Method and apparatus for cardiac blood flow assistance

US5911685A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Guidant Corporation · US

Inventors

• Thorsten Siess · Aachen, DE
• Helmut Reul · St. Blasien, DE
• Gunther Rau · Aachen, DE
• Michael Kast · Wien, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 2, 1997
• Grant date: Jun 15, 1999
• Expiry date: Apr 2, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S415/90
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An intravascular microaxial pump has an integrated configuration that enables both the drive unit as well as the pumping segment to be advanced through a patient's vasculature. The device includes elements that enhance pumping efficiency and performance while minimizing shear and cavitation. Cost reduction is achieved in the reusability of certain components while a manufacturing method reduces the labor involved in the pump's assembly.