Abstract: Endoglin has been identified to play a functional role as a regulator of TGF?1 signaling, particular in TGF?1-mediated calcineurin expression. The present invention features methods of reducing cardiac damage, particularly in a subject undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity. The present invention also features methods of treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, organ transplantation, and conditions association with oxidative stress related to TGF?1-mediated calcineurin expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity. The present invention also features methods of treating fibrotic diseases by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for arresting or reversing the effects of myocardial remodeling and degeneration after cardiac injury, without the potential drawbacks associated with previously existing systems and methods, by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava over multiple cardiac cycles, and more preferably, by adjusting the interval or degree of occlusion responsive to a sensed level of patient activity. In some embodiments, a controller is provided that actuates a drive mechanism responsive to a sensed level of patient activity to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, while a data transfer circuit of the controller provides bi-directional transfer of physiologic data to the patient's smartphone or tablet to permit display and review of such data.

Abstract: We provide herein a method of preventing or limiting the effects of heart failure in a human patient that has sustained myocardial infarction by reducing maladaptive cardiac remodeling in the patient. The method comprises percutaneously inserting a transvalvular blood pump, comprising a rotor and a cannula, into the patient's vasculature and positioning the cannula across the aortic valve of the patient's heart, with a distal end of the cannula located in the left ventricle of the heart and a proximal end of the pump located in the aorta. The method then comprises, prior to reperfusing the heart, operating the positioned pump to unload the left ventricle at a pumping rate of at least 2.5 L/min of blood flow for a support period between at least 30 minutes and less than 60 minutes. Then, after the support period, the method comprises applying coronary reperfusion therapy to the heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for arresting or reversing the effects of myocardial remodeling and degeneration after cardiac injury, without the potential drawbacks associated with previously existing systems and methods, by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava over multiple cardiac cycles, and more preferably, by adjusting the interval or degree of occlusion responsive to a sensed level of patient activity. In some embodiments, a controller is provided that actuates a drive mechanism responsive to a sensed level of patient activity to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, while a data transfer circuit of the controller provides bi-directional transfer of physiologic data to the patient's smartphone or tablet to permit display and review of such data.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for treating conditions such as heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava for an interval spanning multiple cardiac cycles. A catheter with an occlusion device is provided along with a controller that actuates a drive mechanism to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, which reduces cardiac filling pressures, and induces a favorable shift in the patient's Frank-Starling curve towards healthy heart functionality and improved cardiac performance. The occlusion device may include a lumen obstructed by a relief valve that may permit fluid flow through the occlusion device to release an excessive build-up of pressure.

Abstract: Endoglin has been identified to play a functional role as a regulator of TGF?1 signaling, particular in TGF?1-mediated calcineurin expression. The present invention features methods of reducing cardiac damage, particularly in a subject undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity. The present invention also features methods of treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, organ transplantation, and conditions association with oxidative stress related to TGF?1-mediated calcineurin expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity. The present invention also features methods of treating fibrotic diseases by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for arresting or reversing the effects of myocardial remodeling and degeneration after cardiac injury, without the potential drawbacks associated with previously existing systems and methods, by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava over multiple cardiac cycles, and more preferably, by adjusting the interval or degree of occlusion responsive to a sensed level of patient activity. In some embodiments, a controller is provided that actuates a drive mechanism responsive to a sensed level of patient activity to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, while a data transfer circuit of the controller provides bi-directional transfer of physiologic data to the patient's smartphone or tablet to permit display and review of such data.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for arresting or reversing the effects of myocardial remodeling and degeneration after cardiac injury, without the potential drawbacks associated with previously existing systems and methods, by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava over multiple cardiac cycles, and more preferably, by adjusting the interval or degree of occlusion responsive to a sensed level of patient activity. In some embodiments, a controller is provided that actuates a drive mechanism responsive to a sensed level of patient activity to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, while a data transfer circuit of the controller provides bi-directional transfer of physiologic data to the patient's smartphone or tablet to permit display and review of such data.

Abstract: Endoglin has now been shown to be an important target of therapy to reduce disease symptoms associated with heart failure, particularly cardiac fibrosis. Soluble Endoglin is identified as an anatogonist to TGF?1 activity, while membrane-bound Endoglin is identified as a necessary component to promote TGF?1 activity in heart failure. The present invention therefore features methods and kits for treatment of subject having heart failure or a related disorder by administering a composition that decreases TGF?1 signaling through either direct inhibition of membrane-bound Endoglin or promoting expression of soluble Endoglin.

Abstract: Endoglin has been identified to play a functional role as a regulator of TGF?1 signaling, particular in TGF?1-mediated calcineurin expression. The present invention features methods of reducing cardiac damage, particularly in a subject undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity. The present invention also features methods of treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, organ transplantation, and conditions association with oxidative stress related to TGF?1-mediated calcineurin expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity. The present invention also features methods of treating fibrotic diseases by administering a composition that inhibits endoglin activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for arresting or reversing the effects of myocardial remodeling and degeneration after cardiac injury, without the potential drawbacks associated with previously existing systems and methods, by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava over multiple cardiac cycles, and more preferably, by adjusting the interval or degree of occlusion responsive to a sensed level of patient activity. In some embodiments, a controller is provided that actuates a drive mechanism responsive to a sensed level of patient activity to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, while a data transfer circuit of the controller provides bi-directional transfer of physiologic data to the patient's smartphone or tablet to permit display and review of such data.

Abstract: Endoglin has now been shown to be an important target of therapy to reduce disease symptoms associated with heart failure, particularly cardiac fibrosis. Soluble Endoglin is identified as an anatogonist to TGF?1 activity, while membrane-bound Endoglin is identified as a necessary component to promote TGF?1 activity in heart failure. The present invention therefore features methods and kits for treatment of subject having heart failure or a related disorder by administering a composition that decreases TGF?1 signaling through either direct inhibition of membrane-bound Endoglin or promoting expression of soluble Endoglin.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device includes a cannula that terminates in a flexible tip. The tip is generally Y-shaped and includes a proximal end that extends from the end of the cannula, and a bifurcated distal end opposed to the proximal end. The bifurcated distal end includes a first portion detached from a second portion, and the tip further includes a pair of through channels extending from the proximal end to the bifurcated distal end. The tip is configured so that one channel of the pair of channels extends through the first portion, and the other channel of the pair of channels extends through the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of diagnosing elevated left or right ventricular filling pressure and cardiovascular dysfunction in a subject by detecting increased levels of sEng in a biological sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of diagnosing blood vessel reocclusion in a subject by detecting increased levels of sFLT-1 in a biological sample from the subject.