Abstract: A method of controlling an external counterpulsation apparatus includes selecting a patient treatment pressure; outputting a signal corresponding to the selected treatment pressure; detecting a pressure of a compressed fluid reservoir; comparing the selected treatment pressure to the compressed fluid reservoir pressure; and controlling a pressure regulator valve based on a difference between the patient treatment pressure and the compressed fluid reservoir pressure. The compressed fluid reservoir pressure may be decreased when the compressed fluid reservoir pressure is greater than a preset difference from the patient treatment pressure, particularly by venting the compressed fluid reservoir to atmosphere. The compressed fluid reservoir pressure may be necessary when the compressed fluid reservoir pressure is less than a preset difference from the patient treatment pressure, particularly by operating a compressor.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus and method for minimizing end diastolic pressure includes a fluid distribution assembly interconnecting a plurality of inflatable devices adapted to be received about the lower extremities of the patient and a source of compressed fluid to be distributed by the fluid distribution assembly to the inflatable devices. The controller in communication with the fluid distribution assembly controls inflation and deflation of the inflatable devices to minimize end diastolic pressure. The controller controls deflation of the inflatable devices without reducing venous return and then minimizes energy spent in ventricular isovolumetric contraction. Further, the controller controls inflation of the inflatable devices to inflate a distal inflatable device prior to inflating a proximal inflatable device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the inflatable devices is near to room temperature, as well as faster and more responsive inflation/deflation equipment. The external counterpulsation apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable devices received about the lower extremities of the patient, a source of compressed fluid in communication with said plurality of inflatable devices, and a fluid distribution assembly interconnecting said source of compressed fluid and said inflatable devices. The fluid distribution assembly includes a selectively operable inflation/deflation valve interconnected between each of said inflatable devices and said source of compressed fluid. The fluid distribution assembly separately operates each inflation/deflation valve to sequentially inflate and deflate each inflatable devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for applying external counterpulsation to a patient, including detecting a blood-flow impedance signal, self-adaptive filter processing the detected blood-flow impedance signal, and adjusting inflation of an inflatable member based on the self-adaptive filter processing in order to optimize counterpulsation timing. The present invention further includes an external counterpulsation apparatus providing a high-frequency current source applied to the patient to produce an electrocardiographic signal and a blood flow impedance signal, as well as an amplifier-filter circuit to operably condition the electrocardiographic signal and a heart impedance signal amplifier receiving the blood flow impedance signal. A computer processes the signals and controls a fluid distribution device to distribute compressed fluid to a plurality of inflatable members based on said processed signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the balloons is near to room temperature. The external counterpulsation apparatus also has a new gas distribution device and devices for monitoring the blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood of a patient for improving safety. The present invention further provides a method for controlling the external counterpulsation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the balloons is near to room temperature. The external counterpulsation apparatus also has a new gas distribution device and devices for monitoring the blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood of a patient for improving safety. The present invention further provides a method for controlling the external counterpulsation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the balloons is near to room temperature. The external counterpulsation apparatus also has a new gas distribution device and devices for monitoring the blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood of a patient for improving safety. The present invention further provides a method for controlling the external counterpulsation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the balloons is near to room temperature. The external counterpulsation apparatus also has a new gas distribution device and devices for monitoring the blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood of a patient for improving safety. The present invention further provides a method for controlling the external counterpulsation apparatus.