Abstract: A heart pump including first and second cavities, each cavity including a respective inlet and outlet, a connecting tube extending between the first and second cavities, an impeller including: a first set of vanes mounted on a first rotor in the first cavity portion; a second set of vanes mounted on a second rotor in the second cavity portion; and, a shaft connecting the first and second rotors, the shaft extending through the connecting tube, a drive for rotating the impeller and a magnetic bearing including at least one bearing coil for controlling an axial position of the impeller, at least one of the drive and magnetic bearing being mounted outwardly of the connecting tube, at least partially between the first and second cavity portions.

Abstract: A circulatory assist system is disclosed, the system including an implantable electrical device having an electric motor, an implantable controller connected to the implantable electrical device, and an implantable power source connected to the controller for supplying power to the controller. The controller is attachable to a first side of a percutaneous connector. A second side of the percutaneous connector, opposite to the first side, allows external connectivity to said controller.

Abstract: A device for the intermittent occlusion of a blood vessel, in particular a vein draining the organ system, comprising an occlusion device which is activatable for intermittent occlusion and positionable in the blood vessel, at least one sensor for the continuous or periodical detection of at least one physiological measurement, and a control device to which the at least one physiological measurement is fed and which cooperates with the occlusion device to control the intermittent occlusion of the blood vessel as a function of said measurement.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.

Abstract: A high efficiency cardiac support system is suitable for chronic use in treating heart failure, wherein the system includes an implantable rotary blood pump, an implantable power module, a wireless power transfer subsystem, a patient monitor, and a programmer. In a cardiac support system, the cumulative efficiencies of the components of the system are capable of providing therapeutically effective blood flow for a typical day of awake hours using the energy from a single wireless recharge of an implanted rechargeable energy source. Moreover, the implantable rechargeable energy source may be recharged during a normal sleep period of 8 hours or less. The system may provide full or partial cardiac support without the need for external wearable batteries, controllers, or cables.

Abstract: A TET system is operable to vary an amount of power transmitted from an external power supply to an implantable power unit in accordance with a monitored condition of the implantable power unit. The amount of power supplied to the implantable power unit for operating a pump, for example, can be varied in accordance with a cardiac cycle, so as to maintain the monitored condition in the power circuit within a desired range throughout the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for implanting, positioning, removing, replacing and operating intra-aortic balloon pumps.

Abstract: Provided is a ventricular assist device cannula, and more particularly, a ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes, including: a connecting tube connecting an incision of a body tissue and a ventricular assist device so that blood can flow; and electrodes connected with the connecting tube and contacting the incision of the body tissue to transfer an electric signal to the body tissue.

Abstract: In a method for the intermittent occlusion of a vein draining the organ system, in which the vein is occluded by an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded vein is continuously measured and stored, the behavior of the fluid pressure is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the vein is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the pressure measurements, pressure is applied during the occlusion in a pulsating manner. The device for the intermittent occlusion of a vein, including an occlusion device, a pressure measuring device for continuously measuring the fluid pressure in the occluded vein, and a memory for storing the fluid pressure behavior as a function of time, means are provided for applying a pulsating pressure in the occluded vein.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus.

Abstract: This embodiment suggests new approach for Endovascular Ventricular Assist Device, using the mathematical objective & principle of superposition allow design and calculation of the body response to VAD pump located in the Aorta. This new approach allows minimal invasive Endovascular VAD that result in similar relief to the heart as partial VAD. Using special power transfer technique will allow wireless power transformation into the aorta. This methods and technique should dramatic reduce VAD barrier.

