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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prevention and reduction of myocardial infarct size and/or expansion and heart remodeling by partial, controllable and reversible obstruction of the venous blood flow to the heart. As a result, the ventricular wall stress and dilation are reduced. Blood flow is maintained at a safe level for the duration of treatment. The apparatus consists of a catheter with an occlusion balloon and a control and monitoring system.

Abstract: A patient hydration system and method wherein a urine collection system is connected to the patient. An infusion system is also connected to the patient. An infusion pump is connected to a source of hydration fluid. A control subsystem is responsive to the amount of urine output by the patient and configured to automatically adjust the infusion rate of the infusion pump based on the urine output by the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension with electrostimulation of peripheral nerves. Treatment is performed by periodically stimulating a nerve such as a median nerve. Apparatus for stimulation is permanently implanted in the body. The nerve is stimulated by electric current applied to electrodes that are placed near the target nerve or the muscle innervated by the target nerve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of cardiac and renal diseases associated with the elevated sympathetic renal nerve activity by implanting a device to block the renal nerve signals to and from the kidney. The device can be a drug pump or a drug eluding implant for targeted delivery of a nerve-blocking agent to the periarterial space of the renal artery.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.

Abstract: An integrated disposable cartridge for dialysis or ultrafiltration treatment of blood includes integral pressure sensors. Sensors are embedded in the blood filter on the cartridge to measure the pressure of blood or other fluids in the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of cardiac and renal diseases associated with the elevated sympathetic renal nerve activity by implanting a device to block the renal nerve signals to and from the kidney. The device can be a drug pump or a drug eluding implant for targeted delivery of a nerve-blocking agent to the periarterial space of the renal artery.

Abstract: A communication system is dynamically configured to use some or all of the communication channel bandwidth. Regions of the communication channel are prioritized, and bandwidth is allocated in accordance with priorities and requested data rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a patient or pacing a patient is disclosed which can safely operate in a MRI system. The device uses unique RF filtering and shielding to attenuate voltages on the leads resulting from the high frequency RF signals produced in the MRI. The device is uniquely shielded to prevent induced currents from disrupting the amplifying and processing electronics. The device uses an optional secondary low pass or band reject filter to eliminate interference from the MRI's gradient magnetic field. The device uses optional inductors placed close to electrodes to limit RF currents through the electrodes. Several embodiments of the RF filter are taught which depend on the number of sensing leads, whether the leads are shielded, whether the RF filter is contained in the electronic shielded housing or whether single or multistage filtering is employed. The device may operate as an extended ECG monitor or may be an implantable MRI safe pacemaker.