Abstract: Membranes are provided to be specially developed for use in chambers for artificial circulatory assistance which may be employed primarily in cardiovascular procedures, notably to produce arterial capacitance, to regulate blood pressure, to produce aortic counterpulsation and to pump blood. The membrane may have circular sections that may vary in size or not depending on the function to be performed and are interconnected so that the transition between one section and the other is smooth, regardless of the size of each section. Further, chambers and pumps may be used for cardiopulmonary bypass and a pumping system.

Abstract: A valved conduit including a bioprosthetic valve, such as a heart valve, and a tubular conduit sealed with a bioresorbable material. The bioprosthetic heart valve includes prosthetic tissue that has been treated such that the tissue may be stored dry for extended periods without degradation of functionality of the valve. The bioprosthetic heart valve may have separate bovine pericardial leaflets or a whole porcine valve. The sealed conduit includes a tubular matrix impregnated with a bioresorbable medium such as gelatin or collagen. The valved conduit is stored dry in packaging in which a desiccant pouch is supplied having a capacity for absorbing moisture within the packaging limited to avoid drying the bioprosthetic tissue out beyond a point where its ability to function in the bioprosthetic heart valve is compromised. The heart valve may be sewn within the sealed conduit or coupled thereto with a snap-fit connection.

Abstract: An intravascular blood pump comprises a pumping device including an impeller and an electric motor for driving the impeller. A rotor of the electric motor is rotatable about an axis of rotation and coupled to the impeller so as to be able to cause rotation of the impeller. An outer sleeve forms a casing of the pumping device, wherein stator components are fixed inside the outer sleeve by means of a casting compound. In a method of manufacturing the blood pump the stator components are placed on a molding base, including the outer sleeve to thereby form an interspace between the molding base and the outer sleeve in which the stator components are disposed. The casting compound is then injected into the interspace via the molding base to fix the stator components inside the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve preferably comprises a magnetically conductive material to form a yoke of the electric motor.

Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a motor assembly, the motor assembly comprising a chamber and a shaft-driving portion disposed in the chamber. The shaft-driving portion can be configured to impart rotation to the impeller through the shaft assembly. The chamber can be filled with a gas that at least partially surrounds the shaft-driving portion. A fluid pathway can convey fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A bypass pathway can be in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, the bypass pathway configured to direct at least a portion of the fluid to bypass the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable blood pump assembly that includes a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, a flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet, and an internal compartment separated from the flow path. The blood pump assembly further includes a rotor positioned within the flow path and operable to pump blood from the inlet to the outlet, a stator positioned within the internal compartment and operable to drive the rotor, and an inlet conduit connected to the housing inlet and having a downstream end that has a reduced cross-sectional area that produces a localized region of high velocity blood flow. The blood pump assembly further includes at least one pressure sensor positioned between the inlet and the outlet and configured to detect a pressure of blood flowing through the flow path. The pressure sensor is located adjacent the downstream end of the inlet conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use in wireless energy transfer, which includes a first resonator structure configured to transfer energy non-radiatively with a second resonator structure over a distance greater than a characteristic size of the second resonator structure. The non-radiative energy transfer is mediated by a coupling of a resonant field evanescent tail of the first resonator structure and a resonant field evanescent tail of the second resonator structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a self-contained device including a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic pump. Preferably, the motor is incorporated either within the interior of the pump, on the exterior of the pump, or a combination of the two. The pump increases the kinetic energy of the fluid by centrifugal means, and in some embodiments is a viscous impeller pump. Applications include building flow systems, industrial processes, and biological circulatory systems.

Abstract: An application, in particular for motor vehicle closing devices. The basic design of the motor vehicle has an electric motor and an actuating element which is acted upon by the electric motor directly or indirectly via a powertrain. The powertrain is provided with at least one Evoloid toothing. According to the invention, a drive shaft of the electric motor is equipped with an Evoloid pinion which meshes with an Evoloid output gear at the input of the powertrain, thereby directly producing the Evoloid toothing.

Abstract: Devices for moving blood within a patient, and methods of doing so. The devices can include a pump portion that includes an impeller and a housing around the impeller, as well as a fluid lumen. The impeller can be activated to cause rotation of the impeller and thereby move fluid within the fluid lumen.

