Abstract: An interventional ventricular assist device (100), including: an interventional tube (10). a motor assembly (30), a perfusion cylinder (40), and an impeller assembly (20). The interventional tube (10) has a liquid inlet (11) and a liquid outlet (12). The impeller assembly (20) includes an impeller (21), accommodated within the interventional tube (10) and rotatable to enable a liquid to flow into the interventional tube (10) via the liquid inlet (11) and out therefrom via the liquid outlet (12). The motor assembly (30) is configured to generate a rotating magnetic field to drive the impeller (21) to rotate and generate an attraction to the impeller (21). A perfusate injected from the perfusion cylinder (40) is adapted to provide a thrust to the impeller assembly (20), whereby the impeller (21) is suspendedly rotatable in the interventional tube (10) under a combined action of the thrust and the attraction.

Abstract: A heart pump including a housing defining a cavity including at least one inlet aligned with an axis of the cavity and at least one outlet provided in a circumferential outer wall of the cavity. An impeller is provided within the cavity, the impeller including a rotor and vanes mounted on the rotor for urging fluid from the inlet radially outwardly to the outlet. A drive is provided for rotating the impeller in the cavity, the drive including a plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent drive magnets mounted within and proximate a first face of the rotor, adjacent drive magnets having opposing polarities and a plurality of circumferentially spaced drive coils mounted within the housing proximate a first end of the cavity, each coil being wound on a respective drive stator pole of a drive stator and being substantially radially aligned with the drive magnets, the drive coils being configured to generate a drive magnetic field that cooperates with the drive magnets to thereby rotate the impeller.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods presented herein use a blood pump to obtain measurements of cardiac function. The system can quantify the functioning of the native heart by measuring certain parameters/signals such as aortic pressure or motor current, then calculate and display one or more cardiac parameters and heart function parameters, such as left ventricular pressure, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, or cardiac power output. These parameters provide valuable information to a user regarding current cardiac function, as well as positioning and function of the blood pump. In some embodiments, the system can act as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

Abstract: Methods for forming an expandable tubular body having a plurality of braided filaments including a first filament including platinum or platinum alloy and a second filament including cobalt-chromium alloy. The methods include applying a first phosphorylcholine material directly on the platinum or platinum alloy of the first filament and applying a silane material on the second filament followed by a second phosphorylcholine material on the silane material on the second filament. The first and second phosphorylcholine materials each define a thickness of less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: A blood pump housing device designed to enclose and protect a total artificial heart when implanted in a subject is disclosed. The blood pump housing device comprises a first and second artificial heart pump receiving part (3a, 3b) configured to receive and partly enclose a first and a second artificial heart pump (20a, 20b) of a total artificial heart (TAH); and a first and second pump actuation enclosing part (4a, 4b) configured to partly enclose a first and second pump actuation means (60a, 60b), said artificial heart pump receiving parts (3a, 3b) and pump actuation means enclosing parts (4a, 4b) are arranged to connect to each other in a leak-free manner.

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: Apparatus and methods are described including placing an impeller of a ventricular assist device inside a left ventricle of a subject, with a frame disposed around the impeller. The impeller is driven to pump blood from the left ventricle to an aorta of the subject, by rotating the impeller. The impeller is placed inside the left ventricle such that the impeller is allowed to undergo axial motion with respect to the frame, in response to cyclical changes in a pressure difference between the left ventricle and the aorta. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method of controlling a blood pump having a predefined hydraulic performance including at least from the group consisting of estimating and measuring an instantaneous flow rate during operation of the blood pump at a predetermined rotational speed of an impeller of the blood pump, the instantaneous flow rate including a plurality of flow rate data points. The plurality of flow rate data points define a trajectory around at least one from the group consisting of an operational point of a predefined pressure-flow curve associated with the predetermined rotational speed of the impeller of the blood pump and a target operational point of a target pressure-flow curve different than the predefined pressure-flow curve. The predetermined rotational speed of the impeller is adjusted until the plurality of flow rate data points define a predetermined trajectory around at least one of the operational point and the target operational point.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to improved medical blood pump devices, systems, and methods. For example, blood pumps may be provided that include a housing defining a blood flow path between an inlet and an outlet. A rotor may be positioned in the blood flow path. A motor stator may be driven to rotate the rotor to provide the blood flow through the pump. Axial and/or tilt stabilization components may be provided to increase an axial and/or tilt stabilization of the rotor within the blood flow path. In some embodiments, biasing forces are provided that urge the rotor toward a bearing component. The biasing force may be provided by adjusting drive signals of the motor stator. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more magnets (e.g., permanent/stator magnets) may be provided to bias the rotor in the upstream and/or downstream direction (e.g., toward a bearing (chamfer, step, conical), or the like).

