Surgical procedures and devices for increasing cardiac output of the heart
US6547821B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/2487
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and devices for passively assisting the cardiac function of the heart are disclosed. A method of increasing the cardiac output of a heart includes providing a site of surgical access to the portion of the heart to be restrained, reducing the cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained, and maintaining the reduction of cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained for a substantial amount of time. Cardiac assist devices for increasing the cardiac output of the heart are disclosed comprising a reinforcing portion configured to contact a portion of the heart tissue wherein the reinforcing portion restricts the expansion of the portion of the heart tissue. The reinforcing portion can be a number of structures, including pads, frames, straps, and other retaining means for limiting cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart tissue to be restrained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.