Tension indicator for cardiac support device and method therefore
AssigneeAcorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
InventorsJames Edgar Cox, Michael J. Girard, Jody Rivers, J. Edward Shapland, Patric Dean Andre
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tension indicator and a method for treating cardiac disease using the tension indicator is provided. The tension indicator is configured for placement between a cardiac support device and the epicardial surface to determine the pressure exerted by the device on the epicardial surface.
Claims44
A method for treating cardiac disease of a heart, said heart having a diastolic volume and a systolic volume, an epicardial surface and an upper and lower portion, the method comprising:
- surgically accessing said heart;
- placing a cardiac support device on said heart, said device comprising flexible material dimensioned to cover at least a portion of said heart, wherein said device defines a volume that is greater than said diastolic volume of said portion of said heart;
- positioning a tension indicator between said device and said epicardial surface of said heart;
- gathering said material following placement of said device over said heart to snugly conform said material to an external geometry of said heart, wherein said device applies a pressure to said epicardial surface;
- monitoring the pressure applied by said device on said epicardial surface;
- adjusting said device to snugly conform to an external geometry of said heart wherein said device applies a preselected pressure on said epicardial surface;
- removing said tension indicator;
- and
- surgically closing access to said heart while leaving said device in place on said heart.
A device for treating a cardiac disease of a heart, said heart having a diastolic volume and a systolic volume, an epicardial surface and an upper and lower portion, the device comprising:
- flexible material dimensioned to cover at least a portion of said heart, wherein said device defines a volume that is greater than said diastolic volume of said portion of said heart;
- a tension indicator configured to be positioned between said device and said epicardial surface of said heart.
A kit for treating cardiac disease of a heart, said kit comprising:
- a jacket comprising flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end, said jacket dimensioned to surround at least a lower portion of said heart, wherein said jacket defines a volume that is greater than a diastolic volume of said heart;
- and
- a tension indicator comprising a pressure sensor operably connected to a pressure monitor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.