Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and a method for operating a cardiac assist pump, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a cardiac monitor comprising: a cardiac output sensor including an activity sensor and at least two of: a pulse oximeter; an electrocardiogram meter; and a blood pressure monitor; (2) receiving time-varying cardiovascular input data, from the cardiac output sensor, related to a transient hemodynamic state of a cardiovascular system; (3) receiving and operating on time-varying activity input data, from the activity sensor, to generate cardiovascular state information; (4) sensing activity with the activity sensor to generate a target cardiovascular state; (5) repeating both the steps of receiving and operating to update the transient cardiovascular state information and the step of sensing to update the target cardiovascular state; and (6) directing the cardiac assist pump to adjust assisted blood flow, yielding the updated transient cardiovascular state, toward the target cardiovascula

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for performing manometric measurements by way of medical devices of the pneumatic type, comprises a processing unit (10), and a pressure transducer (4), which is connected to the unit (10) and adapted to be fluid-dynamically connected to the pneumatic device (3). The processing unit (10) comprises: a setting module (11) configured for setting a reference parameter, which is a function of conformational and/or dimensional features of the device (3); and a measurement module (12) configured for processing the measurements made by the transducer (4), according to the reference parameters (a, b, c) which were set for calculating respective objective pressure values. The medical device (3) of the pneumatic type is fluid-dynamically connectable to a measurement apparatus (1), which is provided with an hollow and compressible active portion (30) and provided with an internal fluid-dynamic path adapted to put into communication the apparatus (1) with the cavity of the active portion (30).

Abstract: A blood flow assist system can include an impeller assembly including an impeller shaft and an impeller on the impeller shaft, a primary flow pathway disposed along an exterior surface of the impeller. The system can include a rotor assembly at a proximal portion of the impeller shaft. A secondary flow pathway can be disposed along a lumen of the impeller shaft. During operation of the blood flow assist system, blood can be pumped proximally along the primary flow pathway and the secondary flow pathway. The system can include a sleeve bearing distal the impeller. The system can include a drive unit having a distal end disposed distal a proximal end of the second impeller. The drive unit comprising a drive magnet and a drive bearing between the drive magnet and the impeller assembly.

Abstract: A control system for a cardiac assist device includes a sensor implantable in the body at the heart or at an implanted pump of the cardiac assist device, the sensor being for detecting motion of the pump within the body and hence being for monitoring movement of the pump, where the control system is arranged to, in use: receive signals from the sensor, the signals providing information on the movement of the pump; and to process the signals to monitor the pump speed and/or to identify pump malfunction and/or cardiac assist treatment complications.

Abstract: A method of determining a mean arterial pressure index of a patient having an implantable blood pump including determining a pump speed and a pump flow value; analyzing the pump speed and the pump flow value to a pump loss constant value; determining a graft hydraulic resistance value during a systolic phase of a cardiac cycle based on the analysis of the pump speed and the pump flow value to the pump loss constant value; determining a mean arterial pressure index during a diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle based on the determined graft hydraulic resistance value; comparing the mean arterial pressure index of the patient to a mean arterial pressure index range; and generating an alert when the mean arterial pressure index varies with respect to a mean arterial pressure index range.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) described herein, and methods for use therewith described herein, reduce how often an IMD accepts a false message and/or reduce adverse effects of an IMD accepting a false message. Such IMDs can be leadless pacemakers (LPs), or implantable cardio defibrillators (ICDs), but are not limited thereto. Such embodiments can be used help multiple IMDs (e.g., multiple LPs) implanted within a same patient maintain synchronous operation, such as synchronous multi-chamber pacing.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling, regulating, altering, transforming or otherwise modulating the delivery of a substance to a delivery site. The devices, systems and methods optimize the delivery of the substance to an intended site, such as a vessel, vascular bed, organ and/or other corporeal structures, while reducing inadvertent introduction or reflux substance to other vessels, vascular beds, organs, and/or other structures, including systemic introduction.

Abstract: A controller for an implantable blood pump including processing circuitry configured to operate the implantable blood pump and a piezoelectric element in communication with the implantable blood pump.

Abstract: A control device for a heart pump, comprising a device for establishing the end-diastolic filling pressure in a ventricle and a device for associating a delivery rate of the pump, in particular a pump speed or an electric pump capacity, with the established end-diastolic filling pressure. By taking into account the end-diastolic filling pressure, a robust operating option of the heart pump, similar to the physio-logical control, is created.

