Abstract: An easily detachable connection of a hollow cylindrical component, such as a graft, at a recess in tissue, such as a heart or a blood vessel, an annular element, a guide element and a spring element are provided, which are secured by way of a suture ring at the body part and at the hollow cylindrical component, and which permit an easily disengageable mutual locking by way of the spring element. To this end, the annular element comprises a groove extending around the periphery thereof, into which the spring element plunges for locking.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology are directed to a self-contained, totally implantable blood pump that replaces the whole heart. It is a small spherical device that encloses all of its blood propulsion dynamics. The dynamics are controlled by a built-in microcontroller that regulates the speed of the motor in response to hemodynamic changes like blood pressure fluctuations, level of body activity, and/or posture. The hemodynamic changes are detected using a plurality of sensors disposed around the body. An implantable transcutaneously rechargeable battery provides power to the microcontroller, motor and/or sensors.

Abstract: A static seal structure for a pump housing includes a support structure, a first sealing element, and a second sealing element. The support structure circumscribes a pump chamber and includes a first sealing surface, an opposing second sealing surface, and a fluid transfer end interposed between the sealing surfaces. The support structure provides a fluid flow path running through the fluid transfer end and into the pump chamber via an inlet bore and from the pump chamber back through the fluid transfer end via an outlet bore. The first sealing element is disposed on the first sealing surface, and the second sealing element is disposed on the second sealing surface. The sealing elements are configured for forming sealing interfaces in the pump housing, establishing a static seal that isolates the pump chamber from an environment external to the fluid pump housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns compensatory container (1) to influence blood pressure, comprising volume chamber (2) with connectors (3) for connecting volume chamber (2) to a natural cardiovascular system, and in which a change in pressure in the cardiovascular system may effect a change in volume of volume chamber (2), as well as means of adjustment which limit the change in volume of volume chamber (2) in a lower pressure region below a pressure threshold of at least 100 mmHg to a maximum of 10 cm3, and which, in an upper pressure region between the pressure threshold and 150 mmHg, effect a change in volume of volume chamber (2) of not less than 10 cm3, whereby the means of adjustment comprise frame (4) and at least one flexible body (5) working in conjunction with such frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a total artificial heart system for auto-regulating flow and pressure balance. In one embodiment the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising inlets and outlets connectable to a mammalian cardiovascular system and at least first and second continuous pumps connected to the atrial reservoir. In further embodiments, the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising at least two atrial chambers, and a means for transmitting fluid pressure between the atrial chambers. The means for transmitting fluid pressure include, but are not limited to a diaphragm, an interatrial window, a flexible membrane, a valve, a filter, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the means for transmitting fluid pressure comprises an implantable diaphragm comprising an outer rim attachable to biological tissue and a membrane anchored at its periphery by said outer rim.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable one-piece heart prosthesis having a driving artificial ventricle and a driven artificial ventricle. A main actuator is configured to transmit to the driving artificial ventricle diastolic and systolic flow rates having desired respective values for the driving artificial ventricle. An auxiliary actuator is configured to transmit to the driven artificial ventricle correction systolic and diastolic flow rates that correct the systolic and diastolic flow rates transmitted by the main actuator to the driven artificial ventricle.

Abstract: An assembly for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

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: Removable cardiac implants, applicators for inserting, repositioning and/or removing them, and methods of using them are described. In particular, removable or repositionable ventricular partitioning devices are described. Systems including removable implants and applicators for inserting and/or removing them are also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns compensatory container (1) to influence blood pressure, comprising volume chamber (2) with connectors (3) for connecting volume chamber (2) to a natural cardiovascular system, and in which a change in pressure in the cardiovascular system may effect a change in volume of volume chamber (2), as well as means of adjustment which limit the change in volume of volume chamber (2) in a lower pressure region below a pressure threshold of at least 100 mmHg to a maximum of 10 cm3, and which, in an upper pressure region between the pressure threshold and 150 mmHg, effect a change in volume of volume chamber (2) of not less than 10 cm3, whereby the means of adjustment comprise frame (4) and at least one flexible body (5) working in conjunction with such frame.

