Abstract: An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

Abstract: A catheter pump is disclosed. The catheter pump can include an impeller and a catheter body having a lumen therethrough. The catheter pump can also include a drive shaft disposed inside the catheter body. A motor assembly can include a chamber. The motor assembly can include a rotor disposed in the at least a portion of the chamber, the rotor mechanically coupled with a proximal portion of the drive shaft such that rotation of the rotor causes the drive shaft to rotate. The motor assembly can also comprise a stator assembly disposed about the rotor. The motor assembly can also include a heat exchanger disposed about the stator assembly, the heat exchanger may be configured to direct heat radially outward away from the stator assembly, the rotor, and the chamber.

Abstract: A flow rate of blood through an implantable blood pump is determined based on a parameter related to the flow, such as a parameter related to thrust on the rotor of the pump. An amount of current supplied to the pump is used to determine each of a first flow rate value and second flow rate values. Each of the first and second flow rate values, in combination with the parameter related to thrust on the rotor of the pump, are used to calculate a flow rate of blood through the pump.

Abstract: A biomedical apparatus for pumping blood of a human or an animal patient through a secondary blood circuit is provided, including a blood pump (10), an inlet duct (11) and an outlet duct (12) for guiding blood of the patient to the blood pump (10) and back to the patient. The device further includes a measuring device (14) for measuring a physical parameter of the heart (2) or of a blood vessel, and a controller (13) for regulating the power of the blood pump (10). The measuring device (14) is adapted to be arranged inside the heart (2) or the blood vessel, and the controller is configured to determine an estimate for an inner volume of the heart (2) or of the blood vessel based on the physical parameter and is configured to regulate the power of the blood pump (10) depending on this estimate.

Abstract: A surgical robot including a slave device provided with a surgical instrument includes a body having at least one link that includes a plurality of solenoid segments, and an end effector mounted to one end of the body.

Abstract: A method of implanting a blood pump in a heart of a mammalian subject includes maintaining a temporary plug in an inlet opening of a pump having a pump body and an outlet cannula projecting from the pump body, advancing the pump into a ventricle of the heart through a hole in a wall of the heart so that the inlet of the pump is disposed within the ventricle and the outlet cannula extends through a valve of the heart into an artery, and then withdrawing the temporary plug from the inlet of the pump.

Abstract: A method of inspecting pressure switch for inspecting if stability and the pressure switch's setpoint are within the standard range includes steps of: providing a standard pressure generator and a pressure detector, and connecting the standard pressure generator to the pressure switch and the pressure detector. Then, provide an inspector, and create data which includes a setpoint pressure value and a pressure switch operation condition. Next, electrically connect the inspector to the pressure switch and the pressure detector. Next, standard pressure generator applies pressure on the pressure detector and the pressure switch. Record the set pressure value and the reset pressure value of the pressure switch and calculate error values between the set pressure value, the reset pressure value and the default pressure value, and judge if stability and the pressure switch's setpoint are within the standard range according the error values.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and direct cardiac contact device to improve the diastole phase and the systolic phase of a heart and includes a biocompatible film pneumatic locked to the heart to aid in heart compression and relaxation.

Abstract: A pressure actuated single-lumen blood pumping device has a housing (4) having a wall (19) bounding a pressure transfer chamber (11; 411). The housing (4) bounds a pressure transfer port (9) for connection to a pressure source, the pressure transfer port (9) communicating with the pressure transfer chamber (11; 411) for alternatingly transferring over pressure and under pressure from the pressure source to the pressure transfer chamber (11; 411). A flexible tubular membrane (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) is arranged in the pressure transfer chamber (11; 411). A blood transfer conduit (3; 103; 203; 303; 403) passes through the wall (19) bounding the pressure transfer chamber (11; 411) and the blood transfer conduit (3; 103; 203; 303; 403) connects to opposite ends (5, 6; 105; 405, 406) of the flexible tubular membrane (2; 102; 202; 302; 402).

Abstract: A sacrocolpopexy support includes a Y-shaped body having a planar base and a pair of legs extending from the planar base, a first interconnecting member coupled to the planar base of the Y-shaped body, and an adjustable anchor coupled to and movable bi-directionally along the first interconnecting member.

