Activation device for the natural heart including internal and external support structures
AssigneeUniversity of Cincinnati
InventorDavid Boyd Melvin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An activator device for activation of cardiac tissue having a stint for placement within the interior volume of a natural heart adjacent cardiac tissue thereof. The device also includes a yoke for placement around a portion of the exterior surface of the natural heart in general alignment with the stint and connected to the stint by at least one cord. The device provides a simple yet reliable mechanism for assisting in extended activation of a natural heart with minimal impact and intrusion.
Claims26
A mechanical ventricular activation device for use with a natural heart, said device comprising:
- (a) a stint for placement within the interior volume of a natural heart adjacent cardiac tissue thereof, said stint configured for supporting at least a portion of the internal tissue of the natural heart;
- (b) a yoke for placement around a portion of the exterior surface of the natural heart in general alignment with said stint;
- (c) at least one cord connecting said stint and said yoke;
- and
- (d) an activator attached to said yoke for providing cyclically alternating forces.
A device for use with a natural heart for placement within the interior portion of the natural heart thereof, comprising:
- a substantially perforate septal splint configured for allowing blood flow therethrough and for stabilizing at least a portion of the internal tissue of the natural heart, the septal splint having a frame with an opening;
- and a plurality of suture strands extending transverse the opening of said frame, wherein the plurality of suture strands is configured to be positioned in contact with at least a portion of the internal tissue of the heart.
A device for use with a natural heart for placement within the interior portion of the natural heart adjacent cardiac tissue thereof, comprising:
- a first ring configured for placement adjacent one of the annuli of the natural heart;
- a second ring for placement adjacent another of the annuli of the natural heart;
- and
- a connector of artificial material joining said first ring and said second ring configured for extending through said tissue of said heart.
A mechanical ventricular activation device for use with a natural heart, said device comprising:
- (a) a stint for placement within the interior volume of a natural heart adjacent cardiac tissue thereof;
- (b) a yoke for placement around a portion of the exterior surface of the natural heart in general alignment with said stint;
- (c) at least one cord connecting said stint to said yoke;
- and
- (d) an activator attached to said yoke, said activator comprising an arm having a distal end and a plurality of bands connected to said arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.