Abstract: A ventricular assist device is disclosed. The ventricular assist device may include a centrifugal pump and a controller. The controller may be configured to cause the centrifugal pump to operate at a first speed above a predetermined flow rate. The controller may also be configured to cause the centrifugal pump to operate at a second speed below the predetermined flow rate, wherein the predetermined flowrate is indicative of a crossover point between systole and diastole phases of a person's cardiac cycle.

Abstract: Heart support device for circulatory assistance, with an internal member (6) to be disposed inside a heart lumen (13) and having a dynamic volume body. The internal member (6) has a substantially stiff wall strengthening portion (8) arranged to engage an inner wall surface (12a) of the heart (10) in operation and a dynamic member (9) that is inflatable to assist pumping action of the heart (10).

Abstract: A circulatory assist system is disclosed, the system including an implantable electrical device having an electric motor, an implantable controller connected to the implantable electrical device, and an implantable power source connected to the controller for supplying power to the controller. The controller is attachable to a first side of a percutaneous connector. A second side of the percutaneous connector, opposite to the first side, allows external connectivity to said controller.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. A check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. Additionally, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling the speed of a pump based on a valve state index and/or for deriving a valve state from time-series signal representing a pressure difference or a flow rate. The methods may be employed in blood pump systems or in blood pump control systems.

Abstract: A heart valve implant is disclosed herein. The heart valve implant comprises an inflatable valve body, a shaft, an anchor assembly and an inflation (injection) port. Also disclosed herein, are methods of trans-apically and trans-septally delivering a heart valve implant within a heart such that the valve body can be inflated in situ to partially or completely restrict blood flow through a heart valve in a closed position. The inflation (injection) port permits inflation of the valve body with an adjustable amount of an inflation fluid to attain a desired degree of inflation of the valve body when disposed within the heart valve.

Abstract: An extracorporeal circulation device having high safety without increases in the circuit scale and the power consumption includes a main control unit responsible for control of a motor drive circuit so as to yield a blood flow rate per unit time set by a user. The motor drive circuit applies a drive signal corresponding to the set blood flow rate to a motor. A sub-control unit configured by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) detects the drive signal applied to the motor and monitors whether or not the drive signal falls within an allowable range corresponding to the set blood flow rate. If the drive signal outside the allowable range is applied, the main control unit is deemed to be in an abnormal state and the main control unit is completely stopped. Then, the sub-control unit takes over the subsequent processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying an electrical energy-converting implant with electrical energy, wherein an electrical voltage source is provided, wherein electrical voltage is generated by the linear movement of a piston of a free-piston generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of a plurality of medical treatment units that are respectively associated with a patient, and a plurality of peripheral appliances also respectively associated with a patient. The peripheral appliances transmit control signals and patient signals to the treatment units, while the treatment units receive the control signals and patient signals from the peripheral appliances. The present invention ensures that the treatment units do not receive patient signals from other peripheral appliances that are not associated with the particular patient. The operating staff allocate a peripheral appliance to a patient and confirm the successful association of the peripheral appliance with the treatment unit allocated to the patient.

Abstract: A controller for a life support device, the controller having a control section in charge of sequence control, the controller includes: a first interface section transmitting an output state of the control section to each part in the life support device, and transmitting an output state of each part in the life support device to the control section; and a second interface section setting an output state in response to detection of a predetermined data sequence output from the control section, and maintaining the set output state until the second interface section receives the predetermined data sequence anew. A part of the life support device is driven via the second interface section.

Abstract: Method for wirelessly transmitting energy from a primary device (1) to an implantable secondary device (2), wherein the primary device includes a primary coil (11) and the secondary device (2) includes a secondary coil (12) for electromagnetic interaction with the primary coil (11), with a control process which includes: measuring a primary current flowing through the primary coil (11) and a primary voltage applied to the primary coil, calculating a secondary current of the secondary coil (12) and a secondary voltage of the secondary coil (12) on the basis of the measured primary current and the measured primary voltage, comparing the calculated secondary current with a desired secondary current and/or the calculated secondary voltage with a desired secondary voltage, predefining a desired primary current and a desired primary voltage on the basis of the comparison, and operating the primary coil with the desired primary voltage and the desired primary current in order to transmit energy to the secondary coil

Abstract: Blood pump systems including a continuous flow blood pump and methods for controlling a continuous flow blood pump operate the blood pump to simulate target pressure-flow characteristics that are different from native pressure-flow characteristics of the blood pump. A method for controlling a continuous flow blood pump driven by a motor includes operating the motor at a first rotational rate. A first flow rate of the continuous flow blood pump driven at the first rotational rate is measured and/or estimated. The first flow rate is used to determine a second rotational rate based on target pump characteristic data corresponding to target pressure-flow characteristics for the continuous flow blood pump different from pressure-flow characteristics of the continuous flow blood pump when driven by the motor at a constant rotational speed. The second rotational rate is different from the first rotational rate. The motor is then operated at the second rotational rate.

