Abstract: A blood pump system and methods for the use and operation of such a blood system is described, wherein the blood pump system includes an implantable pump and an implantable flow measurement device. A processing device receives indications of a number of pump parameters such as pump voltage, pump current and pump speed. Flow rate is determined based on the pump parameters, and this determined flow rate is compared to the actual flow rate as measured by the flow measurement device. In certain embodiments, the flow measurement device may be periodically energized to make the comparison, then powered off to reduce power consumption. The time period in which the flow measurement device is powered off is based on the difference between the determined and the actual flow rates.

Abstract: A blood pump system and methods for the use and operation of such a blood system is described, wherein the blood pump system includes an implantable pump and an implantable flow measurement device. A processing device receives indications of a number of pump parameters such as pump voltage, pump current and pump speed. Flow rate is determined based on the pump parameters, and this determined flow rate is compared to the actual flow rate as measured by the flow measurement device. In certain embodiments, the flow measurement device may be periodically energized to make the comparison, then powered off to reduce power consumption. The time period in which the flow measurement device is powered off is based on the difference between the determined and the actual flow rates.

Abstract: An insect repellant system includes a signal generator configured to receive a power input and provide first and second outputs. A first conductive element is connected to the first output and configured to electrically couple the first output to a subject to be protected. A second conductive element is connected to the second output and configured to electrically couple the second output to earth ground. The second conductive element is electrically isolated from the subject to be protected.

Abstract: A blood pump system and methods for the use and operation of such a blood system is described, wherein the blood pump system includes an implantable pump and an implantable flow measurement device. A processing device receives indications of a number of pump parameters such as pump voltage, pump current and pump speed. Flow rate is determined based on the pump parameters, and this determined flow rate is compared to the actual flow rate as measured by the flow measurement device. In certain embodiments, the flow measurement device may be periodically energized to make the comparison, then powered off to reduce power consumption. The time period in which the flow measurement device is powered off is based on the difference between the determined and the actual flow rates.

Abstract: A physiologic control method and system for an implantable blood pump includes operating the pump at a predetermined speed and monitoring the patient's diastolic pump flow rate. The predetermined speed is varied in response to the diastolic pump flow rate. The pump speed may further be adjusted in response to the patient's heart rate. The speed may be increased and decreased in response to corresponding changes in the diastolic pump flow rate, and increased in response to an increase in heart rate.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a blood pump having a motor with a rotor and a stator. The stator has a plurality of stator windings situated therein. A motor controller is coupled to the motor, and a processor has inputs coupled to the motor controller for receiving a time continuous signal from the pump. The processor is programmed to transform the time continuous signal to the frequency domain, and control the pump and detect excess suction in response to the time continuous signal in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A blood pump system and methods for the use and operation of such a blood system is described, wherein the blood pump system includes an implantable pump and an implantable flow measurement device. A processing device receives indications of a number of pump parameters such as pump voltage, pump current and pump speed. Flow rate is determined based on the pump parameters, and this determined flow rate is compared to the actual flow rate as measured by the flow measurement device. In certain embodiments, the flow measurement device may be periodically energized to make the comparison, then powered off to reduce power consumption. The time period in which the flow measurement device is powered off is based on the difference between the determined and the actual flow rates.