Abstract: The invention features modular implantable ventricular assist devices configured to be, at least in part, assembled within a patient. The devices generally include a pump assembly and an expandable frame. The frame is configured to engage tissue of a patient when implanted. The pump assembly is configured to be operably coupled to the frame when the frame is implanted and in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting fault conditions in a fluid connection system between a first fluid containing system including a first pulse generator (e.g., an extracorporeal blood circuit) and a second fluid containing system including a second pulse generator (e.g., a human or animal vascular system). A pressure sensor detects first pulses from the first pulse generator and second pulses from the second pulse generator. A time-dependent monitoring signal based on data obtained from said pressure sensor is generated and processed to calculate a parameter value indicative of the shape of at least part of a first pulse in the monitoring signal. The parameter value is evaluated to detect the fault condition. The fault condition may involve disconnection of an access device; reversed connection of access devices; occlusion of the fluid path through an access device; or infiltration in tissue surrounding an access point in the vascular system.

Abstract: An improved intravascular blood pump and related methods involving the broad inventive concept of equipping the intravascular blood pump with guiding features such that the intravascular blood pump can be selectively positioned at a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient.

Abstract: A wearable device, an electronic apparatus and a method for recording user actions are provided. The wearable device includes a body, at least one sensor and a memory module. An outer part of the body includes a surface, and an internal part includes an accommodating space. The sensor senses touching actions of a user to the surface, and records the location, the force and the number of the touching actions with respective to the surface, so as to form touching information corresponded to the touching actions. Thus, when the user is dressed the wearable device, the sensor senses and stores instinctive physical touching actions of the user relative to the user body covered by the wearable device, and the touching actions can become the basis of the diagnosis by the doctor.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems for wireless energy transfer including transcutaneous energy transfer. Embodiments are disclosed for electrical connections between an implanted wireless receiver and an implanted medical device powered by the receiver. Methods for manufacturing and using the devices and system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fluid pressure or flow in a human body may be adjusted with circulation or perfusion systems and methods. The system may include a first pump implantable in a chamber or vessel of the human body, and a plurality of struts connected to a housing of said first pump, wherein the struts secure the first pump in a desired location of the chamber or vessel. The system may also include one or more flow modification elements disposed on the first pump, where the flow modification elements direct flow to a desired organ or a desired vessel to adjust pressure or flow as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood pump made of titanium with a measuring device for determining flow based on acoustic flow measurement methods, and a blood pump with a temperature sensor and/or a pressure sensor, and a system with a blood pump and an inlet cannula and/or an outlet connector and a method for producing a blood pump with a measuring device.

Abstract: An arterial device, system and method are provided for use with a patient undergoing a cardiac procedure. The system is configured for enabling one or more arterial devices to be accommodated in the aorta of the patient in use of the system, and a perfusion lumen arrangement provides therethrough a target perfusion flow into the aorta having a target perfusion flow rate that is significantly greater than a nominal perfusion flow rate, by an excess perfusion flow rate. A suction lumen arrangement provides therethrough a suction flow out of the aorta at a suction flow rate. The target perfusion flow rate and the suction flow rate may be concurrently and selectively controlled to cause embolic debris that may be present in the aorta to be diverted to the suction inlet, while providing the nominal flow rate to the body circulation of the patient.

Abstract: An intravascular blood pump having a drive section (11), a catheter (14) fastened to the drive section proximally and a pump section (12) fastened to the drive section distally possesses an electric motor (21) whose motor shaft (25) is mounted in the drive section (11) with two radial sliding bearings (27, 31) and an axial sliding bearing (40). During operation, purge fluid is conveyed through the bearing gap of the axial sliding bearing (40) and further through the radial sliding bearing (31) at the distal end of the drive section (11). The purge fluid is highly viscous, for example 20% glucose solution.

