Heart assist device utilising aortic deformation

摘要

The present invention relates to providing counter-pulsation heart assist by deforming the aorta. In a preferred embodiment, the deformation pressure is applied by cyclically, preferably in synchrony with the diastolic period of the heart. The deformation pressure may be applied to the outer wall of the aorta or to a patch covering a resected opening in the wall of the aorta.

主权项

1. A counterpulsation heart assist device, comprising:
(a) a substantially inelastic shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the shell is curved such that the inner surface is substantially concave; (b) a flexible membrane sealingly coupled to the shell, wherein an inflatable space is defined between the flexible membrane and the inner surface, wherein the flexible membrane has a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, wherein the inflated configuration is a smoothly curved ovate projection; (c) a port associated with the outer surface of the shell, wherein an interior portion of the port is in fluid communication with the inflatable space; and (d) a wrap coupled to the outer surface of the shell, the wrap configured to be removeably positionable around a portion of a patient's ascending aorta such that the flexible membrane is configured to be held against a radially outer side of a curvature of the ascending aorta, wherein the device has no other component or structure for holding the device against the ascending aorta, wherein the shell is configured to extend around only a portion of the circumference of the ascending aorta.