Abstract: The present invention provides an exterior counterpulsation (ECP) system that includes a garment for being worn on the exterior of a patient's body. The garment includes electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators connected thereto. In one embodiment, the EAP actuators are woven into the garment. In another embodiment, they are mounted to the garment surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging catheter apparatus and a method of using the same to scan the inner wall of a body lumen. The ultrasonic imaging catheter apparatus comprises: (a) a flexible elongate element adapted for insertion into a body lumen, the elongate element having distal and proximal ends; (b) an ultrasonic transducer generating and detecting ultrasonic energy disposed proximate the distal end of the elongate element; (c) a reflective member disposed proximate the ultrasonic transducer and optionally rotatable with respect to an axis of the body lumen, wherein the reflective member is adapted to reflect (i) ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic transducer to a wall of the body lumen and (ii) ultrasonic energy reflected by the wall back to the transducer; and (d) an actuator, for example, an electroactive polymer actuator, adapted to change the angle of incidence of the ultrasonic energy relative to the reflective member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cardiac assist device for assisting with the function of a heart. The assist device includes a compressor positioned adjacent the epicardial wall of the heart. The compressor is driven by one or more electroactive polymer actuators. The pressure exerted against the heart improves heart function.

Abstract: Acoustic imaging balloon catheters formed by a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting a high fidelity, flexible drive shaft which carries on its end an ultrasound transducer and includes an inflatable dilatation balloon. The shaft and transducer rotate with sufficient speed and fidelity to produce real time images on a T.V. screen. In preferred embodiments, special features that contribute to the high fidelity of the drive shaft include the particular multi-filar construction of concentric, oppositely wound, interfering coils, a pre-loaded torque condition on the coils enhancing their interfering contact, and dynamic loading of the distal end of the probe, preferably with viscous drag. The coil rotating in the presence of liquid in the sheath is used to produce a desirable pressure in the region of the transducer.

Abstract: Acoustic imaging catheters formed by a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting a high fidelity, flexible drive shaft which carries on its end an ultrasound transducer. The shaft and transducer rotate with sufficient speed and fidelity to produce real time images on a T.V. screen. Special features that contribute to the high fidelity of the drive shaft include the particular multifilar construction of concentric, oppositely wound, interfering coils, a preloaded torque condition on the coils enhancing their interfering contact, and dynamic loading of the distal end of the probe, preferrably with viscous drag. The coil rotating in the presence of liquid in the sheath is used to produce a desirable pressure in the region of the transducer.