Abstract: A primary scotch yoke and a secondary scotch yoke are coupled in opposing arrangement and rigidly attached to a linearly reciprocating element. Each scotch yoke includes a rotary actuator with a cam follower and a yoke attached to the reciprocating element. Each yoke has a cam with an open gap through which the follower may be disengaged from the cam and stopped to an idle position. The follower of the secondary scotch yoke is kept idle in a position similarly disengaged from its cam. A controller detects a failure in the primary scotch yoke, disengages the cam follower of the primary yoke from its cam, and energizes the secondary scotch yoke, thereby causing its cam follower to engage its yoke and continue to provide uninterrupted motion to the reciprocating element, in particular the portable pneumatic pump driving an artificial heart.

Abstract: A pneumatic pump comprises two coaxial cylindrical pumping chambers, each enclosing a piston connected to the other through a partition by a tube, thereby forming a monolithic piston assembly that is driven axially by a common electrical actuator providing reciprocating motion. The volume in the bottom chamber is selected as needed to provide the desired pressure in the left ventricle of an artificial heart driven by the pump. The diameter of the tube connecting the pistons is selected such that the stroke volume of the top chamber is reduced with respect to that of the bottom chamber as needed to match the reduced pressure requirements of the right ventricle of the artificial heart. Check valves are used in each chamber to ensure venting of excess pressure during the blood ejection phase and to limit the vacuum during the fill phase.

Abstract: A driver is disclosed for powering a pneumatically operated implantable device, such as an artificial heart with a left and a right ventricle. The driver includes a pair of compressors that each has a first and a second compression chamber. In a first mode of operation, both the first and the second compressor power the left and right ventricle of the artificial heart. In the event of a malfunction in the second compressor, the left and right ventricles of the artificial heart may be powered by the first compressor. Similarly, if a malfunction occurs in the first compressor, the artificial heart may be fully powered by the second compressor.

Abstract: A pump installed inside a graft in a body such as the human body to force fluid such as blood through that graft. The pump can be one which operates totally from the outside of the graft, forcing fluid through the graft without extending inside the graft. The pump can be an impedance pump, that operates based on the fluidic mismatches between the graft, and other fluid carrying vessels within the human body.

Abstract: According to the invention the rotary pump consists of an external gear (13) with internal teeth (16) in the form of a squirrel cage, and an internal gear (9), housed in an off-centre manner in the interior of said external gear (13) and fitted with external teeth (9D) intermeshing with said internal teeth (16) and consisting of a number of inferior teeth of a unit with the number of teeth of the later. The rotation means of said external teeth (13) comprise at least a bearing (11, 12) centrally laid out in a flange end (14,15) of said aforementioned external gear (13) and the aforementioned external gear (13) is at least partly dismantled in order to introduce said internal gear (9).

Abstract: An artificial heart pump system has a heart pump implanted in a patient. A pump control unit worn by a patient includes a programmable device for adapting a secure aspect of heart pump operation in response to pump operating commands. The pump control unit has a wired interface and a wireless interface. A clinical external unit is adapted to be connected to the wired interface for delivering a pump operating command to the pump control unit. An auxiliary external unit is adapted to be connected to the wireless interface for collecting patient and/or pump system performance-related data from the pump control unit. The wireless interface is unable to consummate a pump operating command.

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: An apparatus implantable in a heart ventricle includes a frame configured to engage an inner circumferential periphery of the ventricle and to expand and contract between an expanded state corresponding to a desired end diastolic diameter of the ventricle and a contracted state corresponding to a desired end systolic diameter of the ventricle. A bistable structure is operatively associated with the frame. The bistable structure mechanically assists movement of the ventricle toward both an end systolic diameter during systole and an end diastolic diameter during diastole. The bistable structure may be integrally formed of the frame. A method of implanting the apparatus in a heart ventricle includes surgically accessing a ventricle, inserting the apparatus in the ventricle and attaching the device to a portion of myocardium defining an inner circumferential periphery of the ventricle.

