Abstract: A pericardiocentesis apparatus and method for accessing the pericardial space. The invention consists of inserting a percutaneous tube whose tip has a hole which is positioned over and contacts the anterior pericardium. Introducing a vacuum within said tube forms a pericardial bleb within that hole. A guided needle within the tube is advanced to puncture the pericardial bleb while avoiding contact with the epicardium. A hollow filament or electrocardial lead or flexible guide wire within said needle can then be advanced into said pericardial cavity. The guide wire may be used to guide a intrapericardial catheter into the pericardial space for injection or infusion of selected therapeutic agents into the pericardial space to treat various heart and blood vessel diseases. Controlled drug release material(s) can be injected through said needle for the slow and/or sustained delivery of said therapeutic agents into said pericardial cavity.

Abstract: Patient blood in an extracorporeal flow circuit (such as a cardiopulmonary bypass machine) is contacted with one or more nitric oxide feeds at least one of which is upstream of the circuit pump, to provide a concentration of nitric oxide in the blood effective to inhibit activation of blood platelets and reduce whole body inflammation of the patient as a result of a procedure using the extracorporeal circulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method of use of a congener of an endothelium-derived bioactive composition of matter, which comprises administering said congener percutaneously to a site proximately adjacent the exterior of a coronary blood vessel at a therapeutically effective dosage.

Abstract: A pericardiocentesis apparatus and method for accessing the pericardial space. The invention consists of inserting a percutaneous tube whose tip has a hole which is positioned over and contacts the anterior pericardium. Introducing a vacuum within the tube forms a pericardial bleb within that hole. A guided needle within the tube is advanced to puncture the pericardial bleb while avoiding contact with the epicardium. A hollow filament or electrocardial lead or flexible guide wire within the needle can then be advanced into said pericardial cavity. The guide wire may be used to guide a intrapericardial catheter into the pericardial space for injection or infusion of selected therapeutic agents into the pericardial space to treat various heart and blood vessel diseases. Controlled drug release material(s) can be injected through the needle for the slow and/or sustained delivery of the therapeutic agents into the pericardial cavity.

Abstract: Patient blood in an extracorporeal flow circuit (such as a cardiopulmonary bypass machine) is contacted with one or more nitric oxide feeds at least one of which is upstream of the circuit pump, to provide a concentration of nitric oxide in the blood effective to inhibit activation of blood platelets and reduce whole body inflammation of the patient as a result of a procedure using the extracorporeal circulation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating blood vessels in a mammal, particularly humans, especially coronary blood vessels, for vascular thrombosis and angioplasty restenosis, thereby to decrease incidence of vessel rethrombosis, unstable angina and myocardial infarction, by administering a conager of an endothelium-derived bioactive agent, especially a nitrovasodilator, including one or more of nitric oxide or a nitric oxide donor agent, such as sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerin, to an extravascular treatment site at a therapeutically effective dosage rate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating blood vessels in a mammal, particularly humans, especially coronary blood vessels, for vascular thrombosis and angioplasty restenosis, thereby to decrease incidence of vessel rethrombosis, unstable angina and myocardial infarction, by administering a conager of an endothelium-derived bioactive agent, especially a nitrovasodilator, including one or more of nitric oxide or a nitric oxide donor agent, such as sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerin, to an extravascular treatment site at a therapeutically effective dosage rate.