Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless energy transfer are described. A transmitter unit has a transmitter resonator with a coil that is coupled to a power supply to wirelessly transmit power to a receiver unit. A receiver unit has a receiver resonator with a coil coupled to a device load. The receiver unit can include a ferrite enclosure to prevent transmission of magnetic flux into electronics of the receiver unit, and can include ferrite fins to increase a coupling between the transmitter resonator and the receiver resonator.

Abstract: A ventricular assist system and a method of implanting the system are disclosed. The system can have a pump, an inflow conduit, an outflow conduit, attachment ring, ring clamp, and a valvular structure. The attachment ring can be attached to the apex of the heart. The valvular structure can have a flexible, one-way valve in a rigid housing. The inflow conduit can be passed through the valvular structure and the attachment ring into a beating heart with minimal loss of blood. Devices such as slitting tool, coring knife, and/or C-clamp and use of the devices can form part of the system and method for implanting the ventricular assist device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless energy transfer are described. A transmitter unit has a transmitter resonator with a coil that is coupled to a power supply to wirelessly transmit power to a receiver unit. A receiver unit has a receiver resonator with a coil coupled to a device load. The receiver unit can include a ferrite enclosure to prevent transmission of magnetic flux into electronics of the receiver unit, and can include ferrite fins to increase a coupling between the transmitter resonator and the receiver resonator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and communications are provided. In one embodiment, a resonator of a wireless power transfer system comprises a plurality of links connected to another with hinges to form a coil housing, the coil housing being adjustable at the hinges to conform to a body of a patient, and a flexible conductor wire attached to the coil housing, the flexible conductor wire being configured to transmit or receive wireless power. The resonator can be infinitely adjusted at the hinges to conform the shape of the resonator to a patient's body. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism can be configured to lock the resonator into a preferred position.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in a blood pump includes a first component that has a convex bearing surface and a first outer surface proximate the convex bearing surface. The bearing assembly includes a second component that a concave bearing surface and a second outer surface proximate the concave bearing surface, the concave bearing surface being configured to receive the convex bearing surface. A plurality of grooves are defined through the convex bearing surface and first outer surface or through the concave bearing surface and the second outer surface.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in a blood pump includes a first component that has a convex bearing surface and a first outer surface proximate the convex bearing surface. The bearing assembly includes a second component that a concave bearing surface and a second outer surface proximate the concave bearing surface, the concave bearing surface being configured to receive the convex bearing surface. A plurality of grooves are defined through the convex bearing surface and first outer surface or through the concave bearing surface and the second outer surface.

Abstract: A coring knife can be used to make a circular incision. The coring knife includes an abutment that is inserted into an initial slit through the heart wall. The abutment can be inserted into the slit while oriented in a direction that minimizes its insertion profile. After insertion, the abutment is reoriented by turning a key so that its abutment surface faces toward a circular cutting edge of the coring knife on the other side of the heart wall. The circular incision through the heart wall is made by pressing the circular cutting edge of the coring knife against the abutment.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in a blood pump includes a first component that has a convex bearing surface and a first outer surface proximate the convex bearing surface. The bearing assembly includes a second component that a concave bearing surface and a second outer surface proximate the concave bearing surface, the concave bearing surface being configured to receive the convex bearing surface. A plurality of grooves are defined through the convex bearing surface and first outer surface or through the concave bearing surface and the second outer surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless energy transfer are described. A transmitter unit has a transmitter resonator with a coil that is coupled to a power supply to wirelessly transmit power to a receiver unit. A receiver unit has a receiver resonator with a coil coupled to a device load. The receiver unit can include a ferrite enclosure to prevent transmission of magnetic flux into electronics of the receiver unit, and can include ferrite fins to increase a coupling between the transmitter resonator and the receiver resonator.

Abstract: A coring knife can be used to make a circular incision. The coring knife includes an abutment that is inserted into an initial slit through the heart wall. The abutment can be inserted into the slit while oriented in a direction that minimizes its insertion profile. After insertion, the abutment is reoriented by turning a key so that its abutment surface faces toward a circular cutting edge of the coring knife on the other side of the heart wall. The circular incision through the heart wall is made by pressing the circular cutting edge of the coring knife against the abutment.

Abstract: Preparing the heart for connection with a ventricular assist device (VAD) can include attaching an attachment ring to a ventricular apex of the heart. The attachment ring optionally includes a seal or a valve to allow the procedure to be performed with or without a heart-lung bypass. A valve can be temporarily attached to the attachment ring. Tissue is removed from the ventricular apex through the attachment ring to form a hole through which an inflow conduit of the VAD can be inserted. A slit can first be made in the ventricular apex to facilitate removal of the tissue. A clamp can be closed around the attachment ring to secure the inflow conduit.

Abstract: A coring knife can be used to make a circular incision. The coring knife can include an abutment that can be inserted into heart tissue. The circular incision is made by pressing the circular cutting edge of the coring knife against the abutment.

Abstract: A ventricular assist system and a method of implanting the system are disclosed. The system can have a pump, an inflow conduit, an outflow conduit, attachment ring, ring clamp, and a valvular structure. The attachment ring can be attached to the apex of the heart. The valvular structure can have a flexible, one-way valve in a rigid housing. The inflow conduit can be passed through the valvular structure and the attachment ring into a beating heart with minimal loss of blood. Devices such as slitting tool, coring knife, and/or C-clamp and use of the devices can form part of the system and method for implanting the ventricular assist device.