Abstract: A method for positioning an electrode array of a neuromodulation catheter at a target circumferential position along a posterior wall of a superior vena cava includes advancing the catheter to a target longitudinal position within the superior vena cava, and orienting a marker on the extracorporeal portion of the catheter in a circumferential orientation known to position the array at the target circumferential position along the posterior wall. A method of positioning the array at a target longitudinal position includes advancing the catheter into the superior vena cava and using features of the catheter to detect the location of right atrial tissue, such as by sensing for a P-wave using an electrogram captured using an electrode carried at a distal end of the catheter, or by using such electrodes to capture the atrium using atrial pacing pulses. Once the location of the right atria is determined, the electrode array may be deployed in a position known to be proximal to the atrium.

Abstract: The invention is a method for reducing regurgitation through a mitral valve. The device and method is directed to an anchor portion for engagement with the heart wall and an expandable valve portion configured for deployment between the mitral valve leaflets. The valve portion is expandable for preventing regurgitation through the mitral valve while allowing blood to circulate through the heart. The expandable valve portion may include apertures for reducing the stagnation of blood. In a preferred configuration, the device is preferably configured to be delivered in two-stages wherein an anchor portion is first delivered and the valve structure is then coupled to the anchor portion. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming an anchor portion wherein a disposable jig is used to mold the anchor portion into a three-dimensional shape for conforming to a heart chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method, control device, and implantable system, for acquiring a plurality of flow rate data points over time, each data point indicative of a flow rate of blood through the pump, calculating, based on the plurality of acquired flow rate data points, a value characterizing one or more features of a waveform formed from the plurality of flow rate data points; and determining, based on the value, the presence or absence of a suction condition in the pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply apparatus of a wireless power transmitting apparatus wirelessly transmitting power to a wireless power receiving apparatus. The power supply apparatus includes a power supply to supply DC power, an oscillator to generate an AC signal having a predetermined frequency and an AC power generator to generate AC power using the AC signal and the DC power. The power supply apparatus controls an operating time of the AC power generator to adjust the power supplied to the wireless power transmitting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor with a stator (2, 2?) and a rotor (1, 1?), which can be driven about an axial direction (4). The invention is characterized in that at least one of the stator and the rotor, in particular the stator, which has a winding arrangement that can be supplied with a current, can be radially compressed and expanded.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an adaptable blood pump are disclosed herein. The blood pump can be part of a mechanical circulatory support system that can include a system controller and the blood pump. The blood pump can include a rotary motor and a control unit that can communicate with the system controller. The blood pump can determine when communication with the system controller is established or has been lost. The blood pump can retrieve one or several back-up parameters when communication with the system controller has been lost, and can operate according to these back-up parameters.

Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.

Abstract: Provided is a pericardial-liquid level control system with which a good viewing field can be ensured for an endoscope image without causing cardiac tamponade. A pericardial-liquid level control system is employed, including a sheath that is inserted into the pericardium; pumps that supply and expel liquid to and from the sheath; electrocardiogram electrodes that detect electrocardiographic information; and a pump control device that, in synchronization with the electrocardiographic information detected by the electrocardiogram electrodes, controls the pumps so that the liquid is supplied to the pericardium via the sheath during contraction of the heart and the liquid is expelled from the pericardium via the sheath during expansion of the heart.

Abstract: A skin interface device (“SID”) for a cardiac assist device, including a SID cap having a first housing, an annular sleeve, and a first annular winding disposed over said annular sleeve. The SID further includes a SID base having a second housing formed to include a tubular portion, a cylindrical member disposed in said tubular portion, and a second annular winding disposed around said cylindrical member. The SID cap is configured to be rotationally attached to said SID base. When the SID cap is attached to the SID base, the second annular winding is disposed within the first annular winding, and the relative positions of the first annular winding and the second annular winding are fixed both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: A system and method for use during the administration of CPR chest compressions and defibrillating shock on a cardiac arrest victim. The system analyzes compression waveforms from a compression depth monitor to determine the source of chest compressions, and enables the delivery of defibrillating shock during a compression cycle if the compression waveforms are characteristic of an automated CPR chest compression device.