Abstract: A partitioning device for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion which is suitable for treating patients with heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure. The partitioning device has a reinforced membrane with outwardly biased members to help seal the periphery of the membrane against the wall of the patient's heart chamber. In one embodiment, the outwardly biased member is an expansive strand that extends between adjacent ribs of an expandable frame which reinforces the membrane. In another embodiment, the outwardly biased member is a hydrophilic body such as foam which swells upon contact with body fluid such as blood in the heart chamber. The reinforced membrane has a central hub with a distally extending support stem with a plurality of feet which extend radially from a centerline axis and preferably have ends that are aligned in a common plane.

Abstract: Partitioning devices that may be secured and sealed within a heart chamber for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion are described herein. The partitioning devices described herein may include a reinforced membrane with outwardly biased members. The reinforced membrane may have a central hub with a distally extending support stem with a plurality of feet which extend radially from a centerline axis and preferably have ends that are aligned in a common plane. These devices may be secured within the heart chamber by sealing them to the wall of the heart chamber, for example, by inflating an inflatable element on the periphery of the device. The non-productive portion may be filled with a material, including occlusive materials. Sealing and/or filling the non-productive portion formed by the devices described herein may help prevent leakage from the non-productive region.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device (VAD) having static seal structure for a pump housing which includes a support structure, a first sealing element, and a second sealing element. The support structure circumscribes a pump chamber and includes a first sealing surface, an opposing second sealing surface, and a fluid transfer end interposed between the sealing surfaces. The support structure provides a fluid flow path running through the fluid transfer end and into the pump chamber via an inlet bore and from the pump chamber back through the fluid transfer end via an outlet bore. The first sealing element is disposed on the first sealing surface, and the second sealing element is disposed on the second sealing surface. The sealing elements are configured for forming sealing interfaces in the pump housing, establishing a static seal that isolates the pump chamber from an environment external to the fluid pump housing.

Abstract: Removable cardiac implants, applicators for inserting, repositioning and/or removing them, and methods of using them are described. In particular, removable or repositionable ventricular partitioning devices are described. Systems including removable implants and applicators for inserting and/or removing them are also described.

Abstract: A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge.

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: 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: 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. The implantable device comprises at least one implantable pump device comprising: A fluid, A first reservoir having a first volume and at least one movable wall portion, for varying said first volume, and A second reservoir being in fluid connection with said first reservoir. Wherein said implantable pump device is adapted to allow free flow of fluid between said first reservoir and said second reservoir, and wherein said first reservoir, said second reservoir and said fluid connection forms a fully implantable closed pump device, and wherein said fully implantable closed pump device is adapted to transfer force from said first reservoir to said second reservoir.

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: The present invention provides a total artificial heart system for auto-regulating flow and pressure balance. In one embodiment the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising inlets and outlets connectable to a mammalian cardiovascular system and at least first and second continuous pumps connected to the atrial reservoir. In further embodiments, the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising at least two atrial chambers, and a means for transmitting fluid pressure between the atrial chambers. The means for transmitting fluid pressure include, but are not limited to a diaphragm, an interatrial window, a flexible membrane, a valve, a filter, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the means for transmitting fluid pressure comprises an implantable diaphragm comprising an outer rim attachable to biological tissue and a membrane anchored at its periphery by said outer rim.

Abstract: One-piece heart prosthesis implantable in an anatomical position. According to the invention, the artificial left and right ventricles (2, 8) have general directions (14, 15) arranged in an asymmetrical V shape, such that said ventricles approach each other as they move away from the means (6, 12) of connection to the natural left and right auricles, and the individual hydraulic actuators (7, 13), associated respectively with said artificial left and light ventricles (2, 8), are arranged near each other, in proximity to said artificial left ventricle (2).

