Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A method for tightening a cardiac support device includes forming offsets in excess material in the cardiac support device and inserting a fastener through the offsets. A device for tightening a cardiac support device includes first and second clamp members moveable into and out of mateable engagement. Each of the first and second clamp members includes offset-forming structure.

Abstract: A method for tightening a cardiac support device includes forming offsets in excess material in the cardiac support device and inserting a fastener through the offsets. A device for tightening a cardiac support device includes first and second clamp members moveable into and out of mateable engagement. Each of the first and second clamp members includes offset-forming structure.

Abstract: A method for applying a cardiac support device to a heart of a mammal includes surgically accessing a heart, providing a cardiac support device including a jacket, and positioning the jacket around at least a portion of the heart by applying a pulling force to the jacket. The step of positioning the jacket can include using a tool from a position superior to the heart to pull the jacket onto the heart. One device for placing a cardiac support jacket onto the heart includes first and second tubular walls. The second tubular wall is oriented within the first tubular wall and against an internal surface of the first tubular wall. The second tubular wall includes a plurality of grooves and has an open interior volume to hold the cardiac support jacket. Another device for placing a cardiac support jacket onto the heart includes a tubular wall having a plurality of lumens extending between opposite ends of the tubular wall.

Abstract: A method for applying a cardiac support device to a heart of a mammal includes surgically accessing a heart, providing a cardiac support device including a jacket, and positioning the jacket around at least a portion of the heart by applying a pulling force to the jacket. The step of positioning the jacket can include using a tool from a position superior to the heart to pull the jacket onto the heart. One device for placing a cardiac support jacket onto the heart includes first and second tubular walls. The second tubular wall is oriented within the first tubular wall and against an internal surface of the first tubular wall. The second tubular wall includes a plurality of grooves and has an open interior volume to hold the cardiac support jacket. Another device for placing a cardiac support jacket onto the heart includes a tubular wall having a plurality of lumens extending between opposite ends of the tubular wall.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint jacket is formed of flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end. The jacket is dimensioned for an apex of a patient's heart to be inserted into the volume through the open upper end and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. A delivery device is used to place the jacket on the heart. The delivery device includes a plurality of attachment locations. Each of the attachment locations is releasably secured to separate positions surrounding a periphery of the open upper end of the jacket. The delivery device also includes a control arrangement which is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The control arrangement is connected to the attachment locations such that the attachment locations are in a compact array urging the open upper end of the jacket into a collapsed configuration when the control member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint jacket is formed of flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end. The jacket is dimensioned for an apex of a patient's heart to be inserted into the volume through the open upper end and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. A delivery device is used to place the jacket on the heart. The delivery device includes a plurality of attachment locations. Each of the attachment locations is releasably secured to separate positions surrounding a periphery of the open upper end of the jacket. The delivery device also includes a control arrangement which is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The control arrangement is connected to the attachment locations such that the attachment locations are in a compact array urging the open upper end of the jacket into a collapsed configuration when the control member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for tightening a cardiac support device includes forming offsets in excess material in the cardiac support device and inserting a fastener through the offsets. A device for tightening a cardiac support device includes first and second clamp members moveable into and out of mateable engagement. Each of the first and second clamp members includes offset-forming structure.

Abstract: A surgical tool for measuring a heart that includes a first and second handle member having proximal and distal ends and internal passageways that run lengthwise from the proximal end to the distal end, a flexible member that is cylindrically shaped with a marked proximal end that is larger in diameter than the unmarked distal end, a hinged region with a connection receiving portion on the first handle member and a connection portion on the second handle member, wherein the distal end of the flexible member passes through the internal passageway of the first handle member from the proximal end of the first handle member to the distal end of the first handle member, extends out, then enters into the distal end of the second handle member, passes through the internal passageway of the second handle member from the proximal end to the distal end of the second handle member.

Abstract: This invention is an electrical stimulation apparatus for delivering an electrical field over a predetermined period of time to a targeted body tissue in order to stimulate a cell initiated angiogenic response in living cells within the targeted body tissue. The electrical stimulation apparatus includes an electrical field generating unit including a power support, a control mechanism interconnected with the power supply, and a plurality of electrodes designed to generate an electrical field proximate to the targeted body tissue. The amplitude of the electrical field delivered to or generated proximate to the targeted body tissue, and the duration of the period of delivery is sufficient to stimulate angiogenesis in the targeted body tissue.

Abstract: A surgical tool for measuring a heart that includes two handle members, and a flexible member. The handle members are configured with internal passageways to allow the flexible members to pass through the handle members. The flexible member or the first handle member are configured to anchor the flexible member in a first handle member. This can either be accomplished by configuring the flexible member with an enlarged portion on one end or by configuring the flexible member in concert with the first handle member to anchor the elongate flexible member within an expanded region of the first handle member. The handle members can be configured for the construction of a hinged region that is easily hinged and unhinged.

Abstract: A laser catheter for the treatment of lesions and plaque deposits in arteries and other narrow paths having a radiation assembly affixed to a flexible conduit. The conduit generally includes multiple lumens for the passage of an optical fiber, a guide wire, a cooling medium therethrough, or fluid for inflating an angioplasty balloon. The radiation assembly is of short longitudinal profile and includes a generally spherical laser contact member retained within a housing, the latter affixed to the flexible conduit. The radiation assembly provides a dual-mode ablation/melting treatment regime. A longitudinal channel is provided through and along one side of the contact member thereby to permit guide wire positioning of the laser catheter while routing the guide wire away from the laser energy to avoid damage thereto. A balloon, in fluid communication with a catheter lumen, may be positioned rearwardly of the radiation assembly for secondary balloon angioplasty operations.

Abstract: A catheter for removing vascular obstruction(s) is disclosed. The catheter employs a configuration comprising generally coaxial, rapidly rotatable drive cable, fluid output lumens or channels, and fluid input lumens or channels. The drive cable is fixedly coupled to an elongate head so as to permit the head to be rapidly rotated by the drive cable. The head includes flats or impellers which, when rapidly rotated, generate a zone of turbulence or a vortex adjacent the vascular obstruction. The turbulence generated by the device tends to break up or dismantle the obstruction. The fluid input and output mechanisms permit fluid to be delivered to the vicinity of the obstruction and debris from the obstruction to be removed.In a preferred practice, a catheter of the invention is hollow, permitting it to be slid over a guide wire which has been steered to the site of the vascular obstruction.