Removable left ventricular assist device with an aortic support apparatus
US6228018A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M60/274
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method of temporarily replacing the function of the left ventricle in a patient whose heart is severely injured and is unable to maintain a systemic arterial pressure adequate to support the inside walls of patient's aorta, the method comprising a removable pressurizable support means having an external profile which is expandable to fit firmly against the inside wall of the aorta of a patient, wherein the external profile of the pressurizable support means presents a central opening that allows blood to flow through the aorta. The pressurizable support means can both support and expand the aorta under low blood pressure to assist the drawing of blood from the left ventricle. The central opening also allows for the placement of a blood flow control means. The blood flow control means can comprise a pumping balloon and a proximal blocking balloon, the two members pressurized and depressurized in opposition within the aorta of a patient to simulate systole and diastole of a healthy heart. The pumping balloon has a pressurized pumping position that is engaged while the proximal blocking balloon is in a depressurized deflated position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.