Surgically implantable pump arrangement and method for pumping body fluids

US5676651A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Electric Boat Corporation · US

Inventors

• Carl O. Larson, Jr. · Stonington, US
• James S. Smith · Old Lyme, US
• John H. Chapman · Groton, US
• Scot A. Slimon · Mystic, US
• Trahan D. John · Stonington, US
• Robert J. Brozek · Bound Brook, US
• Alberto Franco · Hazlet, US
• John J. McGarvey · Elizabeth, US
• Marvin E. Rosen · Elizabeth, US
• Michael K. Pasque · Chesterfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 25, 1994
• Grant date: Oct 14, 1997
• Expiry date: Feb 25, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/8243
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.