Abstract: An MR Spectroscopy (MRS) system and approach is provided for measuring spectral information corresponding with propionic acid (PA), either alone or in combination with other measurements corresponding with other chemicals, to diagnose and/or monitor at least one of bacterial infection, such as associated with P. acnes, or conditions related thereto such as nociceptive pain associated with tissue acidity. An interfacing DDD-MRS signal processor receives output signals to produce a post-processed spectrum, with spectral regions corresponding with certain chemicals, including PA, then measured as biomarkers. A diagnostic processor derives a diagnostic value for each disc, and performs certain normalizations, based upon ratios of the spectral regions related to chemicals implicated in degenerative painful tissue pathology, such as PA and hypoxia markers of lactic acid (LA) and alanine (AL), and structural chemicals of proteoglycan (PG) and collagen or carbohydrate (CA).

Abstract: A system and method for automating an appropriate voxel prescription in a uniquely definable region of interest (ROI) in a tissue of a patient is provided, such as for purpose of conducting magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the ROI. The dimensions and coordinates of a single three dimensional rectilinear volume (voxel) within a single region of interest (ROI) are automatically identified.

Abstract: A system and method for automating an appropriate voxel prescription in a uniquely definable region of interest (ROI) in a tissue of a patient is provided, such as for purpose of conducting magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the ROI. The dimensions and coordinates of a single three dimensional rectilinear volume (voxel) within a single region of interest (ROI) are automatically identified.

Abstract: A system and method for automating an appropriate voxel prescription in a uniquely definable region of interest (ROI) in a tissue of a patient is provided, such as for purpose of conducting magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the ROI. The dimensions and coordinates of a single three dimensional rectilinear volume (voxel) within a single region of interest (ROI) are automatically identified.

Abstract: A system and method for automating an appropriate voxel prescription in a uniquely definable region of interest (ROI) in a tissue of a patient is provided, such as for purpose of conducting magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the ROI. The dimensions and coordinates of a single three dimensional rectilinear volume (voxel) within a single region of interest (ROI) are automatically identified.

Abstract: A system and method for automating an appropriate voxel prescription in a uniquely definable region of interest (ROI) in a tissue of a patient is provided, such as for purpose of conducting magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the ROI. The dimensions and coordinates of a single three dimensional rectilinear volume (voxel) within a single region of interest (ROI) are automatically identified.

Abstract: A stent is provided in combination with delivery of a tocopherol agent, and in particular a des-methyl tocopherol agent, and further beneficially a gamma-tocopherol agent, so as to reduce restenosis along the vessel or other lumenal wall where the stent is implanted. In particular applications, the stent is an endolumenal stent, and more specific beneficial applications is an endovascular stent, and the gamma-tocopherol elutes from a coating or carrier coupled with the stent. Certain combinations are provided with the des-methyl-tocopherol or phytyl substituted chromanol, e.g. gamma-tocopherol, combined with an additional agent such as an anti-restenosis agent, e.g. sirolimus, tacrolimus, everolimus, or paclitaxel, in order to provide synergistic benefit to tissues along the stented or recanalized regions. Other forms of tocopherol or tocotrienol, or other phytyl substituted chromanols, and other compounds such as palm oil, are ailso contemplated. for use to treat restenosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drug eluting stent system, including: a stent; a tocopherol agent coupled to the stent; wherein the stent is adapted to elute the tocopherol agent into a surrounding lumenal wall tissue when implanted along the lumen within a body of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drug eluting stent system, including: a stent; a tocopherol agent coupled to the stent; wherein the stent is adapted to elute the tocopherol agent into a surrounding lumenal wall tissue when implanted along the lumen within a body of a patient.

Abstract: A stent is provided in combination with delivery of a tocopherol agent, and in particular a des-methyl tocopherol agent, and further beneficially a gamma-tocopherol agent, so as to reduce restenosis along the vessel or other lumenal wall where the stent is implanted. In particular applications, the stent is an endolumenal stent, and more specific beneficial applications is an endovascular stent, and the gamma-tocopherol elutes from a coating or carrier coupled with the stent. Certain combinations are provided with the des-methyl-tocopherol or phytyl substituted chromanol, e.g. gamma-tocopherol, combined with an additional agent such as an anti-restenosis agent, e.g. sirolimus, tacrolimus, everolimus, or paclitaxel, in order to provide synergistic benefit to tissues along the stented or recanalized regions. Other forms of tocopherol or tocotrienol, or other phytyl substituted chromanols, and other compounds such as palm oil, are also contemplated, for use to treat restenosis.