Abstract: A circulatory assist system has a pump with a motor coupled to rotate the pump at a selectable speed. A controller drives the motor at a target speed and collects blood flow measurements during operation of the pump. An impaired flow condition is identified when a plurality of successive blood flow measurements are between an expected minimum flow and a low flow threshold, such that the low flow would necessitate issuing an alert. During the impaired flow condition, it is detected whether an inflow obstruction exists by determining whether a reduction in speed of the pump is correlated with a predetermined increase in the blood flow measurements. If the inflow obstruction is detected, then the speed of the pump is further reduced to further increase the blood flow measurements.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device includes a cannula that terminates in a flexible tip. The tip is generally Y-shaped and includes a proximal end that extends from the end of the cannula, and a bifurcated distal end opposed to the proximal end. The bifurcated distal end includes a first portion detached from a second portion, and the tip further includes a pair of through channels extending from the proximal end to the bifurcated distal end. The tip is configured so that one channel of the pair of channels extends through the first portion, and the other channel of the pair of channels extends through the second portion.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a stent for placement within a cardiac artery and arranged for placement, the stent arranged to have an open configuration defining a flow path, a rotor sized to fit within the stent and arranged for percutaneous placement the flow path, the rotor including a surface disposed about a central portion and angled with respect to the flow path and having a first plurality of magnets. A collar is sized for placement about the cardiac artery and includes a stator. A power source is coupled to the stator, and the stator and the rotor are arranged to rotate the rotor about an axis. A timing control module controls a rotational speed of the rotor. Accordingly, the surface of the rotor is arranged to move blood along the flow path in response to rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a first implantable housing, an implantable blood pump independent from the first implantable housing, and a percutaneous extension. The first implantable housing includes a rechargeable power storage device. The implantable blood pump supplements the pumping function of a heart. The rechargeable power storage device supplies electrical power to the implantable blood pump. The percutaneous extension is coupled to the rechargeable power storage device and adapted to traverse the skin. The percutaneous extension is configured to releasably connect to an external power supply adapted to provide power for recharging or supplementing the rechargeable power storage device to power the implantable blood pump.

Abstract: A phase analysis technique provides for quantification of regional wall motion asynchrony from endocardial border contours generated from two-dimensional echocardiographic ventricular images. The technique produces results including a degree of radial ventricular asynchrony in heart failure patients with ventricular conduction delay to predict a magnitude of contractile function improvement with pacing therapy. Quantification of change in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a therapy provides for a means to identify candidates to receive the therapy and quantitatively predict the benefit of the therapy. Quantification of changes in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a sequence of therapies provides for a means to determine an approximately optimal therapy for an intended patient response.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.

Abstract: An electromechanical device has a rotor, a stator, and a module that at least partially houses the rotor. During normal operation of the electromechanical device, the stator is positioned external to and separate from the module.

Abstract: A system for assisting the right heart of a patient includes a PA cannula adapted for insertion into a PA of a patient through the right internal jugular vein of the patient. The system includes a percutaneous RA cannula adapted for insertion into an RA of the patient. The system includes a blood pump disposed outside of the patient to which the RA cannula and the PA cannula are connected to provide right ventricular circulatory support to the patient without any left ventricular assist. A method for assisting the right heart of a patient includes the steps of inserting a PA cannula into a PA of a patient. There is the step of inserting an RA cannula into an RA of the patient. There is the step of connecting the RA cannula and the PA cannula to a blood pump disposed outside of the patient. There is the step of activating the blood pump to provide right ventricular circulatory support to assist the heart of the patient.

Abstract: A cannulation system for cardiac support uses an inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula. The outer cannula includes a fluid inlet for placement within the right atrium of a heart. The inner cannula includes a fluid inlet extending through the fluid inlet of the outer cannula and the atrial septum for placement within at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. The cannulation system also employs a pumping assembly coupled to the inner and outer cannulas to withdraw blood from the right atrium for delivery to the pulmonary artery to provide right heart support, or to withdraw blood from at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle for delivery into the aorta to provide left heart support, or both.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: A rate smoothing function used in implantable pulse generators uses detected triggering events, which cause the rate smoothing function to be activated or deactivated, and detected parameter adjusting events, which cause parameter(s) of the rate smoothing function to be changed. In one example, the activation/deactivation and/or change to the parameters of the rate smoothing function are temporary, and the pre-event state of the rate smoothing function is set to a post-adjusting state, such as after a first time interval. Rate smoothing may be selected, activated or deactivated, or adjusted based on a cardiac signal state, or based on an activity or other physiological sensor signal. The adjusted rate smoothing parameters may include an up-smoothing percentage to limit a speed of pacing rate increase and a down-smoothing percentage to limit a speed of pacing rate drop.

