Abstract: Capsules, emplacement apparatus, and associated methods for establishing a capsule within tissue are described herein. The emplacement apparatus may be catheter-based or implemented in a handheld unit. The emplacement apparatus serves to introduced an encapsulating membrane in a collapsed condition into the tissue, and then to expand the encapsulating membrane within the tissue into a capsule by injection of fill material into the encapsulating membrane. Other than being capable of injection through the emplacement apparatus, the fill material may be selected and formulated to achieve such mechanical and biological properties within the encapsulating membrane after injection as are desired to achieve the therapeutic effect sought for the patient. Mechanically, the fill material within the encapsulating membrane after injection may be a liquid, a semi-solid such as a gel, or a solid such as a cross-linked polymer. The fill material may or may not be sealed within the encapsulating membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of reversing left ventricle remodeling by combined administration of therapeutically effective amounts ranolazine and at least one co-remodeling agent, which may be an ACE inhibitor, an ARB, or a beta-blocker. The method finds utility in the treatment of heart failure. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations that are suitable for such combined administration.

Abstract: Cardiomyopathy may be treated by distributing space-occupying agent within the myocardium in a pattern about one or more chambers of the heart, such that the space-modifying agent integrates into and thickens at least part of the cardiac wall about the chamber so as globally to reduce wall stress and stabilize or even reduce chamber size. Some patterns also cause a beneficial global reshaping of the chamber. These changes occur quickly and are sustainable, and have a rapid and sustainable therapeutic effect on cardiac function. Over time the relief of wall stress reduces oxygen consumption and promotes healing. Moreover, various long-term therapeutic effects may be realized depending on the properties of the space-occupying agent, including combinations with other therapeutic materials. Specific cardiac conditions treatable by these systems and methods include, for example, dilated cardiomyopathy (with or without overt aneurismal formations), congestive heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract: Cardiomyopathy may be treated by distributing space-occupying agent within the myocardium in a pattern about one or more chambers of the heart, such that the space-modifying agent integrates into and thickens at least part of the cardiac wall about the chamber so as globally to reduce wall stress and stabilize or even reduce chamber size. Some patterns also cause a beneficial global reshaping of the chamber. These changes occur quickly and are sustainable, and have a rapid and sustainable therapeutic effect on cardiac function. Over time the relief of wall stress reduces oxygen consumption and promotes healing. Moreover, various long-term therapeutic effects may be realized depending on the properties of the space-occupying agent, including combinations with other therapeutic materials. Specific cardiac conditions treatable by these systems and methods include, for example, dilated cardiomyopathy (with or without overt aneurismal formations), congestive heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract: Cardiomyopathy may be treated by distributing space-occupying agent within the myocardium in a pattern about one or more chambers of the heart, such that the space-modifying agent integrates into and thickens at least part of the cardiac wall about the chamber so as globally to reduce wall stress and stabilize or even reduce chamber size. Some patterns also cause a beneficial global reshaping of the chamber. These changes occur quickly and are sustainable, and have a rapid and sustainable therapeutic effect on cardiac function. Over time the relief of wall stress reduces oxygen consumption and promotes healing. Moreover, various long-term therapeutic effects may be realized depending on the properties of the space-occupying agent, including combinations with other therapeutic materials. Specific cardiac conditions treatable by these systems and methods include, for example, dilated cardiomyopathy (with or without overt aneurismal formations), congestive heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract: A method of treating a cardiac arrhythmia, comprising: determining a desired arrhythmia control; selecting an electric field having an expected effect of modifying protein activity of at least one protein as a response of a cardiac tissue to the field, said expected effect correlated with said desired arrhythmia control; and applying said field to said cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (120) for modifying gene expression in cardiac muscle cells (110), by the application of electric fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of reversing left ventricle remodeling by combined administration of therapeutically effective amounts ranolazine and at least one co-remodeling agent, which may be an ACE inhibitor, an ARB, or a beta-blocker. The method finds utility in the treatment of heart failure. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations that are suitable for such combined administration.

Abstract: A device for treating cardiac disease of a heart having an upper portion and a lower portion divided by an A-V groove, the device including a jacket adapted to be secured to the heart, and a non-adherent material in association with the jacket. The jacket is fabricated from a flexible material defining a volume between an upper and a lower end, the jacket being adapted to be adjusted on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and permit substantially unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. As a result of the flexible material, the jacket allows unimpeded diastolic filling of the heart.

Abstract: There is provided a method for treating an individual with cardiovascular disease, including the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of protein phosphatase inhibitor and analogues thereof, to the individual after the onset of cardiac ischemia. Also provided is a method of treating an individual with cardiovascular disease by selectively inhibiting protein phosphatase activity in the heart. A composition for the treatment of heart failure, the composition including an inhibitor of PP1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is also provided. There is provided a sequence encoding inhibitor-2.

Abstract: A method of treating heart failure and improving cardiac function by administering stem cell products to a heart in need of treatment, whereby the stem cell products improve cardiac muscle function thereby treating heart failure and improving cardiac function. A method of enriching or regenerating damaged myocardium by administering stem cell products to damaged myocardium. Stem cell products for use in treating heart failure are also provided. A composition for enriching and regenerating damaged myocardium, the composition having stem cell products in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.