Abstract: A wearable device for facilitating neurophysiological treatment of a patient harboring an implanted neural stimulator is provided. The wearable device includes a transmitting antenna configured to accept one or more input signals and to transmit one or more electromagnetic signals to a neural stimulator that is implanted in a patients body. The wearable device further includes a control circuitry configured to provide the one or more input signals to the transmitting antenna. The wearable device further includes a battery that provides electrical power to at least the control circuitry. The wearable device is configured to be worn outside the patient's body.

Abstract: A method of responding to an adverse event associated with an implantable blood pump including detecting the adverse event, reducing a pump speed of the blood pump relative to a set pump speed in response to the detected adverse event, and determining whether at least one of a group consisting of the adverse event and a second adverse event is present following the reducing of the pump speed of the blood pump. If the at least one of the group consisting of the adverse event and a second adverse event is not present, the method includes increasing the pump speed to the set pump speed and if the at least one of the group consisting of the adverse event and a second adverse event is present while increasing the pump speed to the set pump speed, the method includes reducing the pump speed to a maximum safe operating speed.

Abstract: A percutaneous lead assembly for an active implantable device, the lead assembly comprising a sheath with a plurality of wires extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The wires being adapted to power the active implantable device; the distal end having at least one electrode fixed thereon. The electrodes being in communication with sensor electronics and wherein at least one electrode is on the outer layer of the lead assembly in which the electrode is used to detect at least one of acceleration and electrical signals of an organ.

Abstract: A system for improving cardiac output of a patient suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet displays myocardial wall motion including: a sensor to detect myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase, a device to prompt the application of or apply a compressive force repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion.

Abstract: A method of estimating a heart rate of a patient having an implantable blood pump including, during operation of the blood pump continuously detecting a plurality of cardiac cycles, each of the plurality of cardiac cycles including a length; sorting the plurality of cardiac cycles according to the length; filtering the plurality of cardiac cycles between one of a group consisting of including a reliable condition and at least one unreliable condition; continuously estimating a heart rate according to the length of the plurality of cardiac cycles and the reliable condition; and if the at least one unreliable condition is detected, modifying the estimated heart rate based on information associated with the detected at least one unreliable condition.

Abstract: The present technology provides a blood pump device and associated systems and methods of use thereof to assist blood circulation in a patient. The blood pump device includes a flexible member disposed within a housing. Movement of the flexible member in the housing varies the volume of chambers within the housing and effectuates pumping of blood to and from a vessel in fluid connection with a chamber of the blood pump device.

Abstract: A medical device includes a constant-flow pump configured to pump a fluid through a fluid conduit and a rotary valve fluidically connected to the pump. The rotary valve includes at least one rotatable valve member configured to be operatively connected to and rotate relative to the fluid conduit. The rotatable valve member includes at least one aperture. The rotatable valve member is capable of being positioned in a plurality of positions relative to the conduit. The position of the at least one first aperture of the rotatable valve member controls fluid flow through the rotary valve, and thereby through the conduit.

Abstract: Some systems and methods for treating heart tissue may include instruments for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus using a coronary sinus occlusion catheter device. In some embodiments, the coronary sinus occlusion catheter can be used before or during a coronary intervention procedure in which a blockage in a heart is repaired or removed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods built for predictively timing the inflation and/or deflation of an intra-aortic balloon pump. A controller operates in three states: (1) initialization state, (2) learning state, and (3) peak detection state. The controller decomposes a patient's electrocardiogram signal to a power signal. It then learns characteristics of the patient's electrocardiogram signal during the learning state and computes adaptive threshold parameter values. During the peak detection state, the controller applies the learnt threshold parameter values on a current electrocardiogram signal to identify occurrence and timings of R peaks in the electrocardiogram signal. The R-to-R peak timings are then used to trigger inflation of an intra-aortic balloon pump.

Abstract: A control device for a ventricular assist device (VAD) with settable speed levels. The control device includes an input configured to receive at least one measuring signal related to a physiological condition of the circulatory system of a patient receiving heart assistance by the VAD, where the control device is configured to derive an actual value of at least one characteristic parameter of the heart from one or more of the at least one measuring signal and to provide a refined actual value of the at least one characteristic parameter in which effects of physiologically caused fluctuations are eliminated or reduced. The control device further includes an output configured to output an updated setting value for the speed level, where the control device is configured to produce the updated setting value based on the refined actual value and a predeterminable set-point value.