Abstract: A blood pump comprises a pump casing, a blood flow inlet and a blood flow outlet connected by a passage, and an impeller. The impeller comprises blades configured to convey blood from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet, the impeller being supported in the pump casing by at least one contact-type bearing comprising a surface of the impeller facing a surface of the pump casing. At least one wash out channel extends through the impeller and is in fluid connection with the passage via a first opening and with the bearing via a second opening. The wash out channel is operatively associated with a secondary pump for pumping blood through the wash out channel towards the bearing. The secondary pump is formed at least partially by said at least one wash out channel extending through the impeller along a direction having at least one tangential directional component.

Abstract: An implantable pump system is provided, suitable for use as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) system, having an implantable pump, an extracorporeal battery and a controller coupled to the implantable pump, and a programmer selectively periodically coupled to the controller to configure and adjust operating parameters of the implantable pump. The implantable pump includes a flexible membrane coupled to an actuator assembly that is magnetically engagable with electromagnetic coils, so that when the electromagnetic coils are energized, the actuator assembly causes wavelike undulations to propagate along the flexible membrane to propel blood from through the implantable pump. The controller may be programmed by a programmer to operate at frequencies and duty cycles that mimic physiologic flow rates and pulsatility while operating in an efficient manner that avoids thrombus formation, hemolysis and/or platelet activation.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for circulatory bypass of a ventricle in the heart of a mammal. For example, materials and methods for bypassing a permanently or temporarily impaired left ventricle in the heart of a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic membrane based actuation system comprising magnetic nanoparticles loaded into a polymeric material such as polyurethane and adapted to actuation of to and fro pumping motions of the membrane under application of magnetic field on the magnetic nanoparticles loaded membrane. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the said nanoparticles-loaded polyurethane magnetic membrane based actuation system adapted to function as displacement membrane for various activities requiring such to and fro motion. The magnetic membrane actuation is adapted to be controlled using electronic equipments to regulate the rate, force and frequency of displacement pulses.

Abstract: A device, a kit and a method are presented for permanently augmenting the pump function of the left heart. The basis for the presented innovation is an augmentation of the physiologically up and down movement of the mitral valve during each heart cycle. By means of catheter technique, minimal surgery, or open heart surgery implants are inserted into the left ventricle, the mitral valve annulus, the left atrium and adjacent tissue in order to augment the natural up and down movement of the mitral valve and thereby increasing the left ventricular diastolic filling and the piston effect of the closed mitral valve when moving towards the apex of the heart in systole and/or away from the apex in diastole.

Abstract: A device for pumping blood, includes a housing having a distal end adapted to be coupled to a catheter, a proximal end having an outlet, and a tubular body extending between the distal and proximal ends along an axis. A rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing. A first magnetic bearing is operative to levitate the rotor along the axis within the housing. A second magnetic bearing controls a rotational frequency of the rotor. A third magnetic bearing controls a radial position of the rotor.

Abstract: A percutaneous cable includes a cable body having a first end and second end, the cable body including a sheath adapted to traverse a patient's skin. The cable includes a plurality of conductors disposed within the cable body configured to transmit power and control data between a system controller and two implantable pumps. The cable includes a first connector disposed at the first end of the cable body and coupled to the plurality of conductors, the first connector configured to connect the cable body to the system controller. The cable includes a second connector disposed at the second end of the cable body, the second connector comprising a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts.

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 wholly implantable non-natural heart for humans includes a pumping unit, a power generating unit, and a controller. An I beam type chassis with matching holes is provided for supporting valve mounting bodies of the non-natural heart.

Abstract: An artificial heart with a centrifugal pump is disclosed. In one embodiment, the artificial heart includes an impeller disposed in a housing. The impeller is configured to rotate to circulate blood through the housing. The impeller may include a set of blades on a first side of the impeller and a set of vanes on a second side opposite the first. The blades on the first side and the vanes on the second side allow blood circulation from both the first and the second sides of the impeller. The artificial heart may also or instead include a diffuser with adjustable vanes that enable variation in the output characteristics of the artificial heart pump. Various other artificial hearts, pumps, systems, and methods, including control systems and methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical linear drive, in particular for a pump system of an artificial heart, with a movable part and a stationary part, wherein the stationary part is formed by a permanent magnet arrangement and the movable part is formed by a coil arrangement, or vice versa, and wherein the coil arrangement and the permanent magnet arrangement can be moved to and fro relative to each other in an axial direction by means of current passed through the coil arrangement. The invention further relates to an electrical linear drive of this kind in which the permanent magnet arrangement is designed as a stack of frame-shaped, in particular ring-shaped magnets, which are magnetized alternately radially and axially in the axial direction, such that the magnetic field is strengthened on one side of the frame.

