Abstract: Medical devices and therapeutic methods for use in the field of cardiology, cardiac rhythm management and interventional cardiology, and more specifically to catheter-based systems for implantation of pacing leads and electrodes, or intramural myocardial reinforcement devices, within the myocardial wall of the heart, such as the ventricles, to provide improved cardiac function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around a stenosis or occlusion in a coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium to provide a passage for blood to flow from a heart chamber to a coronary artery, at a site distal to the blockage or stenosis in the coronary artery. The conduit has a one-way valve positioned therein to prevent the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: A stent suitable for implantation in myocardial tissue to enhance perfusion therein may include a tubular member having first and second ends and a lumen. The first end of the stent may be configured to pierce myocardial tissue and the lumen may be configured to be placed in flow communication with a coronary vessel. The stent may further include a means for retaining the tubular member within the myocardial tissue. A method for implanting the stent may include positioning the first end of the stent at a desired implantation site and applying force to the second end of the stent to implant the stent within the myocardial tissue. The method may further include engaging the means for retaining with the myocardial tissue to retain the stent in position.

Abstract: A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation.

Abstract: Left ventricular conduits and related methods are disclosed for achieving bypass of a partially or completely occluded coronary artery. More broadly, conduits for allowing communication of bodily fluids from one portion of a patient's body to another and related methods are disclosed, including conduits for forming a blood flow path from a chamber of the heart to a vessel or from one vessel to another. In other embodiments, the conduits achieve a coronary artery bypass by allowing blood communication between the left ventricle and the coronary artery or between a proximal portion of the coronary artery and a distal portion of the coronary artery. The conduits may be placed completely through the heart wall or extend only partially therein. Conduits may take on a variety of configurations for allowing the control of blood flow therethrough, including curved or tapered shapes.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a diseased heart including devices and methods for remodeling or reconfiguring a shape of a diseased heart, assisting in function of a diseased heart, and stabilizing such devices on a diseased heart. In some embodiments, the devices and methods include one or more segments for changing a shape of the heart or a portion thereof, and methods for using such devices and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around a stenosis or occlusion in a coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium to provide a passage for blood to flow from a heart chamber to a coronary artery, at a site distal to the blockage or stenosis in the coronary artery. The conduit has a one-way valve positioned therein to prevent the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: A method for inducing vascular remodeling and related methods for treating patients having diseased vasculature. The method of inducing remodeling of the vascular system includes altering the blood flow dynamics in portions of the vascular system via mechanical mechanisms. Remodeling of certain coronary vasculature may be induced by creating a passage in a heart wall between a heart chamber and a blood vessel so as to permit blood flow communication, for example, direct blood flow communication, between the chamber and the vessel. A method of inducing vascular remodeling may include providing a blood flow passage between a heart chamber and the coronary vessel, or other flow dynamics altering structure, such that enlargement of at least a portion of the coronary vessel occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around a stenosis or occlusion in a coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium to provide a passage for blood to flow from a heart chamber to a coronary artery, at a site distal to the blockage or stenosis in the coronary artery. The conduit has a one-way valve positioned therein to prevent the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: Left ventricular conduits and related methods are disclosed for achieving bypass of a partially or completely occluded coronary artery. More broadly, conduits for allowing communication of bodily fluids from one portion of a patient's body to another and related methods are disclosed, including conduits for forming a blood flow path from a chamber of the heart to a vessel or from one vessel to another. In other embodiments, the conduits achieve a coronary artery bypass by allowing blood communication between the left ventricle and the coronary artery or between a proximal portion of the coronary artery and a distal portion of the coronary artery. The conduits may be placed completely through the heart wall or extend only partially therein. Conduits may take on a variety of configurations for allowing the control of blood flow therethrough, including curved or tapered shapes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around a stenosis or occlusion in a coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium to provide a passage for blood to flow from a heart chamber to a coronary artery, at a site distal to the blockage or stenosis in the coronary artery. The conduit has a one-way valve positioned therein to prevent the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.