Abstract: A method of estimating the blood flow rate of a heart ventricle assist device which is positioned externally of, or implanted in, a patient. The assist device comprises a blood pump having a rapidly rotating, electrically powered impeller, and comprises briefly interrupting power to the impeller to cause its rotation to slow. From this, blood viscosity can be estimated, which viscosity is used to obtain real time, estimated blood flow rates and pressure heads. Apparatus for accomplishing this is disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for the intermittent occlusion of a vein draining the organ system, in which the vein is occluded by an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded vein is continuously measured and stored, the behavior of the fluid pressure is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the vein is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the pressure measurements, pressure is applied during the occlusion in a pulsating manner. The device for the intermittent occlusion of a vein, including an occlusion device, a pressure measuring device for continuously measuring the fluid pressure in the occluded vein, and a memory for storing the fluid pressure behavior as a function of time, means are provided for applying a pulsating pressure in the occluded vein.

Abstract: A system and method for cardiac assist of a heart in a beating stage comprising a double balloon catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter having at least one lumen; an inflatable intra-ventricular balloon mounted on the catheter near the distal end of the catheter, the balloon having a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter and being configured for inflation in a ventricle; and an intra-aortic balloon mounted on the catheter proximally to the intra-ventricular balloon; a control unit comprising a bidirectional pump; a fluid reservoir; and a processor configured to activate the pump; wherein the proximal end of the catheter is configured for attachment to the control unit to form a fluid conduction system in which fluid is configured to be pumped by the pump between the fluid reservoir and the intra-ventricular balloon and the intra-aortic balloon; and systolic augmentation comprising a new pressure wave which is generated when said balloon is inflated at the end of th

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a control system and catheter device operated in a manner to intermittently occlude a heart vessel for controlled periods of time that provide redistribution of blood flow. In particular embodiments, the system and methods may be configured to monitor at least one input signal detected at a coronary sinus and thereby execute a process for determining a satisfactory time period for the occlusion of the coronary sinus. In further embodiments, after the occlusion of the coronary sinus is released, the control system can be configured to select the duration of the release phase before the starting the next occlusion cycle.

Abstract: A supplemental blood flow system for assisting with blood circulation in a patient. The system includes a supplemental blood flow device implantable in the patient and a controller for directing electrical power to the supplemental blood flow device and controlling the flow rate of blood through the device. The controller includes first and second power inlets and a power outlet. The power outlet is adapted to be coupled to an electrical line leading to the supplemental blood flow device. A portable programming module may be coupled to at least one of the first and second power inlets and operable to allow pump operating parameters stored in the controller to be changed according to the needs of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling extracorporeal blood flow in a patient. The system includes a blood pump having a rotor, a plurality of rollers carried by the rotor and a pump chamber extended in tension about the rollers. A sensor measures an operating parameter of the blood pump and a controller, coupled to the sensor, calculates the flow efficiency of the blood pump based on the measured operating parameter. The controller is further configured to display the flow efficiency on the display device, and the operation of the blood pump is adjusted based on the flow efficiency when necessary.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.

Abstract: A percutaneous gas-line (10) for a medical device (14). The gas-line including a first gas-line part (10a) and a second gas-line part (10b). The first gas-line part (10a) is adapted to be wholly implanted in a patient and has a first end (10a?) adapted for sealing connection to the medical device (14) and a second end (10a?) with a connection fitting (20). The second gas-line part (10b) is adapted to be part-implanted and part-external and has a first (external) end (10b?) adapted for sealing connection to an external driver (12) and a second (implanted) end (10b?) adapted for removable sealing connection with the connection fitting (20) on the second end (10a?) of the first gas-line part (10a).