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: Disclosed herein is a fully implantable artificial heart. The use of flat helical springs to align and reciprocate a bellows structure allows the bellows to pump blood, the multiple solenoids with floating magnetized rods and permanent magnet assemblies held by the flat helical springs provide the power. The artificial heart pumps blood with virtually no friction and no parts to wear out. The use of solenoids advantageously move blood in a gentle, controllable manner.

Abstract: A percutaneous cable includes a cable body having a first end and second end, the cable body including a sheath adapted to traverse a patient's skin. The cable includes a plurality of conductors disposed within the cable body configured to transmit power and control data between a system controller and two implantable pumps. The cable includes a first connector disposed at the first end of the cable body and coupled to the plurality of conductors, the first connector configured to connect the cable body to the system controller. The cable includes a second connector disposed at the second end of the cable body, the second connector comprising a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts.

Abstract: A pulsatile, positive-displacement mechanical circulatory support pump which can be used for assistance or replacement of one or both ventricles. The pump includes a plurality of contractile elements radiating outward from an apex of a compliance chamber, the elements being incorporated in and/or in contact with at least a portion of an outer surface of the compliance chamber. These contractile elements include an electroactive dielectric elastomer or an ion exchange membrane metallic composite. Application of electric field pulses from an implantable electrical energy source such as a pacemaker will cause the contractile elements to compress and expand the compliance chamber.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic membrane based actuation system comprising magnetic nanoparticles loaded into a polymeric material such as polyurethane and adapted to actuation of to and fro pumping motions of the membrane under application of magnetic field on the magnetic nanoparticles loaded membrane. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the said nanoparticles-loaded polyurethane magnetic membrane based actuation system adapted to function as displacement membrane for various activities requiring such to and fro motion. The magnetic membrane actuation is adapted to be controlled using electronic equipments to regulate the rate, force and frequency of displacement pulses.

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 device, a kit and a method is presented for permanently augmenting the pump function of the left heart. The mitral valve plane is assisted in a movement along the left ventricular long axis during each heart cycle. The very close relationship between the coronary sinus and the mitral valve is used by various embodiments of a medical device providing this assisted movement. By means of catheter technique an implant is inserted into the coronary sinus, the device is augmenting the up and down movement of the mitral valve and thereby increasing the left ventricular diastolic filling when moving upwards and the piston effect of the closed mitral valve when moving downwards.

Abstract: A device, a kit and a method are presented for permanently augmenting the pump function of the left heart. The basis for the presented innovation is an augmentation of the physiologically up and down movement of the mitral valve during each heart cycle. By means of catheter technique, minimal surgery, or open heart surgery implants are inserted into the left ventricle, the mitral valve annulus, the left atrium and adjacent tissue in order to augment the natural up and down movement of the mitral valve and thereby increasing the left ventricular diastolic filling and the piston effect of the closed mitral valve when moving towards the apex of said heart in systole and/or away from said apex in diastole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fully implantable artificial heart. The use of flat helical springs to align and reciprocate a bellows structure allows the bellows to pump blood, the multiple solenoids with floating magnetized rods and permanent magnet assemblies held by the flat helical springs provide the power. The artificial heart pumps blood with virtually no friction and no parts to wear out. The use of solenoids advantageously move blood in a gentle, controllable manner.

Abstract: An artificial heart pump system is provided independently with a controlling processor for controlling an operation status of a blood pump so as to perform in a preset condition and with an observing processor for controlling a display unit displaying an operation status and an operation condition of the blood pump. In addition, a memory device is mounted in an outside-the-body type battery pack included in the artificial heart pump system; data such as pump data, event log or the like is stored therein; and data are collected and managed automatically by a battery charger when charging the battery charger for a daily performance. Further, an interface unit of an artificial heart pump is proposed where a user can confirm displayed contents of the controller without exposing the controller externally.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for circulatory bypass of a ventricle in the heart of a mammal. For example, materials and methods for bypassing a permanently or temporarily impaired left ventricle in the heart of a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: A multilayered impedance pump is formed by an inner tube and an outer tube which have different mechanical characteristics. The outer tube is relatively stiff, and can be used for a structural material. The inner tube is excitable, and a gel is placed between the inner and outer tube. The actuator actuates the gel to cause pressure waves along the inner tube.