Abstract: A fluid pressure generating means (10) for a heart assist device having blood pumping means. The pressure generating means (10) includes a housing (11), defining an interior volume (18), and having a substantially rigid first housing portion (12), a substantially rigid second housing portion (14), a flexible third housing portion (16) extending between the first (12) and second (14) housing portions and an inlet/outlet port (15) adapted for fluid communication with the blood pumping means. The pressure generating means (10) also includes a fluid filling the housing and a motor (20) disposed within the housing (11) and connected between the first (12) and second (14) housing portions. Actuation of the motor (20) moves the first (12) and second (14) housing portions relative to one another to generate fluid pressure changes at the inlet/outlet port (15). A related heart assist device and method for the treatment of congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia and like conditions are also disclosed.

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: A biologic ventricular assist device that also has the capability to capture, grow, and administer stem cells to regenerate and restore damaged myocardium in the heart. The device works in conjunction with a traditional ventricular assist device and possesses an additional external path or tube that is in-line with the path of the ventricular assist device. The external path allows for the administration of stem cells, genes, genetically modified cells or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, as well as leading to a stem cell collecting accessory (14) that captures circulating stem cells. The stem cell collecting accessory is also associated with a chamber (39) for culturing the captured stem cells.

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 device for epicardial support and/or the assuming of cardiac activity having a double membrane (1) consisting of an elastic inner membrane (2) and a non-expandable outer membrane (3) as well as a closed cavity (4) formed therebetween which can be inflated and deflated by means of a fluid. With the objective of further developing a device of the type as indicated at the outset which provides a simpler possibility of stimulating the heart in the critical post-operative phase, it is provided for at least one probe/electrode unit (7, 8) to be arranged on the inward facing side (6) of the inner membrane (2) to the heart (5) for epicardial ECG leads and/or signal transmission/conversion of an external pacemaker.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to medial articles having bioerodible polymeric regions that contain biodegradable block copolymers. The biodegradable block copolymers include at least one first biodegradable polymer block and least one second biodegradable polymer block that differs from the first biodegradable polymer block. The bioerodible polymeric regions comprise a first phase domain formed from the at least one first biodegradable polymer block and a second phase domain formed from the at least one second biodegradable polymer block. At least one of the first and second phase domains is a discontinuous phase domain in the form of dispersed phase elements, substantially all of which have a longest cross-sectional dimension that is less than 1 micron.

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: Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) are backfilled with a dielectric fluid to increase the volts per mil dielectric breakdown strength between internal circuit elements. In a method for backfilling the AIMD with dielectric fluid, substantially all air and moisture is evacuated from the AIMD housing prior to backfilling the AIMD housing with a dielectric fluid having a dielectric breakdown strength greater than air, nitrogen or helium. The AIMD is constructed to accommodate volumetric expansion or contraction of the dielectric fluid due to changes of pressure or temperature of the dielectric fluid to maintain integrity of the AIMD.

Abstract: Device for connection between a heart prosthesis and the natural auricles. According to the invention, the means of joining to the natural auricles are formed by individual suture attachments (11) mounted in such a may as to be free in rotation and to be movable.

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: A cardiocirculatory aiding device is disclosed generally comprising a housing with a cavity, an inlet, an outlet, and first and second sides with apertures therein, first and second shells mounted to the sides of the housing, and first and second membranes disposed between the housing and the shells such that the membranes cover the apertures in the sides of the housing, thereby creating a central blood chamber and two outer gas chambers. A pump supplies gas through a duct into the gas chambers to cause the membranes to flex into the blood chamber to pump the blood in that chamber through the outlet. In some embodiments, the pump is external and the duct passes through an incision in the body. In some embodiments, the membranes are elastomer membranes.