Abstract: The presence or absence of a high pressure condition in an implantable blood pump is determined at least in part based on a comparison between a determined amount of differential pressure across the pump and a pressure threshold value. The amount of differential pressure parameter may be determined based at least in part on a parameter related to flow, such as a parameter related to thrust on the rotor of the pump. In response to determining the presence of a high pressure condition, an updated speed of rotation of the rotor that is less than the rotor's initial speed may be determined. The rotor's speed may be increased when the flow rate of blood is determined to be at least equal to a flow recovery threshold value.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device (VAD) system includes one or more external subsystems including an amplifier energizing a drive loop with alternating current, and a Tx resonator inductively coupled to the drive loop. An implanted subsystem includes a VAD, an Rx resonator that forms a magnetically coupled resonator with the Tx resonator, and a load loop for providing power to the VAD that is inductively coupled to the Rx resonator. A sensor monitors the drive loop and a controller uses the sensor data to adjust a system parameter to optimize energy transfer performance. Distributing a plurality of the external subsystems throughout a defined space provides a patient with freedom of movement within the defined space.

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 rotational pump capable of running at a rotational speed (n) having a system for direct or indirect measurement of pressure difference or flow rate across the pump, wherein a control system is designed to calculate an index of pulsatility (PI) of the pressure difference or flow rate, estimating the gradient of PI with respect to the rotational speed (dPI/dn) and regulating the dPI/dn to a pre-defined set-point or regulating the pump in a way that the dPI/dn is minimal.

Abstract: The following relates to catheter-based devices, systems, and methods for minimally-invasively delivering an inflatable pericardial support into the pericardial space of a mammalian myocardium. The devices and systems include extending and positioning plural support members through a catheter into the pericardial space and then positioning the inflatable member on the epicardial surface of the myocardium. Once positioned, fluid can be delivered to the inflatable member to provide a confining pressure to the myocardium.

Abstract: A medical device including artificial contractile structures generally devised to be used in the medical field. Such structures may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of an organ. The medical device includes an artificial contractile structure having at least two contractile elements (100) adapted to contract an organ, in such way that each of the contractile elements (100) can be in a resting or in an activated position, independently of the position of each other, the activated position being defined with the contractile element (100) constricting the organ and the resting position being defined with the contractile element (100) not constricting the organ, and at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure. Each contractile element (100) is connected to an adjacent contractile element (100), while remaining flexible one with respect to the other.

Abstract: A method for modifying a pump of a ventricular assist device includes the step of modifying pressure-flow characteristics of a pump of a ventricular assist device to simulate different pressure-flow characteristics or to make the flow rate of the pump more responsive to changes in the pressure differential of the pump. The step of modifying the pressure-flow characteristics of the pump may includes one or both of the steps of (1) estimating a flow rate of the pump from the speed of an electric motor of the ventricular assist device and from the current or power consumption of the electric motor, wherein the electric motor drives the pump, and (2) adjusting the speed of the electric motor as a function of the estimated flow rate of the pump and a set speed of the electric motor to simulate the different pressure-flow characteristics or to make the flow rate of the pump more responsive to changes in the pressure differential of the pump.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a housing having an interior space, a needle having retracted and deployed states, an injector to move the needle between retracted and deployed states, and a reservoir disposed within the interior space, the reservoir configured to receive a volume of a drug and to be in fluid communication with the needle. The drug delivery device also includes a controller coupled to the injector and the reservoir, and configured to actuate the injector to move the needle from the retracted state to the deployed state only once, and to actuate the reservoir to deliver the volume of the drug to the patient as a single bolus after a preselected time period has elapsed, the controller disposed within the interior space and configured prior to being disposed within the interior space. The delivery device is wearable, disposable, and single-use.