Abstract: A method for modifying a pump of a ventricular assist device includes the step of modifying pressure-flow characteristics of a pump of a ventricular assist device to simulate different pressure-flow characteristics or to make the flow rate of the pump more responsive to changes in the pressure differential of the pump. The step of modifying the pressure-flow characteristics of the pump may includes one or both of the steps of (1) estimating a flow rate of the pump from the speed of an electric motor of the ventricular assist device and from the current or power consumption of the electric motor, wherein the electric motor drives the pump, and (2) adjusting the speed of the electric motor as a function of the estimated flow rate of the pump and a set speed of the electric motor to simulate the different pressure-flow characteristics or to make the flow rate of the pump more responsive to changes in the pressure differential of the pump.

Abstract: There is provided a blood pump. An exemplary blood pump comprises an impeller with a rotational axis in a pump housing. The exemplary blood pump also comprises a first element that comprises a Lomakin bearing, and a second element physically separated from the first element, the second element comprising a radial magnetic bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable device for improving the pump function of the heart of a human patient by applying an external force on the heart muscle, said device comprising at least one pump device comprising: a first part having a first surface, and a second part having a second surface. The first part is displaceable in relation to the second part and said first and second surfaces abut each other, at least partially. The second part exerts, directly or indirectly, force on an external part of said heart muscle.

Abstract: An implantable device for improving the pump function of the heart of a human patient by applying an external force on the heart muscle is provided. The device comprises at least one heart contacting organ. The heart contacting organ is adapted to be movable to change the position of said force exerted on the heart after the implantable device has been implanted in the human patient. The invention further relates to a method of using said device.

Abstract: A wholly implantable non-natural heart for humans includes a pumping unit, a power generating unit, and a controller. An I beam type chassis with matching holes is provided for supporting valve mounting bodies of the non-natural heart.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a biomaterial medical implant device for treating patients with HF and/or intractable dyrhythmia. It either is implanted inside the cardiac cavity(ies), ICI, or after their removal, TAH. The embodiment consists of 2 layers. Layer 1 (16) is immobile and adherent to the basement. Layer 2 (17) reflects from layer 1 and faces the cavity. Layer 2 moves inwards (systole) and backwards (diastole) by between-layers Concertina-like elastic fibers and/or a spring (22), on-surface diagonally crossing elastic fibers (27), or sheets (29&30) of electromagnetic coils (34), that are adherent to both layers from the inside. Layer 2 moves through the electromagnetic coil causing its attraction to layer 1, when polarities are different and repulsion when polarities are similar.

Abstract: A percutaneous pumping system for providing hemodynamic support to a patient includes a pumping sleeve that defines a lumen extending along the length of the pumping sleeve. The pumping sleeve is configured and arranged for insertion into patient vasculature. At least one rotatable magnet is disposed in the pumping sleeve. The at least one first magnet is configured and arranged to be driven to rotate by a magnetic field generated external to the pumping sleeve. At least one impeller is coupled to the at least one magnet. Rotation of the at least one magnet causes a corresponding rotation of the at least one impeller. An anchoring arrangement is coupled to the pumping sleeve. The anchoring arrangement is configured and arranged to anchor the pumping sleeve at a target pumping location when the pumping sleeve is inserted into patient vasculature.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical linear drive, in particular for a pump system of an artificial heart, with a movable part and a stationary part, wherein the stationary part is formed by a permanent magnet arrangement and the movable part is formed by a coil arrangement, or vice versa, and wherein the coil arrangement and the permanent magnet arrangement can be moved to and fro relative to each other in an axial direction by means of current passed through the coil arrangement, wherein the coil arrangement (1) is arranged in an axially extending air gap (5) of the permanent magnet arrangement (2) whose magnetic material is magnetized in the axial direction and which, at least at its two axial ends, has inner and outer pole shoes (6a, 6b) which lie radially opposite each other and are spaced apart by the air gap (5), as a result of which the magnetic field in the air gap (5) is concentrated in the radial direction in the area of the mutually facing pole shoes (6a, 6b), as a result of which at least one m

Abstract: A wholly implantable non-natural heart for humans is a double pump configuration provided with two auricles and two ventricles.

Abstract: A blood flow pump has a housing with an axis. The pump is mounted concentrically about the axis in the housing, defining a chamber. A pusher plate in the housing is concentric with the axis. The pusher plate is substantially non-rotatable relative to the housing and movable in forward directions along the axis. A pair of driven magnets are mounted to the pusher plate and offset from the axis. A pair of driving magnets are mounted to a support member that is driven by a drive shaft. The driving magnets are offset from the drive shaft so that when rotated, their magnetic fields pass through the magnetic fields of the driven magnets. The magnetic field are arranged to oppose each other, creating a repelling force to cause the pusher plate to push the pump element in a pressure stroke direction.

