Abstract: A spinal implant include a top, wherein at least a portion of the top is configured to contact a first vertebra, a bottom, wherein at least a portion of the bottom is configured to contact a second vertebra, a side having a releasable attachment to receive an insertion device and a cam surface to engage a cam on the insertion device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension and heart failure by increasing vagal tone and secretion of endogenous atrial hormones by excitory pacing of the heart atria. Atrial pacing is done during the ventricular refractory period resulting in atrial contraction against closed AV valves, and atrial contraction rate that is higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing results in the increased atrial wall stress. An implantable device is used to monitor ECG and pace the atria in a nonphysiologic manner.

Abstract: A spinal implant include a top, wherein at least a portion of the top is configured to contact a first vertebra, a bottom, wherein at least a portion of the bottom is configured to contact a second vertebra, a side having a releasable attachment to receive an insertion device and a cam surface to engage a cam on the insertion device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prevention and reduction of myocardial infarct expansion and heart remodeling by infusion of fluid into the pericardial space of the heart to created a hydraulic heart constraint. As a result of the constraint ventricular stress and dilation is reduced. Pressure in the pericardial sac is maintained at a safe level for the duration of treatment. Apparatus consists of a catheter and a fluid infusion system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension and heart failure by increasing vagal tone and secretion of endogenous atrial hormones by excitory pacing of the heart atria. Atrial pacing is done during the ventricular refractory period resulting in atrial contraction against closed AV valves, and atrial contraction rate that is higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing results in the increased atrial wall stress. An implantable device is used to monitor ECG and pace the atria in a nonphysiologic manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension and heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous atrial hormones by pacing of the heart atria. Atrial pacing is done during the ventricular refractory period resulting in premature atrial contraction that does not result in ventricular contraction. Pacing results in the atrial wall stress, peripheral vasodilation, ANP secretion. Concomitant reduction of the heart rate is monitored and controlled as needed with backup pacing.

Abstract: A method to insert a spinal implant into a vertebral space, the method including the steps of: grasping the implant with a distal end of an implant insertion tool; holding a proximal end of the implant insertion tool and inserting the implant toward the vertebral space; and manipulating the proximal end to apply a yaw movement to the implant while the implant is attached to the tool and in the vertebral space.

Abstract: A method to insert an artificial disc in the spine of a patient including: sequentially inserting at least two components of an artificial disk in an vertebral interbody space; assembling the components within the vertebral interbody space to form an artificial disc, and using the assembled artificial disc as a disc in the vertebral interbody space. The interbody space is between two adjacent vertebra. The components of the artificial disc are sequentially surgically inserted posteriorly into the patient or sequentially inserted with a lateral surgical approach, and are surgically inserted without resection of facet joints in the spine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacement of renal function by periodically removing a substantial volume of patient's blood and simultaneously replacing it with the reconstituted blood. Reconstituted blood consists of the patient's own condensed blood cells and proteins diluted with the sterile physiologic solution. As a result, small molecules and excess water are periodically removed and discarded. Blood cells and proteins are safely stored to be used at the next therapy session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure by reducing LV diastolic volume and pressure by pumping blood out of the LV during diastole. A pump is synchronized to the heart cycle, connected to the apex of the LV and discharging into the right atrium of the heart. A left ventricle to aorta one-way valved conduit with added compliance decreases blood pressure in the aorta and the resistance to the ejection of blood by the heart decreases the energy requirements of the heart.

Abstract: A method for accessing a pericardial space of a heart of a mammalian patient is disclosed comprising: guiding a catheter through a coronary sinus of the heart and to a cardiac vein; advancing said catheter to a distal segment of the cardiac vein; intentionally puncturing the vein with the catheter to access the pericardial space, and performing a therapy or a diagnostic procedure using the catheter an the puncture in the vein and using the pericardial space.

Abstract: A system has been developed for injecting a biodegradable pericardial constraint including: a biodegradable viscoelastic substance (BES); an external injection container for the BES; a cannula having a distal section adapted to be inserted into a pericardial sac of a mammalian heart and a proximal section connectable to the external injection container; wherein BES from the injection container is injected into the pericardial sac through the cannula.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the prevention and treatment of reperfusion injury following the reperfusion of acute MI which includes modulation of coronary blood flow or oxygen delivery following the reperfusion of the infarct with a catheter placed in the coronary artery or vein.