Abstract: Methods for making implantable medical devices with nanofibrous covering materials are described. For example, this document describes methods for making stent-like implantable medical devices with a skirt composed of nanofibrous material that is applied by an electrospinning process either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing biologic tissues are described. For example, this document provides electrospinning systems and culturing techniques to make biologic heart valve leaflets and fibrosa layers of native valve leaflet having nanofibrous substrate layer(s). In some implementations, a tri-layered leaflet with circumferentially, randomly, and radially oriented nanofibers that mimics morphologies of native leaflets.

Abstract: Devices and methods can be used to treat heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). For example, this document describes transcatheter myocardial volume reduction devices and methods for treating HCM. In some implementations described in this document, a transcatheter irreversible electroporation (IRE) technique is used to treat HCM. In some cases, such a technique is used to deliver non-thermal ablation to myocardial cellular components such as the ventricular septum. The bulk of the ventricular septum's myocardial tissue can be reduced in result.

Abstract: Methods for making implantable medical devices with nanofibrous covering materials are described. For example, this document describes methods for making stent-like implantable medical devices with a skirt composed of nanofibrous material that is applied by an electrospinning process either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that can enhance the efficacy of medical treatments that cause hemodynamic effects. For example, this document provides devices and methods for enhancing the efficacy of medical treatments such as renal denervation and embolic protection procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing biologic tissues are described. For example, this document provides electrospinning systems and culturing techniques to make biologic heart valve leaflets and fibrosa layers of native valve leaflet having nanofibrous substrate layer(s). In some implementations, a tri-layered leaflet with circumferentially, randomly, and radially oriented nanofibers that mimics morphologies of native leaflets.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a biopsy system are configured to obtain a sample of tissue from an internal body site, such as a portion of myocardial tissue from a heart chamber wall. The biopsy system may include a catheter device having tissue collection jaws and an inflatable balloon disposed along a distal portion. Also, the biopsy system may include a pressure sensor device to detect the pressure within the heart chamber in which the tissue collection jaws are disposed.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitative determination of density of vasa vasorum in an arterial wall that utilizes a detection of temporal and/or spatial displacement of blood-flow with the use of intravascular ultrasound system. Locations of extrema in the spatial distribution can be identified to detect vascular defects. The system and method support a clinically-useful application for early detection of indicators of diseases, such as coronary atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for preventing or reducing atherosclerotic lesions and plaques. Specifically, the instant invention provides methods for using humanin and its analogues to prevent or reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Also provided are methods of using humanin and its analogues to improve the survival of endothelial cells, particularly aortic endothelial cells.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitative determination of density of vasa vasorum in an arterial wall that utilizes a detection of temporal and/or spatial displacement of blood-flow with the use of intravascular ultrasound system. Locations of extrema in the spatial distribution can be identified to detect vascular defects. The system and method support a clinically-useful application for early detection of indicators of diseases, such as coronary atherosclerosis.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to assessing mammals for vascular disease. This document also provides methods and materials related to assessing mammals for valvular disease. For example, methods and materials for assessing mammals for vascular disease using elevated levels of endothelial progenitor cells expressing a bone-related polypeptide (e.g., an osteocalcin polypeptide) as markers are provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a biopsy system are configured to obtain a sample of tissue from an internal body site, such as a portion of myocardial tissue from a heart chamber wall. The biopsy system may include a catheter device having tissue collection jaws and an inflatable balloon disposed along a distal portion. Also, the biopsy system may include a pressure sensor device to detect the pressure within the heart chamber in which the tissue collection jaws are disposed.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to assessing coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED) conditions as well as methods and materials related to treating coronary conditions. For example, methods and materials for determining whether or not a mammal has CED by determining whether or not a sample from the mammal contains an elevated level of a lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) polypeptide are provided.