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US 2004/0167375 A1Published application
Cardiac assist device with electroactive polymers
OwnerLucien A. Couvillon JR.inventor
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a cardiac assist device for assisting with the function of a heart. The assist device includes a compressor positioned adjacent the epicardial wall of the heart. The compressor is driven by one or more electroactive polymer actuators. The pressure exerted against the heart improves heart function.
Claims25
A system for assisting a heart, comprising:
- a compressor;
- and
- an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator coupled to the compressor.
A system for compressing a body organ, comprising:
- a flexible receiver sized to receive the body organ therein;
- and
- an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator connected to the receiver.
A method of compressing a heart, comprising:
- placing the heart in a flexible receiver having an electoactive polymer (EAP) actuator disposed thereon;
- and
- providing an electrical driving signal to the EAP actuator to drive actuation thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.