Abstract: A percutaneous system, method and related devices are provided. More particularly, a percutaneous system comprises one or more of an intracorporeal connector for fluid communication between two anatomical compartments, through an anatomical wall, an intracorporeal device for regulating the flow of fluid between the two anatomical compartments, and a percutaneous insertion device.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the speed of blood and the wall shear stress in a peripheral artery or peripheral vein to a sufficient level and for a sufficient period of time to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the artery or vein is provided. The method includes systems and methods to effect the movement of blood at the desired rate and in the desired direction. The movement of blood is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired blood speed and wall shear stress in the peripheral artery or vein in order to optimize the rate and extent of persistent diameter increase of the peripheral artery or peripheral vein.

Abstract: A foldable, intravascularly insertable blood pump (10) comprises a foldable, radially delivering impeller (20) accommodated in a foldable housing or envelope (24). Axially before and behind the impeller a clearance (60) is provided between the impeller (20) and the front and back walls (32, 62) of the housing (24), the clearance being at least 0.2 mm. Preferably, the space defined between adjacent blades (54) of the impeller (20) is open towards the front wall (32) of the housing (24).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a biomaterial medical implant device for treating patients with HF and/or intractable dyrhythmia. It either is implanted inside the cardiac cavity(ies), ICI, or after their removal, TAH. The embodiment consists of 2 layers. Layer 1 (16) is immobile and adherent to the basement. Layer 2 (17) reflects from layer 1 and faces the cavity. Layer 2 moves inwards (systole) and backwards (diastole) by between-layers Concertina-like elastic fibers and/or a spring (22), on-surface diagonally crossing elastic fibers (27), or sheets (29&30) of electromagnetic coils (34), that are adherent to both layers from the inside. Layer 2 moves through the electromagnetic coil causing its attraction to layer 1, when polarities are different and repulsion when polarities are similar.

Abstract: A blood pump includes a hub having an axis of rotation and a generally cylindrical shape. The hub has an upstream end region, a central region, and a downstream end region, and the hub includes a magnetic material. Blades that are disposed on the downstream end region of the hub extend downstream of the hub.

Abstract: An extra-corporeal controller unit for an implantable ventricular assist device (VAD) includes control circuitry integrated with a rechargeable power source without including any power cables between the control circuitry and the rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source includes two or more rechargeable batteries configured in respective battery modules. The battery modules are configured for removable installation in a housing of the controller unit. Mating power connectors are integrated in the battery modules and the housing. The mating connectors are configured to couple each battery to the control circuitry whenever the respective battery module containing the battery is installed in the housing. An energy storage unit may be permanently included in the controller unit and configured to remain fully charged and provide power to the VAD when the battery modules are removed.

Abstract: A method of determining a value of a physiological parameter for a subject at a selected state includes obtaining, via a device located a distance from the subject, a value of the physiological parameter of the subject at a particular time-of-day, and applying a time-dependent relationship function to the obtained physiological parameter value via a processor to determine a value of the physiological parameter at the selected state.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac therapy device having a heart assist pump, a stimulation unit, and a control unit. The heart assist pump is designed to be connected to a ventricle of a heart and an associated artery, and is designed to pump blood from a particular ventricle into an associated artery, thereby supporting the particular ventricle. The stimulation unit is designed to electrically stimulate a heart contraction, and the control unit is designed to control the heart assist pump and the stimulation unit in such a way that the stimulation unit induces synchronized motions of cardiac contraction while the heart assist pump operates in a ventricle-supporting manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, kits, and devices that aid in the positioning of a direct cardiac compression device about the heart.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a pump adapted to fit within an atrium of a heart, said pump comprising an inlet and an outlet. The device further comprises a flexible outflow conduit coupled to said outlet. A method of assisting ventricular function of a heart of a patient comprises: a) inserting a continuous flow pump having an inlet and an outlet into the heart via a subclavian or jugular vein; b) attaching the outlet of the continuous flow pump to an atrial septum, wherein the inlet of the continuous flow pump is directed into a heart atrium; c) attaching the distal end of the outflow conduit to an artery; and d) operating the pump at a volumetric rate ranging from about 2 L/min to about 3 L/min.

Abstract: A blood pump is implantable within the vasculature, such as within the pulmonary artery. The pump may project through a native valve such as the pulmonary valve. In use, the pump opposes retrograde flow and thus acts as a replacement for the native valve. The pump may be an axial flow pump having a generally tubular housing adapted to fit within the space proximal to the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery while projecting only slightly proximally of the annulus of the native pulmonary valve.