Abstract: A method of determining a heart rate of a patient having an implanted blood pump including applying a voltage to a plurality of coils of a stator of the blood pump to produce an electromagnetic force to rotate a rotor in communication with the plurality of coils; displaying a waveform associated with a back electromotive force in the plurality of coils of the blood pump, the waveform being proportional to an axial position of the rotor relative to the stator; determining a time interval between a first alteration in the waveform relative to a baseline and a second alteration in the waveform relative to the baseline; and determining the heart rate of the patient based on the time interval.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor with a stator (2, 2?) and a rotor (1, 1?), which can be driven about an axial direction (4). The invention is characterized in that at least one of the stator and the rotor, in particular the stator, which has a winding arrangement that can be supplied with a current, can be radially compressed and expanded.

Abstract: A joint distraction lever for use during a distraction procedure is disclosed. The joint distraction lever includes a lever body having a handle portion coupled to a working portion, a fulcrum extending from a bottom surface of the working portion of the lever body, a distal tip, wherein the distal tip is raised above a top surface of the working portion of the lever body, a force measurement device configured to measure a distraction force applied at the distal tip during a distraction procedure for a joint during which a torque is applied at the handle portion of the lever body, and a force value output configured to indicate the distraction force applied at the distal tip.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided, including a bifurcation stent (50) comprising one or more electrodes (32), the stent (50) configured to be placed in a primary passage (52) and a secondary passage (54) of a blood vessel (30), and a control unit (34), configured to drive the electrodes (32) to apply a signal to a wall (36) of the blood vessel (30), and to configure the signal to increase nitric oxide (NO) secretion by the wall (36). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a blood pump that includes an impeller that has proximal and distal bushings, and is configured to pump blood through a subject's body. A frame, which includes proximal and distal bearings, is disposed around the impeller. An axial shaft passes through the proximal and distal bearings of the frame and the proximal and distal bushings of the impeller. The axial shaft is coupled to at least one of the proximal and distal bushings of the impeller, such that the at least one bushing is held in an axially-fixed position with respect to the axial shaft, and is not held in an axially-fixed position with respect to the proximal and distal bearings. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods and systems for determining heart rate of a patient. Based on motor current signals of a ventricular assist device (VAD), each of first, second and third events in the measured current signal may be detected, the first event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal, the second event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal in the opposite direction as the first event, and the third event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal in the same direction as the first event. A timer counter may be initiated upon detection of the first event, and an elapsed time may be measured upon detection of the third event. Heart rate may be determined based on the elapsed time of the timer counter.

Abstract: A method of determining an adverse event within a patient having an implantable blood pump including calculating a plurality of power consumption trends of the blood pump during a plurality of time periods using a low-pass filter, determining a plurality of power trend differences between the plurality of power consumption trends, calculating a total amount of the plurality of power trend differences during a time interval, and generating an alarm when the total amount of the plurality of power trend differences exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial heart and lung apparatus (100) that can be connected to a patient (P), and transfers removed blood to a human body via a roller pump (120), the system including: the roller pump (120); a blood removal line (101) which transfers removed blood to the roller pump (120); a first blood transfer line (104) that transfers blood, which is transferred from the roller pump (120), to the human body; a blood removal rate sensor (111) that is provided in the blood removal line (101); and a control unit (140), in which the control unit (140) performs control such that a blood transfer rate of the roller pump (120) is in a specific range with respect to a blood removal rate measured by a blood removal rate sensor (111).

Abstract: A wearable defibrillator includes garment configured to be worn by a patient, treatment electrodes configured to apply electric current to the patient, and an alarm module configured to provide audio, visual, and haptic notifications. The notifications are configured to indicate that an electric current will be administered imminently, and prompt the patient to provide a response input. The wearable defibrillator includes a motion sensor configured to detect motion and a lack of motion of the patient, and a controller in electrical communication with the alarm module and the motion sensor. The controller is configured to monitor for the response input, cause administration of the electric current to be delayed or cancelled if the response input is received and motion of the patient is detected, and cause administration of the electric current to be delivered if no response input from the patient is received and a lack of motion is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial heart and lung apparatus (100) that can be connected to a patient (P), and transfers removed blood to a human body via a roller pump (120), the system including: the roller pump (120); a blood removal line (101) which transfers removed blood to the roller pump (120); a first blood transfer line (104) that transfers blood, which is transferred from the roller pump (120), to the human body; a blood removal rate sensor (111) that is provided in the blood removal line (101); and a control unit (140), in which the control unit (140) performs control such that a blood transfer rate of the roller pump (120) is in a specific range with respect to a blood removal rate measured by a blood removal rate sensor (111).

