Needle guard, assembly and method of implanting a heart assist system

US9555177B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Thoratec Corporation · US

Inventors

• Donald Curtis · Vallejo, US
• Alicia Baumberger · San Francisco, US
• John Mark Di Paola · Livermore, US
• Carine Hoarau · Pleasant Hill, US
• Nathan Harold · Pleasanton, US
• Fabian Franco · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 22, 2014
• Grant date: Jan 31, 2017
• Expiry date: Jul 22, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/08021
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A needle guard is used when suturing the cuff of an attachment ring to the heart. The needle guard is disposed in the attachment ring to prevent other parts of the attachment ring from being punctured by a suturing needle. The needle guard can include one or more grooves to inhibit relative movement between the needle guard and the attachment ring during suturing. The needle guard is removed upon completion of suturing and to allow insertion into attachment ring of an inflow conduit of a heart assist device. An articulated clamp is used to compress the attachment ring into engagement with the inflow conduit. The attachment include an annular rib that grabs the inflow conduit.