Muscle powered cardiac assist system
US5364337A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M60/882
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing assistance to a patient's heart using a surgically prepared skeletal muscle. A skeletal muscle, such as the latissimus dorsi, is carefully separated from the skeletal structure leaving enervation and vascularization in tact. The muscle tissue is then separated into two independent contractile masses. Alternatively, two separate skeletal muscles may be used. The first of these is wrapped about the atria. The second is wrapped about the ventricles. Each muscle mass is individually stimulated using an implantable pulse generator. Stimulation to the muscle mass is synchronized to the naturally or artificially paced contractions of the heart to provide the maximum in assistance. During each complete heart cycle, the muscle mass assisting the ventricles is stimulated at the same time as contraction of the ventricular myocardium. The muscle mass assisting the atria is then stimulated at the same time as contraction of the atrial myocardium. Various sensing and stimulating modes may be used to optimize cardiac assistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.