Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for evaluating the blood volume-flow waveform of a patient for the purpose of determining ventricular contractibility. Input data for this evaluation includes measurements of oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) in the waveform and a time duration for a respective cardiac cycle. Specifically, the oxygen saturation level SpO2 in a waveform is indicative of an arterial blood-flow volume “V”. The data processor of a computer is then used for calculating a maximum rate of change in the arterial blood-flow volume “V” per time dV/dt. In accordance with the present invention, the maximum dV/dt for a succession of cardiac cycles are then compared for a clinical evaluation of trends in a patient's ventricular contractibility.

Abstract: A system and method for using an oximeter that monitors a patient's blood pressure over an extended time duration requires creating a line graph. In detail, the line graph is created to provide a steady state correlation between blood flow measurements taken by the oximeter and blood pressure measurements taken by a sphygmomanometer. To create this graph, blood pressure measurements (sphygmomanometer) and blood flow measurements (oximeter) are recorded together and collated during a heart muscle cycle of the patient. Specifically, these measurements are considered together during the same heart muscle cycle while the patient is either standing, sitting, or reclining. This establishes three respective data sets which are then used as reference points to create the line-graph. Thereafter, blood flow measurements with the oximeter can be referenced to the line-graph for direct indications of blood pressure.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a cardiac pumping function includes an oximeter which is attached to a patient for the purpose of recording a pulse oximeter waveform. A computer is connected to the oximeter to receive metric information from the waveform. With this information, the computer determines the value and location of a second derivative acceleration, d2A/dt2 in the waveform, which indicates the rate of rise/fall of the waveform. A comparator in the computer then compares this with the value and location of maximum second derivative acceleration, d2A/dt2, in earlier waveforms. With this comparison, the computer identifies a trend which can be clinically used to evaluate the efficacy of a cardiac pumping function.

Abstract: A system and method for improving heart contractions during a heart function cycle (heartbeat) of a patient requires detecting a local electrical event (depolarization) during the cycle. This local electrical event is then used to trigger a stimulation interval ?t at a time t0. Importantly, the stimulation interval ?t is set to end at a time t1 during the absolute refractory period of the heart function cycle. At the time t1, a stimulator is triggered to stimulate a local sympathetic nerve on the epicardial surface of the heart. With this stimulation the sympathetic nerve secretes norepinephrine to improve a subsequent contraction of the heart.

Abstract: A system for using an oximeter to provide blood pressure readings relies on a comparative interface between readings of a patient's blood flow waveform (oximeter) and blood pressure (sphygmomanometer) in his/her vasculature. For this purpose, a steady state condition is identified by calibrating a blood flow measurement A from the oximeter with a simultaneously obtained blood pressure measurement P from the sphygmomanometer. Further, using these simultaneous measurements, a blood pressure model is created that is based on the steady state. Thereafter, blood flow waveform readings from the oximeter are correlated with the steady state model to provide continuous blood pressure readings.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and evaluating the ventricular contractility of a heart muscle includes a device for electrically stimulating the heart muscle of a patient, and an extracorporeal blood pressure sensor. A record, responsive to stimulated ventricular contractions, is created by the pressure sensor. The response record is then evaluated to identify a pressure/time, rate-change in arterial pressure (dp/dt) that results within the time duration of a ventricular contraction in a cardiac cycle. In turn, dp/dt is evaluated as an indicator of ventricular contractility and the health of the patient's heart muscle.

Abstract: A protocol for the treatment of lumbosacral spine disease requires the combination of physical and pharmaceutical therapies. For the physical therapy aspect of the present invention, an inversion table is used to periodically impose traction forces of the spine of a patient. Preferably, this is done with the patient lying supine on the inversion table in a head down orientation, with the inversion table inclined at a predetermined angle in a range that includes 45°, for a predetermined time interval that includes 3 to 4 minutes. A pharmaceutical therapy is also clinically prescribed, in conjunction with the physical therapy aspect, that requires ingesting a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a muscle relaxant, and an antiarrhythmic drug in accordance with a predetermined regimen.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and evaluating the ventricular contractility of a heart muscle includes a device for electrically stimulating the heart muscle of a patient, and an extracorporeal blood pressure sensor. A record, responsive to stimulated ventricular contractions, is created by the pressure sensor. The response record is then evaluated to identify a pressure/time, rate-change in arterial pressure (dp/dt) that results within the time duration of a ventricular contraction in a cardiac cycle. In turn, dp/dt is evaluated as an indicator of ventricular contractility and the health of the patient's heart muscle.

Abstract: A system and method for improving heart contractions during a heart function cycle (heartbeat) of a patient requires detecting a local electrical event (depolarization) during the cycle. This local electrical event is then used to trigger a stimulation interval ?t at a time t0. Importantly, the stimulation interval ?t is set to end at a time t1 during the absolute refractory period of the heart function cycle. At the time t1, a stimulator is triggered to stimulate a local sympathetic nerve on the epicardial surface of the heart. With this stimulation the sympathetic nerve secretes norepinephrine to improve a subsequent contraction of the heart.

Abstract: A system and method for improving heart contractions during a heart function cycle (heartbeat) of a patient requires detecting a local electrical event (depolarization) during the cycle. This local electrical event is then used to trigger a stimulation interval ?t at a time t0. Importantly, the stimulation interval ?t is set to end at a time t1 during the absolute refractory period of the heart function cycle. At the time t1, a stimulator is triggered to stimulate a local sympathetic nerve on the epicardial surface of the heart. With this stimulation the sympathetic nerve secretes norepinephrine to improve a subsequent contraction of the heart.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing the electrical integrity of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator lead. The system includes a container holding an electrically conductive solution, such as a saline solution. A voltage source and two electrodes are provided to pass an electrical current through the solution. To use the system, the proximal end of the electrical lead is disconnected from the implanted electronic device, passed through the saline solution and then electrically connected to a device/monitor. During testing, the device/monitor sends a test pulse through the lead and monitors electrical activity in the lead. To test sequential locations along the length of the proximal segment, the segment is drawn through the saline solution and between the electrodes while test pulses are sent and monitored. The monitor detects abnormal electrical activity in the lead indicative of a break in lead insulation.