Abstract: Wireless energy transfer methods and designs for implantable electronics and devices include, in at least one aspect, a device resonator configured to be included in an implantable medical device and supply power for a load of the implantable medical device by receiving wirelessly transferred power from a source resonator coupled with a power source; temperature sensors positioned to measure temperatures of the device resonator at different locations; a tunable component coupled to the device resonator; and control circuitry configured and arranged to adjust the tunable component to detune the device resonator in response to a measurement from at least one of the temperature sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the circulation of blood using a purge-free miniature pump. In one embodiment, a pump is provided that may comprise a housing including a rotor and a stator within a drive unit. In this embodiment, the pump may establish a primary blood flow through the space between the drive unit and the housing and a secondary blood flow between the rotor and stator. In another embodiment, a pump establishes a primary blood flow outside the housing and a secondary blood flow between the rotor and stator. In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for introducing the pump into the body and circulating blood using the pump.

Abstract: A cannula for a patient includes an elongate body having a length of at least 70 cm and a channel extending through the body defining a wall. The cannula includes a wire embodied within at least a portion of the wall. The body has a proximal end, a distal end having a tip opening through which the channel extends and a plurality of side holes through the wall in proximity to the tip for unimpeded flow of blood at the distal end. The cannula includes a barbed fitting at the proximal end. The cannula includes a suture wing for securing the elongated body to the patient. A system for assisting a patient's heart. A method for assisting a patient's heart.

Abstract: A blood flow conduit includes a first conduit portion defining a first portion of a lumen; and a second conduit portion defining a second portion of a lumen. At least one of the first or second conduit portions may include a tip portion and the other of the first or second conduit portions may include an enlarged area.

Abstract: In order to produce a pulsatile blood flow pattern that includes time periods of relatively high blood flow rates and time periods of relatively low blood flow rates, the operating speed of a blood pump can be selectively controlled to produce an operating speed pattern that includes time periods of relatively high rotation speeds and periods of relatively low rotation speeds. For example, the blood pump is rotated at a first speed for a first period of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased from the first speed to a second speed and is operated at the second speed for a second amount of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased to a third speed for a third amount of time. If desired, the operating speed pattern can be repeated to continue the pulsatile blood flow pattern.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device (“VAD”) includes a continuous-flow pump (2) implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle (V) and an artery (A) of a patient to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The VAD also includes a control circuit (12) connected to the pump, the control circuit being configured to direct the pump to operate in a series of cycles. Each cycle may include (i) pumping blood at a first speed (RPM1) and at a first flow rate during a first period (t1); then (ii) decreasing the speed of the pump from the first speed to a second speed (RPM2) during a ramp-down period (tRD); then (iii) pumping blood at the second speed and at a second flow rate during a second period (t2); and then (iv) increasing the speed of the pump from the second speed to the first speed during a ramp-up period (tRU).

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a control system and catheter device operated in a manner to intermittently occlude a heart vessel for controlled periods of time that provide redistribution of blood flow. In particular embodiments, the system and methods may be configured to monitor at least one input signal detected at a coronary sinus and thereby execute a process for determining a satisfactory time period for the occlusion of the coronary sinus. In further embodiments, after the occlusion of the coronary sinus is released, the control system can be configured to select the duration of the release phase before the starting the next occlusion cycle.

Abstract: A method of determining a value of a physiological parameter for a subject at a selected state includes obtaining, via a device attached to the subject, a value of the physiological parameter of the subject at a particular time-of-day, and applying a time-dependent relationship function to the obtained physiological parameter value via a processor to determine a value of the physiological parameter at the selected state.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for percutaneously gaining access to oxygenated blood with one or more anastomosis devices and pumping such oxygenated blood directly to the aorta adjacent to the right atrium or left atrium via a VAD system. In one embodiment, a VAD system can be implanted with open surgery.

