Implantable counterpulsation cardiac assist device

A valve for placement within a patient to regulate flow of a first fluid therethrough, said valve comprising:

• a frame;
• and
• a number of flexible leaflets attached to said frame operable to placed in a first arrangement or a second arrangement, each leaflet having a channel for receiving a second fluid,
• during operation when desired to resist flow of said first fluid through the valve the second fluid is caused to flow into each said channel so as to stiffen said leaflets, and when desired to provide minimal resistance to flow of the first fluid through the valve the second fluid is removed from each said channel,
• in which when in the first arrangement the number of flexible leaflets resist flow of said first fluid therethrough in either a first direction or a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, and when in the second arrangement the number of flexible leaflets provide minimal resistance to flow of said first fluid therethrough in the first direction and prevent back-flow or the flow of said first fluid therethrough in the second direction, and
• in which the first fluid is blood and the second fluid is hydraulic fluid.

A method for assisting, flow of blood in a patient, said method comprising:

• inserting a counterpulsation cardiac assist device between a left ventricle of the patient and femoral and iliac arteries of the patient,
• said counterpulsation cardiac assist device having a unidirectional pressure sensitive valve,
• in which said valve includes a frame, and a number of flexible leaflets attached to said frame in a manner such that the number of flexible leaflets resist flow of said blood therethrough when in a first arrangement, provide minimal resistance to flow of said blood therethrough when in a second arrangement, and provide minimal resistance to flow of said blood therethrough when a failure of the counterpulsation cardiac assist device occurs,
• in which when in the first arrangement the number of flexible leaflets resist flow of said blood therethrough in either a first direction or a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, and when in the second arrangement the number of flexible leaflets provide minimal resistance to flow of said blood therethrough in the first direction and prevent back-flow or the flow of said blood therethrough in the second direction, and
• in which each leaflet has a channel for receiving a second fluid such that during operation when desired to resist flow of said blood, the second fluid is caused to flow into each said channel so as to stiffen each said leaflet, and when desired to provide minimal resistance to flow of said blood, the second fluid is removed from each said channel.