Abstract: A system and method for perfusing a liquid medicament into tissue of a patient requires a catheter having a distal barrier and a proximal barrier mounted on the catheter. A perfusion section is formed into the catheter between these barriers. By way of example of a typical operation, the catheter is advanced through the vasculature of a patient and into the coronary sinus. Advancement continues until the barriers of the catheter are positioned to straddle the ostium of the left atrial vein. As so positioned, a perfusion chamber is established in the coronary sinus between the barriers. Also, the perfusion chamber is positioned for fluid communication with the left atrial vein. Liquid medicament can then be transferred from a source into the perfusion chamber for perfusion of the medicament into tissue of the atrial vein.

Abstract: A system for improving heart muscle response during a pre-ejection phase in the heart muscle pumping cycle requires a catheter having a pressure transducer and a fluid device mounted at its distal end. Also included is a pump connected to the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the fluid device. A computer will activate the pump in response to a predetermined signal from the pressure transducer to inject and maintain an increased fluid volume in the pumping chamber of the heart for a predetermined time interval ?t during the pre-ejection phase. This supplements the isometric pressure in the heart's pumping chamber in preparation for a subsequent ejection of blood from the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A system for improving heart muscle response during a pre-ejection phase in the heart muscle pumping cycle requires a catheter having a pressure transducer and a fluid device mounted at its distal end. Also included is a pump connected to the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the fluid device. A computer will activate the pump in response to a predetermined signal from the pressure transducer to inject and maintain an increased fluid volume in the pumping chamber of the heart for a predetermined time interval ?t during the pre-ejection phase. This supplements the isometric pressure in the heart's pumping chamber in preparation for a subsequent ejection of blood from the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for perfusing a liquid medicament into tissue of a patient requires a catheter having a distal barrier and a proximal barrier mounted on the catheter. A perfusion section is formed into the catheter between these barriers. By way of example of a typical operation, the catheter is advanced through the vasculature of a patient and into the coronary sinus. Advancement continues until the barriers of the catheter are positioned to straddle the ostium of the left atrial vein. As so positioned, a perfusion chamber is established in the coronary sinus between the barriers. Also, the perfusion chamber is positioned for fluid communication with the left atrial vein. Liquid medicament can then be transferred from a source into the perfusion chamber for perfusion of the medicament into tissue of the atrial vein.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a distal end of a catheter at a treatment site includes an elongated catheter shaft that is formed with a lumen and two cone shaped balloon membranes. For the system, the proximal and distal ends of the balloon membranes are affixed to an outer surface of the shaft to establish balloons having inflation chambers between the membranes and the shaft. A first membrane portion of a first balloon membrane extends from the distal end of the membrane end to a balloon membrane midsection and a second membrane portion extends from the midsection to the proximal membrane end. To establish the proper shape for the inflated balloon, the second membrane portion is configured to establish a cone angle, ?, (relative to a proximally directed portion of the longitudinal axis) that is less than or equal to ninety degrees (??90 degrees).

Abstract: A device for stabilizing an electrode adjacent to a sympathetic nerve of a patient includes an elongated placement catheter having an electrode mounted at its distal end. The placement catheter is dimensioned for advancement through the potential space between the myocardium and the pericardial sac around the heart muscle of the patient, to position the electrode adjacent the sympathetic nerve. When activated, an engagement mechanism on the placement catheter inserts an anchor into the myocardium to stabilize and maintain the location of the electrode relative to the sympathetic nerve.

Abstract: A system and method for improving heart contractions during a heart function cycle (heartbeat) of a patient requires detecting a local electrical event (depolarization) during the cycle. This local electrical event is then used to trigger a stimulation interval ?t at a time t0. Importantly, the stimulation interval ?t is set to end at a time t1 during the absolute refractory period of the heart function cycle. At the time t1, a stimulator is triggered to stimulate a local sympathetic nerve on the epicardial surface of the heart. With this stimulation the sympathetic nerve secretes norepinephrine to improve a subsequent contraction of the heart.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a distal end of a catheter at a treatment site includes an elongated catheter shaft that is formed with a lumen and a cone shaped balloon membrane. For the system, the proximal and distal ends of the balloon membrane are affixed to an outer surface of the shaft to establish a balloon having an inflation chamber between the membrane and the shaft. A first membrane portion extends from the distal membrane end to a balloon membrane midsection and a second membrane portion extends from the midsection to the proximal membrane end. To establish the proper shape for the inflated balloon, the second membrane portion is configured to establish a cone angle, ?, (relative to a proximally directed portion of the longitudinal axis) that is less than or equal to ninety degrees (??90 degrees). A second embodiment includes two cone shaped balloons.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using an oximeter to take blood pressure readings for an extended period of time. Calibration of the oximeter for this purpose requires use of a sphygmomanometer to determine a sequence of blood pressure readings taken for a patient over a sphygmomanometer duty cycle. During the duty cycle, readings for both blood pressure (sphygmomanometer) and blood flow amplitude (oximeter) are taken simultaneously at predetermined time intervals (e.g. patient pulse rate). These readings then determine an operational ratio between the two that can be used to translate pulse magnitude readings of the oximeter for presentation as blood pressure readings. Operationally, variations from the patient's systolic pressure can then be continuously monitored in real time.