Abstract: A pacemaker includes apparatus and method for testing the integrity of an insulated pacemaker lead to detect lead degradation at an early stage and warn the user. An electronic switch is placed between two ends of an insulated pacemaker lead that couples a pacemaker housing to the heart of a pacemaker user. The pacemaker electronics circuit asserts a control signal to the switch, opening the switch and interrupting the continuity of the insulated pacemaker lead. After the switch interrupts continuity of the lead, an onboard lead integrity tester tests for insulation leakage of the insulated pacemaker leads by measuring a quality factor, Q, of the insulated lead.

Abstract: An insulating film in a container has pores whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of a first type of cells in the container. The first type of cells are trapped in the pores, so that when an electric field is applied to the container, electroporation of the first type of cells occurs. If a second type of cells, smaller than the first type of cells, are also trapped in the pores, electrofusion will occur between the first and second types of cells trapped in the same pores.

Abstract: An insulating film in a container has pores whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of a first type of cells in the container. The first type of cells are trapped in the pores, so that when an electric field is applied to the container, electroporation of the first type of cells occurs. If a second type of cells, smaller than the first type of cells, are also trapped in the pores, electrofusion will occur between the first and second types of cells trapped in the same pores.

Abstract: A retrograde coronary sinus perfusion device provides steady state blood flow to the coronary sinus and has a balloon set back from the catheter tip to block the coronary sinus during most of diastole to maximize retrograde perfusion. A global device seals the coronary sinus at the coronary sinus valve.