Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for modifying cardiac output of the heart of a subject, including one or more sensors which sense signals responsive to cardiac activity, and a stimulation probe including one or more stimulation electrodes which apply non-excitatory stimulation pulses to a cardiac muscle segment. Signal generation circuitry is coupled to the one or more sensors and the stimulation probe, which circuitry receives the signals from the one or more sensors and generates the non-excitatory stimulation pulses responsive to the signals.

Abstract: A probe (20) for insertion into the body of a subject, the probe (20) having distal (22) and proximal ends, and including an electronic microcircuit (90), which stores information relating to calibration of the probe (20). Preferably, the microcircuit (90) stores a calibration code, which is encrypted. Alternatively or additionally, the microcircuit (90) stores a usage code, which controls availability of the probe (20) to a user thereof. Preferably, the probe (20) includes access control circuitry (90) that allows the usage code to be changed so as to reduce the availability of the probe (20), but not to increase the availability thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a catheter (20) with a lumen (24) wherein the lumen is obstructed by a portion of the catheter (50). The catheter (20) includes a position detector (22) at the tip of the catheter (20).

Abstract: A method of excavating tissue in the body, including bringing a catheter (60) to a location, injecting microbubbles (84) at the location and causing cavitation of tissue (76) at the location using ultrasound. Preferably, the microbubbles (84) are injected directly into the tissue, such as by using a hollow needle (62). Alternatively, microbubbles (84) are injected into the vascular bed of the tissue at the location, so that the capillaries (86) are infused with microbubbles (84).

Abstract: An apparatus for the combined drug/electric-stimulation treatment of a cardiac muscle comprises circuitry (S) for creating a non-excitatory electric potential between at least two points (R1, R2) located in the vicinity of a muscle (H). A method for the combined drug/electric-stimulation treatment of a cardiac muscle, using the apparatus, involves controlling the start time, duration, and magnitude of the electric current flowing between said at least two points, to impart a desired change in cardiac muscle performance.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises circuitry for creating a non-excitor electric potential between at least two points located in the vicinity of a muscle. A method is provided which employs the apparatus for reducing the contraction force of a muscle.

Abstract: Verification apparatus (32), for verifying the location of an object (22) in a patient's body (20), the apparatus having learn and test modes and including a receiver (76), which receives signals from the object responsive to the location thereof. A parameter vector is derived from the signals. A memory (58) records a learn value of the parameter vector in the learn mode. A processor (54) receives a test value of the parameter vector in the test mode, and determines whether the test value is within a predetermined range of the learn values so as to verify the location of the object (22).

Abstract: Apparatus for generating magnetic fields, including a plurality of radiator coils (22, 24, 26) and driver circuitry (30, 32, 33) coupled thereto, which drives the coils so as to generate magnetic fields at a plurality of driving frequencies, wherein each of the plurality of radiator coils (22, 24, 26) generates a field substantially only at a single, respective driving frequency. Preferably circuitry is associated with at least one of the plurality of radiator coils (22, 24, 26) for substantially eliminating magnetic fields generated by the other coils.

Abstract: Implantable apparatus for measuring a fluid flow in the body of a subject, including a stent, having a generally cylindrical radial outer wall and a central lumen. A flow parameter sensor is fixed to the stent, and measures a parameter relating to a rate of blood flow through the stent. A transmitter transmits signals responsive to the measured parameter to a receiver outside the body.