Abstract: A method of providing a pumping system for assisting a human patient's heart and providing a blood pump to be disposed outside the patient's body is disclosed. The blood pump has an inlet and an outlet. An inlet cannula is provided for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient, and is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the blood pump inlet to provide blood to the blood pump. An outlet perfusion cannula is provided for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient, and is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the blood pump outlet to provide blood to the patient's vascular system. The blood pump includes a control system to control the blood pump. The control system includes at least two control units for redundant control of the blood pump, and each control unit includes a watchdog for monitoring the control unit.

Abstract: A system for assisting flow of blood by a patient's heart. The system includes a transseptal cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the vascular system and extend through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium. The system includes a blood pump mechanism having a blood pump for pumping blood received from the transseptal cannula that has been oxygenated at specified flow rates over a range of physiological pressures. The blood pump is connected to the transseptal cannula. The system includes a perfusion cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the vascular system for returning oxygenated blood to the atrial system of the patient. The perfusion cannula is connected to the blood pump.

Abstract: A system for assisting flow of blood by a patient's heart. The system includes a transseptal cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the jugular vein and extend through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium. The system includes a blood pump mechanism having a blood pump for pumping blood received from the transseptal cannula that has been oxygenated at specified flow rates over a range of physiological pressures. The blood pump is connected to the transseptal cannula. The system includes a perfusion cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the axillary artery for returning oxygenated blood to the atrial system of the patient. The perfusion cannula is connected to the blood pump. A method for assisting blood flow by a patient's heart. The method includes the steps of inserting percutaneously in the jugular vein of the patient and extending through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium a transseptal cannula.

Abstract: A system for assisting flow of blood by a patient's heart. The system includes a transseptal cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the femoral vein and extend through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium. The system includes a blood pump mechanism having a blood pump for pumping blood received from the transseptal cannula that has been oxygenated at specified flow rates over a range of physiological pressures. The blood pump is connected to the transseptal cannula. The system includes a perfusion cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the femoral artery for returning oxygenated blood to the atrial system of the patient. The perfusion cannula is connected to the blood pump. A method for assisting blood flow by a patient's heart. The method includes the steps of inserting percutaneously in the femoral vein of the patient and extending through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium a transseptal cannula.

Abstract: A perfusion cannula for treating a patient. The, cannula includes a hollow tube adapted for insertion into a vessel of the patient and adapted for fluid flow. The tube has a proximal end. The tube has a primary hole disposed in proximity to the proximal end for release of fluid from the tube and at least a first perfusion hole disposed in the tube wall for release of fluid from the tube. The cannula includes a widener extending from the outer surface of the tube and effectively extending the outer diameter of the tube. The inner diameter of the tube is smooth and continuous and has a circular, cross-section throughout. The widener is in spaced relation from the proximal end and in proximity to and in operational relation with the first perfusion hole wherein fluid in able to escape from the first perfusion hole without obstruction by the vessel wall when the tube is in the vessel wall. A perfusion cannula for treating a patient having at least a first ridge. A system for treating a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for non-invasive flow indication through a rotary blood pump. The apparatus includes a blood pump adapted for implantation into a patient. The blood pump has a moving mechanism which contacts blood and imparts energy to the blood to move the blood in the patient at a desired flow rate. The apparatus a mechanism for causing the moving mechanism to move the blood. The causing mechanism is engaged with the moving mechanism. The causing mechanism receiving energy to power the causing mechanism. The apparatus comprises a sensorless flow indicator connected to the blood pump to identify the flow of blood through the pump based only on an energy balance between the energy imparted to the blood by the moving mechanism and the energy received by the causing mechanism. A method for determining blood flow in a patient. The method includes the steps of providing energy to a blood pump implanted in a patient to operate the pump.

Abstract: A system and method for closing a first side of a severed bone with a second side of a severed bone of a patient. The system includes a first anchor mechanism which is adapted to enter into the first side of the bone and a second anchor mechanism which is adapted to anchor into the second side of the bone. The second anchor mechanism is separate and remote from the first anchor mechanism. The system also includes a lash that extends through the first and second anchor mechanisms and which binds the first side of the severed bone with the second side of the severed bone. Preferably, the lash comprises a wire made of stainless steel or suture material. A method for closing a first side of a severed bone with a second side of a severed bone.