Abstract: A medical device and tension member for use in a subject enables fixation of tension members and transmission of force from tissues to energy converters or to natural or prosthetic bones or other prostheses. The medical device includes an anchor block having a knob extending from its surface, such knob configured to engage a looped tension member. The tension member includes a looped portion configured to engage the knob, an intermediate portion, and a tissue engaging portion configured to engage tissue in a subject. The looped portion is connected to the tissue engaging portion via the intermediate portion. A system is provided for use in a subject and includes at least one looped tension member, an operational device, and at least one medical device configured to couple the looped tension member and the operational device.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a heart of a patient includes an actuator for wringing blood concurrently from both the right and left ventricles of the heart without contacting circulating blood of the patient. The apparatus includes a power source connected to the actuator to power the actuator. A method for assisting a heart of a patient includes the steps of powering an actuator in contact with the heart with a power source. There is the step of wringing blood concurrently from both the right and left ventricles of the heart without contacting circulating blood of the patient with the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to fixation of tension members, e.g., artificial tendons, and to transmitting force from tissues to energy converters or to natural or prosthetic bones or other prostheses. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided for implantation in a subject. The medical device includes an anchor block having a knob extending from its surface, such knob configured to engage a looped tension member. In one embodiment, the tension member includes a looped portion configured to engage the knob, an intermediate portion, and a tissue engaging portion configured to engage tissue in a subject. The looped portion is connected to the tissue engaging portion via the intermediate portion. In another embodiment, a system is provided for providing a function to a subject and includes at least one looped tension member, an operational device, and at least one medical device configured to couple the looped tension member and the operational device.

Abstract: A pumping system for blood for a patient includes a sensorless pump having no sensors disposed in the pump itself for moving the blood, a motor and a blood transport port through which blood is received from the patient and is pumped into the patient. The system also includes a controller connected to the pump for controlling the pump so a desired flow rate of blood can be maintained by the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a heart of a patient includes an actuator for wringing blood concurrently from both the right and left ventricles of the heart without contacting circulating blood of the patient. The apparatus includes a power source connected to the actuator to power the actuator. A method for assisting a heart of a patient includes the steps of powering an actuator in contact with the heart with a power source. There is the step of wringing blood concurrently from both the right and left ventricles of the heart without contacting circulating blood of the patient with the actuator.

Abstract: A muscle energy converter for a patient. The converter includes a casing having a fluid port. The converter includes a bellows mechanism disposed in the casing adapted to contain fluid. The converter includes an actuator arm mechanism adapted to be attached to a tendon of a muscle of the patient which moves against the bellows mechanism when the muscle pulls the actuator arm mechanism and forces fluid out the fluid port. The actuator arm mechanism is engaged with the casing. A method for moving fluid in a patient with a muscle of a patient. The method includes the steps of rotating an actuator arm mechanism against a bellows mechanism in a casing when the muscle pulls the actuator arm mechanism. There is the step of forcing fluid out a fluid port of the casing as the actuator arm mechanism moves against the bellows mechanism.

Abstract: A blood pump device comprises a blood pump having blood transport ports, cannulae connected to the ports, and a coating material covering the junction between the inner surfaces of the ports and cannulae. This forms a smooth transition so blood can flow unimpeded therefrom and collection cavities for the blood are eliminated. Also included is a method for producing a smooth coating. The blood pump device comprises a second portion including a stator mechanism, a rotor mechanism, an impeller, a journal, and a seat member. The second portion is constructed to pump blood through the cannulae when power is provided. The blood pump device is also equipped with a safety occluder device, a sensor for detecting back emf in the stator mechanism, and a controller having the capability of indicating stator current and rotor speed.

Abstract: A muscle energy converter for a patient. The converter includes a casing having a fluid port. The converter includes a bellows mechanism disposed in the casing adapted to contain fluid. The converter includes an actuator arm mechanism adapted to be attached to a tendon of a muscle of the patient which moves against the bellows mechanism when the muscle pulls the actuator arm mechanism and forces fluid out the fluid port. The actuator arm mechanism is engaged with the casing. A method for moving fluid in a patient with a muscle of a patient. The method includes the steps of rotating an actuator arm mechanism against a bellows mechanism in a casing when the muscle pulls the actuator arm mechanism. There is the step of forcing fluid out a fluid port of the casing as the actuator arm mechanism moves against the bellows mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for assisting a patient's heart operation. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for expanding and collapsing a right ventricle free wall of a heart of a patient. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for powering the expanding and collapsing mechanism. The powering mechanism is in communication with the expanding and collapsing mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for assisting operation of a patient's heart. The method comprises the steps of expanding a balloon placed between a right ventricle free wall and a septum of a patient such that right ventricular compression is achieved during cardiac systole. Then there is the step of collapsing the balloon during cardiac diastole.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a vessel in a patient. The apparatus includes a graft. The apparatus includes a mechanism for compressing the vessel to the graft and holding the vessel to the graft. A method of repairing a vessel of a patient. The method includes the steps of placing a first end of a graft in contact with a first side of the vessel. Then there is the step of placing a second side of the graft in contact with the second side of the vessel. Next there is the step of compressing the first side of the vessel against the first end. Then there is the step of compressing the second side of the vessel against the second end.

