Abstract: A right ventricular assist device for assisting the circulation of the blood includes a smooth segmented polyurethane sac having a single valveless passageway to provide a single inlet and outlet. A rigid ellipsoidal shell surrounds the sac and has a first opening for the single valveless passageway and a second opening for pressurizing an interior portion of the shell. A flexible diaphragm extends across the interior of the shell and divides the interior into two unequal volumes; the sac and first opening in a first and larger volume, and a second opening and a pressurizing chamber in a second and smaller volume. The diaphragm is angled and dimensioned to expel up to 90% of the blood present in the sac by pressure supplied through the second opening. A vascular graft is attached between the valveless passageway and a pulmonary artery. Alternately, the sac may be formed with an elongate neck which is reinforced with a dacron graft anastomosed to the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve constructed of hemo-compatible materials that is anatomically and functionally similar to the natural aortic valve is disclosed which reduces or eliminates the occurrence of many of the complications found in the use of prior art prosthetic valves. The heart valve is a trileaflet type which has its formed leaflets heat set in a partially open position to reduce pressure required to open the leaflets in response to blood flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A blood contacting layer and a blood contacting interface consisting of a solvent cast polyurethane alloyed with a filler-free silicone rubber. In the above, the alloy interface comprises an interpenetrating polymer network consisting of polyurethane and filler-free silicone rubber at the molecular level. The process or method of making the layer consists of preheating a metal mold such as an aluminum mold and filling it with a wax. After the wax form is removed, polished and cleaned, it is dipped first in a filler-free silicone rubber which is cured. It is then dipped in segmented polyurethane with curing of 150.degree. F. for about one hour to evaporate the polyurethane solvent. Multiple dips are utilized up to 5 or 7 for implementing the polyurethane. The form containing both silicone rubber and polyurethane is finally cured for a day or 24 hours at about 150.degree. F. and the wax form is removed.

Abstract: A blood pump for implant or paracorporeal use having a rigid case with inlet and outlet valves defining a pumping cavity; an integral thin walled flexible sac freely confined within a pumping cavity; and a flexible diaphragm within the cavity conforming to the shape of the adjacent side of the sac. The case includes a control ring projecting into the cavity between the diaphragm and sac. The diaphragm is moved between diastolic and systolic positions to pump blood through the valves. During pumping, the ring distributes flexing of the diaphragm over an increased area while also preventing the interior walls of the sac from contacting each other. The outlet port and the portion of the sac immediately surrounding the outlet port are less flexible than the remainder of the sac away from the port and the portion of the diaphragm overlying the outlet port is less flexible than the remainder of the diaphragm.