Passive ventricular support devices and methods of using them
US6695769B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/2484
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This is a surgical device and a method of using it. In particular, the device is one for supporting or constraining at least some part of the epicardial surface of the heart during a portion of the heartbeat, in particular during diastoly. This device may be used to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The device, generically, is an enclosure having an interior and an exterior. The interior surface is preferably made in such a way that it tends not to or does not form adhesions with or accept ingrowth with the myocardial tissue of the epicardium. The device preferably has at least on rib-like structural member. The rib component may extend from end-to end or preferably extends helically around the heart, preferably with at least one revolution. The device may be configured to be self-adherent, i.e., preferably adherent only to itself, and to form a unitary support in the pericardial space after installation. This device helps to prevent further declination of the heart during congestive heart failure. The device is preferably introduced into the pericardial space and onto the surface of the epicardium using transcutaneous or minimally invasive techniques.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.