Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method of treating a vessel in a human or animal body.

Abstract: A cannulation system (10) for perfusing a patient's circulatory system, includes an inflow cannula (14) having a first end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system and a second end adapted to be connected to a blood pump (19), an outflow cannula (23) having a first end adapted to be connected to the blood pump (19) and a second end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system at a location downstream of the first end of the inflow cannula. The flow of blood from the pump (19) is in series with the normal blood flow of the circulatory system of the patient and creates a localized region of hypertension.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal oxygenation of a patient's blood during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The apparatus comprises a bubble sensor, arranged at or connected to a venous line, for detecting bubbles in the venous blood received from the patient. When air bubbles are detected, a second pump is activated to draw air from an air chamber provided in an air filter connected to the venous line and arranged downstream of the bubble sensor. A first pump draws the blood from the air filter and supplies the blood to an oxygenator and to the patient via an arterial line.

Abstract: A blood pumping system to support living organisms based on a spherical multi vane and multi chamber pump with an oscillating motion that delivers pulsatile flow. The blood pumping system includes a number of design elements that address the particular needs and compatibility issues (both biological and hemological) of a blood pumping system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the treatment of a heart condition such as angina and/or congestive heart failure. Conditions such as angina, caused by inadequate blood flow to the coronary arteries, are treated in this invention by implantation of smooth muscle tissue wrapped around the ascending aorta. The smooth muscle tissue is stimulated electrically, by the implanted stimulator, to contract at timed intervals relative to the hearts' cycle. The contraction assists blood flow to the coronary vessels.

Abstract: A pumping system for blood for a patient includes a sensorless pump having no sensors disposed in the pump itself for moving the blood, a motor and a blood transport port through which blood is received from the patient and is pumped into the patient. The system also includes a controller connected to the pump for controlling the pump so a desired flow rate of blood can be maintained by the pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intracardiac blood pump with a flexible screen between which discharge ports are located. The pump parts are connected to the flexible screen which catches the axially discharged flow and deflects the same in an axial direction. The delivery rate of the pump is increased by preventing impact losses and swirls at the discharge ports.

Abstract: An implantable device for the intermittent occlusion of a blood vessel (2), in particular a vein draining the organ system, comprising an occlusion means (3) which is activatable for intermittent occlusion and positionable in the blood vessel (2), at least one sensor (5) for the continuous or periodical detection of at least one physiological measurement, a control device (4) to which the at least one physiological measurement is fed and which cooperates with the occlusion means (3) to control the intermittent occlusion as a function of said measurement, and an implantable anchoring means (9) separate from the occlusion means (3) and capable of being brought into operative connection with the blood vessel (2) for positioning the occlusion means (3) relative to the blood vessel (2).

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for measuring pressure and/or flow in blood circulatory systems of a patient using cardiac assist devices. By way of example, a left ventricular assist device may be coupled between the left ventricle of the patient's heart and the aorta. One or more sensors, such as pressure sensors, are located at one or more selected locations in the heart, in blood-carrying conduits that are coupled to the cardiac assist device, or in the aorta, that sense pressure, for example, to monitor a patient's cardiac function. A monitoring device is coupled to the sensors that implements an algorithm that determines pressure and/or blood flow rate in the circulatory system using pressures and/or flow data derived from the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the wall tension therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other. Methods for placing the apparatus on the heart are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sensor for sensing for an MRI gradient magnetic field and a microprocessor for responding to the detected gradient magnetic field by switching from a first electrical signal processing mode to a second electrical signal processing mode, such that electrical signals induced by the gradient magnetic field and an associated RF burst are not counted as cardiac events.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an artificial heart implant comprising a blood pump with a pump drive, a controller for controlling and regulating the pump drive, and an electrode that is connected to the controller and is used for detecting electrical quantities on the patient's heart. The controller controls the pump drive in accordance with the signals detected by the electrode.

Abstract: The invention is a kit for a permanent ventricular assist device that can be permanently implanted into the circulatory system of a patient. The kit comprises one or more passive cores (Pcore), a stator, a power supply, and a controller unit. The inventors have realized that major open heart surgery, generally used for implementing a magnetic blood pump in the circulatory system, can be wholly avoided if the rotor and the stator are physically separated and are implanted respectively inside and around the blood vessel at the location of interest. Therefore the kit is characterized in that the one or more Pcores are configured to allow them to be implanted inside a blood vessel and the stator is configure to enable it to be placed outside of the blood vessel surrounding the Pcores. Also described are illustrative medical procedures for implanting the components of the kit at different locations in the body.