Abstract: An MR Spectroscopy (MRS) system and approach is provided for diagnosing painful and non-painful discs in chronic, severe low back pain patients (DDD-MRS). A DDD-MRS pulse sequence generates and acquires DDD-MRS spectra within intervertebral disc nuclei for later signal processing & diagnostic analysis. An interfacing DDD-MRS signal processor receives output signals of the DDD-MRS spectra acquired and is configured to optimize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by an automated system that selectively conducts optimal channel selection, phase and frequency correction, and frame editing as appropriate for a given acquisition series. A diagnostic processor calculates a diagnostic value for the disc based upon a weighted factor set of criteria that uses MRS data extracted from the acquired and processed MRS spectra along regions associated with multiple chemicals that have been correlated to painful vs. non-painful discs.

Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.

Abstract: A system and method provides active propulsion of endoscopes along body lumens. The propulsion system can be attached to a commercially available endoscope, or be provide affixed together, and moves the endoscope in a lumen by pulling it forward. A rotatable toroidal wall, e.g. annular invaginated balloon, provides the propulsion. A drive assembly rotates the toroid while maintaining the toroid's position along the endoscope. The toroid is radially extended or inflated within the lumen to engage its outer surface to the lumen. The toroidal rotation tracks the lumen wall for propulsion. Stops maintain the rotating toroid's position on the endoscope. A helical screw within the toroid engages patterned protrusions around the toroid; screw rotation advances the protrusions to rotate the toroid wall. A fitted belt coupled to a groove in the toroid provides alternative actuation. Colonoscopy is substantially improved, reducing anesthesia and other requirements and costs, and improving safety.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulation system and method delivers a left ventricle stimulator from a right ventricle lead system in the right ventricle chamber, into a right side of an interventricular septum at a first location, and transmuscularly from the first location to a second location along the left side of the septum. The left ventricle stimulator is affixed at the second location for transmuscular stimulation of the left ventricle conduction system. A biventricular stimulation system further includes a right ventricle stimulator also delivered by the right ventricle lead system to the first location along the right side of the septum for right ventricular stimulation. An energy source is coupled to the transmuscular stimulation system, i.e., a pacemaker, and/or defibrillator, or to enhance contractility, and may be coupled directly or via “leadless” system(s). Various highly beneficial particular arrangements of stimulators and leads are further described.

Abstract: A stent is provided with modified ends (782, 786) and enhanced drug delivery. The stent assembly also provides for enhanced overlapping between adjacent stents.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described providing therapeutic preparations of tachykinins, and more specifically sialokinins, for treating various types of abnormal cellular proliferation conditions in regions of tissue associated with the body of a patient. The sialokinins may be isolated and purified from natural or bioengineered sources, or may be synthesized, and may be combined into, with, or on an implant for local elution or otherwise as a powder mixed in a carrier vehicle for injection delivery. Tumors, warts, and restenosis are abnormal cellular proliferation conditions treated by therapeutic doses of sialokinin. Size of the tissue structure to be treated is used to determine the therapeutic dose of sialokinin. The sialokinins are either locally or systemically delivered at therapeutic doses for the desired effect. Implants such as stents are coated with sialokinins for local elution at the site of injury or tissue otherwise vulnerable to harmful conditions treated by the sialokinin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for active propulsion of devices, such as endoscopes, along cavities, such as body lumens. The propulsion system can be attached to a commercially available endoscope, or be provide affixed together, and moves the endoscope in a lumen by pulling it forward. The present invention further provides a method of diagnosing diseases and disorders, and treatment of diseases and disorders, using a device according to the invention.

Abstract: This invention is related to a tissue ablation system and method that treats atrial arrhythmia by ablating a circumferential region of tissue at a location where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium. The system includes a circumferential ablation member with an ablation element and also includes a delivery assembly for delivering the ablation member to the location. The circumferential ablation member is generally adjustable between different configurations to allow both the delivery through a delivery sheath into the atrium and the ablative coupling between the ablation element and the circumferential region of tissue.

Abstract: An endolumenal medical device assembly is provided for use in a bifurcation region of a body lumen. An expandable prosthesis, preferably an endolumenal support device such as a stent, is included in the assembly and is adjustable from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition. The expandable prosthesis further includes a prosthesis passageway and a side port through which the prosthesis passageway communicates externally of the prosthesis. A dilator or an access device is engaged within the prosthesis passageway and also through the side port while the expandable prosthesis is in the radially collapsed condition.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter such as a dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures having a removable distal shaft section. The catheter construction allows the original distal shaft section of the catheter to be removed and a replacement distal shaft section to be secured to the proximal section which is useful with angioplasty catheters when the dimensions of the balloon on the original distal shaft section are inappropriate for dilating a particular stenotic region. Such catheter construction is also useful when there is a need to implant a stent into a dilated stenotic region to maintain its patency.