Abstract: A resonator for use in a wireless power transfer system is provided. The resonator includes a core including a front surface, a back surface, and an annular sidewall extending between the front surface and the back surface, wherein an annular groove is defined in the front surface and surrounds a post, and wherein a cavity is defined in the back surface, the post and the cavity aligned with a longitudinal axis of the core. The resonator further includes a coil element disposed within the annular groove.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods relating to interfacing and controlling external batteries are described. In one embodiment, an external battery is integrated with a touch screen display. In one embodiment, the external battery provides an infrared communication link with a detachable device or system controller. In one embodiment, the external battery touch screen interface provides data received from a detachable device or system controller.

Abstract: A controller of a motor controller operates to perform a process including: controlling the H bridge circuit to switch to the charge mode; controlling the H bridge circuit to switch to the high-dissipation mode when the zero-cross detector detects that the back electromotive force voltage of the motor coil connected to a phase of the H bridge circuit shortly before the H bridge circuit is zero-crossed; controlling the H bridge circuit to switch to the low-dissipation mode after a predetermined time has elapsed; and controlling the H bridge circuit to switch to the free mode when the motor current detector detects that the motor current flowing in the motor coil connected to the H bridge circuit flows in a direction opposite to that in the charge mode.

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: 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: 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 which is a function of electrical power delivered to the motor; (c) determining a flow rate through the first fluid circuit based on a second motor parameter which is a function of electrical power delivered to the motor; 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: Provided herein are methods that include (i) determining a level of soluble ST2 in a biological sample from a subject, (i) comparing the level of soluble ST2 in the biological sample to a reference level of soluble ST2 (e.g., a level of soluble ST2 in the subject at an earlier time point), and (iii) selecting, implanting, replacing, or reprogramming an implanted cardiac device, e.g., an ICD, CRT, or CRT-D device, for a subject having an elevated level of soluble ST2 in the biological sample compared to the reference level of soluble ST2, or selecting a subject for participation in, or stratifying a subject participating in, a clinical study of a treatment for reducing the risk of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) event. Also provided are methods for evaluating the risk of a VTA event in a subject. Also provided are kits for performing any of these methods.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the operation of, and providing power for and to, implantable ventricular assist devices which includes a pump employing a brushless DC motor-driven blood pump, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a control system for driving an implantable blood pump is provided. The digital processor is responsive to data associated with the operation of the pump received at the data transfer pump, and from program data stored in the memory, (i) to determine therefrom, the identity of the pump, (ii) to determine therefrom, electrical characteristics and features of the identified pump, and (iii) to adaptively generate and apply to the data port, control signals for driving the identified pump.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the operation of, and providing power for and to, implantable ventricular assist devices which includes a pump employing a brushless DC motor-driven blood pump, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a control system for driving an implantable blood pump is provided. The digital processor is responsive to data associated with the operation of the pump received at the data transfer pump, and from program data stored in the memory, (i) to determine therefrom, the identity of the pump, (ii) to determine therefrom, electrical characteristics and features of the identified pump, and (iii) to adaptively generate and apply to the data port, control signals for driving the identified pump.

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 pulsatile, positive-displacement mechanical circulatory support pump which can be used for assistance or replacement of one or both ventricles. The pump includes a plurality of contractile elements radiating outward from an apex of a compliance chamber, the elements being incorporated in and/or in contact with at least a portion of an outer surface of the compliance chamber. These contractile elements include an electroactive dielectric elastomer or an ion exchange membrane metallic composite. Application of electric field pulses from an implantable electrical energy source such as a pacemaker will cause the contractile elements to compress and expand the compliance chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and methods for providing a reserve power source for a ventricular assist device. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a primary power source for powering the device, and a controller housing having a reserve battery for powering the device when the primary power source provides inadequate power, and the controller housing configured for use externally of the patient with a percutaneous cable to the device. In another embodiment, a method includes powering the device with a primary power source, monitoring power provided to the device, powering the device when the power is monitored as inadequate to the device with a reserve power source disposed within a controller housing, the device disposed subcutaneously within a patient, the controller housing disposed externally of the patient, and the device and the controller housing connected by a percutaneous cable. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable artificial heart apparatus which has no moving parts. It employs the technology of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) to induce flow of human blood. An MHD propulsion unit is a device which applies magnetic and electric fields to blood to propel the conductive fluid through the body's circulatory system. Electricity is passed through the blood via electrodes at the same junction where the blood is exposed to the magnetic field. Charged ions that move from anode to cathode create their own corresponding magnetic fields which are either attracted or repelled by the externally applied magnetic field. The result is propulsion in a uniform direction with the moving ions, in effect, dragging fluid molecules with them. A single MHD propulsion unit performs the combined functions of the atrium and the ventricle of the human heart.