Abstract: A TET system is provided which is operable to vary an amount of power transmitted from an external power supply to an implantable power unit in accordance with a monitored condition of the implantable power unit. In such way, the amount of power supplied to the implantable power unit for operating a pump, for example, can be varied in accordance with a cardiac cycle, so as to maintain the monitored condition in the power circuit within a desired range throughout the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A peri-arterial blood flow booster apparatus for improving blood pressure and flow, to be implanted around a blood vessel of a patient. The booster comprises a pressure applying device (56) comprising at least one balloon (44), placed alongside a portion of the blood vessel and a restrainer (54) for restraining the balloon and providing counter-forces. It further comprises a control console (60) comprising: an inflating unit (66) for rapidly inflating and deflating the balloon, the inflating unit connected to the balloon; sensing means (68) for sensing electrocardiograph signals of the patient; a control unit (72) for controlling the operation of the inflating unit correlating to the electrocardiograph signals detected by the sensing means. When the balloon is inflated the restrainer forces it to compress the portion of the blood vessel preventing backflow and exerting forces on the blood vessel forcing blood within the portion of the blood vessel to flow antegradely.

Abstract: In an implantable medical device for detecting and/or monitoring the progression of diastolic heart failure (DHF), and a corresponding method, a parameter is measured that is indicative of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and a variable is also measured that is indicative of the workload of the patient, and a relation is determined between LVEF and the workload, and DHF is detected and/or the progression of DHF is monitored, dependent on this relation.

Abstract: In a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) a rotodynamic blood pump (10) is powered by a brushless DC motor (12). A power supply (14) supplies power to the motor (12). Three feedback channels, one for each of voltage, current, and motor speed lead to a microcontroller or microprocessor (18). The three feedback waveforms are analyzed, and from these waveforms, motor input power, patient heart rate, current pump flow rate, and systemic pressure are determined. The microprocessor (18) then calculates a desired flow rate proportional to the patient heart rate. The microprocessor communicates a new power output to a commutation circuit (16), which regulates power to the motor (12). The pump (10) also includes safety checks that are prioritized over desired pump flow. These include prevention of ventricular suction, low pulsatility, minimum and maximum pump speed, minimum speed-relative pump flow, minimum absolute pump flow, minimum and maximum motor input power.

Abstract: A system delivers multiple enhanced therapies to limit myocardial damage post-revascularization. The system includes a catheter that incorporates features for delivering cardiac protection pacing therapy (CPPT) and intermittent ischemia therapy. In one embodiment, a method for delivering cardiac protection therapies to a heart is provided. One or more catheters are provided having a balloon, at least one pacing electrode and at least one hemodynamic sensor. Cardiac protection pacing therapy (CPPT) and intermittent ischemia therapy are concurrently delivered using the one or more catheters. The pacing and ischemia are adapted to protect the heart from ischemic and reperfusion injuries. The delivery of the CPPT and the intermittent ischemia are controlled using a closed-loop system monitoring a signal sensed by the at least one hemodynamic sensor.

Abstract: In blood perfusion during cardiac surgery or ventricular assistance, for treating cardiac insufficiency, use is currently made of a centrifugal pump that generates a linear flow in the circulatory system, counter to the pulsating flow generated by the heart. According to the invention, a pulsating linear flow is achieved for blood perfusion by providing, in the interior wall of the chamber or casing of the pump (3), an elastic lining (8) in the form of a bell-shaped membrane that inflates and deflates, producing variations in volume and changes in pressure that give rise to a pulsating effect in the flow at the outlet (6) from the pump (3). At the inlet (5) to the pump (3) there is a non-return valve formed by an annular thickening (11).

