Stretchable tubular device and use thereof as a counterpulsation device

Stretchable counterpulsation tubular device adapted for passively mimic the natural properties of an artery through which blood flows, comprising at least one layer of a stretchable polymer, a power supply and a set of electrodes connected to said power supply, wherein the power supply is adapted to supply at least a first level of voltage to said electrodes, wherein said tubular counterpulsation device has a native diameter and an inherent visco-elasticity exerting a natural force directed toward its inner space when its diameter is extended to a diameter by the expending force of the blood larger than its native diameter, and in that it has at least a first level of modified visco-elasticity when a first level of voltage is supplied to the layers of stretchable polymer through the electrodes, said first level of modified visco-elasticity exerting a first modified force directed toward the inner space of the tubular device when its diameter is extended to a diameter by the expending force of the blood larger than its native diameter, the first modified force being lower than the natural force.