Total artificial heart system for auto-regulating flow and pressure balance

Abstract

The present invention provides a total artificial heart system for auto-regulating flow and pressure balance. In one embodiment the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising inlets and outlets connectable to a mammalian cardiovascular system and at least first and second continuous pumps connected to the atrial reservoir. In further embodiments, the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising at least two atrial chambers, and a means for transmitting fluid pressure between the atrial chambers. The means for transmitting fluid pressure include, but are not limited to a diaphragm, an interatrial window, a flexible membrane, a valve, a filter, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the means for transmitting fluid pressure comprises an implantable diaphragm comprising an outer rim attachable to biological tissue and a membrane anchored at its periphery by said outer rim.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] Over 50,000 people die each year because of congestive heart failure, a condition that often cannot be treated with drug or surgical therapies. Moreover, nearly 550,000 new patients are diagnosed with congestive heart failure each year. For most patients that suffer heart failure, the only option is heart transplantation via an organ donor or by artificial means. The scarcity of suitable donor hearts has left patients and doctors with no choice but to look to artificial heart therapies. Fortunately, great strides have been made in the development of ventricular assist devices (VADs). Instead of totally replacing heart function, a VAD augments the existing heart's ability to pump blood. These devices have saved many patients who would not have survived without a heart transplant. Despite it success, current VAD technology still has much room for improvement. The development of a viable long term total artificial heart replacement still remains the ultimate goal. [00...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a system for automatically regulating the flow and pressure balance in continuous flow TAHs. The system emulates the mammalian heart's Frank-Starling mechanism, which is the way the heart pumps blood to regulate flow and pressure balance. This system uses a simple approach to regulate flow and pressure balance, without the need for complex electronic sensors. The system includes an atrial reservoir and continuous pumps connected to the heart, as well as atrial chambers for transmitting fluid pressure between them. The system requires less electronic control for pressure and flow balance than current devices, and may be used as a complete TAH system. The invention overcomes the problems of previous devices and provides a more efficient and effective solution for regulating flow and pressure balance in continuous flow TAHs."

Problems solved by technology

However, current continuous flow TAHs do not have the benefit of the nervous system and must rely on electronic means to control flow and pressure.

Not only is the longevity of such electronic systems a point of weakness, but the means by which they operate are often very complex.

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