Abstract: This invention is an air block for industrial, medical, and non-medical uses. For example, the air block is connected to the proximal end of a vascular access catheter. The air block is either removably connected to the proximal end of the catheter or it is integral to the proximal end of the catheter. The air block permits introduction of other catheters or instrumentation through its central lumen and on into a lumen of the catheter while minimizing fluid loss or gain into the catheter. The air block further prevents air from entering the catheter and provides for removal of the air or other gas from the central lumen before it can enter the catheter where it could cause harm to the patient. The air block can be attached to various standard proximal catheter terminations including Luer fittings and hemostasis valve outer barrels.

Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac shock strength, for example the programmed first-therapeutic shock strength of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including the steps of sensing a change in a T-wave of an electrogram with respect to time such as the maximum of the first derivative of a T-wave of an electrogram; delivering a test shock by (i) delivering a test shock at a test-shock strength and at a test-shock time relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave with respect to time; and (ii) sensing for cardiac fibrillation. If fibrillation is not sensed, test-shock delivery is repeated at the same test-shock strength and at specific, different test-shock times relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave. If fibrillation is still not sensed, the shock strength is decreased and test shocks are repeated at the same specific test shock times relative to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems for treating a cardiac arrhythmia in a mammal by administering gated or pulsed radiofrequency current or other ablative energy to the mammal during one or more time periods of increased coronary blood flow. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise, without limitation, the gated or pulsed administration of radiofrequency current in association with the formation of the dicrotic notch in the arterial blood pressure curve of the mammal. In accordance with the invention, the thermal effects of ablative energy application on the coronary artery are avoided or mitigated due to rapid coronary blood flow resulting in heat loss and minimization of damage to blood vessels.

Abstract: This invention is an air block for industrial, medical, and non-medical uses. For example, the air block is connected to the proximal end of a vascular access catheter. The air block is either removably connected to the proximal end of the catheter or it is integral to the proximal end of the catheter. The air block permits introduction of other catheters or instrumentation through its central lumen and on into a lumen of the catheter while minimizing fluid loss or gain into the catheter. The air block further prevents air from entering the catheter and provides for removal of the air or other gas from the central lumen before it can enter the catheter where it could cause harm to the patient. The air block can be attached to various standard proximal catheter terminations including Luer fittings and hemostasis valve outer barrels.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for preventing injury to a target tissue in proximity to the heart. The methods may include the use a device to externally manipulate the heart to move a portion of the heart away from the target tissue. The methods may also include applying therapy to the heart with the device.

Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac shock strength, for example the programmed first-therapeutic shock strength of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including the steps of sensing a change in a T-wave of an electrogram with respect to time such as the maximum of the first derivative of a T-wave of an electrogram; delivering a test shock by (i) delivering a test shock at a test-shock strength and at a test-shock time relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave with respect to time; and (ii) sensing for cardiac fibrillation. If fibrillation is not sensed, test-shock delivery is repeated at the same test-shock strength and at specific, different test-shock times relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave. If fibrillation is still not sensed, the shock strength is decreased and test shocks are repeated at the same specific test shock times relative to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave.

Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac shock strength, for example the programmed first-therapeutic shock strength of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including the steps of sensing a change in a T-wave of an electrogram with respect to time such as the maximum of the first derivative of a T-wave of an electrogram; delivering a test shock by (i) delivering a test shock at a test-shock strength and at a test-shock time relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave with respect to time; and (ii) sensing for cardiac fibrillation. If fibrillation is not sensed, test-shock delivery is repeated at the same test-shock strength and at specific, different test-shock times relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave. If fibrillation is still not sensed, the shock strength is decreased and test shocks are repeated at the same specific test shock times relative to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems for treating a cardiac arrhythmia in a mammal by administering gated or pulsed radiofrequency current or other ablative energy to the mammal during one or more time periods of increased coronary blood flow. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise, without limitation, the gated or pulsed administration of radiofrequency current in association with the formation of the dicrotic notch in the arterial blood pressure curve of the mammal. In accordance with the invention, the thermal effects of ablative energy application on the coronary artery are avoided or mitigated due to rapid coronary blood flow resulting in heat loss and minimization of damage to blood vessels.

Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac shock strength, for example the programmed first-therapeutic shock strength of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including the steps of sensing a change in a T-wave of an electrogram with respect to time such as the maximum of the first derivative of a T-wave of an electrogram; delivering a test shock by (i) delivering a test shock at a test-shock strength and at a test-shock time relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave with respect to time; and (ii) sensing for cardiac fibrillation. If fibrillation is not sensed, test-shock delivery is repeated at the same test-shock strength and at specific, different test-shock times relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave. If fibrillation is still not sensed, the shock strength is decreased and test shocks are repeated at the same specific test shock times relative to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave.

Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac shock strength, for example the programmed first-therapeutic shock strength of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including the steps of sensing a change in a T-wave of an electrogram with respect to time such as the maximum of the first derivative of a T-wave of an electrogram; delivering a test shock by (i) delivering a test shock at a test-shock strength and at a test-shock time relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave with respect to time; and (ii) sensing for cardiac fibrillation. If fibrillation is not sensed, test-shock delivery is repeated at the same test-shock strength and at specific, different test-shock times relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave. If fibrillation is still not sensed, the shock strength is decreased and test shocks are repeated at the same specific test shock times relative to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave.

Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac shock strength, for example the programmed first-therapeutic shock strength of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including the steps of sensing a change in a T-wave of an electrogram with respect to time such as the maximum of the first derivative of a T-wave of an electrogram; delivering a test shock by (i) delivering a test shock at a test-shock strength and at a test-shock time relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave with respect to time; and (ii) sensing for cardiac fibrillation. If fibrillation is not sensed, test-shock delivery is repeated at the same test-shock strength and at specific, different test-shock times relating to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave. If fibrillation is still not sensed, the shock strength is decreased and test shocks are repeated at the same specific test shock times relative to the maximum of the first derivative of the T-wave.