Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing myocardial infarction, or lessening the size/severity of an evolving myocardial infarction, by cooling at least the affected area of the myocardium using an intravascular heat exchange catheter. The heat exchange catheter may be inserted into the vasculature (e.g., a vein) and advanced to a position wherein a heat exchanger on the catheter is located in or near the heart (e.g., within the vena cava near the patient's heart). Thereafter, the heat exchange catheter is used to cool the myocardium (or the entire body of the patient) to a temperature that effectively lessens the metabolic rate and/or oxygen consumption of the ischemic myocardial cells or otherwise protects the ischemic myocardium from undergoing irreversible damage or infarction.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: A method for treating acute coronary syndromes (i.e., unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI) or transient ischemic attacks in a human or animal patient by placing a heat exchange apparatus in the patient's vasculature and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool the patient to a temperature (e.g. 30-36 degrees C.) at which platelet inhibition (i.e., inhibition of platelet activation and/or aggregation and/or adhesion) occurs. Anti-shivering drugs or anesthesia may be administered to patients whose body temperature is cooled below that patient's shivering threshold (typically approximately 35.5 degrees C.). If it is determined that platelet inhibition is no longer desirable, such as when the patient is about to undergo a surgical or interventional procedure wherein bleeding could be problematic, the hypothermia-induced platelet inhibition may be rapidly reversed by using the intravascular heat exchange apparatus to re-warm the patient's body to normothermia or near normothermia.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing myocardial infarction, or lessening the size/severity of an evolving myocardial infarction, by cooling at least the affected area of the myocardium using an intravascular heat exchange catheter. The heat exchange catheter may be inserted into the vasculature (e.g., a vein) and advanced to a position wherein a heat exchanger on the catheter is located in or near the heart (e.g., within the vena cava near the patient's heart). Thereafter, the heat exchange catheter is used to cool the myocardium (or the entire body of the patient) to a temperature that effectively lessens the metabolic rate and/or oxygen consumption of the ischemic myocardial cells or otherwise protects the ischemic myocardium from undergoing irreversible damage or infarction.

Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A method for treating acute coronary syndromes (i.e., unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI) or transient ischemic attacks in a human or animal patient by placing a heat exchange apparatus in the patient=s vasculature and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool the patient to a temperature (e.g. 30-36_C) at which platelet inhibition (i.e., inhibition of platelet activation and/or aggregation and/or adhesion) occurs. Anti-shivering drugs or anesthesia may be administered to patients whose body temperature is cooled below that patient=s shivering threshold (typically approximately 35.5 C). If it is determined that platelet inhibition is no longer desirable, such as when the patient is about to undergo a surgical or interventional procedure wherein bleeding could be problematic, the hypothermia-induced platelet inhibition may be rapidly reversed by using the intravascular heat exchange apparatus to re-warm the patient=s body to normothermia or near normothermia.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods for intravascular heating and/or cooling of human or veterinary patients. The catheter devices generally comprise catheters having inflow and outflow lumens and at least one curvilinear balloon connected to the inflow and outflow lumens such that heat exchange fluid may be circulated through the balloon(s). The catheter is inserted into the vasculature and heated or cooled fluid is circulated through the balloon(s) to heat or cool blood flowing in heat-exchange proximity to the balloon(s), thereby effecting heating or cooling of all or a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheter systems and methods for preparing and using such systems wherein a reservoir or fluid bag is connected to the catheter system and used for at least priming of the system with a heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheter systems and methods for preparing and using such systems wherein a reservoir or fluid bag is connected to the catheter system and used for at least priming of the system with a heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders characterized by low cardiac output. The devices, systems and methods use intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in combination with hypothermia of all or a portion of a human or veterinary patient's body to improve coronary perfusion and cardiac output. To effect the hypothermia, a heat exchange catheter may be positioned in the a patient's vasculature separately from the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation catheter. Alternatively, a combination Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation/heat exchange catheter may be utilized. Such combination catheter comprises a) a catheter sized for insertion into the aorta, b) a counterpulsation balloon and c) a heat exchanger. A drive/control system receives temperature and electrocardiograph signals and drives the inflation/deflation of the counterpulsation balloon as well as the heating/cooling of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and 15? cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.