摘要 |
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.
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