HEART ASSIST APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

摘要

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

主权项

1. A method for aiding function of a heart of a patient, comprising the steps of:
providing a ventricular assist device, comprising:
a controller;a first electroactive polymer sleeve segment circumferentially positioned about a portion of a first body part of the patient; anda second electroactive polymer sleeve segment circumferentially positioned about a portion of a second body part of the patient; and using said controller, timing constriction of both: (1) said first electroactive polymer sleeve segment and (2) said second electroactive polymer sleeve segment to aid the heart in circulation of blood in the patient.