Abstract: A device and method for providing body cooling for treating fever. The cooling device applies cooling to blood flowing in a vein or artery, e.g., the vena cavae, that is then distributed throughout the body.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an electrode. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure.

Abstract: A method for treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of nerves is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating a nerve using an electrode. The method further comprises performing a surgical procedure and/or administering a weight loss drug.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for treating metabolic syndrome and/or Type 2 diabetes, and/or one or more of their attendant conditions, by neural stimulation. In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator is electrically coupled to a peripheral nerve, such as the splanchnic nerve. Neural stimulation configured to either block transmission or stimulate transmission of the peripheral nerve may be used to treat metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Systems according to the invention employ an acceleration sensor to characterize displacement and vibrational LV motion, and uses this motion data to characterize the different phases of the LV cycle for analyzing LV function. Systems may identify a target pacing region or regions in the LV or RV using the acceleration sensor by localizing regions of late onset of motion relative to the QRS, or isovolumic contraction, or mitral valve closure, or by pacing of target regions and measuring LV function in response to pacing. Systems further provide an implantable or non-implantable acceleration sensor device for measuring LV motion and characterizing LV function. An implantable myocardial acceleration sensing system (“IAD”) includes at least one acceleration sensor, a data acquisition and processing device, and an electromagnetic, e.g., RF, communication device. The IAD may be integrated into the pacing lead of a CRT device and can operate independently of the CRT IPG.

Abstract: A catheter system and method are provided which change the temperature of a fluid, such as blood, by heat transfer. Selective cooling or heating of an organ may be performed by changing the temperature of the blood feeding the organ. The catheter system includes an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen structured and arranged to carry a working fluid having a temperature different from the adjacent blood. The outlet lumen is configured to induce turbulence in the adjacent fluid passing adjacent the outlet lumen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for liposuction are disclosed that use a lipid-emulsifying fluid to produce fluid jet disruption and Venturi pumping of fat tissue. The device includes a flexible or rigid probe with an inlet lumen and an outlet lumen. The inlet lumen is in fluid communication with a pump capable of producing high pressures, e.g., 250-3500 psi. The pump is in fluid communication with a volume of a liquid such as sterile saline that may or may not contain a fat emulsifier. At the end of the inlet lumen is a conical constriction or a port that accelerates the emulsification fluid to high velocities. The high velocity jet stream creates a low pressure area that draws the fat tissue into proximity with the jet stream. The jet stream directly and through turbulent vortices breaks up the fat cells. The lipid of the fat cells is subsequently emulsified by the emulsification fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that characterize cardiac function using an acceleration sensor to acquire and analyze the frequency dynamics associated with the isovolumic contraction phase (“ICP”). This information can be used to characterize heart function; optimize therapy for cardiomyopathy, including CRT therapy (including pacing intervals and required pharmacologic therapy); and to optimize CCM therapy. In addition, this information can be used to identify target pacing regions for CRT lead placement. Further, analyzing the frequency dynamics can be used to characterize pathologic heart vibrational motion, such as mitral regurgitation and the third or fourth heart sound, and the response of this motion to therapy for cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an electrode. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an electrode. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for temperature control of the human body. The system includes an indwelling catheter with a tip-mounted heat transfer element. The catheter is fluidically coupled to a console that provides a heated or cooled heat transfer working fluid to exchange heat with the heat transfer element, thereby heating or cooling blood. The heated or cooled blood then heats or cools the patient's body or a selected portion thereof. In particular, strategies for providing cooling while reducing shivering are disclosed, including administration of various drugs and drug combinations.

Abstract: The use of an intravascular cooling element to induce hypothermia in connection with a medical procedure. According to a first aspect of the present, invention, a coronary bypass procedure is conducted in which a patient's blood is oxygenated with the patient's lungs and in which blood is circulated using the patient's heart or using an intracorporeal pump. The procedure preferably comprises: (a) positioning a heat transfer element in a blood vessel of a patient; (b) cooling the body of the patient to less than 35° C., more preferably 32±2° C., using the heat transfer element; and (c) forming a fluid communicating graft between an arterial blood supply and the coronary artery. The body of the patient is preferably heated to about 37° C. using the heat transfer element subsequent to the step of forming the fluid communicating graft.

Abstract: A device and method for providing body cooling. The cooling device applies cooling to blood flowing in a vena cavae that is then distributed throughout the body. The cooling can be assisted by use of thermoregulatory drugs or warming devices to prevent shivering and vasoconstriction.

Abstract: A catheter and method for heating or cooling a surrounding fluid in a feeding vessel in a vasculature of a patient. The catheter includes a heat transfer element shaped and arranged to create turbulence in a surrounding fluid. A guidewire tube runs substantially parallel to the axis of the catheter to receive a guidewire. The catheter may further have a temperature-monitoring device disposed at the distal tip of the guidewire. Feedback may further be provided to control the temperature of a source of working fluid. A method is also provided for selectively controlling the temperature of a selected volume of blood in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.

Abstract: An enhanced method and device are provided to treat atrial fibrillation or inhibit or reduce restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. A balloon-tipped catheter is disposed in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon flows into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. A similar catheter may be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon contacts at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium. In another embodiment, blood perfusion is performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by electrically stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an implantable pulse generator. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Reduced food intake may occur through a variety of mechanisms that reduce appetite and cause satiety. Increased adrenal gland hormone levels will result in increased energy expenditure. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which are also increased by sympathetic nerve activation, will accompany the increased energy expenditure.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by wireless electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by wirelessly stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using a wireless electrode inductively coupled with a radiofrequency field. The source of radiofrequency energy may be internal or external to the patient. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure.

Abstract: An endovascular heat transfer device which can have a smooth exterior surface, or a surface with ridges and grooves. The device can have a plurality of elongated, articulated segments, with each having such a surface. A flexible joint connects adjacent elongated, articulated segments. The flexible joints can be bellows or flexible tubes. An inner lumen is disposed within the heat transfer segments. The inner lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the heat transfer element.