Abstract: An assembly for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: A transseptal cannula having a flexible cannula body, a left atrial anchor coupled to the distal end of the flexible cannula body, and a right atrial anchor operable to be attached to the left atrial anchor in vivo. The left and right atrial anchors are implanted and deployed separately. Delivery of the transseptal cannula to a heart tissue can include a low profile coaxial balloon catheter comprising a tube body including an inner member and an outer member surrounding the inner member and thereby creating an inflation channel between the inner and outer members, a hub coupled to the proximal portion of the tube body and including a fluid space in fluid communication with the inflation channel; and a balloon coupled to the distal portion of the tube body, wherein the balloon is in fluid communication with the inflation channel.

Abstract: A method for implanting a heart valve into a patient's heart can include inserting the heart valve prosthesis into a barrel of an implanter apparatus. An opening is created in muscle tissue of the patient's heart to provide a substantially direct path that extends from the opening to a desired implantation site in the heart. A length of the barrel is inserted through the opening in the tissue such that an end of the barrel and the opening are along the direct path to the implantation site. The heart valve prosthesis is advanced through the barrel to the implantation site. The heart valve prosthesis is positioned at the desired implantation site. The heart valve prosthesis can be expanded at the desired implantation site from the reduced cross-sectional dimension toward the expanded cross-sectional dimension.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of one or more implant structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart.

Abstract: A foldable, intravascularly insertable blood pump (10) comprises a foldable, radially delivering impeller (20) accommodated in a foldable housing or envelope (24). Axially before and behind the impeller a clearance (60) is provided between the impeller (20) and the front and back walls (32, 62) of the housing (24), the clearance being at least 0.2 mm. Preferably, the space defined between adjacent blades (54) of the impeller (20) is open towards the front wall (32) of the housing (24).

Abstract: An implantable medical pump system can include a blood pump comprising a pump housing defining a passage therethrough and a rotor within the passage. The blood pump further includes one or more elements at least partially contained within the housing adapted to actuate the rotor to drive fluid though the passage. The pump housing includes at least one coupling feature. The system further includes an inflow cannula defining a lumen therethrough. The inflow cannula is adapted to be mechanically coupled to the at least one coupling feature.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood pump apparatus includes a plurality of permanent magnets (17) in an impeller (10) in a blood chamber (7), a plurality of coils (20) in a motor chamber (8), and a magnetic element (18) in each of the coils (20). The magnetic elements (18) are made shorter than the coils (20) to lower attractive force between the magnetic elements (18) and the permanent magnets (17) in the impeller (10), to set a large gap between the magnetic elements (18) and the permanent magnets (17). As a result, axial attractive force and negative rigidity can be lowered while required torque is satisfied.

Abstract: This centrifugal blood pump device comprises an impeller which is provided within a blood chamber, a permanent magnet which is provided to one surface of the impeller, a permanent magnet which is provided to the inner wall of the blood chamber, permanent magnets which are provided to the other surface of the impeller, and multiple sets of magnetic bodies and coils, which are disposed within a motor chamber and which rotationally drive the impeller with a partition wall located between the impeller and the sets of magnetic bodies and coils. The magnetic bodies are formed in a solid cylindrical shape. The configuration enables the impeller to be smoothly activated for rotation by controlling a coil current.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventricular assist device for intraventricular placement inside a human heart including an anchor element configured to be mounted to the heart in the region of the apex; and a pump connected to the anchor element comprising a preferably tubular housing having an intraventricular inlet and an intraventricular outlet and further comprising a drive for driving a rotor arranged within the housing, thereby providing pulsatile flow acceleration in the left ventricle synchronized with the heart beat and according to volume requirements in the left ventricle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cardio-synchronized stimulation of skeletal or smooth muscle, but excluding the heart muscles, in a counterpulsation mode of a patient.

Abstract: An arterial device, system and method are provided for use with a patient undergoing a cardiac procedure. The system is configured for enabling one or more arterial devices to be accommodated in the aorta of the patient in use of the system, and a perfusion lumen arrangement provides therethrough a target perfusion flow into the aorta having a target perfusion flow rate that is significantly greater than a nominal perfusion flow rate, by an excess perfusion flow rate. A suction lumen arrangement provides therethrough a suction flow out of the aorta at a suction flow rate. The target perfusion flow rate and the suction flow rate may be concurrently and selectively controlled to cause embolic debris that may be present in the aorta to be diverted to the suction inlet, while providing the nominal flow rate to the body circulation of the patient.