Abstract: A cannulation system for perfusing a patient's circulatory system, includes an inflow cannula having a first end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system and a second end adapted to be connected to a blood pump, an outflow cannula having a first end adapted to be connected to the blood pump and a second end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system at a location downstream of the first end of the inflow cannula. The flow of blood from the pump is in series with the normal blood flow of the circulatory system of the patient and creates a localized region of hypertension.

Abstract: A cardiac therapy device having a cardiac assist pump, a defibrillation unit, and a control unit, which is connected to the cardiac assist pump and the defibrillation unit to control them. The cardiac assist pump is implemented in case of use to pump blood from a ventricle into an associated artery and thus relieve the respective ventricle. The defibrillation unit is implemented for automatic defibrillation of a ventricular fibrillation and the control unit is implemented to activate the cardiac assist pump and the defibrillation unit in a coordinated manner in case of a ventricular fibrillation such that the cardiac assist pump first increases its performance to initially cause a pressure relief of at least one assisted ventricle in case of use and the defibrillation unit only subsequently delivers a defibrillation shock, when a ventricular pressure relief is provided.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac therapy device having a heart assist pump, a stimulation unit, and a control unit. The heart assist pump is designed to be connected to a ventricle of a heart and an associated artery, and is designed to pump blood from a particular ventricle into an associated artery, thereby supporting the particular ventricle. The stimulation unit is designed to electrically stimulate a heart contraction, and the control unit is designed to control the heart assist pump and the stimulation unit in such a way that the stimulation unit induces synchronized motions of cardiac contraction while the heart assist pump operates in a ventricle-supporting manner.

Abstract: A transseptal cannula assembly for directing blood from the heart of a patient and a minimally invasive method of implanting the same. The transseptal cannula assembly includes a flexible cannula body having proximal and distal portions with a lumen therebetween, a tip coupled to the distal portion of the flexible cannula body, and first and second anchors coupled to the tip. The anchors can be configured to be deployed from a contracted state to an expanded state and are configured to engage opposite sides of the heart tissue when in the expanded state. The anchors resist movement of the cannula assembly along a lengthwise central axis of the flexible cannula body.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for leadlessly stimulating the heart. Through a magnetic signal generator positioned outside or inside the thoracic cavity, a magnetic signal is transmitted through the chest to stimulate electrical activity within the myocardial muscles. The magnetic signal may function as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator. Advantages of magnetic stimulation include, without limitation, non invasiveness, a reduction or even elimination in pain, and access to tissues covered by poorly conductive structures.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implantable pump system for assisting blood flow in a patient includes a blood flow path comprising a flexible conduit, at least one valve in fluid connection with the flexible conduit, a drive system in operative connection with the valve to move the valve in a reciprocating manner, an implantable control system and at least one sensor in communicative connection with the control system. The sensor is adapted to measure at least one property of blood. The control system is adapted to control movement of the valve on the basis of data regarding position of the valve with respect to time or a derivative thereof (that is, position, velocity, acceleration or a derivative thereof) in combination with data of the measured at least one property of blood from the sensor.

Abstract: The flow rate of blood out of a blood pump is determined at least in part based on an acceleration of the pump's rotor and on the blood's viscosity. Considering the rotor acceleration when determining blood flow rate, increases the accuracy of the blood flow measurement thereby permitting the determination of a parameter related to the contractility of a patient's heart. The parameter may include a rate of pressure change of blood across the pump, a ratio of the rate of pressure change and a peak-to-peak value of the blood flow rate, or any other contractility index.

