Electromagnetic cardiac assist device and method
US8137260B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3303
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for assisting with contraction of the heart muscle. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, one or more flexible strips are attached to the surface of the heart, each strip having a plurality of electromagnets alternating with a plurality of permanent magnets. The electromagnets are electrically coupled to a control device and a power supply for generating current in the electromagnets. The control device controls the current in the electromagnets in such a way that the electromagnets are periodically activated to attract the adjacent permanent magnets to assist with contraction of the heart muscle. In some embodiments a sensor is provided for sensing the sinus rhythm so that the control device can activate the electromagnets based on the sensed sinus rhythm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.