US 8,523,756 B2 · Cardiac compression system

Abstract

The present direct cardiac compression (DCC) design, termed Cardiac Resynchronization Compression Sac System (CRCSS), combines the mechanical and electrical characteristics associated with DCC and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), respectively. The CRCSS comprises a shell, at least one opening on the shell, at least one inflatable balloon, and a pumping system. The shell is custom manufactured to substantially conform to the contour of a portion of a heart, the contour being obtained by an imaging system. The opening on the shell is designed for passing pericardial fluid so as not to impede the myocardial contraction. The inflatable balloon attaches to at least one predetermined location of the inner surface of the shell. Furthermore, the shell naturally positions in the pericardium space without resorting to any artificial force to prevent it from dislodging from the heart. When the inflatable balloon inflates at least one ventricular free wall of the heart is compressed.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A cardiac compression system comprising:

a shell custom manufactured to substantially conform to the contour of a portion of a heart at the end of diastole, the contour of the heart being obtained by an imaging system;
an elastic diaphragm coupled to an inner surface of the shell and defining a solid lining conforming to the heart;
at least one opening on the shell for passing pericardial fluid;
and
at least one inflatable balloon attached to at least one predetermined location of the inner surface of the shell for selectively applying pressure to the heart at a specific ventricular location,
wherein the shell is positionally retained in the pericardium space devoid of any fixed coupling to prevent it from dislodging from the heart, the at least one opening on the shell passing therethrough pericardial fluid disposed outside of the inflatable balloon, and the inflatable balloon inflates so as to compress at least one ventricular free wall of the heart at said specific ventricular location.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cardiac compression system

Life of this patent

Cardiac compression system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21