Abstract: An accessory for changing the timbre of a stringed instrument is provided, comprising a body having a vertical opening and a horizontal slot formed in the bottom surface from one edge into the vertical opening; an adjustment rod within the horizontal slot; and a dampener within the vertical opening associated with at least one string of the stringed instrument to which the accessory is attached. The adjustment rod has an upwardly angled inner end within the vertical opening in the body. The dampener comprises a dampener body; a soft fabric covering a top surface; and a bottom surface having a horizontal groove with a downwardly angled top surface matching the angle of the angle of the adjustment rod. Moving the adjustment rod inwardly moves the dampener upward and applies pressure to the string; moving the adjustment rod outwardly moves the dampener downward and reduces the pressure on the string.

Abstract: An accessory for changing the timbre of a stringed instrument is provided, comprising a body having a vertical opening and a horizontal slot formed in the bottom surface from one edge into the vertical opening; an adjustment rod within the horizontal slot; and a dampener within the vertical opening associated with at least one string of the stringed instrument to which the accessory is attached. The adjustment rod has an upwardly angled inner end within the vertical opening in the body. The dampener comprises a dampener body; a soft fabric covering a top surface; and a bottom surface having a horizontal groove with a downwardly angled top surface matching the angle of the angle of the adjustment rod. Moving the adjustment rod inwardly moves the dampener upward and applies pressure to the string; moving the adjustment rod outwardly moves the dampener downward and reduces the pressure on the string.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for treatment or prevention of post operative organ or tissue inflammation are provided. The compositions contain an effective amount for local delivery, of an anti-inflammatory agent, alone or in combination with other pharmacologic agents, embedded within a polymeric matrix or gel. The polymeric matrix or gel may be a formed from natural or synthetic precursor components. The compositions are applied locally to an organ or tissue for the treatment or prevention of post inflammation resulting from surgical intervention.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulation system and method delivers a left ventricle stimulator from a right ventricle lead system in the right ventricle chamber, into a right side of an interventricular septum at a first location, and transmuscularly from the first location to a second location along the left side of the septum. The left ventricle stimulator is affixed at the second location for transmuscular stimulation of the left ventricle conduction system. A biventricular stimulation system further includes a right ventricle stimulator also delivered by the right ventricle lead system to the first location along the right side of the septum for right ventricular stimulation. An energy source is coupled to the transmuscular stimulation system, i.e., a pacemaker, and/or defibrillator, or to enhance contractility, and may be coupled directly or via “leadless” system(s). Various highly beneficial particular arrangements of stimulators and leads are further described.

Abstract: A tissue hyperthermia system and method improves temperature monitoring and control along an energy emitter such as an RF electrode. A two-phase heat transfer system includes a material within an enclosed vessel that is thermally coupled to the electrode. Energizing the electrode to an operating condition emits energy into tissue and heats at least to a threshold temperature wherein the material undergoes a phase transformation within the vessel between a liquid phase and a vapor phase. The phase change assists in cooling, monitoring, and control of emitter temperature. Algorithms estimate maximum temperature either at the emitter or in tissue adjacent the emitter based on monitored parameters at the vessel. Multivariate algorithms use simultaneous power and temperature readings to estimate actual regional temperature, including electrode or tissue hot-spot temperature. A multivariate algorithm is based in particular upon time-dependent aspects of a pulsed RF operating mode.

Abstract: A mitral annuloplasty and left ventricle restriction device is designed to be transvenously advanced and deployed within the coronary sinus and in some embodiments other coronary veins The device places tension on adjacent structures, reducing the diameter and/or limiting expansion of the mitral annulus and/or limiting diastolic expansion of the left ventricle. These effects may be beneficial for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.