Abstract: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to a non-primary blood vessel and a second end that is fluidly coupled to a pump to conduct blood between the pump and the non-primary blood vessel. An outflow conduit is also provided that has a first end sized and configured to be positioned within the same or different blood vessel, whether primary or non-primary, through the vascular graft. The outflow conduit is fluidly coupled to the pump to conduct blood between the pump and the patient. The vascular graft may be connected to the blood vessel subcutaneously to permit application of the extracardiac pumping system in a minimally-invasive procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided including an inflatable bladder (40), adapted to be coupled to a blood vessel (22) of a subject (18) carrying oxygenated blood, such that an interior of the bladder (40) is in fluid communication with the blood. The apparatus also includes a piston (48) in mechanical communication with the bladder (40); a motor (60), adapted to synchronize contraction and expansion of the bladder (40) with a cardiac cycle of the subject (18) by applying a motor force to the piston (48); and a spring (54), adapted to apply a spring force to the piston (48).

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing distention in designated portions of a heart muscle while assisting cardiac valve alignment and coaptation. Anchoring devices are secured to the heart muscle and a bio-compatible cardiac assist device placed over portions of the heart muscle is separately secured to the anchoring devices. The cardiac assist device may be a material that wraps portions of the heart muscle, or may be straps that wrap portions of the heart muscle. Tightening and securing the cardiac assist device in place helps to reduce distention in chambers of the heart muscle and aids alignment and coaptation of cardiac valves.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus has an efficient cuff and bladder system. Embodiments of this system generally allow effective treatment at lower pressures and a reduced total body surface area being compressed. An accurate and reliable combination of automatic and preset timing for inflation and deflation of the bladder system is used to simplify use of the apparatus.

Abstract: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to a non-primary blood vessel and a second end that is fluidly coupled to a pump to conduct blood between the pump and the non-primary blood vessel. An outflow conduit is also provided that has a first end sized and configured to be positioned within the same or different blood vessel, whether primary or non-primary, through the vascular graft. The outflow conduit is fluidly coupled to the pump to conduct blood between the pump and the patient. The vascular graft may be connected to the blood vessel subcutaneously to permit application of the extracardiac pumping system in a minimally-invasive procedure.

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.

Abstract: A pump includes a flexible conduit, at least one valve attached to the flexible conduit about the perimeter of the valve; and a drive mechanism to move the valve to pump blood within the conduit. The drive mechanism can, for example, be adapted to complete a single stroke during each heart ventricle contraction and/or to complete multiple strokes (that is, oscillate) during a single contraction. The moveable valve includes a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings has a closure mechanism in operative connection therewith which is operable to at least partially close the opening to which it is operatively connected when the moveable valve is moved forward and to open the opening to which it is operatively connected when the valve is moved rearward. In one embodiment, each closure mechanism includes a flap of resilient material.

Abstract: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to a non-primary blood vessel and a second end that is fluidly coupled to a pump to conduct blood between the pump and the non-primary blood vessel. An outflow conduit is also provided that has a first end sized and configured to be positioned within the same or different blood vessel, whether primary or non-primary, through the vascular graft. The outflow conduit is fluidly coupled to the pump to conduct blood between the pump and the patient. The vascular graft may be connected to the blood vessel subcutaneously to permit application of the extracardiac pumping system in a minimally-invasive procedure.

Abstract: An artificial heart pump system wherein the load of a processor in a controller used for a blood pump system is reduced and the performance of the hardware is maintained or guarantied, and the artificial heart pump system is provided independently with a controlling processor for controlling an operation status of a blood pump to perform in a preset condition and with an observing processor for controlling a display unit displaying an operation status and an operation condition of the blood pump. A memory device is also mounted in an outside-the-body type battery pack included in the artificial heart pump system; data such as pump data, event log or the like is stored therein. Further, a user interface unit of an artificial heart pump is proposed where a user can confirm displayed contents of the controller without exposing the controller externally.

Abstract: A cardiac assist system using a helical arrangement of contractile bands and a helically-twisting cardiac assist device are disclosed. One embodiment discloses a cardiac assist system comprising at least one contractile elastic band helically arrangement around a periphery of a patient's heart, where upon an actuation the band contracts helically, thereby squeezing the heart and assisting the pumping function of the heart. Another embodiment discloses a helically twisting cardiac-apex assist device comprising an open, inverted, substantially conical chamber with two rotatable ring portions of different diameters located at the base and apex of the chamber, with a plurality of substantially helical connecting elements positioned substantially flush with the chamber wall and connecting the two rotatable ring portions, whereby a relative twisting motion of the two rings causes a change in volume of the chamber thereby assisting the cardiac pumping function.