Abstract: Methods for determining a viscosity of a fluid passing through a fluid pump are disclosed. An amount of energy associated with axially moving a rotor may be determined and correlated to a viscosity of fluid interacting therewith. For example, energy associated with a response of a suspended rotor may be determined. The amount of energy may be correlated with a viscosity of the fluid interacting with the rotor. The rotor may be initially unsuspended and an amount of energy associated with suspending the rotor may be determined and correlated with a viscosity of fluid interacting with the rotor. In another method, subsequent to suspending a rotor, the rotor may be unsuspended and an energy response of the rotor may be quantified to determine a viscosity of fluid passing through the pump. Systems for determining a viscosity of a fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device used to treat heart disease by decreasing the size of a diseased heart, or to prevent further enlargement of a diseased heart. The device works by limiting the volume of blood entering the heart during each cardiac cycle. The device partitions blood within the heart, and protects the heart from excessive volume and pressure of blood. The device is placed within the interior of the heart, particularly within a ventricular cavity. The device is a hollow sac, with two openings, which simulates the shape and size of the interior lining of a ventricle of a normal heart. It allows the ventricle to fill through one opening juxtaposed to the annulus of the inflow valve to a predetermined, normal volume, and limits filling of the heart beyond that volume. It then allows blood to be easily ejected through the second opening through the outflow valve.

Abstract: An artificial heart pump system is provided independently with a controlling processor for controlling an operation status of a blood pump so as 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. In addition, a memory device is 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; and data are collected and managed automatically by a battery charger when charging the battery charger for a daily performance. Further, an 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 hollow tubular element is inserted in the descending aorta. The caudad end contains a pressure sensitive passive or preferably, hydraulically or electrically activated, unidirectional valve. A flexible diaphragm situated in a rigid shell affixed over an opening in the element wall divides the shell interior into first and second variable volume chambers. The first chamber opens to the artery. A continuously operating electrical pump is connected to the second chamber through a closed hydraulic system including a multi-valve chamber. The valves regulate fluid flow to the second chamber in accordance with electrical signals from the heart. Fluid flow is directed to the second chamber during cardiac diastole and away from the second chamber during cardiac systole, causing the device to function in a counterpulsation mode. The work of the heart is decreased and coronary blood flow is increased to promote the formation of new coronary collateral channels and the perfusion of the heart itself.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a method for repairing a heart of a human, comprising introducing a collapsed shaping device through the skin into the vascular system of the human, delivering the shaping device into a left ventricle through the arteries, once inside the left ventricle, expanding the shaping device to an expanded shape, imbricating a wall of the ventricle over the shaping device, collapsing the shaping device, and removing the shaping device from the left ventricle such that the ventricle is restored to an appropriate size.

Abstract: A hollow tubular element is inserted in the descending aorta. The caudad end contains a pressure sensitive passive or preferably, hydraulically or electrically activated, unidirectional valve. A flexible diaphragm situated in a rigid shell affixed over an opening in the element wall divides the shell interior into first and second variable volume chambers. The first chamber opens to the artery. A continuously operating electrical pump is connected to the second chamber through a closed hydraulic system including a multi-valve chamber. The valves regulate fluid flow to the second chamber in accordance with electrical signals from the heart. Fluid flow is directed to the second chamber during cardiac diastole and away from the second chamber during cardiac systole, causing the device to function in a counterpulsation mode. The work of the heart is decreased and coronary blood flow is increased to promote the formation of new coronary collateral channels and the perfusion of the heart itself.

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 one or more tensile member to bring a wall of the heart and a septum of the heart into contact. A plurality of tension members may help exclude scar tissue and provide a more effective remaining ventricle chamber. The implant may be deployed during beating of the heart, often in a minimally invasive or less-invasive manner. Trauma to the tissues of the heart may be inhibited by selectively approximating tissues while a pressure within the heart is temporarily reduced. Three-dimensional implant locating devices and systems facilitate beneficial heart chamber volumetric shape remodeling.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary bypass device may include a first tube configured for connection to a vein and a second tube configured for connection to an artery. The device may further include a pump connected between the first and second tubes. In a first mode, the pump may pump fluid in one direction and in a second mode, the pump may pump fluid in the opposite direction. A control unit may be coupled to the pump to control its operation. Lungs may functions as the oxygenator of the cardiopulmonary bypass device.