Abstract: A circulatory assist system has a pump with a motor coupled to rotate the pump at a selectable speed. A controller drives the motor at a target speed and collects blood flow measurements during operation of the pump. An impaired flow condition is identified when a plurality of successive blood flow measurements are between an expected minimum flow and a low flow threshold, such that the low flow would necessitate issuing an alert. During the impaired flow condition, it is detected whether an inflow obstruction exists by determining whether a reduction in speed of the pump is correlated with a predetermined increase in the blood flow measurements. If the inflow obstruction is detected, then the speed of the pump is further reduced to further increase the blood flow measurements.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of 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. The implant may include an electrode or other structure for applying pacing signals to one or both ventricles of the heart, for defibrillating the heart, for sensing beating of the heart or the like. A wireless telemetry and control system may allowing the implant to treat congestive heart failure, monitor the results of the treatment, and apply appropriate electrical stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a control system for a rotary blood pump adapted to move blood in a patient. The control system comprises a means for measuring and varying the speed of the pump and a means for measuring the pulsatility index of a patient, and the control system is adapted to maintain the pulsatility index at or near a predetermined value by varying the speed of the pump. The pulsatility index is derived from the amplitude of the actual pump speed over a predetermined time period. Optionally, also, the control system can calculate the second derivative of instantaneous speed of the rotary blood pump and use the calculation of the second derivative of instantaneous speed to detect a suction event, and help prevent it.

Abstract: An extravascular pulsation blood pump possesses a bidirectionally acting pumping system (P, M) having a pump (P) which is connected via a first conduit (L1) to the left ventricle (LV) and via a second conduit (L2) to the aorta (AO). By means of a control means (St), the pump (P) is operated alternately in one and the other direction according to a given cardiac rhythm, so that alternately blood is sucked through the first conduit (L1) and simultaneously blood ejected through the second conduit (L2) to the same extent, on the one hand, and blood is sucked through the second conduit (L2) and simultaneously blood ejected through the first conduit (L1), on the other hand. The pulsation blood pump combines the functions and advantages of an extravascular copulsation pump with those of an extravascular counterpulsation blood pump.

Abstract: The invention comprises a heart assist device. In one embodiment, the heart assist device comprises a compressible sleeve about a body part, where one or more portions of the sleeve compress to provide a force on blood generating a flow or pulse of blood in the human circulatory system. In one case, the sleeve is external to the body, such as circumferentially about a limb or about a body extremity. In another case, the sleeve is internal to the body, such as circumferentially about an artery or vein. In still another case, two or more sleeves cooperatively function in parallel and/or in series. The heart assist device is optionally configured to auto-start in an emergency system, is in on-demand or in continuous contact with an emergency response system, and/or is linked to a medical professional's system.

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: A cannula assembly, further comprising a cannula body for directing blood from the heart of a patient, having distal and proximal ends and a lumen therebetween. A tip coupled to the distal end of the body, the tip having an opening. A pump for drawing blood into the cannula assembly and dispensing the blood from the cannula assembly and into the patient circulatory system. The lumen of the cannula body further comprises a first inner diameter at the proximal end and a second inner diameter at the distal end, the first inner diameter being larger than the second inner diameter. A tapered portion defined as a decrease in inner diameter from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter between the proximal and distal ends, the tapered portion configured to prevent cavitation of the blood within the cannula.

Abstract: A circulatory assist system is disclosed, the system including an implantable electrical device having an electric motor, an implantable controller connected to the implantable electrical device, and an implantable power source connected to the controller for supplying power to the controller. The controller is attachable to a first side of a percutaneous connector. A second side of the percutaneous connector, opposite to the first side, allows external connectivity to said controller.

Abstract: A blood pump (26) includes a stator assembly (122) that includes a motor stator, a fluid inlet (24), and a fluid outlet (26). A rotor assembly (120) includes a motor rotor (54) and an impeller (40) rotatable about an axis (44) to move fluid from the inlet (24) to the outlet (26). A permanent magnet radial bearing (100) supports the rotor assembly for rotation about the axis (44). The radial bearing (100) includes a permanent magnet radial bearing stator (106) fixed to the stator assembly (122) and a permanent magnet radial bearing rotor (108) fixed to the rotor assembly (120). The radial bearing (100) is configured such that the radial bearing stator magnets (106) and the radial bearing rotor magnets (108) are axially offset from each other when the pump is at rest.

