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

[0007] The present invention provides a system for auto-regulating the flow and pressure balance in continuous flow TAHs. In the mammalian heart, the nervous system auto-regulates the flow and pressure balance across the left and right side of the heart in response to physiological changes in the body. 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. In order to avoid running wires through the patient's skin, researchers have moved toward employing wireless technology as a substitute, further complicating an already intricate device. The present invention accordingly provides a novel, simple approach to regulating flow and pressure balance by emulating the mammalian heart's Frank-Starling mechanism.

[0008] The Frank-Starling mechanism is the means by which the heart pumps harder when blood volume passing through it increases. The greater the blood volume in the heart, the more the cardiac muscles are stretched. Much like a rubber band, the heart exerts more force in pumping blood when it is filled with a greater volume. Therefore, in an embodiment comprising more than one atrial chamber, the system may comprise a means for transmitting fluid pressure between the left and right atria to auto-regulate flow and pressure balance in continuous flow TAHs with less need for electronic sensors.

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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