Abstract: An intra-body communication system for monitoring physiological changes in a patient is provided. The system can include a first device implanted into a patient's body; a second device spaced apart from the first device; and a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient. The first device and second device are capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of one or more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device. In one embodiment, the signal may be an optical signal.

Abstract: An intra-body communication system for monitoring physiological changes in a patient is provided. The system can include a first device implanted into a patient's body; a second device spaced apart from the first device; and a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient. The first device and second device are capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of one or more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device. In one embodiment, the signal may be an optical signal.

Abstract: A wearable device for monitoring physiological changes in a patient is provided. The device can include a housing adapted to being secured to a patient's body, the housing comprising a needle configured for fluid contact with a bodily fluid under a skin surface; a chamber having a cell layer and configured to monitor physiological changes in the bodily fluid and to generate one or more signals associated with the physiological changes; and a reader for detecting and/or decoding signals from the cell layer to monitor physiological changes in the patient. The device is capable of engaging in a two-way communication with a second device through transmission of one or more signals.

Abstract: An implantable device for monitoring physiological changes in a patient is provided. The device can include a vessel adapted to being implanted within a patient's body; a chamber having a cell layer and capable of being secured to the vessel; a light source for shining light onto the cell layer; and a reader for detecting and/or decoding signals from the cell layer to monitor physiological changes in the patient. The device is capable of engaging in a two-way communication with a second device through transmission of one or more electromagnetic signals through at least a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: An intra-body communication system for monitoring physiological changes in a patient is provided. The system can include a first device implanted into a patient's body; a second device spaced apart from the first device; and a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient. The first device and second device are capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of one or more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device. In one embodiment, the signal may be an optical signal.

Abstract: A cardiac treatment system of the subject technology provides access across an interatrial septum of a patient. Such a treatment system can include a catheter having an ablation treatment device on an outer surface of a distal region thereof. A needle is provided at least partially within a lumen of the catheter. A control unit is operatively connected to the ablation treatment device for ablation of a portion of a septum by RF ablation. A distal end of a catheter is provided to the septum (e.g., at the fossa ovalis) of the patient while a distal tip of the needle is within the lumen and proximal to the distal end of the catheter. The distal tip of the needle punctures and crosses the septum, and a portion of the septum is ablated with an ablation treatment device aligned with the septum by guidance from the needle.

Abstract: A support apparatus for maintaining, storing, and transporting biological materials, such as cells. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the biologic materials may be integrated, to an electronic component to form a biological chip device, which may be supported, transported, and adapted for interconnection with other such, devices through, the use of a support apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the support apparatus can generate signals and/or translate signals received for processing and/or relaying to another device or module (e.g., another support apparatus). A plurality of biological chip devices and associated support apparatuses can be supported and linked in a network to perform various desired functions.

Abstract: An implantable device for monitoring physiological changes in an organism is disclosed. The device includes a matrix positioned proximate a biological material of the organism, an irradiation device associated with the matrix for exposing the biological material to radiation, and a sensor device associated with the matrix for detecting a response of the biological material to the irradiation. The response can be used to remotely detect a characteristic of the biological material.

Abstract: A support apparatus for maintaining, storing, and transporting biological materials, such as cells. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the biologic materials may be integrated to an electronic component to form a biological chip device, which may be supported, transported, and adapted for interconnection with other such devices through the use of a support apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the support apparatus can generate signals and/or translate signals received for processing and/or relaying to another device or module (e.g., another support apparatus). A plurality of biological chip devices and associated support apparatuses can be supported and linked in a network to perform various desired functions.

Abstract: A support apparatus for maintaining, storing, and transporting biological materials, such as cells. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the biologic materials may be integrated to an electronic component to form a biological chip device, which may be supported, transported, and adapted for interconnection with other such devices through the use of a support apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the support apparatus can generate signals and/or translate signals received for processing and/or relaying to another device or module (e.g., another support apparatus). A plurality of biological chip devices and associated support apparatuses can be supported and linked in a network to perform various desired functions.

Abstract: A biological chip device having a biologic materials component according to embodiments of the invention may provide the ability to sense levels of blood parameters (e.g., glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels) in a patient. In certain embodiments of the invention, a device may include therapeutic abilities in which a portion of the biologic materials component produces a drug to treat the underlying disease in response to measured or sensed blood parameter levels.

Abstract: An assembly that contains a device for the insertion of a temporary percutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator in contact with biological tissue of a biological organism. The assembly contains a conductor located on the periphery of the distal section of the assembly. The assembly is located in the vascular system of the biological organism, near the heart; it also contains a device for flowing electrical current through the conductor; and it also contains a cutaneous or subcutaneous electrode.