A free-space optical data transmission system, comprised of first and second transceivers spaced a substantial distance from each other having telescopes aimed at each other. The sensor comprises a high-voltage discharge electrode for generating airborne unipolar ions that charge the airborne particles in the airflow. The device can be used to resist dilatation of the heart, to provide acute wall support, or to enhance reduction in the size of the heart using stored potential energy, without interfering with systolic contraction. In one embodiment, information to identify andor illustrate one or more failures within a particular feature is collected and stored in persistent memory.