Abstract: The invention consists of a cushioned active cyclically deforming cushion or jacket (39) that surrounds the outer or epicardial surface of at least one chamber (2, 3, 4, 5) of the natural heart, including its base, configured so that internal components may be suspended from the jacket (39) by heart wall-penetrating cords to complete a restraining harness over the entire 3-dimensional boundary of the chamber or chambers. The cushion or jacket (39) provides protective and stabilizing openings (8, 9, 10) for atria and their inflow valves as well as for great vessels and their outflow valves. It is equipped with one or more actuator mechanisms (37, 38) that cyclically change shape at one or more sites, thus altering heart wall shape and chamber volume.

Abstract: A device for altering cardiac performance includes an energy absorbing element which absorbs cardiac pumping energy from at least a portion of the heart. The energy may be delivered to another part of the body, such as another portion of the heart, to perform useful work such as providing blood pumping assistance.

Abstract: A cardiocirculatory aiding device is disclosed generally comprising a housing with a cavity, an inlet, an outlet, and first and second sides with apertures therein, first and second shells mounted to the sides of the housing, and first and second membranes disposed between the housing and the shells such that the membranes cover the apertures in the sides of the housing, thereby creating a central blood chamber and two outer gas chambers. A pump supplies gas through a duct into the gas chambers to cause the membranes to flex into the blood chamber to pump the blood in that chamber through the outlet. In some embodiments, the pump is external and the duct passes through an incision in the body. In some embodiments, the membranes are elastomer membranes.

Abstract: A partitioning device for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion which is suitable for treating patients with heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure. The partitioning device has a reinforced membrane with outwardly biased members to help seal the periphery of the membrane against the wall of the patient's heart chamber. In one embodiment, the outwardly biased member is an expansive strand that extends between adjacent ribs of an expandable frame which reinforces the membrane. In another embodiment, the outwardly biased member is a hydrophilic body such as foam which swells upon contact with body fluid such as blood in the heart chamber. The reinforced membrane has a central hub with a distally extending support stem with a plurality of feet which extend radially from a centerline axis and preferably have ends that are aligned in a common plane.

Abstract: One-piece heart prosthesis implantable in an anatomical position. According to the invention, the artificial left and right ventricles (2,8) have general directions (14, 15) arranged in an asymmetrical V shape, such that said ventricles approach each other as they move away from the means (6, 12) of connection to the natural left and right auricles, and the individual hydraulic actuators (7, 13), associated respectively with said artificial left and light ventricles (2, 8), are arranged near each other, in proximity to said artificial left ventricle (2).

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: An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart includes an actuator element adapted to be positioned proximate a portion of a heart wall. The actuator element is operable for acting on the heart wall portion to effect a change in the shape of the heart. A shape-limiting element is configured for being positioned proximate a heart wall. The shape-limiting element is operable for flexing to assume a curvature no greater than a predetermined curvature when the heart wall is acted upon and maintaining that predetermined curvature to control the shape of the actuated heart.

Abstract: A fully implantable left ventricular assist system comprising a pumping means connectable via adapter elements to the ventricle includes two compressible chambers in the form of sacs (5, 5?) and a compressing means (4) to alternatingly fill and discharge the compressible chambers (5, 5?) at the same time, including a drive unit (41) assigned thereto, a cooling means (50) for cooling the drive unit (41), and a power supply unit (60) for the drive unit (41) and cooling means (50). In this implantable system the pumping means, compression means (4), drive unit (41) and part of the cooling means (50) are accommodated in a two-part housing (1) on which tubular ports (10a, 10b; 10?a, 10?b) for connecting Y-shaped adapter elements (3, 3?) are configured.