Abstract: Various devices, systems and methods for providing effective, long term and reliable use of pressure feedback in VADs. Exemplary embodiments are described which provide for direct LV pressure measurement, non-invasive calibration techniques to detect ventricular collapse and recalibrate the feedback mechanism, improved pressure sensor designs with reduced drift, and barometric pressure correction schemes. These devices and methods may be used alone or in combination with each other, and may also be combined with other feedback mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of a blood pump, wherein the method includes the steps of deriving an estimated pulsatility index from speed, then deriving an estimated blood pressure from estimated pulsatility index; and maintaining target blood flow rate near to or at a preset value by adjusting the speed.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device synchronization system includes a cardiac assist device and an acoustic or accelerometer sensor that provides a signal input to the cardiac assist device indicative of aortic valve closure. The cardiac assist device is coupled to a mammalian aorta and includes an inflatable chamber and a fluid pump. A fluid conduit is in communication between the chamber and the pump to provide for selective inflation of the chamber. A pump controller triggers the pump in counter-pulsation to a mammalian heart upstream from the aorta. A process for synchronizing a cardiac assist device in counter-pulsation with a left ventricle includes locating an acoustic or accelerometer sensor within a thoracic cavity of a mammal having the assist device coupled to the aorta of the mammal.

Abstract: In a flow rate estimation method of a blood pump, a general flow rate estimation formula which includes a correction term is formed based on a plurality of blood pumps. Measured data obtained from an objective blood pump implanted inside a patient is substituted into the correction term, thus forming a flow rate estimation formula of the objective blood pump. The flow rate Q of the objective blood pump is estimated based on the flow rate estimation formula and the values of the rotational speed N and the consumption current I of the motor of the objective blood pump, and the attribute data Z of the blood of the patient.

Abstract: A process for assisting the function of a heart disposed within a body, and comprising an outer wall, comprising the steps of measuring at least one parameter that is indicative of the function of the heart, applying a compressive force to a portion of the outer wall of the heart, and applying an expansive force to the portion of the outer wall of the heart. The process is preferably performed with an apparatus comprising a cup-shaped shell having an exterior wall, an interior wall, an apex, and an upper edge; a liner having an outer surface and an inner surface, an upper edge joined to said interior wall of the cup-shaped shell, and a lower edge joined of the interior wall of the cup-shaped shell, thereby forming a cavity between the outer surface thereof and the interior wall of the shell; and a drive fluid cyclically interposed within the cavity, the drive fluid applying a uniform force on a portion of the outer wall of the heart.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods by which the real or apparent renovascular perfusion and intrarenal pressure may be selectively and controllably increased. By selectively and controllably increasing renovascular perfusion and interstitial hydrostatic pressure when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood or when renal perfusion is suboptimal, the present invention reduces or reverses neurohormonal activation and fluid retention, and thereby minimizes their deleterious effects on the heart, vasculature, kidneys and other body systems.

Abstract: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to a non-primary blood vessel and a second end that is fluidly coupled to a pump to conduct blood between the pump and the non-primary blood vessel. An outflow conduit is also provided that has a first end sized and configured to be positioned within the same or different blood vessel, whether primary or non-primary, through the vascular graft. The outflow conduit is fluidly coupled to the pump to conduct blood between the pump and the patient. The vascular graft may be connected to the blood vessel subcutaneously to permit application of the extracardiac pumping system in a minimally-invasive procedure.

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte present in a fluid includes a fluorous sensing phase into which the analyte enters selectively in comparison with other components of the fluid.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a blood pump having a motor with a rotor and a stator. The stator has a plurality of stator windings situated therein. A motor controller is coupled to the motor, and a processor has inputs coupled to the motor controller for receiving a time continuous signal from the pump. The processor is programmed to transform the time continuous signal to the frequency domain, and control the pump and detect excess suction in response to the time continuous signal in the frequency domain.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-invasive rigid-support enhanced external counterpulsation device (RS-EECP) providing a precise onset of a blood flow characterized by a sharp-wave front, useful for out-patient treatment of arterial insufficiency states, especially angina; said RS-EECP comprising a timing means and a plurality of pressing cuffs; said timing means is adapted to onset the collapsing and expanding maneuvers of the cuffs in a sequence of occasions defined along the diastolic/systolic cycle; said cuffs are fastened around at least a portion of the circumference of at least one organ comprising a vascular bed to counterpulsate against an either fixed or maneuverable support; wherein said support is a rigid member; so as a quick expansion of said vessel bed, following a forceful and effective collapsing of the same is obtained.

