Abstract: The present invention provides delivery systems for and methods of delivering conduction protein genetic material to cardiac cells in localized areas of the heart to improve the conductance therein. More specifically, there is provided a system and method for delivering connexin proteins or nucleic acid molecules encoding connexin proteins to a site in the heart which has been determined by mapping procedures to have a conduction disturbance. For cases where conduction is impaired, selected genetic material is delivered to cells around the disturbance area, in order to enhance overall conductivity patterns; in other cases, genetic material is selected to slow conduction in affected areas, so as to prevent, e.g., brady-tachy syndrome.

Abstract: An environmentally sealed power distribution module is disclosed having a hybrid peripheral seal disposed around a power distribution panel and within an interface between a top housing and a base housing. The peripheral seal is comprised of a traditional o-ring type seal having an open segment and a gel pad type seal located within the open segment, thereby completing the peripheral seal. Plate-like power distribution bus bars are reliably sealed by the gel pad type seal as the bus bars exit the power distribution module. A sealed releasable cover is provided to access fuses and other electrical components of the power distribution module.

Abstract: An improved electrode for establishing electrical contact with a nerve of a patient. This electrical contact may be used to sense neural activity on the nerve or to artificially stimulate it to perform various medical treatments. One embodiment of the electrode has an outer cuff of an insulating material which is sutured around the nerve to be contacted. A drug impregnated layer of material is positioned inside of the outer cuff. This material is a polymeric matrix which permits the drug to leach out at a predetermined rate. The drug is preferably a glucocortico steroid such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate. The actual electrical contact is produced by metallic foil which is positioned on the surface of the drug impregnated layer of material which is located inside of the cuff. A second embodiment employs a half cuff which is held in contact with the nerve tissue by being sutured to muscle tissue. The insulative substrate of the half cuff is a drug impregnated polymeric matrix.

Abstract: An improved electrode for establishing electrical contact with a nerve of a patient. This electrical contact may be used to sense neural activity on the nerve or to artificially stimulate it to perform various medical treatments. The electrode has an outer cuff of an insulating material which is sutured around the nerve to be contacted. A drug impregnated layer of material is positioned inside of the outer cuff. This material is a polymeric matrix which permits the drug to leach out at a predetermined rate. The drug is a steroid such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate. The actual electrical contact is produced by metallic foil which is positioned on the surface of the drug impregnated layer of material which is located inside of the cuff. An insulated lead electrically couples the metallic foil to an electronic circuit located remote from the nerve. The leaching out of the drug serves to control irritation, swelling, and impedance of the nerve/electrode interface.