Step-down skeletal muscle energy conversion system
AssigneeThoratec Laboratories Corporation
InventorsKeith Evan Buck, David John Farrar, Robert Joseph Harvey, Philip Litwak, John Robert Rueff
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Abstract
This invention provides a simple skeletal muscle linear pull energy convertor which can harness the maximal amount of muscle power for a wide variety of implantable medical devices, including the full range of circulatory support devices. The muscle powered system provides completely implantable circulatory support as an alternative to cardiac transplantation, with a quality of life relatively free from external batteries, transcutaneous energy transmission and other electromechanical hardware.
Claims4
A method for surgically attaching a skeletal muscle to conversion means for converting linear contraction of a skeletal muscle into transmutable energy, said method comprising the steps of:
- disconnecting only one end of a skeletal muscle from a skeletal structure of a patient;
- applying to each face of the end of the muscle a non-biodegradable felt containing a plurality of projecting hooks;
- anchoring the felt to each face of the muscle by sutures;
- connecting the non-biodegradable felt to the conversion means.
A method for surgically attaching a skeletal muscle to conversion means for converting linear contraction of a skeletal muscle into transmutable energy, said method comprising the steps of:
- disconnecting only one end of a skeletal muscle from a skeletal structure of a patient;
- inserting a fan-shaped non-biodegradable felt into the belly of the muscle;
- anchoring the felt in the muscle by sutures;
- connecting the felt to the conversion means.
A method for surgically attaching a skeletal muscle to conversion means for converting linear contraction of a skeletal muscle into transmutable energy, the conversion means including a movable shaft having an open loop projecting from one end such that linear motion of the shaft is converted into transmutable energy, said method comprising the steps of:
- disconnecting only one end of the skeletal muscle from a skeletal structure of a patient;
- inserting the end of the muscle through the open loop projecting from the movable shaft;
- sewing the end of the muscle to the belly of the muscle with sutures.
A method for surgically attaching a skeletal muscle to conversion means for converting linear contraction of a skeletal muscle into transmutable energy, said method comprising the steps of:
- disconnecting only one end of the skeletal muscle from a skeletal structure of a patient;
- forming connecting means on said skeletal muscle for connecting said skeletal muscle to said conversion means;
- and
- connecting said connecting means to said conversion means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.