Abstract: A system for assisting the right heart of a patient includes a PA cannula adapted for insertion into a PA of a patient through the right internal jugular vein of the patient. The system includes a percutaneous RA cannula adapted for insertion into an RA of the patient. The system includes a blood pump disposed outside of the patient to which the RA cannula and the PA cannula are connected to provide right ventricular circulatory support to the patient without any left ventricular assist. A method for assisting the right heart of a patient includes the steps of inserting a PA cannula into a PA of a patient. There is the step of inserting an RA cannula into an RA of the patient. There is the step of connecting the RA cannula and the PA cannula to a blood pump disposed outside of the patient. There is the step of activating the blood pump to provide right ventricular circulatory support to assist the heart of the patient.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to cardiac assist devices that comprise a jacket that wraps the exterior of the heart, where the jacket comprises one or more pneumatic or hydraulic bladders. The pneumatic or hydraulic bladders are linked to a pump, and the pump fills the bladders with fluid and withdraws the fluid in a cycle to match beats of the heart to assist contraction and pumping of the heart in systole or to assist expansion and filling of the heart in diastole.

Abstract: An intravascular rotary blood pump possesses a catheter (10), a pumping device (50) disposed distally of the catheter and having at its distal end a flexible flow cannula (53) through which blood is either sucked or discharged by the pumping device (50) during operation of the blood pump, and at least one pressure sensor (27, 28A, 30) having at least one optical fiber (28A) which is laid along the flow cannula (53). The optical fiber (28A) and, where applicable, a sliding tube (27) in which the optical fiber (28A) is laid extend along a neutral fiber of the flow cannula (53).

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include medical device systems and related methods. In an embodiment, the disclosure includes a medical device system. The medical device system can include a cardiac device. The cardiac device can include a processor, a memory, a communications circuit, and one or more sensors. The cardiac device can be configured to engage a sensor mode specific for patients receiving or having implanted ventricular assist devices. The cardiac device can be configured to process data as specified by the sensor mode specific for patients receiving or having implanted ventricular assist devices. In an embodiment, the disclosure includes a method for monitoring heart failure patients. In an embodiment, the disclosure includes a method of controlling devices for heart failure patients. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A skin interface device (“SID”) for a cardiac assist device, including a SID cap having a first housing, an annular sleeve, and a first annular winding disposed over said annular sleeve. The SID further includes a SID base having a second housing formed to include a tubular portion, a cylindrical member disposed in said tubular portion, and a second annular winding disposed around said cylindrical member. The SID cap is configured to be rotationally attached to said SID base. When the SID cap is attached to the SID base, the second annular winding is disposed within the first annular winding, and the relative positions of the first annular winding and the second annular winding are fixed both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device incorporating a rotary pump, such as a rotary impeller pump is implantable in fluid communication with a ventricle and an artery to assist blood flow from the ventricle to the artery. The device includes a pump drive circuit supplying power to the pump, one or more sensors for sensing one or more electrophysiological signals such as electrogram signals in and a signal processing circuit connected to the sensors and the pump drive circuit. The signal processing circuit is operative to detect the sensor signals and control power supplied to the pump from the pump drive circuit so that the pump runs in a pulsatile mode, with a varying speed synchronized with the cardiac cycle. When an arrhythmia is detected, the pump drive circuit may also run the pump in an atrial arrhythmia mode or a ventricular arrhythmia mode different from the normal pulsatile mode.

Abstract: A method of estimating the blood flow rate of a heart ventricle assist device which is positioned externally of, or implanted in, a patient. The assist device comprises a blood pump having a rapidly rotating, electrically powered impeller, and comprises briefly interrupting power to the impeller to cause its rotation to slow. From this, blood viscosity can be estimated, which viscosity is used to obtain real time, estimated blood flow rates and pressure heads. Apparatus for accomplishing this is disclosed.

Abstract: This embodiment suggests new approach for Endovascular Ventricular Assist Device, using the mathematical objective & principle of superposition allow design and calculation of the body response to VAD pump located in the Aorta. This new approach allows minimal invasive Endovascular VAD that result in similar relief to the heart as partial VAD. Using special power transfer technique will allow wireless power transformation into the aorta.

Abstract: Transcutaneous magnetic energy transfer to drive a VAD or other implanted medical device can be supplied through two spinning (or otherwise moving) permanent magnets, or a moving permanent magnet and a moving ferric material, or a moving permanent magnet and a coil or an array of coils, One part is implanted under the patient's skin, so that the skin does not have to be broken for a connection to take place.