US 5,628,719 A · In vivo mechanical energy source and perfusion pump

Abstract

An in vivo source of mechanical energy is provided in close proximity to its load. In the disclosed embodiments, the mechanical energy source is a miniaturized motor ("micromotor") and the load is a miniaturized perfusion pump located at the distal end of a transluminal catheter. The motor is powerful enough to provide the electrical energy needed by the perfusion pump to fluid, and yet small enough to fit inside a body vessel. A position sensor may be provided for automatically controlling the motor's driving current so that it is corresponds to the applied load. An embodiment of the perfusion pump is also provided in which an external energy source is used. Another embodiment is provided wherein a balloon/pump/miniaturized-motor configuration is provided on a distal end of a catheter.

Claims17

Dependent claims

An intravascular apparatus comprising:

an elongated catheter for insertion into and movement through a vascular system of a patient, said catheter having a distal end and a proximal end;
a chamber coupled to said catheter at said distal end;
a first inlet port in communication with said chamber;
an exit port in communication with said chamber;
a motor located at a distal portion of said catheter;
an electrical lead means connected to said motor and extending to the proximal end of said catheter to supply electrical energy to said motor;
an in vivo pump located at said distal portion of said catheter and coupled to an output of said motor;
said pump also operatively coupled to said chamber to draw fluid into said chamber through said first inlet port and push fluid from said chamber through said exit port.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

In vivo mechanical energy source and perfusion pump

Life of this patent

In vivo mechanical energy source and perfusion pump

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17