Abstract: A new type of artificial heart with rechargeable battery to power solenoid means surrounding the body of the device, said solenoids effecting repulsion or attraction of small permanent magnets on plastic disks which stud the body of the elastomeric artificial heart, and via this means effect mechanical compression or expansion of the chambers of the heart.

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: Pump and cannula systems inserted through the right side and/or left side of the heart provide protection against collapse of the heart chambers and veins and arteries and provide supplemental blood flow through same to enable beating heart or still heart surgery, such as bypass surgery, on all vessels of the heart, including lateral and posterior vessels. Pump and cannula systems are provided for supporting pulmonary and/or circulatory blood flow external of the heart during any beating heart or still heart surgical procedure, including value repair or replacement. The invention eliminates the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machines in all heart surgery and utilizes the patient's lung(s) for providing oxygenated blood during heart surgery. The invention further provides stents adapted for protecting from vein, artery, atrium and/or ventricle collapse during beating heart bypass surgery.

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: A device used to treat heart disease by decreasing the size of a diseased heart, or to prevent further enlargement of a diseased heart. The device works by limiting the volume of blood entering the heart during each cardiac cycle. The device partitions blood within the heart, and protects the heart from excessive volume and pressure of blood. The device is placed within the interior of the heart, particularly within a ventricular cavity. The device is a hollow sac, with two openings, which simulates the shape and size of the interior lining of a ventricle of a normal heart. It allows the ventricle to fill through one opening juxtaposed to the annulus of the inflow valve to a predetermined, normal volume, and limits filling of the heart beyond that volume. It then allows blood to be easily ejected through the second opening through the outflow valve.

Abstract: A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region through transseptal delivery. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation. The novel treatment may be combined with prior art diagnostic and therapeutic techniques employing transseptal delivery methods.

Abstract: A fluid pressure generating means (10) for a heart assist device having blood pumping means. The pressure generating means (10) includes a housing (11), defining an interior volume (18), and having a substantially rigid first housing portion (12), a substantially rigid second housing portion (14), a flexible third housing portion (16) extending between the first (12) and second (14) housing portions and an inlet/outlet port (15) adapted for fluid communication with the blood pumping means. The pressure generating means (10) also includes a fluid filling the housing and a motor (20) disposed within the housing (11) and connected between the first (12) and second (14) housing portions. Actuation of the motor (20) moves the first (12) and second (14) housing portions relative to one another to generate fluid pressure changes at the inlet/outlet port (15). A related heart assist device and method for the treatment of congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia and like conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cardiac harness for treating a patient's heart includes elastic rows connected by a connector assembly. The connector assembly can have a specific pattern, or can be formed of elongated elastic material connecting all of the apices of adjacent rows. The connectors maintain proper spacing between rows or rings on the harness and provide longitudinal stability.