Abstract: A vacuum reservoir, for use with an intra-aortic balloon pump or other system, containing a muffling means having a honeycomb-like cell structure or other flow straightening structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for attaching cardiac devices onto a natural heart by employing arrays of gripping elements, such as hooks or barbs. The gripping elements are designed to penetrate and lodge themselves in the epicardial tissue in order to secure the device to at least a portion of the surface of the heart muscle. The gripping elements, although designed to penetrate the surface of the heart, have limited depth penetration so as to avoid puncture of blood vessels. The attachment mechanisms disclosed herein can also permit both attachment and detachment of device.

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 orthotopic total artificial heart for replacing the human heart comprising a new design of two assembled blood chambers with an original layout between themselves and between their inlet and outlet ports. Such design enables a significantly better space utilization inside the anterior mediastinum than the prior art; realizing the required anatomical fit.

Abstract: Pulsatile blood flow in a heart-lung machine is accomplished by pumping blood into a bladder at a constant rate, and cyclically emptying the bladder into aortic line of the heart-lung machine either by means of the bladder's own elasticity or by a mechanical compression mechanism which can be programmed to simulate the human heartbeat.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a passage in a circulatory system is provided. The implant in one form includes a plurality of thin wire-like members each having a proximal and a distal end and a first holder to which the distal ends of the members are attached. The proximal ends of the members are attached to a second holder. The implant includes an expansible occluding body attached to the members at a point intermediate the first and second holders. A carrier rod is releasably attached to the first holder and upon which the second holder is slidably received. A driving implement is located on the carrier rod, the driving implement contacting the second holder and movable toward the first holder along the carrier rod.

Abstract: An intra-aortic blood pump (IABP) includes a multiple-chamber balloon disposed at the distal portion of a catheter. The chambers are inflated sequentially beginning with the most distal, i.e., the chamber closest to the aortic root. This advances the blood in the downstream direction, i.e., towards the renal arteries and the lower body, enhancing cardiac output and reducing pumping load on the left ventricle. In a preferred arrangement, the chambers can be of successively larger volume from proximal to distal, i.e., in the downstream direction. The ports or apertures that communicate gas flow between the catheter lumen and the respective chambers are sized from larger to progressively smaller in the downstream direction. Only a single lumen is needed for the drive gas, i.e., helium, and the unit can be used with existing IABP equipment.

Abstract: A blood pumping device includes a receptacle for receiving blood and having a non-valved inlet and outlet openings coupled to an aorta and the femoral artery. The receptacle includes a surface having a peripheral portion coupled to a peripheral portion of a diaphragm, and having a port coupled to a pump. The pump may shrink the diaphragm to draw the blood into the receptacle and may expand the diaphragm to pump the blood in the chamber of the receptacle out of the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the receptacle and into the aorta and the femoral artery of the patient.

Abstract: An artificial heart device for minimizing the damage to blood cells having electromagnetically driven pistons which move the blood around and through a toroidal chamber. In first and second preferred embodiments no motor is used to drive the pistons and the pistons are suspended within the toroid by cycling of electromagnets. In a third preferred embodiment the pistons are moved with the use of motor-driven magnets. In each embodiment blood is sucked into the toroidal chamber through one or more intake openings and blood exits the toroidal chamber through one or more outflow openings.

Abstract: During coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in cases when cardio-pulmonary bypass is not used, at times when the heart is manipulated or lifted the inflow to the right ventricle may be kinked and obstructed. Then flow across the lungs will decrease and left ventricular filling may output will be diminished. To avoid this problem a passive shunt, which in the preferred embodiment is a valved shunt, is used to conduct blood from the inferior vena cava (IVC) via the right atrium to the pulmonary artery (PA) bypassing the right ventricle. The shunt uses large diameter cannulae to keep its resistance low. The valve prevents blood from flowing from the PA into the IVC. The shunt may also use a manually actuated shutoff valve or may have a portion which can be clamped. During surgery, the patient may be fluid loaded so that the right atrial pressure is high, such as 25 mmHg.

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.