Abstract: A blood circulation assistance device (1), for location around a blood conduit (20). The device comprises: an inflatable bladder (10) moveable between a contracted form and an expanded form, for compressing the blood conduit (20) to provide counterpulsation. Pump means (30) in fluid communication with the bladder (10) move the bladder (10) from the contracted form to the expanded form. The pump means (30) comprises a centrifugal impeller (62) rotatable about an axis (61) to effect pumping. The impeller (62) is moveable axially between first and second positions to effect a reversal of the direction of pumping. Control means (50), in communication with the pump means, is capable of monitoring the cardiac cycle of an individual and triggering the pump means (30) to move the bladder (10) to the expanded form at diastole. An outer cuff, surrounds at least a portion of the bladder (10), providing an outer limiting extent to the movement of the bladder (10).

Abstract: A blood circulation assistance device (1), for location around a blood conduit (20). The device comprises: an inflatable bladder (10) moveable between a contracted form and an expanded form, for compressing the blood conduit (20) to provide counterpulsation. Pump means (30) in fluid communication with the bladder (10) move the bladder (10) from the contracted form to the expanded form. The pump means (30) comprises a centrifugal impeller (62) rotatable about an axis (61) to effect pumping. The impeller (62) is moveable axially between first and second positions to effect a reversal of the direction of pumping. Control means (50), in communication with the pump means, is capable of monitoring the cardiac cycle of an individual and triggering the pump means (30) to move the bladder (10) to the expanded form at diastole. An outer cuff, surrounds at least a portion of the bladder (10), providing an outer limiting extent to the movement of the bladder (10).