Abstract: A patient care system is configured for infusing fluid to a patient. The system includes a plurality of modular fluid infusion pumps that each has a connector for connecting to a modular programming unit or to one another. Systems and methods are configured for verifying that the connectors are reliably performing their functions or communicatively connecting the pumps to one another or to the programming unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating flow rate in a blood circulation assist system employing impeller eccentricity. A method includes magnetically rotating an impeller within a blood flow channel of a blood pump. The impeller is levitated within the blood flow channel transverse to the impeller axis of rotation. A rotational speed for the impeller is determined. At least one impeller transverse position parameter is determined. The at least one impeller transverse position parameter is based on at least one of (1) an amount of a bearing current that is used to levitate the impeller transverse to the impeller axis of rotation, and (2) a position of the impeller within the blood flow channel transverse to the impeller axis of rotation. A flow rate of blood pumped by the blood pump is estimated based on the impeller rotational speed and the at least one impeller transverse position parameter.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having a support structure and at least one leaflet. The leaflet comprises means for allowing fluid that is behind the leaflet to pass through to the front of the leaflet when the leaflet is not in the closed position. The prosthetic valve includes a leaflet moveable between an open position that permits antegrade flow through the prosthetic valve and a closed position that prevents regurgitant flow through the prosthetic valve, the leaflet having an aperture or gap, or a separation of portions of the leaflet to allow a flow or exchange of fluid between a front and back of the leaflet, when the leaflet is not in the closed position.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for generating a variable liquid vacuum with an accompanying stable gas flow rate. In particular, when a suction device suctions a liquid and gas mixture it is advantageous to provide a variable vacuum or vacuum to apply to the liquid component while the flow rate of the gas stays constant or essentially constant.

Abstract: An occluder for occluding a passage in a body, especially in a left atrial appendage (LAA), comprises elongate members having a first end and a second end, the ends being held in or attached to holders, wherein the elongate members extend independently from each other between the holders and wherein the elongate members are collectively enveloped by at least one jacket. The jacket restricts a bending motion of the elongate members when their first ends are approximated to their second ends by moving the two holders relatively to each other. The occluder uses an expanding structure which can be easily handled whereby the movement of the elongate members is restricted by at the jackets which envelop the elongate members. At least the elongate members can be made of bioresorbable material.

Abstract: A ventricular assist system and a blood pump controller including a blood pump usable in a state where a first slide surface and a second slide surface are brought into contact with each other, and a cool sealing liquid is supplied to a gap formed between the first slide surface and the second slide surface; a first sub controller having a first cool sealing liquid reservoir, a cool sealing liquid pump, a first pipe joint upstream side, and a fourth pipe joint downstream side; and a second sub controller having a blood pump drive circuit, a battery, a first pipe joint downstream side, a second pipe joint upstream side, a third pipe joint downstream side, and a fourth pipe joint upstream side. The first sub controller and the second sub controller are detachably connected by a first pipe joint and a fourth pipe joint.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining opening of an aortic valve of a biological subject, the apparatus including an electronic processing device that determines a pump speed of a ventricular assist device that is assisting cardiac function of the biological subject, analyses the pump speed to determine a pump speed indicator at least partially indicative of changes in pump speed and uses the pump speed indicator to determine an opening indicator indicative of opening of the aortic valve.

Abstract: An asymmetric occlusion device for occluding an opening in a body tissue where part of the opening is defined by a partial inadequate rim. The asymmetric occlusion device includes a waist portion having a distal end extending to a proximal end. The waist portion is of non-woven material extending around a longitudinal axis opening. The occlusion device further includes a pair of asymmetric occluder disks attached to the waist. The asymmetric distal and proximal occluder disks are formed of shape memory material. The asymmetric occluder disks include a short arm extending from the waist and an extended arm extending from the waist. The extended arm exceeds the length of the first short arm. The density of the first short arm exceeds the density of the second extended arm.

Abstract: An Occluder for occluding a passage in a circulatory system comprises at least one occluding body (4), for occluding the passage, an expanding unit (1) comprising at least one fixation structure for fixing the occluding body (4, 5) within the passage, wherein at least a part of the expanding unit (1) is expanding into said fixation structure thereby expanding the occluding body and a locking unit (2, 3) for locking the expanding unit (1) in its expanded state. The expanding unit (1) comprises a first and a second end and wherein the first end is attached to a first element of the locking unit (2, 3) and the second end is attached to a second element of the locking unit (2, 3), the first and second elements of the locking unit (2, 3) being brought in locking engagement with each other when the occluding body (4, 5) is expanded, wherein the occluder further comprises a jacket (6, 7) which envelops at least a part of the expanding unit (1).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fully implantable artificial heart. The use of flat helical springs to align and reciprocate a bellows structure allows the bellows to pump blood, the multiple solenoids with floating magnetized rods and permanent magnet assemblies held by the flat helical springs provide the power. The artificial heart pumps blood with virtually no friction and no parts to wear out. The use of solenoids advantageously move blood in a gentle, controllable manner.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial heart control device for controlling a blood pump which assists flow of blood in a heart, the artificial heart control device including: a timing detection part which is configured to detect reference timing within a cardiac cycle of the heart; and a blood pump control part which is configured to control a rotational speed of the blood pump, wherein the blood pump control part controls, with reference to the reference timing detected by the timing detection part, the rotational speed of the blood pump such that the rotational speed becomes a rotational speed corresponding to a predetermined control pattern. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an artificial heart control device, an artificial heart system and an artificial heart control method which can provide a load control optimum for the recovery of functions of a patient's own heart.

