Abstract: An inflow conduit of a ventricular assist device configured to prevent formation of recirculation and stagnation zones as well as collapse due to external forces or pump induced suction can be rigid and have a funnel like shape with an elbow to accommodate a patient anatomy. Stiffening elements and pressure sensing devices can also be provided associated with the inflow conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for safely attaching a conduit to the heart, such as a conduit for connection to an implantable blood pump, or to a blood vessel, as in a heart bypass graft, without the need for a cardiopulmonary bypass. The apparatus can include an enclosure attachable to the heart and having sealed within the enclosure at least part of a coring tool and one end of the conduit which will be attached to the heart. A heart attachment member can be affixed to the enclosure for facilitating attachment of the apparatus to the heart and the coring tool can have a cutting member and a member for holding the tissue to be cut from the heart. All air can be evacuated from the enclosure prior to cutting tissue from the heart and attachment of the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for safely attaching a conduit to the heart, such as a conduit for connection to an implantable blood pump, or to a blood vessel, as in a heart bypass graft, without the need for a cardiopulmonary bypass. The apparatus can include an enclosure attachable to the heart and having sealed within the enclosure at least part of a coring tool and one end of the conduit which will be attached to the heart. A heart attachment member can be affixed to the enclosure for facilitating attachment of the apparatus to the heart and the coring tool can have a cutting member and a member for holding the tissue to be cut from the heart. All air can be evacuated from the enclosure prior to cutting tissue from the heart and attachment of the conduit.

Abstract: A blood pump apparatus can include a pump housing having a drive chamber containing a drive mechanism. A cupped member can be connected to the housing and the drive mechanism can include a motor for rotating an eccentric shaft. A pumping arm can be provided having one end riding on the eccentric shaft, an intermediate portion pivotably attached to the housing and another end connected to a movable plate. A roller bearing can be mounted on the eccentric shaft on which the arm can ride. A compressible blood chamber having an inlet and an outlet connected can be provided sandwiched between the cupped portion and the movable plate. The motor thus rotates the cam causing the pumping arm to pivot which cycles the movable plate against the blood chamber to pump blood. The movable plate can be implanted adjacent a lung such that the lung moves with the plate as blood is pumped and thereby functions as a compliance chamber. A speed reducer can be provided between the motor and the eccentric shaft.

Abstract: A blood pump apparatus can include a pump housing having a drive chamber containing a drive mechanism. A cupped member can be connected to the housing and the drive mechanism can include a motor for rotating an eccentric shaft. A pumping arm can be provided having one end riding on the eccentric shaft, an intermediate portion pivotably attached to the housing and another end connected to a movable plate. A roller bearing can be mounted on the eccentric shaft on which the arm can ride. A compressible blood chamber having an inlet and an outlet connected can be provided sandwiched between the cupped portion and the movable plate. The motor thus rotates the cam causing the pumping arm to pivot which cycles the movable plate against the blood chamber to pump blood. The movable plate can be implanted adjacent a lung such that the lung moves with the plate as blood is pumped and thereby functions as a compliance chamber. A speed reducer can be provided between the motor and the eccentric shaft.