Abstract: A artificial ventricle comprises an inlet for receiving blood, an outlet for discharging blood, and a chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet. There is also a mechanism for actuating the artificial ventricle between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. In the expanded configuration, blood flows into the inlet. In the contracted configuration, blood flows out of the outlet. There may be a one-way valve at the outlet for preventing blood flow back into the chamber. The one-way valve may be a diaphragm valve. The chamber may have a resilient outer wall. The chamber may have an ovoid shape.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter system comprises a main line, a first branch line having a tip at a distal end thereof, and a second branch line having a tip at a distal end thereof. The tip of the first branch line is heavier than the tip of the second branch line. The tip of the first branch line may be weighted. There may be a self-inflating balloon at the tip of the first branch line. There may be a self-inflating balloon at the tip of the second branch line. There may be a clamp disposed along the second branch line. The clamp may include a base, a clamping arm hingedly connected to the base, and an aperture extending through the base. The second branch line may extend through the aperture in the base.

Abstract: A artificial ventricle comprises an inlet for receiving blood, an outlet for discharging blood, and a chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet. There is also a mechanism for actuating the artificial ventricle between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. In the expanded configuration, blood flows into the inlet. In the contracted configuration, blood flows out of the outlet. There may be a one-way valve at the outlet for preventing blood flow back into the chamber. The one-way valve may be a diaphragm valve. The chamber may have a resilient outer wall. The chamber may have an ovoid shape.

Abstract: An aortic cannula comprises a main body portion and a distal end portion. A lumen extends through the main body portion and the distal end portion to allow fluid communication between the main body portion and the distal end portion. The distal end portion has an inner wall and an outer wall. There is a passageway disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the distal end portion. The passageway has an inlet and an outlet, and the passageway is fluid communication with a surrounding environment. There may be a stop ring disposed about the distal end portion between the inlet of the passageway and outlet of the passageway.

Abstract: A cardiotomy suction tube system comprises a main line, a first flexible branch line in fluid communication with the main line, a second flexible branch line in selective fluid communication with the main line, and a rigid branch line in selective fluid communication with the main line. A valve mechanism selectively places either the second flexible branch line or the rigid line in fluid communication with the main line. The first flexible branch line may be provided with a weighted suction tip which gravitates to a low point in an operative field. The second flexible branch line may be provided with a weighted suction tip which gravitates to a low point in an operative field.

Abstract: A ventricle assist device comprises an inlet for receiving blood, an outlet for discharging blood, and a chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet. There is also a means for actuating the ventricle assist device between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. In the expanded configuration blood flows into the inlet. In the contracted configuration blood flows out of the outlet. There may be a one-way valve at the outlet for preventing blood flow back into the chamber. The one-way valve is a diaphragm valve. The chamber may have a resilient outer wall. The chamber may have an ovoid shape.