Reverse flow transport pump and organ stabilization apparatus including related methods

Abstract

A reverse flow pump for transporting bodily fluids comprising an outer pump housing formed with concentric inner and outer passageways, a rotatedly fixed rotor positioned within the pump housing, and an interior compartment surrounding at least a portion of the rotor in communication with the inner and outer pump housing passageways. A hubless reverse flow rotor is further provided comprising a central portion formed with a passageway for the directional flow of fluid relative to the rotor in a spaced apart relation to a base portion to permit the reverse flow of fluid relative to the rotor. A reverse flow pump and coaxial lumen system if also provided comprising a pair of concentric conduits formed of different lengths for the directionally opposed transport of fluids including blood within a closed environment such as the heart region wherein the proximal ends of the concentric conduits are substantially aligned with the pump housing to provide continuous flow between the conduits and reversal of fluid flow direction. A stabilization system and related methods for the heart and other bodily organs are further provided that may cooperate with other embodiments of the present invention to maintain circulatory functions while immobilizing surgical sites which may comprise a cannula and an inflatable stabilization balloon for internally supporting a heart or organ wall in cooperation with externally applied surgical instruments.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.