Abstract: A pump includes a flexible conduit, at least one valve attached to the flexible conduit about the perimeter of the valve; and a drive mechanism to move the valve to pump blood within the conduit. The drive mechanism can, for example, be adapted to complete a single stroke during each heart ventricle contraction and/or to complete multiple strokes (that is, oscillate) during a single contraction. The moveable valve includes a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings has a closure mechanism in operative connection therewith which is operable to at least partially close the opening to which it is operatively connected when the moveable valve is moved forward and to open the opening to which it is operatively connected when the valve is moved rearward. In one embodiment, each closure mechanism includes a flap of resilient material.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart comprises a framework for interfacing with a natural heart, through the wall of the heart, which includes an internal framework element configured to be positioned within the interior volume of a heart and an external framework element configured to be positioned proximate an exterior surface of the heart. The internal framework is flexibly suspended with respect to the external frame. An actuator system is coupled to the framework and configured to engage an exterior surface of the heart. The actuator system comprises an actuator band extending along a portion of a heart wall exterior surface. The actuator band is selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and is operable, when in the actuated state, to assume a predetermined shape and thereby indent a portion of the heart wall to effect a reduction in the volume of the heart.

Abstract: A pumping system 10 provides a physiological pulsatile flow and includes controller 121, a pump drive head 50 coupled to a motor 12 and a fluid housing 52 having at least one port 60. The port 60 includes a ball valve retainer region 69, a valve seat 73, and an occluder ball 71 disposed in the ball valve retainer region 69. During operation, the motor 12 forces the fluid in and out the fluid housing 52 and causes the occluder ball 71 to move from a first position whereby the fluid cannot pass through the port 60, to a second position whereby the fluid moves annular to and generally around the occluder ball 71. This movement creates a slight flow reversal that “breaks up” any blood clots that may form. The pumping system may be used as part of a cardiopulmonary bypass system, a ventricular assist device (VAD) and/or a heart pump.

Abstract: An intravascular pump, which may be a left ventricle assist device, comprising a wall defining a pumping chamber, the wall support by struts, the struts attached to or part of an actuation system to move the wall from an expanded position to a contracted position and back to operated the pump, the actuation system may be electrically activated shape memory alloy struts, electroactive polymeric struts, or may be a balloon, struts attached to a slidable member or other suitable system.

Abstract: A driver for a pneumatic ventricular assist device (VAD) is powered by pressurized air, oxygen or any other gas commonly available in hospital rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms. The driver can provide both blood-ejecting pressure (systole) and blood-filling vacuum (diastole) to the VAD. The driver is controlled by a computer/digital controller by means of pressure and volume sensors, and electromechanical valves. Ventricular pumping is performed by a single spring-loaded piston or bellows. The computer can actively regulate maximum systolic ventricular pressure, maximum diastolic vacuum, cycling rate and/or ejection volume (depending on the operating mode). The driver is also capable of automatically and periodically venting the drive line to eliminate condensation and foul air. The absence of a motor or electrical pump make the device small, reliable, easy to handle, and less expensive.

Abstract: A hollow tubular element is inserted in the descending aorta. The caudad end contains a pressure sensitive passive or preferably, hydraulically or electrically activated, unidirectional valve. A flexible diaphragm situated in a rigid shell affixed over an opening in the element wall divides the shell interior into first and second variable volume chambers. The first chamber opens to the artery. A continuously operating electrical pump is connected to the second chamber through a closed hydraulic system including a multi-valve chamber. The valves regulate fluid flow to the second chamber in accordance with electrical signals from the heart. Fluid flow is directed to the second chamber during cardiac diastole and away from the second chamber during cardiac systole, causing the device to function in a counterpulsation mode. The work of the heart is decreased and coronary blood flow is increased to promote the formation of new coronary collateral channels and the perfusion of the heart itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a liquid in a patient's body comprises an implantable pump adapted to pump the liquid and an implantable valve device adapted to direct the liquid pumped by the pump. A first ceramic valve member of the valve device includes a first plane surface and a second ceramic valve member of the valve device includes a second plane surface facing and touching the first plane surface. The second valve member is displaceable relative to the first valve member between different positions, wherein the valve members include different liquid channels. The valve device is operable to displace the second valve member to hydraulically connect the pump to at least one of the liquid channels in at least one of the positions.