Abstract: A method and system are provided to improve the implementation of clinical trials by improving patient interaction and follow-up, data collection, and information processing in order to lower costs and cycle time of clinical trials. The invention and methods embodied produce a non-biased, more positive experience (easier, efficient) and reduce fragmentation of the follow-up process for clinical trial follow-up for patients and health care providers or trial team who are tasked with follow-up activities and thereby improve the overall follow-up rate and completeness of data collected. Embodiments of the inventive method leverage the concept called “The Hawthorne Effect”. The Hawthorne Effect is a psychological phenomenon that produces an improvement in human behavior or performance as a result of increased attention or observation.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a patient-driven platform that generates a comprehensive, living health biography of the patient, where patients control access or visibility to aspects or portions of the information. A patient's autobiographical information and medical information is received via a graphical user interface (GUI) from a user. Access and permission levels are assigned to the inputted information as specified by the user. The patient's information is updated with continuous variable data being monitored by the patient. When a request for patient information is received from a requestor, a determination is made if the requestor is authorized to access the patient's information. In the event the requestor is authorized, then access is granted and the type and level of information that is provided is based on the user-assigned access and permission levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable devices and associated methods for interconnecting human vessels in a side-to-side or an end-to-side arrangement rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The devices comprise a vessel connector and a intravascular support mechanism for establishing fluid communication between two vessels. Certain embodiments further include a sealing member for further sealing the openings in the vessels created for inserting the subject devices.

Abstract: The subject invention provides devices and methods for closing and sealing an opening in a conduit. The subject devices consist of an implantable flexible member adapted to conform to and seal with an inner surface of a conduit and further adapted to utilize the internal conduit pressure exerted thereon to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the inner surface of the conduit whereby substances are prevented from leaking from the opening under normal physiological conditions. In the subject methods, a subject device is provided and positioned inside a conduit, operatively aligned over an opening to be sealed. The device is conformed to and sealed with an inner surface of the conduit and a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed between the device and the inner surface of the conduit utilizing the internal conduit pressure whereby substances within the conduit are prevented from leaking from the opening under normal physiological conditions.

Abstract: The subject invention provides devices and methods for closing and sealing an opening in a conduit. The subject devices consist of an implantable flexible member adapted to conform to and seal with an inner surface of a conduit and further adapted to utilize the internal conduit pressure exerted thereon to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the inner surface of the conduit whereby substances are prevented from leaking from the opening under normal physiological conditions. In the subject methods, a subject device is provided and positioned inside a conduit, operatively aligned over an opening to be sealed. The device is conformed to and sealed with an inner surface of the conduit and a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed between the device and the inner surface of the conduit utilizing the internal conduit pressure whereby substances within the conduit are prevented from leaking from the opening under normal physiological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable devices and associated methods for interconnecting human vessels in a side-to-side or an end-to-side arrangement rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The devices comprise a vessel connector and a intravascular support mechanism for establishing fluid communication between two vessels. Certain embodiments further include a sealing member for further sealing the openings in the vessels created for inserting the subject devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices for revascularization of a patient's coronary artery system which obviate the need to place the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. A method is provided for revascularizing a patient while the-heart is beating, and includes performing at least one minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft procedure, or other cardiac surgical procedure, and contemporaneously performing at least one catheter-based procedure in at least one coronary artery. The catheter-based procedure(s) may be either therapeutic or diagnostic or both, and may involve delivering at least one catheter to a coronary artery via a surgical or percutaneous opening in the thoracic cavity or via a percutaneous opening at a location peripheral to the thoracic cavity. The catheter-based procedure or procedures is performed contemporaneously with the bypass graft procedure, and specifically prior to, during, or after anesthetizing the patient for purposes of the bypass graft procedure.