Abstract: A pump apparatus, which comprises: (a) a tubular portion comprising an electroactive polymer actuator that expands and contracts an inner volume of the tubular portion based upon received control signals; and (b) a control unit electrically coupled to the electroactive polymer actuator and sending control signals to the actuator. The pump apparatus can further include at least one valve that is in fluid communication with the inner volume of the tubular portion. The pump apparatus can be used, for example, as a heart-lung bypass pump apparatus. Also disclosed herein is a method of providing circulatory support for a patent.

Abstract: A blood pump intended to be carried by a freely moving patient uses perpendicular magnetic and electrical fields to propel blood. A rod mounted coaxially inside a tube has electrodes in blood contact for establishing a radial electric field, and an inductor having windings parallel to the axis of the tube is used to establish a circumferential magnetic field. To avoid the evolution of gas at the electrode surfaces the magnetic and electric fields are periodically reversed, and the electrodes are made to have very high surface areas. The blood pump is powered by batteries or fuel cells (or a combination of both) to provide long service between recharging and to reduce the weight carried by the patient.

Abstract: A power system for an implantable heart pump is provided. The system includes two batteries, a microprocessor controller, two motor drivers, a multiplexer, two stators and a TET coil. During normal operation, only one battery and one motor driver are in use at a time to drive both stators.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to be used in connection with an artificial heart assembly having a blood inlet conduit, a blood outlet conduit, and a pump that pumps blood from the blood inlet conduit to the blood outlet conduit. The apparatus includes an internal coil adapted to be implanted beneath the skin of a subject, an AC-to-DC converter that provides electric power from the internal coil to the pump, an external coil adapted to be disposed adjacent the internal coil and separated from the internal coil by the skin of a subject, the external coil being coupled to transmit electric power to the internal coil through the skin of the subject. A DC-to-AC converter is coupled to the external coil and to a source of DC power. The DC-to-AC converter selectively converts DC power from the DC power source into either a first frequency during a first period of time or a second frequency during a second period of time, the first frequency being different than the second frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to be used in connection with an artificial heart assembly having a blood inlet conduit, a blood outlet conduit, and a pump that is adapted to pump blood from the blood inlet conduit to the blood outlet conduit. The apparatus includes an internal coupler adapted to be implanted beneath the skin of a subject and an external coupler operatively coupled to the internal coupler so that the external coupler induces an alternating electric current in the internal coupler. A rectification circuit is coupled to receive the alternating electric current induced in the internal coupler and generates DC electric power for the motor. The rectification circuit operates synchronously with, or at the same frequency as, the alternating current induced in the internal coupler and produces DC electric power from the alternating electric current.

Abstract: An artificial heart assembly is provided with a blood inlet conduit, a blood outlet conduit, a pump that pumps blood from the blood inlet conduit to the blood outlet conduit, and an internal electromagnetic coupler adapted to be implanted beneath the skin of a subject. A voltage regulator is operatively coupled to the internal electromagnetic coupler to generate an output voltage that is supplied to the pump. The voltage regulator causes the magnitude of the output voltage to be modulated in accordance with a transmit data signal. An external electromagnetic coupler is operatively coupled to generate an electric signal at least in part from the output voltage, and a decoding circuit is coupled to sense a parameter of the electric signal generated by the external electromagnetic coupler. The decoding circuit generates a receive data signal from the sensed electric signal, the receive data signal corresponding to the transmit data signal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field source (EFS) for providing electromagnetic energy to a secondary coil, including two or more primary coils that each carry a time-varying current to produce an electromagnetic field, and a controller that selectively provides current to one or more primary coils based on their position with respect to the secondary coil. The secondary coil may be implanted in a human recipient and used to provide power for the operation of a medical device, such as an artificial heart or ventricular assist device. The invention also provides such a secondary coil and EFS, collectively referred to as a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) device. The primary coils of the EFS or TET may be housed in furniture. For example, they may be housed in a bed mattress or mattress pad on which the recipient rests, or in a blanket for covering the recipient.

Abstract: A blood pump intended to be carried by a freely moving patient uses perpendicular magnetic and electrical fields to propel blood. A rod mounted coaxially inside a tube has electrodes in blood contact for establishing a radial electric field, and an inductor having windings parallel to the axis of the tube is used to establish a circumferential magnetic field. To avoid the evolution of gas at the electrode surfaces the magnetic and electric fields are periodically reversed, and the electrodes are made to have very high surface areas. The blood pump is powered by batteries or fuel cells (or a combination of both) to provide long service between recharging and to reduce the weight carried by the patient.

Abstract: A cardiac assist system includes a sensor that is operative to sense the electrical activity of a patient's heart. The sensed electrical activity is processed to determine the onset of ventricular contraction. A compressive force from a ventricular assist device is applied to the ventricles during at least a portion of the heart's ventricular contraction. The cardiac assist system also includes an electrical stimulating system. Thus, in the event the heart begins to fibrillate, the electrical stimulating system is actuated to apply stimulating pulses to the heart.