US 7,753,837 B2 · Power system for a heart actuation device

Abstract

Actuator mechanisms on the heart are of several types. In preferred embodiments, they are generally simple, durable, mechanical assemblies and are driven by power delivered from a remote location, generally outside the chest, by a variety of mechanisms. The invention teaches physical mechanisms (1) for transfer of cyclic power from outside the chest to the region of the heart for that purpose, either as translational or rotary motion. Also taught are electromechanical converting mechanisms suitable for delivering power to those transfer devices. The embodiments described herein for either transmission of energy from a site of generation to a conduit (2, 10, 22), and of conduits that then deliver energy to heart actuators, have contours and interfaces designed to promote a favorable biologic response similar to the pseudosynovial capsules that surround artificial joints. Further, design features are chosen to avoid both non-vented gas-filled chambers and static collections of tissue fluid.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A power system for assisting in the operation of the natural heart, comprising:

an actuator mechanism for deforming the natural heart;
a power source for generating translational motion;
a conduit structure for delivering the motion of the power source to the actuator mechanism, the conduit structure including a conduit and a tether movable in the conduit, the conduit and tether operably coupled between the actuator mechanism and the power source so that translational movement of the conduit and tether with respect to each other actuates the actuator mechanism to effect a deformation of the heart;
the conduit having apertures formed therein to provide for the passage of tissue fluid into and out of the conduit.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Power system for a heart actuation device

Life of this patent

Power system for a heart actuation device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22