Abstract: A device, a kit and a method are presented for permanently augmenting the pump function of the left heart. The basis for the presented innovation is an augmentation of the physiologically up and down movement of the mitral valve during each heart cycle. By means of catheter technique, minimal surgery, or open heart surgery implants are inserted into the left ventricle, the mitral valve annulus, the left atrium and adjacent tissue in order to augment the natural up and down movement of the mitral valve and thereby increasing the left ventricular diastolic filling and the piston effect of the closed mitral valve when moving towards the apex of the heart in systole and/or away from the apex in diastole.

Abstract: A implantable pump system comprises an implantable pump motor and an external unit. An inverter comprises respective phases couple to the motor via a cable with redundant conductors for each phase. A controller receives power measurements for all the redundant conductors, which are combined and compared in order to detect failures in the non-redundant components within the motor and windings.

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: Disclosed herein are instruments and methods for delivery of substrates, including cell-seeded substrates, to target tissues requiring treatment for various diseases that induce cell death, damage or loss of function. The substrates are configured to provide cells, including stem cells, with a structural support that allows interconnection with and transmission of biological signals between the cells and the target tissue.

Abstract: A training system comprising a phantom heart, the phantom heart comprising an exterior surface upon which a tubing is topologically arranged in a manner which mimics the placement of the distal LCx, the LAD, the PDA, and the RCA. The tubing is configured to receive a contrast agent received from a power injector. The training system further comprises an airway subsystem which is modeled to represent the trachea, the right bronchus, and the left bronchus, and which is arranged relative to the phantom heart such that a portion of the airway subsystem which approximates the position of the tracheal carina is aligned with a portion of the phantom heart that represents the ascending aorta. The training system further comprises an EKG pulse generator in electrical communication with a computed tomography scanner for purposes of conducting computed tomography angiography of the phantom heart.

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 cardiac function variation evaluation apparatus includes: a continuous flow type auxiliary artificial heart 20 connected to a ventricle (10A); a pressure sensor 30 for detecting ventricle (10A) internal pressure; and means (a personal computer 40) for evaluating contractile variation of the ventricle, to which the auxiliary artificial heart 20 is connected, based on internal area APMp of a closed-loop of a relationship between the ventricle internal pressure detected by the pressure sensor 30 and a consumption power of the auxiliary artificial heart 20. Thus, the contractile variation of the ventricle, to which an auxiliary artificial heart is connected, can be continuously evaluated not by use of an ultrasonic echo apparatus or a conductance catheter but by use of a non-invasive method.

Abstract: A static seal structure for a pump housing includes a support structure, a first sealing element, and a second sealing element. The support structure circumscribes a pump chamber and includes a first sealing surface, an opposing second sealing surface, and a fluid transfer end interposed between the sealing surfaces. The support structure provides a fluid flow path running through the fluid transfer end and into the pump chamber via an inlet bore and from the pump chamber back through the fluid transfer end via an outlet bore. The first sealing element is disposed on the first sealing surface, and the second sealing element is disposed on the second sealing surface. The sealing elements are configured for forming sealing interfaces in the pump housing, establishing a static seal that isolates the pump chamber from an environment external to the fluid pump housing.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device incorporating a rotary pump such as a rotary impeller pump 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 to 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: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a pump such as an axial flow pump, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump, and an anchor element. The anchor element is physically connected to the pump, as by an elongate element. The pump is implanted within the left ventricle with the outflow cannula projecting through the aortic valve but desirably terminating short of the aortic arch. The anchor element is fixed to the wall of the heart near the apex of the heart so that the anchor element holds the pump and outflow cannula in position.

Abstract: A heart support device for pulsatile delivery of blood comprising a first and a second ventricle and a pump. Both ventricles comprises a fluid chamber and a blood-conveying chamber, wherein each fluid chamber can be filled with a fluid or emptied by way of the pump in such a way that an expansion or contraction of the fluid chamber occurs. In an expansion of the fluid chamber of a ventricle, a compression of the blood-conveying chamber of the same ventricle takes place, wherein a rigid pressure plate is disposed between a fluid chamber and the respective blood-conveying chamber, said pressure plate being able to move in the direction of the respective blood-conveying chamber.

