Abstract: The instant disclosure provides methods and compositions for the treatment of skin disorders associated with itch, irritation, inflammation, and pain, such as psoriasis, eczema, and skin ulcers. The instant disclosure also provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ocular conditions associated with itch, irritation, inflammation, and pain, such as ocular itch, conjunctivitis and eye infections. Generally, compositions include modulator of gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA) receptor, such as propofol. The concentration of the GABA modulator in the composition is typically sufficiently high so as to activate GABA receptors in nerve and immune cells of the skin, but sufficiently low so as to not result in any significant systemic exposure.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides non-invasive tape stripping methods for the collection of a skin sample. The tape stripping method includes applying and removing at least one adhesive tape, provided that a skin sample is adhered to the adhesive tape after removal. The at least one adhesive tape is supplied in an adhesive skin sample collection kit. The adhesive skin sample collection kit further comprises a sample collector and instructions for use sheet.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides non-invasive tape stripping methods for the collection of a skin sample. The tape stripping method includes applying and removing at least one adhesive tape, provided that a skin sample is adhered to the adhesive tape after removal. The at least one adhesive tape is supplied in an adhesive skin sample collection kit. The adhesive skin sample collection kit further comprises a sample collector and instructions for use sheet.

Abstract: A guidable catheter for heating or cooling a surrounding fluid in a feeding vessel in a vasculature of a patient. The catheter includes a heat transfer element, the heat transfer element having a plurality of exterior surface irregularities shaped and arranged to create turbulence in a surrounding fluid. The surface irregularities have a depth at least equal to the boundary layer thickness of flow of the surrounding fluid in the feeding vessel. The catheter assembly also includes a supply catheter having a portion disposed within the heat transfer element to deliver a working fluid to an interior of the heat transfer element. The catheter assembly further includes a return catheter to return a working fluid from the interior of the heat transfer element. A guidewire tube is provided adjacent one of the supply catheter or the return catheter and runs substantially parallel to the axis of the guidable catheter to receive a guidewire disposed within the guidewire tube.

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: Described are apparatus and methods for electrically modulating a nerve in a mammal. An electrical signal that includes a signal intensity pattern and a signal frequency pattern is delivered to a nerve. The combination of the signal intensity pattern and the signal frequency pattern is effective to result in weight loss, fat loss, and/or lean-mass gain, in a mammal. In some embodiments the nerve is modulated in response to a physiological parameter. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is measured by a sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the invention employ an acceleration sensor to characterize the synchrony or dyssynchrony of the left ventricle. Patterns of acceleration related to myocardial contraction can be used to assess synchrony or dyssynchrony. Time-frequency transforms and coherence are derived from the acceleration. Information and numerical indices determined from the acceleration time frequency transforms and coherence can be used to find the optimal pacing location for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Similarly, the information can be used to optimize timing intervals including V to V and A to V timing.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for making a customized stent or stent graft, including the steps of obtaining a digital image of the endoluminal shape of an artery or the blood flow channel of an aneurysm, processing the obtained image to create a three dimensional model of the shape or channel, and fabricating a scaffold around the model such that the scaffold substantially conforms to the model.

Abstract: A method is described 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 is described 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: 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.

Abstract: A tissue modulation device, for treating at least one of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes in a patient, is described. In some embodiments, the device includes a storage module having computer-readable instructions for delivering an electrical stimulation pattern to a splanchnic nerve of the patient. The stimulation pattern includes at least one on-time. The on-time includes at least one of a suprathreshold period and a subthreshold period. The splanchnic nerve is selected from the group consisting of the greater splanchnic nerve, the lesser splanchnic nerve, and the least splanchnic nerve. The pattern is effective to ameliorate at least one attendant condition of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes in the patient. The attendant condition includes dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and/or insulin resistance.

Abstract: Compositions, formulations, methods, and systems for treating regional fat deposits comprise contacting a targeted fat deposit with a composition comprising long acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a compound that reduces desensitization of the target tissue to the long acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, for example, glucocorticosteroids and/or ketotifen. Embodiments of the composition are administered, for example, by injection, and/or transdermally.

Abstract: A heat transfer device has first and second elongated, articulated segments, each having a turbulence-inducing exterior surface. A flexible joint connects the first and second elongated, articulated segments. An inner coaxial lumen is disposed within the first and second elongated, articulated segments. The inner coaxial lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the first elongated, articulated segment.

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: 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: 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: 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.