Abstract: The symptoms of congenital heart failure are addressed in this surgical procedure for mounting a patch in the ventricle of the heart to reduce ventricular volume. Placement of the patch is facilitated by palpating a beating heart to identify akinetic, although normal appearing, tissue. An apical patch having an oval configuration facilitates return of the heart to a normal apical shape which enhances muscle fiber efficiency and a normal writhing pumping action. An inferior patch having a triangular configuration can also be used. The patches include a semi-rigid ring, and a circumferential rim to address bleeding. Patch placement is further enhanced by creating a Fontan-type neck and use of pledged sutures. Intraoperative vascularization and valve replacement is easily accommodated. Increased injection fraction, reduced muscle stress, improved myocardial protection, and ease of accurate patch placement are all achieved with this procedure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a device adapted to be used for percutaneous minimally invasive heart surgery including a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be fed through a blood vessel, a pump associated with the distal end of the catheter, and a tool associated with the distal end of the catheter. The tool is adapted to be used for percutaneous minimally invasive heart surgery. Examples of the tools include a tool for excising natural tissue, a tool for excising a natural valve, and anthretomy device, a prosthetic valve delivery system, a balloon catheter, a knife, a stapler, and a screwdriver. The pump is used for maintaining blood flow around the site of the heart surgery while the surgery is taking place without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract: A pneumatic ventricular assist device (VAD) is disclosed for use in any circulatory support application including RVAD, LAVD, or BIVAD, trans-operative, short-term or long-term, tethered implantable or extracorporeal. In the preferred embodiment, the VAD consists of a soft contoured pump shell and a disposable pumping unit, which includes: a pump sac; an inlet and an outlet (a.k.a. discharge) with one-way valves; and tubing connectors. The valves comprise a cantilevered pair of closely adjacent thin ledges, nicknamed “valve leaflets,” that resemble needle-nose pliers. The valve leaflets permit a one-way flow of blood between them, as an opposite flow pinches the distal ends of leaflets together, thereby closing off the channel between them. This design is specially designed to allow continuous and fluid movement of blood (in one direction) while limiting blood-contacting surfaces.

Abstract: In a centrifugal flow blood pump, usable in left ventricular assist applications, blood is pumped from an inlet (16) to an outlet (22) by a primary impeller (18). A portion of the blood that enters the pump follows a secondary channel (24) where a secondary impeller (70) routes the blood to lubricate a bearing between an impeller assembly (14) and a post formed by a component of the pump housing. The unique shape of the secondary impeller (70) prevents blood stagnation and provides for a well-washed fluid bearing.

Abstract: A pump system includes an implantable pump including a motor having a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a plurality of stator windings, and a motor controller is coupled to the motor to energize the windings so as cause the rotor to turn. A time-based system parameter of the pump is sampled and the system parameter is analyzed to calculate a suction probability index that provides an indication of the imminence of ventricle collapse.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heart assist device, comprising a processing unit for computing the blood flow rate from the arterial pressure curve and for predicting at every heartbeat the closing time of the heart valve from the curve of the blood flow rate. The processing unit is adapted to deliver a signal for controlling a heart assist device at a point in time, a period ahead in time of the closing time of the heart valve, wherein the mechanical properties of the said heart assist device are taken into account in determining the period. The apparatus adapts itself to changes in a patient's heart frequency and aortic pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting an abnormal condition of a blood pump system based on the power consumption of the pump actuator. By plotting differentiated power consumption of the pump actuator over time against the power consumption, a plot pattern is obtained. A change of the plot pattern area and/or a movement of the plot pattern will indicate a change in condition of the pump. A Heart Pump Area (HPA) index may be established which corresponds to the changing area of the plot pattern over time. A Heart Pump Position (HPP) index may be established which corresponds to the changing position of the plot pattern over time (e.g., corresponding to the distance the plot pattern has moved). By plotting the HPA index against the HPP index, changes in the condition of the pump can be monitored and any abnormal condition of the pump can be detected.

Abstract: Methods for using blood pumps to treat heart failure are disclosed. The pump is mounted on an interior of a stent, and the stent is releasably mounted on a distal end of a catheter. The distal end of the catheter is inserted into a peripheral artery and advanced to position at a region of interest within the descending aorta, the ascending aorta, or the left ventricle. The stent and the pump are released from the catheter, and the pump is activated to increase blood flow downstream of the pump. The pump can also be positioned in the vena cava or used to treat right-sided heart failure following the insertion of an LVAD, or to improve venous return in patients with varicose veins. Non-stent pumps are described for insertion between the pulmonary vein and aorta, and between the vena cava and pulmonary artery designed for use during cardiac surgery.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart is disclosed. The actuation system includes a framework for interfacing with the natural heart and a power system that can be coupled to the framework. The framework includes an internal framework element and an external framework element. The power system is configured to engage an exterior surface of the heart wall, and includes an actuator mechanism for exerting force on the heart wall, a driving mechanism for actuating the actuator mechanism, a transmission mechanism coupled between the actuator mechanism and the driving mechanism for transmitting power to the actuator mechanism, and a carrier device coupled between the actuator mechanism and the driving mechanism and configured for housing the transmission mechanism. The modular power system is configured for being freely exchanged and replaced in the actuation system while leaving the framework elements in place and generally undisturbed.