Abstract: A cannulation system for cardiac support uses an inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula. The outer cannula includes a fluid inlet for placement within the right atrium of a heart. The inner cannula includes a fluid inlet extending through the fluid inlet of the outer cannula and the atrial septum for placement within at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. The cannulation system also employs a pumping assembly coupled to the inner and outer cannulas to withdraw blood from the right atrium for delivery to the pulmonary artery to provide right heart support, or to withdraw blood from at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle for delivery into the aorta to provide left heart support, or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a fluid in a conveying direction having one or more drive bodies which can be driven in an oscillating manner by means of a drive system transversely to the conveying direction. An acceleration of the fluid is achieved by a corresponding movement in translation or by a partially pivoting movement of the drive bodies in the manner of the fin principle known from biology (e.g. aerodynamics and hydrodynamics).

Abstract: The present invention provides a total artificial heart system for auto-regulating flow and pressure balance. In one embodiment the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising inlets and outlets connectable to a mammalian cardiovascular system and at least first and second continuous pumps connected to the atrial reservoir. In further embodiments, the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising at least two atrial chambers, and a means for transmitting fluid pressure between the atrial chambers. The means for transmitting fluid pressure include, but are not limited to a diaphragm, an interatrial window, a flexible membrane, a valve, a filter, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the means for transmitting fluid pressure comprises an implantable diaphragm comprising an outer rim attachable to biological tissue and a membrane anchored at its periphery by said outer rim.

Abstract: A treatment strategy for treatment of elevated pressure in a body conduit, such as a pulmonary vein, with a prosthetic partitioning device for placement in and/or about pulmonary veins is described, as well as delivery systems, and strategies for use thereof. A control device is configured to transmit signals to the prosthetic device to effectuate the repetitive transition between a first, less restricted flow configuration and a second, restricted flow configuration are described. A sensor device may be provided for monitoring physiological parameters of the patient, and can provide signals to the control device for effectuating the transition between the first and second configuration.

Abstract: A device for assisting and/or taking over the pumping function of the heart, with a multilayer sheathing part configured for compressing the heart at least in certain sections, wherein the sheathing part has at least one stabilization layer for shaping the sheathing part and at least one inner extensible augmentation layer, and wherein at least one cavity is formed between the stabilization layer and the augmentation layer, the cavity being inflatable and deflatable by a fluid, for cyclic compression of the heart. Provision is made for the stabilization layer to be inflatable with a fluid, at least in certain sections, in order to convert the sheathing part from a coiled and/or collapsed insertion state of the device in the body into an arched functional state, wherein the heart, in the functional state of the sheathing part, is at least partially sheathed and/or encompassed.

Abstract: A percutaneous pumping system for providing hemodynamic support to a patient includes a pumping sleeve that defines a lumen extending along the length of the pumping sleeve. The pumping sleeve is configured and arranged for insertion into patient vasculature. At least one rotatable magnet is disposed in the pumping sleeve. The at least one first magnet is configured and arranged to be driven to rotate by a magnetic field generated external to the pumping sleeve. At least one impeller is coupled to the at least one magnet. Rotation of the at least one magnet causes a corresponding rotation of the at least one impeller. An anchoring arrangement is coupled to the pumping sleeve. The anchoring arrangement is configured and arranged to anchor the pumping sleeve at a target pumping location when the pumping sleeve is inserted into patient vasculature.

Abstract: An implantable aortic blood pump includes a rigid body having wall extending along a long axis and defining an inflation port portion with an inflation aperture therethrough. The aperture is fluid communication with an inner surface of the body and on a fluid supply, the body is preferably independent of an external brace or an external stiffener, yet still has a cantilevered deformation of less than 8 millimeters in response to a 200 gram weight suspended from a front body edge. A deflecting structure of a membrane deflects in response to fluid pressure so as to pump blood when the pump is secured to a subject aorta.

Abstract: A blood pump controller includes a microcontroller and a communication interface. The microcontroller is configured to communicate with various types of blood pump communication modules. The microcontroller is further configured to determine, based on communication with a particular type of blood pump communication module, the particular type of blood pump communication module communicated with. The microcontroller is further configured to select, based on the determination of the particular type of blood pump communication module, control logic used to control the particular type of blood pump communication module. The microcontroller is further configured to generate, based on the selected control logic, commands for controlling the blood pump communication module. The communication interface is configured to connect the microcontroller to the particular type of blood pump communication module.