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein for treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients using a heart pump controlled in a manner that maximizes mechanical unloading of the left ventricle in the presence of cardiovascular instability and minimizes myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) and consequentially infarct size to prevent the development of subsequent heart failure. In a closed feedback system, the system can include a sensor configured to generate an output used to measure or calculate a left ventricular systolic pressure (LSVP) within the left ventricle of a heart and a controller coupled to a heart pump. The controller can be configured to measure or calculate the LVSP based on the output of the sensor and to control an operation of the heart pump to maximize mechanical unloading of the left ventricle based on the measured or calculated LVSP.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is provided that includes an implantable element, in particular a heart pump, and a control unit for the implantable element, which control unit is connected to the implantable element by means of a first connection. The problem of arranging an antenna of a radio module on the control unit expediently and favourably is solved in that the control unit is configured for arrangement outside the patient's body and has a predetermined orientation relative to the patient's body and has a radio module, wherein an antenna of the radio module is arranged in such a way that the region in which the patient's body is intended to be positioned, as considered from the control unit, is shielded from the antenna at least in part by electromagnetically shielding, in particular electrically conductive parts of the control unit or housing thereof.

Abstract: The present application discloses a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a housing; a screen module; an elastic member received in the receiving cavity; and an exciter sandwiched between the elastic member and the screen module, the exciter driving the screen module to vibrate, the exciter including a bottom wall, a lateral wall extending bently towards the screen module from the bottom wall, and a top wall covered on the lateral wall; one end of the elastic member is fixed to the housing, the other end is spaced from the housing and abuts against the bottom wall of the exciter; the top wall is fixed to the screen module, and the elastic member is in a compression deformation state to resist against the bottom wall.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device is disclosed. The ventricular assist device may include a centrifugal pump and a controller. The controller may be configured to cause the centrifugal pump to operate at a first speed above a predetermined flow rate. The controller may also be configured to cause the centrifugal pump to operate at a second speed below the predetermined flow rate, wherein the predetermined flowrate is indicative of a crossover point between systole and diastole phases of a person's cardiac cycle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system that generates and wirelessly transmits a sufficient amount of energy to power one or more implanted devices, including a heart pump, while maintaining the system's efficiency, safety, and overall convenience of use. The disclosure further relates one or more methods of operation for the improved system.

Abstract: An implant system for restoring and improving physiological intracardiac flow in a human heart is provided including an expandable balloon defining a fluid reservoir for positioning in a chamber of the human heart; a therapeutic apical base plate assembly attachable to the apex of the heart; and a tether assembly connected between the implant and the therapeutic apical base plate assembly.

Abstract: An implant system for restoring and improving physiological intracardiac flow in a human heart is provided including an implant for positioning at least partially within a human heart; an apical base plate assembly attachable to the apex of the heart; a tether assembly comprising a tether connected between the implant and the therapeutic apical base plate assembly, and an adjustment assembly connected to the tether assembly to permit longitudinal movement of the tether assembly and implant relative to the base plate assembly.

Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a subject for an arrhythmia includes an external monitoring device (EMD) configured to be disposed outside of a subject's body. The EMD includes a first communication component configured to receive, from a medical device, a first physiological parameter signal and an indication of a detected trigger event associated with a first portion of the first physiological parameter signal. The trigger event is indicative of a potential arrhythmia. The EMD also includes an analysis component configured to (1) identify a second portion of the first physiological parameter signal, where the second portion satisfies a discard criterion, (2) discard the second portion, and (3) perform an arrhythmia confirmation evaluation using a third portion of the first physiological parameter signal.

Abstract: An implantable heart assist system includes a compressible pumping chamber including an inlet conduit to be placed in fluid connection with the descending thoracic aorta and an outlet conduit to be placed in fluid connection with the thoracic aorta; and a pump system comprising a first rigid member, a second rigid member positioned so that at least a portion of the pumping chamber may be positioned between the first and second rigid members, a drive system configured to cause the second rigid member to move toward or away from the first rigid member, and a controller in operative connection with the drive system and controlling the drive system, wherein movement of the second rigid member toward the first rigid member results in compresses the pumping chamber and movement of the second rigid member away from the first rigid member expands the pumping chamber.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac pacing systems and methods for providing substernal pacing are described. In one example, a cardiac pacing system includes a pacemaker implanted in a patient and an implantable medical electrical lead. The implantable medical electrical lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal portion, a connector configured to couple to the pacemaker at the proximal end of the elongated lead body, and one or more electrodes along the distal portion of the elongated lead body, wherein the distal portion of the elongated lead body of the lead is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of the patient and the pacemaker is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart of the patient.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac systems and methods for providing substernal pacing in an ICD system are described. In one example, an implantable cardiac system comprises an ICD system and an implantable leadless pacing device (LPD) communicatively coupled to the ICD system. The ICD system includes an ICD and an implantable defibrillation lead having a proximal portion coupled to the ICD and a distal portion having a defibrillation electrode configured to deliver a defibrillation shock to a heart of the patient. The LPD includes a housing, a first electrode on the housing, a second electrode on the housing, and a pulse generator within the housing and electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The housing of the LPD is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of the patient and the pulse generator is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart via the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and devices for an adaptable blood pump are disclosed herein. The blood pump can be part of a mechanical circulatory support system that can include a system controller and the blood pump. The blood pump can include a rotary motor and a control unit that can communicate with the system controller. The blood pump can determine when communication with the system controller is established or has been lost. The blood pump can retrieve one or several back-up parameters when communication with the system controller has been lost, and can operate according to these back-up parameters.