Abstract: The blood pump (10) comprises an elongate drive portion (11) and a pump portion (12) lengthening the latter. Between the two portions, flow openings (17) are positioned. According to the invention, the flow openings (17) are covered by a screen (24) preventing the blood pump from sucking fast on tissue parts or cardiac valves or from sucking in endogenous tissue and being blocked thereby.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to reconstruct an enlarged left ventricle of a human heart, using a shaper, having a size and shape substantially equal to the size and shape of an appropriate left ventricle, wherein the shaper is adapted to be temporarily placed into the enlarged left ventricle during a surgical procedure. Another aspect of one embodiment comprises a ventricular patch adapted for placement into the left ventricle of a heart made from a sheet of biocompatible material, and having a plurality of markings coupled to the sheet, wherein the markings are configured in distinct patterns for post operatively evaluating movement of the patch. In another aspect of one embodiment, a device is presented, comprising of a handle and a sizing template adapted to be coupled to the handle. Such components are also presented as a kit for use during ventricular restoration surgery.

Abstract: An inflatable circulation assist device is disclosed consisting of an inflatable stator housing an impeller with inflatable blades of varying shapes and sizes. The invention is introduced into the patient percutaneously. The circulation assist device is a small pump packaged into a compact form that is attached to a long flexible driveshaft. The pump is inserted along a guidewire to a target location, and then the pump is inflated. The circulation assist device's exterior is designed to expand only so much as to closely fit whatever cardiovascular system element in which it is placed for operation. The vascular assist device can be expanded either by inflation with a fluid. The driveshaft, which connects to the circulation assist device's impeller and extends outside the patient's body, is rotated by an external motor. After the circulation assist device is no longer needed, it is collapsed into a compact form and removed from the patient percutaneously.

Abstract: A pump especially designed for pumping blood comprises a bladder, the interior surface area and volume of which is changeable, i.e., it stretches and expands during the filling phase, and elastically contracts to its normal relaxed size during the ejection phase. The bladder has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A device, such as a vacuum pump, alternately expands and contracts the interior surface area and volume of the bladder. Most of the interior surface area of the bladder expands and contracts in each cycle. One or more check valves or other means for causing substantially one-way fluid flow through the bladder are also provided. The pump of the invention decreases the likelihood of blood clots forming in the pump, decreases the risk of damage to blood cells, improves the pumping characteristics of the device, and decreases or eliminates the chance of foreign fluids passing into the blood stream should a tear or break occur in the bladder.

Abstract: A device, potentially implantable in a living organism, intended to utilize at least a part of the hydraulic energy generated by the heart (10)—the primary unit—at the natural phases of work when the cavities of the heart (11, 12 and 16, 17) are filed with blood. The device includes at least one secondary unit (24), which is connectable to the cardiovascular system of the organism and arranged to utilize said hydraulic energy. The secondary unit is represented by at least one hydraulic motor (24a) arranged to transfer the hydraulic energy to a transferal organ (28). The transferal organ (28) is arranged to influence at least one tertiary unit, for example an executive device (29), which is constructed in order to convert the transferred energy to an alternative form of energy, with the purpose to influence certain defined functions within the organism. Preferably is arranged a regulating device (30) in order to control running parameters of the unit.