Abstract: A blood pump device which includes a blood pump having blood transport ports and cannulae connected to the ports. The blood pump device also includes a coating material covering the junction between the inner surfaces of the ports and cannulae. A method of producing a smooth coating. A blood pump device including a second portion having a stator mechanism and a rotor mechanism disposed adjacent to and driven by the stator mechanism. The second portion has a journal disposed about the rotor mechanism to provide support therewith. The second portion has an impeller disposed in the chamber and a seal member for sealing about a shaft of the impeller. The seal member is fixedly attached to the journal so that the seal member is supported by the journal. A mechanism for providing power to the blood pump so that blood can be pumped through a cannula.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for assisting a patient's heart operation. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for expanding and collapsing a right ventricle free wall of a heart of a patient. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for powering the expanding and collapsing mechanism. The powering mechanism is in communication with the expanding and collapsing mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for assisting operation of a patient's heart. The method comprises the steps of expanding a balloon placed between a right ventricle free wall and a septum of a patient such that right ventricular compression is achieved during cardiac systole. Then there is the step of collapsing the balloon during cardiac diastole.

Abstract: A system for assisting the operation of a patient's heart. The system includes a muscle energy converter which is capable of connecting to a muscle of the patient for converting energy of the muscle into a mechanical force. The system also includes a ventricular assist device connected to the muscle energy converter for receiving the mechanical force from the muscle energy converter and compressing the heart of the patient. The assist device is capable of connection and operational engagement with the heart. A method for assisting the operation of a patient's heart. The method includes the steps of converting energy from a muscle to a mechanical force with a muscle energy converter. Then, there is the step of compressing the heart of the patient with an assist device with the mechanical force from the muscle energy converter.

Abstract: A muscle energy converter pump. The muscle energy converter is comprised of a piston having an attachment head for connection to a muscle. The muscle energy converter also comprises a cylinder having a chamber in which the piston is disposed. The cylinder has a port for transport of fluid in and out of the chamber as the muscle moves the piston. A method for pumping fluid in a patient. The method comprises the steps of attaching an attachment head of a piston to tissue, such as a muscle, of the patient. Next, there is the step of placing a housing, such as a cylinder, to the patient's body. The piston is disposed in and extending from the housing. Then, there is the step of introducing fluid into a fluid cavity of the cylinder. Next, there is the step of moving the piston with the muscle of the patient connected to the piston attachment head so the fluid in the fluid cavity is pumped out of the fluid cavity by a base of the piston pushing fluid out of the fluid cavity.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a blood pump device which comprises a blood pump having blood transport ports and cannulae connected to the ports. The blood pump device also comprises a coating material covering the junction between the inner surfaces of the ports and cannulae. This forms a smooth transition so blood can flow unimpeded therefrom and collection cavities for the blood are eliminated. The invention is also related to a method of producing a smooth coating. The present invention is a blood pump device comprising a second portion having a stator mechanism and a rotor mechanism disposed adjacent to and driven by the stator mechanism. The second portion has a journal disposed about the rotor mechanism to provide support therewith. The second portion has an impeller disposed in the chamber and a one-piece seal member for sealing about a shaft of the impeller. The seal member is fixedly attached to the journal so that the seal member is supported by the journal.

Abstract: A muscle energy converter comprised of a piston having an attachment head for connection to a muscle. The muscle energy converter also comprises a cylinder having a chamber in which the piston is disposed. The cylinder has a port for transport of fluid in the chamber as the muscle moves the piston. Preferably, movement of the piston within the cylinder is frictionless. The piston comprises a first magnetic section and the cylinder comprises a second magnetic section. The first magnetic section and the second magnetic section provide opposing fields to maintain the piston in co-axial alignment within the cylinder. Preferably, there is a rolling diaphragm sealing mechanism connected between the piston and the cylinder. The rolling diaphragm mechanism can include a first rolling diaphragm and a second rolling diaphragm spaced from and opposing the first rolling diaphragm.