Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of controlling a plurality of treatment dosages for Hepatitis C includes: setting a first dosage level to cause a viral load of a subject user to reduce at a rate over time; determining, after setting the first dosage level, if the rate of the viral load reduction changes over time by a first threshold; setting a second dosage level in response to determining that the rate of the viral load reduction changes by the first threshold; determining, after setting the second dosage level, if the rate of the viral load reduction changes over time by a second threshold; setting a third dosage level in response to determining that the rate of the viral load reduction changes by the second threshold; and maintaining the second dosage level in response to determining that the rate of the viral load reduction has not changed by the second threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for varying a parameter in an implantable medical device that includes a plurality of electrodes stimulating heart tissue and sensing cardiac signals, a timing and control device controlling the stimulation of heart tissue by the plurality of electrodes and measuring intervals between the sensed cardiac signals, a storage device storing the measured intervals, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines heart rate variability in response to the stored intervals, compares the determined heart rate variability to a predetermined target rate profile, adjusts the parameter from a first setting to a second setting different from the first setting in response to the comparing of the determined heart rate variability and the predetermined target rate profile, and adjusts the parameter from the second setting to a termination setting in response to a termination event or expiration of a first predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for varying a parameter in an implantable medical device that includes a plurality of electrodes stimulating heart tissue and sensing cardiac signals, a timing and control device controlling the stimulation of heart tissue by the plurality of electrodes and measuring intervals between the sensed cardiac signals, a storage device storing the measured intervals, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines heart rate variability in response to the stored intervals, compares the determined heart rate variability to a predetermined target rate profile, adjusts the parameter from a first setting to a second setting different from the first setting in response to the comparing of the determined heart rate variability and the predetermined target rate profile, and adjusts the parameter from the second setting to a termination setting in response to a termination event or expiration of a first predetermined time period.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen having a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of metal elements joined to allow flexing of the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis of the body whereby the stent can conform to a curved body lumen and a polymeric film extending between the metal elements of the stent. The stent provides a biocompatible polymeric surface to contact and support a body lumen and also a flexible structure to allow the stent to conform closely to bends in a body lumen. The stent is especially useful for repairing an injury to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A method for making a radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen having a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of metal elements joined to allow flexing of the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis of the body whereby the stent can conform to a curved body lumen and a polymeric film applied to the cylindrical body such that it extends between the metal elements of the stent. Therapeutic substances may be incorporated within the applied film. The stent provides a biocompatible polymeric surface to contact and support a body lumen and also a flexible structure to allow the stent to conform closely to bends in a body lumen. The stent is especially useful for repairing an injury to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen having a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of metal elements joined to allow flexing of the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis of the body whereby the stent can conform to a curved body lumen and a polymeric film extending between the metal elements of the stent. The stent provides a biocompatible polymeric surface to contact and support a body lumen and also a flexible structure to allow the stent to conform closely to bends in a body lumen. The stent is especially useful for repairing an injury to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen having a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends, the cylindrical body comprising a plurality of metal elements joined to allow flexing of the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis of the body whereby the stent can conform to a curved body lumen and a polymeric film extending between the metal elements of the stent. The stent provides a biocompatible polymeric surface to contact and support a body lumen and also a flexible structure to allow the stent to conform closely to bends in a body lumen. The stent is especially useful for repairing an injury to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.