EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION CARDIAC ASSIST DEVICE

摘要

The cardiac assist device includes a sealed tubular housing (14) for externally applying positive and negative relative pressure to a limb in counterpulsation with heart function. The applicator is assembled to provide customized fit. It includes a fabric or sponge-like inner layer (10) cut to size and situated around the limb. Initially deformable material is sized, sealed around the inner layer (10) and then secured by straps (28) to form a relatively rigid, non-expandable tubular shell (14). The shell (14) may include an interior wall (16) composed of a sheet of hard plastic or articulated sections of hard plastic or metal. The interior wall (16) has a plurality of opening (24) to the sealed shell interior. The exterior shell wall (18) is positioned around the interior wall (16). The shell walls (16, 18) are spaced apart by radially and/or longitudinally extending spacer elements (20) defining a multi-section air flow chamber (22) between the walls (16, 18). The interior shell wall (16) and spacer elements (20) may be integral. The spacer elements (20) include passages (26) such that air pumped into and out of the shell chamber (22) is uniformly distributed and moves freely to and from the shell interior. A heater (45) may be used to regulate the air temperature to promote vascular dilation.