Abstract: A method of treating heart failure is disclosed in which, without removing the damaged heart, implantation of prosthetic blood-pumping means within the natural heart sustains its function. The invention includes electrically-powered positive displacement pumps, muscle-powered pumps, and electrically-powered rotary hydrodynamic pumps sufficiently miniaturized and adopted to function within the heart. The invention also includes surgical connectors and surgical methods that permit intraventricular artificial hearts to be effectively applied.

Abstract: A method of treating heart failure is disclosed in which, without removing the damaged heart, implantation of prosthetic blood-pumping means within the natural heart sustains its function. The invention includes electrically-powered positive displacement pumps, muscle-powered pumps, and electrically-powered rotary hydrodynamic pumps sufficiently miniaturized and adopted to function within the heart. The invention also includes surgical connectors and surgical methods that permit intraventricular artificial hearts to be effectively applied.

Abstract: Implantable prosthetic devices and methods of use for increasing blood flow by increasing arterial compliance and reducing the magnitude of the pressure pulsations in the arterial system, and to increase perfusion of specific organs in order to overcome the deleterious effects of cardiovascular disease, are disclosed.

Abstract: A cochlear electrode device having the properties of axial stiffness and lateral flexibility and comprising a plurality of substantially incompressible, flat elements, with the elements being assembled adjacent and in contact with one another along a common axis to form a stack and with the elements being resiliently atached together so that the stack of elements is stiff in compression along the common axis and is flexible in tension when the elements are forced to deviate from the common axis by the application of an external force. A plurality of electrodes and connecting wires are supported by the stack at spaced apart locations along its length.

Abstract: The instrument is generally shaped and operated in the manner of prior clip applying instruments. Shaped like a pair of dog-nosed pliers, the outer ends of the jaws are adapted to hold a clip which may be applied to a blood vessel with the instrument. The rearward portion of the jaws overlap and a rectangular channel is formed in one of them through which clips may be pushed by a pusher extending down the center line of the instrument. One of the jaws is adapted to receive a cartridge containing a stack of U-shaped clips which may be pushed one at a time to the distal end of the jaws by the pusher.The instrument basically comprises only three pivoted members, the pusher and its operating linkage, and one or two springs.Several forms of pusher-actuating means are disclosed, two of these include a bell crank and cam so that the pusher will be operated before the jaws can be closed. The third comprises a free bell crank and a pair of unbalanced springs to achieve the same object.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with a repeating hemostatic clip applying instrument. The instrument is generally shaped and operated in the manner of prior clip applying instruments. Shaped like a pair of dog-nosed pliers, the outer ends of the jaws are adapted to hold a clip which may be applied to a blood vessel with the instrument. The rearward portion of the jaws overlap and a rectangular channel is formed in one of them through which clips may be pushed by a pusher extending down the center line of the instrument. One of the jaws is adapted to receive a cartridge containing a stack of U-shaped clips which may be pushed one at a time to the distal end of the jaws by the pusher.The cartridge is provided with a spring for urging the U-shaped stack of clips down to the pusher channel, and a clip follower for preventing misalignment of the clips in the cartridge.

Abstract: Total artificial hearts and circulatory assist devices, including left ventricular assist devices. The invention relates to electrohydraulic energy converter systems, whereby electric energy from a power source, which may be a battery or other source, is converted into hydraulic power capable of actuating diaphragm, sack, axi-symmetric or other types of blood pumps.

Abstract: The instrument is generally shaped and operated in the manner of prior clip applying instruments. Shaped like a pair of dog-nosed pliers, the outer ends of the jaws are adapted to hold a clip which may be applied to a blood vessel with the instrument. The rearward portion of the jaws overlap and a rectangular channel is formed in one of them through which clips may be pushed by a pusher extending down the center line of the instrument. One of the jaws is adapted to receive a cartridge containing a stack of U-shaped clips which may be pushed one at a time to the distal end of the jaws by the pusher.The instrument basically comprises only three pivoted members, the pusher and its operating linkage, and one or two springs.Several forms of pusher-actuating means are disclosed, two of these include a bell crank and cam so that the pusher will be operated before the jaws can be closed. The third comprises a free bell crank and a pair of unbalanced springs to achieve the same object.

Abstract: A preformed ligature comprises a loop, loop forming closure and an extension which may be pulled to close the loop about a bleeder. One preformed ligature according to the invention is formed of a continuous loop of gut or synthetic suture material tied into a slip knot to form the closure and the extension is the second loop thus formed therein which may be pulled by means of a hook. Another preformed dual loop ligature is formed of a continuous loop of suture material and a narrow enveloping closure. The loop preferably has a ratchet-like surface and the closure a cooperating pawl-like surface to provide a ligature loop that may only slip one way.The loop and the closure, in one embodiment, are each provided with an extension ending in a finger engaging loop. These are grasped and pulled to close the closure around a bleeder or the like. In another embodiment, the loop is provided with an extension and a finger loop and the closure is pushed closed by means of an eyelet mounted on a stick.