Cardiac apparatus including electroactive polymer actuators and methods of using the same
US7198595B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/0283
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Cardiac apparatus and methods of using such cardiac apparatus are described. In one embodiment, a cardiac apparatus includes a covering that is configured to at least partially encircle a heart with a first portion of the covering adjacent to a second portion of the covering. The cardiac apparatus also includes an electroactive polymer actuator. A first end of the electroactive polymer actuator is coupled to the first portion of the covering, and a second end of the electroactive polymer actuator is coupled to the second portion of the covering. The second end of the electroactive polymer actuator is oriented such that, upon actuation of the electroactive polymer actuator, the second end of the electroactive polymer actuator extends away from the first end of the electroactive polymer actuator to move the second portion of the covering towards the first portion of the covering.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.