Abstract: An image enhanced external counterpulsation system may be used to monitor a continuous real-time ultrasound image of the patient's heart during ECP therapy.

Abstract: An organ assist system having a closed fluid system having a ring-shaped prosthetic contactively surrounding at least a portion of a body part, including bladders adapted for selectable dilation and contraction in response to varying fluid pressure therewithin, a fluid pump, and apparatus for pressurizing the bladders; and a control unit for controlling operation of at least the fluid pump; pressure sensors within the fluid system; a power source, and shut off valves. The pressurization apparatus includes pressure cells arranged in an array, each pressure cell having a shut-off valve at its inlet, and a shut-off valve at its outlet, the shut-off valves being controlled by the control unit such that the pressurization apparatus is operable to provide a range of pressurizations to the bladders of the prosthetic for applying a controlled variable pressurizing effect to the body part thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method of treating a vessel in a human or animal body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cardiopulmonary bypass pump that can be used with medication to put the heart into asystole or near asystolic status. The patent describes equipment used in conjunction with medication to temporarily replace the function of the heart and to allow the heart to survive with minimal oxygen supply for hours or days, and for the heart to recover from ischemic or other insult or other damage without being subjected to a heavy working load. The invention provides a means to stop blood flow to the heart for a relatively long period of time, thereby allowing the performance of certain procedures that require coronary artery blockade. It also allows the heart to stop contracting, which may result in safer and easier performance of some procedures. A medication is given to the patient while the device is in use in order to stop the heart or slow the heart rate to a minimal level to decrease cardiac oxygen requirements without significant hemostasis in the pulmonary circulation.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a blood pump having a motor with a rotor and a stator. The stator has a plurality of stator windings situated therein. A motor controller is coupled to the motor, and a processor has inputs coupled to the motor controller for receiving a time continuous signal from the pump. The processor is programmed to transform the time continuous signal to the frequency domain, and control the pump and detect excess suction in response to the time continuous signal in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A blood pump including a ultrasonic sensor mounted in or on a blood contacting surface of said blood pump. The ultrasonic sensor measures blood velocity and reports information to a blood pump controller and wherein the ultrasonic sensor is directed to measure blood velocity in an inflow cannula connected to the blood pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for axially conveying body fluids. The aim of the invention is to embody the inflow and outflow area of an axial pump in such a way that the flow is not separated even when it is diverted, thereby maintaining a substantially non-disrupted flow profile.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices for two minimally invasive therapeutic procedures, particularly for patients with congestive heart failure. One procedure involves providing a valve to form a passageway through the patient's left ventricular wall at the apex of the patient's heart and configured to advance instruments through the valved passageway to connect the valve leaflets of the patient's heart valve, e.g. the mitral valve, in a “Bow-Tie” configuration to prevent or minimize regurgitation through the valve. The second procedure is directed to a pacing lead with a housing and a pacing lead implanting device which are configured to pass through a trocar in the patient's chest and implanting the pacing lead on an exposed epicardial region of the patient's heart wall. The pacing lead has a penetrating electrode which is secured within the heart wall. One or both procedures may be performed on a patient with CHF.

Abstract: A device for cardiocirculatory assistance, also named a ventricular assist device, includes a haematic pump (50) with a pump body (7) having an inner space (21) defined by a rigid structure (51) and a pair of mobile membranes (16, 17) alternately driven in opposite directions by alternately positive pressure and negative pressure gas supplied to recesses (19, 20) surrounding the two membranes by means of an external pneumatic force generating unit (1). This device achieves excellent operation results while maintaining a reduced size and reduced weight.

Abstract: A device for draining a coronary sinus comprises a first catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a passage there through, the distal end adapted to be placed in a coronary sinus, a second catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a passage there through, the distal end adapted to be placed in a right side of a heart, and a control system for receiving signals indicative of a coronary sinus needing to be drained of blood, the control system comprising a pump for pumping blood from a coronary sinus through the first catheter to the second catheter into a right side of a heart.