Abstract: Miniature axial flow pumps are implanted inside the heart or major arteries to provide hemodynamic support. These pumps commonly utilize tubular blood conduit tubes to transport blood across the aortic valve. The valve leaflets themselves are very thin and flexible, and will seal against the conduit if it is centered within the valve orifice. If the conduit is not centered, a leaflet can be pushed to the side of the aorta, preventing the leaflets from sealing and providing a path for backflow. If the blood flow conduit remains pushed against the side of the valve for a long period of time, thrombus may form in the crevice between the conduit and the aorta, causing serious thromboembolic events such as stroke, if the thrombus breaks free. The present invention provides a conduit support device that retains the conduit centered within the annulus of the natural heart valve.

Abstract: A wholly implantable non-natural heart for humans includes a pumping unit, a power generating unit, and a controller. An I beam type chassis with matching holes is provided for supporting valve mounting bodies of the non-natural heart.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable one-piece heart prosthesis having a driving artificial ventricle and a driven artificial ventricle. A main actuator is configured to transmit to the driving artificial ventricle diastolic and systolic flow rates having desired respective values for the driving artificial ventricle. An auxiliary actuator is configured to transmit to the driven artificial ventricle correction systolic and diastolic flow rates that correct the systolic and diastolic flow rates transmitted by the main actuator to the driven artificial ventricle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable device for improving the pump function of the heart of a human patient by applying an external force on the heart muscle, said device comprising at least one pump device comprising: a first part having a first surface, and a second part having a second surface. The first part is displaceable in relation to the second part and said first and second surfaces abut each other, at least partially. The second part exerts, directly or indirectly, force on an external part of said heart muscle.

Abstract: A cardiovascular device (11), adapted to be fitted into a cardiac ventricular cavity (2) having a volume with blood flowing therethrough, which is bounded by walls (8) and has a larger longitudinal dimension (D1) and a smaller transverse dimension (D2). The device includes a diaphragm (16) that can be disposed in the ventricular cavity (2) substantially transverse to the larger longitudinal dimension (D1), in such an arrangement as to reduce ventricular volume, the diaphragm (16) having a peripheral edge (15) which can be sealingly engaged with the ventricle walls (8) and being adapted to be alternately driven between an active blood pushing displacement and an inactive return displacement.

Abstract: A method of implanting a blood pump system in a patient requiring treatment includes creating an opening in an epicardium of a heart to access an interior chamber of the heart and implanting a blood pump such that an inlet port of a pump housing is in fluid communication with the interior chamber of the heart through the opening. The pump housing has a first external surface adjacent to the inlet port such that it is substantially adjacent to the epicardium of the heart when implanted. In some embodiments, a first external surface contacts the epicardium when implanted. The blood pump is then secured to the exterior wall of the heart. In some embodiments, the blood pump is secured using a mounting cuff.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, articles, coatings, and methods for controlled active agent release and/or for providing a hemocompatible surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to copolymer compositions and devices, articles, and methods regarding the same for controlled active agent release. In an embodiment, the present invention includes a copolymer composition. The copolymer composition can include a copolymer and an active agent. In an embodiment, the copolymer includes an effective portion of a monomeric unit including a polar moiety. The active agent can be polar. The active agent can be charged. The active agent can be non-polar. In an embodiment, the copolymer composition includes a random copolymer. In an embodiment, the random copolymer includes butyl methacrylate-co-acrylamido-methyl-propane sulfonate copolymer, which can provide reduced platelet adhesion.

Abstract: A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge.

Abstract: A method is provided of controlling a pump including a electrical motor coupled to a rotor which carries first and second impellers at opposite ends thereof. The method includes: (a) driving the rotor using the motor, so as to circulate fluid from the first impeller through a first fluid circuit, the second impeller, a second fluid circuit, and back to the first impeller; (b) determining a resistance of the first fluid circuit, based on a first motor parameter; (c) determining a flow rate through the first fluid circuit based on a second motor parameter; and (d) varying at least one operational parameter of the pump so as to maintain a predetermined relationship between the flow rate and the resistance of the first fluid circuit.

Abstract: At least one aspect is directed to a totally artificial heart, and at least another aspect is directed to a method of controlling blood flow in a patient. The totally artificial heart may include a first rotary pump having an input to receive blood and an output to provide blood to a patient's lungs, a second rotary pump having an input to receive blood and an output to provide blood to the patient's body, a first sensor associated with the first rotary pump, a second sensor associated with the second rotary pump, and a control system coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, the first rotary pump and the second rotary pump and configured to control characteristics of the first rotary pump and the second rotary pump based on signals received from at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor such that an average flow of blood through the second rotary pump is greater than an average flow of blood through the first rotary pump.