Abstract: A treatment strategy for treatment of elevated pressure in a body conduit, such as a pulmonary vein, with a prosthetic partitioning device for placement in and/or about pulmonary veins is described, as well as delivery systems, and strategies for use thereof. A control device is configured to transmit signals to the prosthetic device to effectuate the repetitive transition between a first, less restricted flow configuration and a second, restricted flow configuration are described. A sensor device may be provided for monitoring physiological parameters of the patient, and can provide signals to the control device for effectuating the transition between the first and second configuration.

Abstract: A transseptal cannula assembly for directing blood from the heart of a patient and a minimally invasive method of implanting the same. The transseptal cannula assembly includes a flexible cannula body having proximal and distal portions with a lumen therebetween, a tip coupled to the distal portion of the flexible cannula body, and first and second anchors coupled to the tip. The anchors can be configured to be deployed from a contracted state to an expanded state and are configured to engage opposite sides of the heart tissue when in the expanded state. The anchors resist movement of the cannula assembly along a lengthwise central axis of the flexible cannula body.

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: An insertion device for inserting a cannula through tissue generally comprises an inner shaft, a tip member coupled to a distal end portion of the inner shaft, a hollow outer shaft slidably received over the inner shaft, and a compressible member received over the inner shaft between the tip member and the outer shaft. The compressible member is configured to be received in a lumen of the cannula, and the inner shaft is movable relative to the outer shaft along an axial direction to compress the compressible member between the tip member and the outer shaft so that the compressible member expands in a generally radially outward direction. The radial expansion of the compressible member releasably secures the insertion device to the cannula.

Abstract: In a catheter (2) to assist the performance of a heart (1) with at least one pump (7), the pump is formed as a rotary pump at the distal end of the catheter (2), the rotor (6) lying distally on the outer side being coupled via a magneto coupling with a drive wheel (21), formed as a hydraulically or pneumatically operated paddle wheel, arranged inside the catheter (2). The driving fluid is supplied to the paddle wheel via a lumen (22) of the catheter (2) and is carried off via a further lumen (23) of the catheter.

Abstract: Provided is a ventricular assist device cannula, and more particularly, a ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes, including: a connecting tube connecting an incision of a body tissue and a ventricular assist device so that blood can flow; and electrodes connected with the connecting tube and contacting the incision of the body tissue to transfer an electric signal to the body tissue.

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: Devices and methods are disclosed for implanting, positioning, removing, replacing and operating intra-aortic balloon pumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cardiac assistance device having a supporting component (14) which surrounds the heart and on the inside of which a plurality of adjacent inflatable and deflatable chambers (126, 226, 326) are provided, via which an inside wall can be displaced inward, the chambers (126, 226, 326) having a fluidic connection to at least one pump (80) via lines. A plurality of supply valves on the supply side are arranged between the pump (80) and the chambers (126, 226, 326). At least individual chambers (126, 226, 326) or groups of chambers (126, 226, 326) are assigned dedicated supply valves, in order to drive the chambers (126, 226, 326) independently individually or in groups.

Abstract: A physiologic control system and method for controlling a blood pump system such as a VAD system. The pump system includes, for example, a blood pump and a controller for controlling the pump. The system may further include a flow measurement device. A desired peak to peak flow amplitude is determined, and then adjusted in response to various system parameters either manually or automatically by the system.

Abstract: An extracorporeal pumping method includes receiving an inlet fluid into a compressible-expandable bladder sealably mounted within a housing and moving an actuating member mounted within a fluid chamber of a hydraulic actuating sub-assembly. A pressure transmissive fluid is displaced from the fluid chamber into the housing. The method includes compressing a volume of the bladder in the housing the transmissive fluid displaced into the housing, the compressed bladder ejecting the inlet fluid from the bladder to provide an outlet fluid under pulsatile pressure. The actuating member is moved within the fluid chamber and the displaced transmissive fluid is returned from the housing into the fluid chamber. The method includes expanding the compressed bladder in the housing and receiving additional inlet fluid into the bladder. The movement of the actuating member is controlled such that the outlet fluid exhibits a predetermined pulse rate, stroke volume, and upstroke rise time.

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.