Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a distribution manifold that adheres to a tissue site to allow retention without external support. The distribution manifold includes a porous member and a tissue-fixation element. The tissue-fixation element maintains the porous member substantially adjacent to the tissue site while a sealing member is applied. In one instance, the tissue-fixation element is a soluble adhesive that partially covers either the tissue-facing side of the porous member or a tissue-facing side of a fluid-permeable substrate layer that is on the tissue-facing side of the porous member. Other systems, distributions manifolds, and methods are presented.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to methods and devices for determining an ion concentration in the extracellular fluid of a patient. As examples, the ion may be one or more of potassium, sodium, chloride, or calcium. A system includes an electrode deployed in or near a tissue, such as a skeletal muscle, of the patient. A pulse generator supplies one or more stimulations to the tissue, and a sensor, such as an accelerometer, detects the response of the tissue to the stimulations. A processor determines a concentration of ions in the extracellular fluid as a function of the response. The system may detect an ion imbalance based upon the determined concentration of ions.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to methods and devices for determining an ion concentration in the extracellular fluid of a patient. As examples, the ion may be one or more of potassium, sodium, chloride, or calcium. A system includes an electrode deployed in or near a tissue, such as a skeletal muscle, of the patient. A pulse generator supplies one or more stimulations to the tissue, and a sensor, such as an accelerometer, detects the response of the tissue to the stimulations. A processor determines a concentration of ions in the extracellular fluid as a function of the response. The system may detect an ion imbalance based upon the determined concentration of ions.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to methods and devices for determining an ion concentration in the extracellular fluid of a patient. As examples, the ion may be one or more of potassium, sodium, chloride, or calcium. A system includes an electrode deployed in or near a tissue, such as a skeletal muscle, of the patient. A pulse generator supplies one or more stimulations to the tissue, and a sensor, such as an accelerometer, detects the response of the tissue to the stimulations. A processor determines a concentration of ions in the extracellular fluid as a function of the response. The system may detect an ion imbalance based upon the determined concentration of ions.

Abstract: The invention is a method for identifying proteins associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and for assessing a patient's risk of SCD by determining the amount of one or more SCD-associated proteins in the patient. Typically, the patient submits a sample, such as a blood sample, which is tested for one or more SCD-associated proteins. Based upon the results of the tests, the patient's risk of SCD may be assessed.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to systems and techniques for assessing a risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a patient by measuring one or more biochemical markers that reflect the health of a patient. Typically, the patient submits a sample, such as a blood sample, which is tested for one or more biomarkers. Based upon the results of the tests, the patient's risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia may be assessed. When the patient is found to be at risk, the patient may receive an implantable medical device or drug therapy to address the risk.

Abstract: The invention is a method for identifying proteins associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and for assessing a patient's risk of SCD by determining the amount of one or more SCD-associated proteins in the patient. Typically, the patient submits a sample, such as a blood sample, which is tested for one or more SCD-associated proteins. Based upon the results of the tests, the patient's risk of SCD may be assessed.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting or suppressing cellular proliferation are disclosed that include delivering at least one antiproliferative agent into or proximate a cell. In certain embodiments, the antiproliferative agent(s) are hydrolysis products of a biodegradable polymer (e.g., a polyketal polymer).

Abstract: This invention is an electrical stimulation apparatus for delivering an electrical field or electrical current over a predetermined period of time to a vascular tissue (150) in order to stimulate a cell initiated thrombolytic peptide response in cells within the vascular tissue. The electrical stimulation apparatus includes an electrical field or electrical current generating unit including a power support, a control mechanism interconnected with the power supply, and a plurality of electrodes designed to generate an electrical field or electrical current proximal to, or within to the vascular tissue. The amplitude of the electrical field or electrical current delivered to or generated proximal to, or within the vascular tissue, and the duration of the period of delivery are sufficient to stimulate production of thrombolytic peptides in the vascular tissue.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead or indwelling catheter comprising an elongated body having a tissue-contacting surface that includes a polymer in intimate contact with a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.