Abstract: An endovascular navigation system and method are disclosed. The endovascular navigation system includes an elongate flexible member, a processor, and a display. The elongate flexible member includes an endovascular electrogram lead disposed at its distal end for sensing an endovascular electrogram signal of the venous vasculature of the patient, and a first wireless interface configured to wirelessly transmit the endovascular electrogram signal to the processor. The processor includes a second wireless interface configured to wirelessly receive the endovascular electrogram signal from the elongate flexible member. The processor is configured to determine that the position of the distal end of the elongate flexible member is within a predetermined structure within the venous vasculature of the patient. The display is configured to display a visual indication that the distal end of the elongate flexible member is within the predetermined structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods and systems for determining heart rate of a patient. Based on motor current signals of a ventricular assist device (VAD), each of first, second and third events in the measured current signal may be detected, the first event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal, the second event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal in the opposite direction as the first event, and the third event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal in the same direction as the first event. A timer counter may be initiated upon detection of the first event, and an elapsed time may be measured upon detection of the third event. Heart rate may be determined based on the elapsed time of the timer counter.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system includes an oximetry sensor having a light emitter positioned to emit light into a patient and a photodetector positioned to generate a plethysmography signal. The system includes a monitor having a processor configured to receive the plethysmography signal from the oximetry sensor and to identify a non-cardiac pulse based on a first pulse shape metric, the non-cardiac pulse being generated by the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the patient. The processor is also configured to measure an oxygen saturation of the patient from the identified non-cardiac pulse and to output the measured oxygen saturation to a visual display.

Abstract: A minimally invasive pre-cardiogenic heart assist device has been developed. A method of increasing myocardial blood flow using a Subclavian Diastolic Augmentation Device (SDAD) includes grafting a subclavian vein to a first synthetic chamber, the first synthetic chamber located inside of a body of the patient; grafting a subclavian artery to a second synthetic chamber, the second synthetic chamber located inside of the body of the patient; and pumping blood from the first synthetic chamber to the second synthetic chamber with a pump located inside of the body of the patient.

Abstract: According to some aspects, an information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus includes at least one processor configured to receive an image of a plurality of images. The information processing apparatus further includes at least one storage medium configured to store processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, perform a method. The method includes setting at least one axial direction in the image, wherein the image includes an analysis target. The method further includes determining motion information for the analysis target by analyzing motion of the analysis target to identify, with respect to the at least one axial direction, at least one of a motion amount of the analysis target and a motion direction of the analysis target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor with a stator (2, 2?) and a rotor (1, 1?), which can be driven about an axial direction (4). The invention is characterized in that at least one of the stator and the rotor, in particular the stator, which has a winding arrangement that can be supplied with a current, can be radially compressed and expanded.

Abstract: A biological information measuring apparatus and a biological information measuring method are provided. The biological information measuring apparatus includes a pulsation information detecting unit configured to detect heartbeat information relating to a heartbeat of a subject, a blood pressure waveform measuring unit configured to measure a blood pressure waveform of the subject in an invasive manner, and a calculating unit configured to detect a cardiac cycle from the heartbeat information and to calculate, based on a detection of a maximal blood pressure value of the blood pressure waveform in the cardiac cycle, at least one of a systolic pressure of the subject, an end-diastolic pressure of the subject, an augmentation pressure of an IABP (intra-aortic balloon pumping), a systolic pressure assisted by the IABP and an end-diastolic pressure assisted by the IABP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus having an extracorporeal blood circuit for a hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration and/or hernodiafiltration by controlling an impeller pump. The invention furthermore comprises that the impeller blood pump is operated in a pulsating manner by adding a pulsating speed portion to a first constant speed.