Abstract: A device for supporting or constraining at least some part of the epicardial surface of the heart during a portion of the heartbeat, such as diastole is used to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The device comprises an enclosure having an interior and an exterior. An interior surface is preferably made in such a way that it tends not to or does not form adhesions with or accept ingrowth with the myocardial tissue of the epicardium. The device may comprise at least on rib-like structural member.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to a treatment site at or near an aneurysm, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (“AAA”). Methods typically include placing a device at or near the AAA and releasing one or more therapeutic agents from the device. This may also involve releasing multiple agents in sequential fashion. Examples of possible therapeutic agents include doxycycline, roxithromycin, tetracycline, tetracycline derivatives, and collagen promoting agents, such as propranolol. Devices used to deliver one or more therapeutic agents may include stents, grafts, stent grafts, balloons with perforations and/or needles, expandable wire baskets, drug-eluting capsules, or suitable combinations thereof. One embodiment includes a stent graft with a distally-extending skirt and an supra-renal anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.

Abstract: Devices and methods for augmenting or otherwise enhancing closure of body lumens comprise magnetic or magnetizable components or particles which are implanted in the wall of the lumen. The magnet fields exerted by the components or particles act to close the body lumen with a desired force.

Abstract: A surgical device for reinforcing the pericardial sac surrounding the heart to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure includes an enclosure having an interior and an exterior. The interior surface limits adhesions or accepts ingrowth with the myocardial tissue of the epicardium. The exterior surface is adapted to adhere to or otherwise attach to the pericardium to provide reinformcement.

Abstract: Devices and methods for augmenting or otherwise enhancing closure of body lumens comprise magnetic or magnetizable components or particles which are implanted in the wall of the lumen. The magnet fields exerted by the components or particles act to close the body lumen with a desired force.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective destruction or temporary disruption of nerves and/or conduction pathways in a mammalian body for the treatment of pain and other disorders. Apparatus comprises catheters having electrodes for targeting and affecting nerve tissue at a cellular level to reversible and irreversible nerve poration and incapacitation.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing intrabronchial delivery of neurotoxins to control the effects of asthma comprises a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a neurotoxin applicator assembly disposed on the distal end. The neurotoxin applicator assembly comprises a deployable needle assembly, a rotating needle assembly, and a needle-less injection assembly or a nebulizer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for decalcifying an aortic valve. The methods and devices of the present invention break up or obliterate calcific deposits in and around the aortic valve through application or removal of heat energy from the calcific deposits.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing intrabronchial delivery of neurotoxins to control the effects of asthma comprises a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a neurotoxin applicator assembly disposed on the distal end. The neurotoxin applicator assembly comprises a deployable needle assembly, a rotating needle assembly, and a needle-less injection assembly or a nebulizer assembly.

Abstract: This is a surgical device and a method of using it. In particular, the device is one for reinforcing the pericardial sac surrounding the heart to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The device, generically, is an enclosure having an interior and an exterior. The interior surface is made in such a way that it tends not to or does not form adhesions with or accept ingrowth with the myocardial tissue of the epicardium. The exterior surface of the device, in contrast, is adapted to adhere to or to ingrow with or otherwise attach sufficiently to the pericardium so that it reinforces that membrane or structure. The nature of the device is that it tends not to allow the pericardium to expand further with time. The device, after complete deployment, should envelope some measure of pericardial fluid in its interior separating it from the epicardial surface. This device helps to prevent further declination of the heart during congestive heart failure.

Abstract: An implantable pump system including an external driver. The implantable pump is driven by the external driver during normal operation but may also operate on a-battery. The external driver is used to drive the pump with the mechanical energy of the impeller also being used to charge the battery. The external driver is also useful during emergency situations to directly drive the pump if the battery or internal coils should fail. The pump is also preferably implanted in a subpectoral location outside the patient's rib cage.

Abstract: A device for supporting or constraining at least some part of the epicardial surface of the heart during a portion of the heartbeat, such as diastole is used to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The device comprises an enclosure having an interior and an exterior. An interior surface is preferably made in such a way that it tends not to or does not form adhesions with or accept ingrowth with the myocardial tissue of the epicardium. The device may comprise at least on rib-like structural member.

Abstract: An implantable pump system including an external driver. The implantable pump is driven by the external driver during normal operation but may also operate on a battery. The external driver is used to drive the pump with the mechanical energy of the impeller also being used to charge the battery. The external driver is also useful during emergency situations to directly drive the pump if the battery or internal coils should fail. The pump is also preferably implanted in a subpectoral location outside the patient's rib cage.

Abstract: This is a surgical device and a method of using it. In particular, the device is one for supporting or constraining at least some part of the epicardial surface of the heart during a portion of the heartbeat, in particular during diastoly. This device may be used to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The device, generically, is an enclosure having an interior and an exterior. The interior surface is preferably made in such a way that it tends not to or does not form adhesions with or accept ingrowth with the myocardial tissue of the epicardium. The device preferably has at least on rib-like structural member. The rib component may extend from end-to end or preferably extends helically around the heart, preferably with at least one revolution. The device may be configured to be self-adherent, i.e., preferably adherent only to itself, and to form a unitary support in the pericardial space after installation.

Abstract: This relates to surgical devices and methods of using them. In particular, the devices are used to support and to reform myocardial tissue in the region of and across an infarct. The devices provide tension across the infarct in varying degrees by attachment of the device to the myocardium at sites adjacent the infarct. A support-providing component across the infarct, between the heart attachment sites, provides support to the myocardial wall and support across the infarct. Optionally, but preferably, the support-providing component includes a time-delay element that variously may allow the device to be introduced onto the myocardial surface and to change the support of the support element over time.