Abstract: An implantable heart assist system includes a compressible pumping chamber including an inlet conduit to be placed in fluid connection with the descending thoracic aorta and an outlet conduit to be placed in fluid connection with the thoracic aorta; and a pump system comprising a first rigid member, a second rigid member positioned so that at least a portion of the pumping chamber may be positioned between the first and second rigid members, a drive system configured to cause the second rigid member to move toward or away from the first rigid member, and a controller in operative connection with the drive system and controlling the drive system, wherein movement of the second rigid member toward the first rigid member results in compresses the pumping chamber and movement of the second rigid member away from the first rigid member expands the pumping chamber.

Abstract: An implantable heart assist system includes a compressible pumping chamber including an inlet conduit configured to be placed in fluid connection with the descending thoracic aorta and an outlet conduit configured to be placed in fluid connection with the thoracic aorta; and a pump system comprising a first rigid member, a second rigid member spaced from the first rigid member so that at least a portion of the pumping chamber may be positioned between the first rigid member and the second rigid member, a drive system configured to cause the second rigid member to move toward the first rigid member or away from the first rigid member, and a controller in operative connection with the drive system and controlling the motor, wherein movement of the second rigid member toward the first rigid member results in compression of the pumping chamber and movement of the second rigid member away from the first rigid member causes expansion of the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A system for assisting blood flow in a patient includes an implantable pump system for assisting in blood flow from the heart and an implantable control system for communicative connection with the implantable pump system. The control system includes a pacemaker system that is operative to control heart rate and the pump system interdependently to achieve a determined level of blood flow assist. The control system is adapted to increase the heart rate of the patient to above a normal heart rate for the patient under the present conditions of the patient via the pacemaker while controlling the pump system to achieve the determined level of blood flow assist based upon the increased heart rate and a level of assist provided by the pump system.

Abstract: A system for assisting blood flow in a patient includes an implantable pump system for assisting in blood flow from the heart and an implantable control system for communicative connection with the implantable pump system. The control system includes a pacemaker system that is operative to control heart rate and the pump system interdependently to achieve a determined level of blood flow assist. The control system is adapted to increase the heart rate of the patient to above a normal heart rate for the patient under the present conditions of the patient via the pacemaker while controlling the pump system to achieve the determined level of blood flow assist based upon the increased heart rate and a level of assist provided by the pump system.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implantable pump system for assisting blood flow in a patient includes a blood flow path comprising a flexible conduit, at least one valve in fluid connection with the flexible conduit, a drive system in operative connection with the valve to move the valve in a reciprocating manner, an implantable control system and at least one sensor in communicative connection with the control system. The sensor is adapted to measure at least one property of blood. The control system is adapted to control movement of the valve on the basis of data regarding position of the valve with respect to time or a derivative thereof (that is, position, velocity, acceleration or a derivative thereof) in combination with data of the measured at least one property of blood from the sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implantable pump system for assisting blood flow in a patient includes a blood flow path comprising a flexible conduit, at least one valve in fluid connection with the flexible conduit, a drive system in operative connection with the valve to move the valve in a reciprocating manner, an implantable control system and at least one sensor in communicative connection with the control system. The sensor is adapted to measure at least one property of blood. The control system is adapted to control movement of the valve on the basis of data regarding position of the valve with respect to time or a derivative thereof (that is, position, velocity, acceleration or a derivative thereof) in combination with data of the measured at least one property of blood from the sensor.

Abstract: An implantable pump system for assisting blood flow includes a flexible conduit, at least one movable valve in fluid connection with the flexible conduit, a drive system comprising a rotary motor and a speed reducer operatively connected to the rotary motor; and a converter operatively connected to the drive system and operatively connected to the valve to drive the valve in a reciprocating linear manner. In a number of embodiments, the speed reducer includes a spur gear driving a ring gear, wherein the converter is operatively connected to the speed reducer.

Abstract: An implantable pump system for assisting blood flow includes a conduit adapted to be placed in fluid connection with a blood vessel and at least one movable valve in fluid connection with the conduit. The valve includes at least one closure member in operative connection with an opening therein. The pump system further includes and an activating system adapted to actively move the closure member toward at least one of a closed position or an open position and a drive system to move the valve. The closure member can, for example, be biased toward an open position.