Abstract: Minimally invasive deployable epicardial array devices are provided. The devices include deployable platform comprising two or more effectors, such as sensors and actuators, where the devices are configured to be deployed at an epicardial location via a minimally invasive, e.g., sub-xiphoid approach. In embodiments of the present invention, at least one area of the electrode patch is an electrical control area that comprises a series of effectors, e.g., sensors and/or electrodes. Other embodiments provide localized physical constraint and dynamic mechanical stimulation of the heart to effectuate physical and biological responses. Still other embodiments provide both of these functions. Also provided are methods of using the devices, as well as systems and kits that include the devices.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating an autoimmune disease in an animal comprising administering to the animal an antibody-DT mutant immunotoxin which routes by the anti-CD3 pathway, or derivatives thereof, under conditions such that the autoimmune disease is treated. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating T cell leukemias or lymphomas in an animal comprising administering to the animal an antibody-DT mutant immunotoxin which routes by the anti-CD3 pathway, or derivatives thereof, under conditions such that the T cell leukemias or lymphomas are treated.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for automatically optimizing CRT procedures using a multi-electrode pacing lead. During operation, the system performs a first set of iterations to select one or more satellites on one or more pacing leads inserted in a patient. A pacing lead includes a plurality of pacing satellites, and a pacing satellite includes a plurality of electrodes that can be individually addressed and used for transmitting or detecting electric signals. The system then performs a second set of iterations to select one or more electrodes on the selected satellites. The system further performs a third set of iterations to select one or more timing configurations for pacing signals transmitted through one or more of the selected electrodes.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating motion of a cardiac tissue location, e.g., heart wall, are provided. In the subject methods, timing of a signal obtain from a strain gauge stably associated with the tissue location of interest is employed to evaluate movement of the cardiac tissue location. Also provided are systems, devices and related compositions for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: Implantable addressable segmented electrode devices, as well as methods for making and using the same, are provided. The subject devices include segmented electrode structures made up of an integrated circuit electrically coupled to two or more electrodes, where each electrode can be individually activated. Also provided are implantable devices and systems, as well as kits containing such devices and systems or components thereof, which include the segmented electrode structures.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating motion of a tissue, such as of a cardiac location, e.g., heart wall, via continuous field tomography are provided. In the subject methods, a continuous field (e.g., an electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, or other field) sensing element is stably associated with the tissue location. A property of the applied continuous field is detected with the sensing element to evaluate movement of the tissue location. Also provided are systems, devices and related compositions for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter adapted for accessing small vessels in the distal anatomy is disclosed. The ultrasound catheter comprises an elongate tubular body formed with a delivery lumen. The flexibility and dimensions of the tubular body allow access to the distal anatomy by advancement over the guidewire. An ultrasound radiating member is provided along the distal end portion of the tubular body for emitting ultrasound energy at a treatment site. A drug solution may also be delivered through the delivery lumen and out an exit port to the treatment site.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to achieve vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion without causing substantial deep tissue heating.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to the thoracic cavity. The systems and methods make use of an ultrasound energy applicator comprising an ultrasound transducer carried by a housing to generate ultrasound energy at a prescribed fundamental therapeutic frequency laying within a range of fundamental therapeutic frequencies not exceeding about 500 kHz. An ultrasonic coupling region is carried by the housing. The coupling region is adapted, in use, to contact skin. The coupling region is also sized to transcutaneously conduct ultrasound energy in a diverging beam that substantially covers an entire heart. The applicator can also include an assembly worn on the thorax, which stabilizes placement of the housing on the thorax during transcutaneous conduction of ultrasound energy.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating motion of a tissue, such as of a cardiac location, e.g., heart wall, via continuous field tomography are provided. In the subject methods, a continuous field (e.g., an electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, or other field) sensing element is stably associated with the tissue location. A property of the applied continuous field is detected with the sensing element to evaluate movement of the tissue location. Also provided are systems, devices and related compositions for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy.

Abstract: Implantable connector arrangements are provided for allowing a plurality of electrode leads to be connected to an implantable device through a single port in the device. Also provided are leads that include the same, implantable pulse generators that include the leads, as well as systems and kits having components thereof, and methods of making and using the subject devices.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter adapted for accessing small vessels in the distal anatomy is disclosed. The ultrasound catheter comprises an elongate tubular body formed with a delivery lumen. The flexibility and dimensions of the tubular body allow access to the distal anatomy by advancement over the guidewire. An ultrasound radiating member is provided along the distal end portion of the tubular body for emitting ultrasound energy at a treatment site. A drug solution may also be delivered through the delivery lumen and out an exit port to the treatment site.

Abstract: Compounds having anti-androgenic activities are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods of using the compounds to prevent or treat androgen-dependent diseases or to provide nutraceutical benefits. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compositions containing the anti-androgenic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of highly selective cardiac tissue stimulation and devices for practicing the same, e.g., implantable segmented electrode devices, are provided. The methods and devices provide a previously unavailable high phrenic nerve capture voltage paired with a low pacing capture voltage threshold. The subject methods and devices provide a number of benefits. For example, patients who previously would have been required to have their resynchronization device turned off due to phrenic nerve capture will now be able to reap the benefits of resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer. In one arrangement, the ultrasound energy is delivered at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies. The systems and methods select from within the range an operating output frequency for the ultrasound transducer based upon preprogrammed selection rules. The systems and methods can deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the operating output frequency selected, to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function. In another arrangement, the systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near a first output power condition to perform a first function, as well as at or near a second output power condition that differs from the first output power condition to perform a second function that differs from the first function.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating motion of a tissue, such as of a cardiac location, e.g., heart wall, via electrical field tomography are provided. In the subject methods, an sensing element is stably associated with a tissue location of interest. Signals obtained from the sensing element are obtained to evaluate movement of the tissue location. Also provided are systems and devices for practicing the subject methods. In addition, innovative data displays and systems for producing the same are provided. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy. The systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at a set output frequency and at an output power level that remains essentially constant, despite variations in the impedance, based upon preprogrammed rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods monitor and enable the use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner. The systems and methods employ a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument, which comprises a memory field for recording a start date and time at an instance of first operation of the medical instrument. The systems and methods also employ a use monitoring controller, which is adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register. The use monitoring controller includes a start validation function that compares the start date and time to a present real date and time and provides a start validation output based upon the comparison. The use monitoring controller also includes an enablement function that enables operation of the medical instrument only if the start validation output meets prescribed criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply audible acoustic energy to cause vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion.