Abstract: An apparatus for treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient includes one or more sensors, an implantable housing, at least one implantable lead, a signal processor, and a signaling device. The sensor is operable to generate a sensor signal indicative of fluid pressure within the left atrium of the heart. The implantable housing includes a cardiac rhythm management apparatus, such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator. The cardiac rhythm management apparatus includes an electrode, which is operable to deliver an electrical stimulus to a location in the heart. The electrical stimulus is delivered based at least in part on the sensor signal. The lead is coupled to the implantable housing, and to the electrode. The signal processor is operable to generate a processor output indicative of a treatment, and is based at least in part on the sensor signal. The signaling device is operable to generate at least two distinct treatment signals distinguishable from one another by the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides improved apparatus and methods for treating congestive heart failure in a medical patient. The apparatus includes a pressure transducer permanently implantable within the left atrium of the patient's heart and operable to generate electrical signals indicative of fluid pressures within the patient's left atrium. The pressure transducer is connected to a flexible electrical lead, which is connected in turn to electrical circuitry, which in the preferred embodiment includes digital circuitry for processing electrical signals. The electrical circuitry processes the electrical signals from the pressure transducer and, based at least in part on those signals, generates a signal that indicates a desired therapeutic treatment for treating the patient's condition. That signal is then communicated to the patient via a patient signaling device, following which the patient administers to him or herself the prescribed therapeutic treatment indicated by the signal.

Abstract: The invention provides improved apparatus and methods for treating congestive heart failure in a medical patient. The apparatus includes a pressure transducer permanently implantable within the left atrium of the patient's heart and operable to generate electrical signals indicative of fluid pressures within the patient's left atrium. The pressure transducer is connected to a flexible electrical lead, which is connected in turn to electrical circuitry, which in the preferred embodiment includes digital circuitry for processing electrical signals. The electrical circuitry processes the electrical signals from the pressure transducer and, based at least in part on those signals, generates a signal that indicates a desired therapeutic treatment for treating the patient's condition. That signal is then communicated to the patient via a patient signaling device, following which the patient administers to him or herself the prescribed therapeutic treatment indicated by the signal.

Abstract: A method for image guidance of coronary stent deployment using radiopaque markers and the image processing technique of moving layer decomposition. The radiopaque markers are attached to guidewires or delivery balloons that are used to place the stent and co-moves with the coronary vessel. A series of fluoroscopic images are taken during the stent placement and are used to generate layer images which represent different structures in the angiograms, such as the stent and guidewires, background structures, etc. The clearly visible images of the markers are used in the layer decomposition. Although stents are less radiopaque than the markers, visibility of previously deployed stents is also enhanced in the layer images. The layer images are used to guide placement of multiple stents to prevent overlap or gaps between the stents. After stent expansion, angiographic images are acquired of the lumen filled with liquid contrast agent.

Abstract: The invention provides improved apparatus and methods for treating congestive heart failure in a medical patient. The apparatus includes a pressure transducer permanently implantable within the left atrium of the patient's heart and operable to generate electrical signals indicative of fluid pressures within the patient's left atrium. The pressure transducer is connected to a flexible electrical lead, which is connected in turn to electrical circuitry, which in the preferred embodiment includes digital circuitry for processing electrical signals. The electrical circuitry processes the electrical signals from the pressure transducer and, based at least in part on those signals, generates a signal that indicates a desired therapeutic treatment for treating the patient's condition. That signal is then communicated to the patient via a patient signaling device, following which the patient administers to him or herself the prescribed therapeutic treatment indicated by the signal.

Abstract: A system and method for eluting one or more radioisotope processing elements, such as generators and/or concentration and purification components, with a gas over eluent delivery mechanism is disclosed. The system is adapted to an elution/concentration system using two such mechanisms, one for an initial elution of one or more generators, and a second for "re-elution" of concentrated and purified radioisotope contained in a concentration subsystem. The operation of such a dual mechanism system may also be completely or partially automated. The invention also discloses a concentration subsystem containing all single-use components needed for concentration and/or purification, as a single use, self sealed, cartridge that can safely store waste eluate for safe and simple disposal.

Abstract: A method of displaying details of a coronary artery lesion in a cineangiogram, by adjusting each frame of the cineangiogram so that the lesion is continually displayed at a fixed location on a display. The remaining cardiac anatomy appears to move, in background, past a stationary arterial segment, thus making the displayed arterial segment easier to identify and to examine by medical personnel. Cineangiographic image frames are digitized and processed by a processor and the image frames are digitally shifted to place the arterial segment in substantially the same viewing location in each frame. Sequential image frames may be presented to the viewer as a stereoscopic pair, to produce pseudostereopsis. The arterial segment appears to the viewer in foreground, as if it was floating in front of the remaining cardiac anatomy. Image frames may be further processed to aid examination by medical personnel.

Abstract: A method of displaying details of a coronary artery lesion in a cineangiogram, by adjusting each frame of the cineangiogram so that the lesion is continually displayed at a fixed location on a display. The remaining cardiac anatomy appears to move, in background, past a stationary arterial segment, thus making the displayed arterial segment easier to identify and to examine by medical personnel. Cineangiographic image frames are digitized and processed by a processor and the image frames are digitally shifted to place the arterial segment in substantially the same viewing location in each frame. Sequential image frames may be presented to the viewer as a stereoscopic pair, to produce pseudostereopsis. The arterial segment appears to the viewer in foreground, as if it was floating in front of the remaining cardiac anatomy. Image frames may be further processed to aid examination by medical personnel.

Abstract: A method of displaying details of a coronary artery lesion in a cineangiogram, by adjusting each frame of the cineangiogram so that the lesion is continually displayed at a fixed location on a display. The remaining cardiac anatomy appears to move, in background, past a stationary arterial segment, thus making the displayed arterial segment easier to identify and to examine by medical personnel. Cineangiographic image frames are digitized and processed by a processor and the image frames are digitally shifted to place the arterial segment in substantially the same viewing location in each frame. Sequential image frames may be presented to the viewer as a stereoscopic pair, to produce pseudostereopsis. The arterial segment appears to the viewer in foreground, as if it was floating in front of the remaining cardiac anatomy. Image frames may be further processed to aid examination by medical personnel.

Abstract: A method of displaying details of a coronary artery lesion in a cineangiogram, by digitally adjusting each frame of the cineangiogram so that the lesion is continually displayed at a fixed location on a display screen. The remaining cardiac anatomy appears to move, in background, past a stationary arterial segment, thus making the displayed arterial segment easier to identify and to examine by medical personnel. Cineangiographic image frames are digitized and processed by an image processor and the image frames are digitally shifted to place the arterial segment in substantially the same viewing location in each frame. Sequential image frames may be presented to the viewer as a stereoscopic pair, to produce pseudostereopsis. The arterial segment appears to the viewer in foreground, as if it was floating in front of the remaining cardiac anatomy. Image frames may be further processed to aid examination by medical personnel. Frames may be averaged to reduce quantum noise and to blur any structure noise.