Abstract: Intradermal delivery devices, systems and methods thereof for the administration of a natriuretic or chimeric peptide are described. The described delivery devices, systems and methods provide for the treatment of pathological conditions such as kidney disease alone, heart failure alone, concomitant kidney disease and heart failure, or cardiorenal syndrome by delivery of a natriuretic or chimeric peptide through a microneedle array using a delivery pump. The described delivery devices, systems and methods can provide for greater availability of a natriuretic or chimeric peptide and improved pharmacokinetics.

Abstract: A method for treating a vulnerable plaque associated with a blood vessel of a patient is disclosed. The method includes positioning an electrical lead adjacent a vulnerable plaque lesion, and then delivering at least one electrical pulse to the lesion.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting or suppressing cellular proliferation are disclosed that include delivering at least one antiproliferative agent into or proximate a cell. In certain embodiments, the antiproliferative agent(s) are hydrolysis products of a biodegradable polymer (e.g., a polyketal polymer).

Abstract: A method for treating a vulnerable plaque associated with a blood vessel of a patient is disclosed. The method includes positioning an electrical lead adjacent a vulnerable plaque lesion, and then delivering at least one electrical pulse to the lesion.

Abstract: An implantable system is provided that includes: a cell repopulation source comprising genetic material, undifferentiated and/or differentiated contractile cells, or a combination thereof capable of forming new contractile tissue in and/or near an infarct zone of a patient's myocardium; and an electrical stimulation device for electrically stimulating the new contractile tissue in and/or near the infarct zone of the patient's myocardium or otherwise damaged or diseased myocardial tissue.

Abstract: An implantable system is provided that includes: a cell repopulation source comprising genetic material, undifferentiated and/or differentiated contractile cells, or a combination thereof capable of forming new contractile tissue in and/or near an infarct zone of a patient's myocardium; and an electrical stimulation device for electrically stimulating the new contractile tissue in and/or near the infarct zone of the patient's myocardium or otherwise damaged or diseased myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A method for decreasing risk of ventricular tachycardia following myocardial infarction increases cell-to-cell coupling and/or excitability in the border zone of an infarcted region of myocardial tissue. Enhanced conduction to treat the border zone is carried out by genetically modifying myocytes in the border zone to form more gap junctions and/or sodium channels and/or calcium channels. Alternatively, enhanced conduction is carried out by incorporating cells into the border zone that form gap junctions with the myocytes and/or form sodium channels and/or form calcium channels.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDS) having anti-infective properties are described. Anti-infective agents are disposed in, on, or about at least a portion of a surface of the medical device. The anti-infective agents are disposed in or on a vehicle, which may be in the form of a coating layer or covering. The vehicle may be biodegradable so that, over time, the anti-infective agent is removed from a tissue location into which the device is implanted, reducing the likelihood that microorganisms resistant to the anti-infective agent will develop. IMDs having an anti-infective agent and an anti-activity agent disposed therein, thereabout, or thereon are also described. The anti-activity agent interferes with the activity of the anti-infective agent, may be released from a surface at the IMD at a time when activity of the anti-infective agent is no longer desired, and may reduce the likelihood that microorganisms resistant to the anti-infective agent will develop.

Abstract: An anti-infective covering for an implantable medical device is described. The covering may be a polymeric boot that comprises an anti-infective agent in an amount effective to prevent an infection when implanted in a pocket of a patient. The boot is configured to snuggly engage at least a portion of the implantable medical device. The boot may contain a side hole that allows a housing of the implantable medical device to serve as a return electrode. The boot may be placed about the implantable medical device to render the device anti-infective.

Abstract: An implantable system that includes a carrier and eukaryotic cells, which produce and release a therapeutic agent, and a stimulating element for stimulating the release of the therapeutic agent. The system can also include a sensing element for monitoring a physiological condition and triggering the stimulating element to stimulate the delivery device to release the therapeutic agent. Alternatively, the patient in which the system is implanted can activate the stimulating element to release the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel stimulatory device for the controlled production of angiogenic growth factors. More specifically, the present invention provides a subthreshold pulse generator for the local production of vascular endothelial growth factor.