Abstract: A pump control system includes a controller module for controlling a pump, such as an implantable blood pump. A remote monitor is adapted to communicate with the controller module via a wireless communications medium, such as a low-power radio s frequency link. The remote monitor provides a user interface similar or identical to the controller module, providing a user the ability to remotely monitor the pump's performance and to respond to alarms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a signal analyzer that can receive a signal generated by an external system. The signal has a plurality of frequency components. The signal analyzer generates a suppressed phasor domain representation of the signal by selectively removing at least one component for use as a reference. The signal analyzer then displays the suppressed phasor domain representation of the signal. In one embodiment, the signal analyzer removes the component of greatest magnitude. The signal analyzer can also (or alternatively) remove a user selected component. In addition to the suppressed phasor domain, the signal analyzer can simultaneously display the frequency domain, the time domain, the numerical domain, and/or the modulation domain.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a blood pump having a motor with a rotor and a stator. The stator has a plurality of stator windings situated therein. A motor controller is coupled to the motor, and a processor has inputs coupled to the motor controller for receiving a time continuous signal from the pump. The processor is programmed to transform the time continuous signal to the frequency domain, and control the pump and detect excess suction in response to the time continuous signal in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a blood pump having a motor with a rotor and a stator. The stator has a plurality of stator windings situated therein. A motor controller is coupled to the motor, and a processor has inputs coupled to the motor controller for receiving a time continuous signal from the pump. The processor is programmed to transform the time continuous signal to the frequency domain, and control the pump and detect excess suction in response to the time continuous signal in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A pump system includes an implantable pump including a motor having a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a plurality of stator windings, and a motor controller is coupled to the motor to energize the windings so as cause the rotor to turn. A time-based system parameter of the pump is sampled and the system parameter is analyzed to calculate a suction probability index that provides an indication of the imminence of ventricle collapse.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a blood pump having a motor with a rotor and a stator. The stator has a plurality of stator windings situated therein. A motor controller is coupled to the motor, and a processor has inputs coupled to the motor controller for receiving a time continuous signal from the pump. The processor is programmed to transform the time continuous signal to the frequency domain, and control the pump and detect excess suction in response to the time continuous signal in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A controller module for an implantable pump system which has a pump motor includes a processor, a motor controller electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to power the pump motor such that the pump motor operates at a desired speed. The motor controller outputs digital representations of the pump motor operating parameters to the processor. A first memory device is coupled to the processor for storing the digital signals representing the pump motor operating parameters. The controller module further includes a user interface. The controller module may be coupled to a data acquisition system, which provides power and exchanges data with the controller module. The controller module may alternately be coupled to a home support system which provides power for the controller module and storage for system components.

Abstract: A controller module for an implantable pump system which has a pump motor includes a processor, a motor controller electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to power the pump motor such that the pump motor operates at a desired speed. The motor controller outputs digital representations of the pump motor operating parameters to the processor. A first memory device is coupled to the processor for storing the digital signals representing the pump motor operating parameters. The controller module further includes a user interface. The controller module may be coupled to a data acquisition system, which provides power and exchanges data with the controller module. The controller module may alternately be coupled to a home support system which provides power for the controller module and storage for system components.

Abstract: A controller module for an implantable pump system which has a pump motor includes a processor, a motor controller electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to power the pump motor such that the pump motor operates at a desired speed. The motor controller outputs digital representations of the pump motor operating parameters to the processor. A first memory device is coupled to the processor for storing the digital signals representing the pump motor operating parameters. The controller module further includes a user interface. The controller module may be coupled to a data acquisition system, which provides power and exchanges data with the controller module. The controller module may alternately be coupled to a home support system which provides power for the controller module and storage for system components.

Abstract: A controller module for an implantable pump system which has a pump motor includes a processor, a motor controller electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to power the pump motor such that the pump motor operates at a desired speed. The motor controller outputs digital representations of the pump motor operating parameters to the processor. A first memory device is coupled to the processor for storing the digital signals representing the pump motor operating parameters. The controller module further includes a user interface. The controller module may be coupled to a data acquisition system, which provides power and exchanges data with the controller module. The controller module may alternately be coupled to a home support system which provides power for the controller module and storage for system components.

Abstract: A controller module for an implantable pump system which has a pump motor includes a processor, a motor controller electrically coupled to the processor and adapted to power the pump motor such that the pump motor operates at a desired speed. The motor controller outputs digital representations of the pump motor operating parameters to the processor. A first memory device is coupled to the processor for storing the digital signals representing the pump motor operating parameters. The controller module further includes a user interface. The controller module may be coupled to a data acquisition system, which provides power and exchanges data with the controller module. The controller module may alternately be coupled to a home support system which provides power for the controller module and storage for system components.