR, or COX-2. This results in a concomitant increase in angiogenesis. Conversely, a mammal being treated for a hypervascular condition is administered a composition that reduces the levels of RTEF-1, thereby reducing the expression of VEGF, FGFR, or COX-2, which results in a decrease in angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for the treatment of cardiovascular valve diseases such as aortic stenosis. A vascular valve assembly is formed from two or more valve devices, each of which contains a valve mounted in a stent. The individual valve devices are brought to the site of the defective valve by standard percutaneous catheterization methods. Lateral expansion of the stents at the site of valve replacement produces a functioning valve assembly. Appropriate sizing and number of valve devices prevents regurgitation and migration. The assembly of two or more smaller valve devices at the site of a defective valve prevents complications due to the large size of single valve prostheses.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for preventing, reducing, or treating hypoxia and, pathological disorders involving abnormal angiogenesis. Thus, the present invention is useful for treating, reducing, or preventing ischermic conditions (characterized by a reduced blood flow or reduced angiogenesis, e.g., a myocardial infarct) and hypervascular conditions (characterized by excessive angiogenesis, e.g., cancer). Where an increase in angiogenesis is desired, the mammal being treated for an ischermic condition is provided with Related Transcriptional Enhancer Factor-1 (RTEF-1; as a recombinant polypeptide or as an expression vector) sufficient to increase expression of VEGF, FGFR, or COX-2. This results in a concomitant increase in angio-genesis. Conversely, a mammal being treated for a hypervascular condition is administered a composition that reduces the levels of RTEF-1, thereby reducing the expression of VEGF, FGFR, or COX-2, which results in a decrease in angiogenesis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transplanting tissue for the purpose of regeneration, for treating a patient having injured myocardial tissue, and/or for improving cardiac function through cell regrowth. More specifically, the devices and methods obviate the need for cellular alteration. The devices comprise a hollow tube with a sharp distal end, a stylet that is disposed and movable within the hollow tube, and a stopping device that constrains movement of the stylet. The methods comprise removing intact tissue from a first region of a mammalian organ and implanting the tissue in a second region of the same organ.