Heart assist device

Abstract

A ventricular assist device comprising a housing defining an interior space, at least two ports opening into said interior space, and at least one pump for pumping blood between the ports through said interior space, the ports and interior space providing a continuous blood flow path that is not interrupted by valves.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a heart assist device and more particularly, though not necessarily, to an improved implantable left ventricular assist device.[0002]Background to the Invention[0003]A ventricular assist device, or VAD, is a mechanical device used to help either one or both ventricles of the heart to pump blood. VADs are designed to assist either the right (RVAD) or left (LVAD) ventricle, or both at once (BVAD). The choice of device depends on the underlying heart condition, although LVADs are the most widely used.[0004]In early procedures, the VAD pump was placed outside the body. More recently, the most commonly used VADs comprise an integrated pump and are implanted during open or closed-heart surgery, with a control line passing through the skin to a body worn controller. The use of implanted VADs with integrated pumps improves patient mobility and therefore a patient's capacity to lead a near normal life outside hospital.[0005]Some VA...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]Embodiments of the present invention enable the device to make use of the action of the aortic valve to prevent back-flow into the ventricle and removing the need for artificial valves, around which there is a significant risk of clotting as well as a problem of durability. The small amount of reverse flow that does occur is directed into the coronary arteries by the aortic valve, significantly enhancing the natural flow of blood into the coronary arteries.

[0024]Embodiments

Problems solved by technology

They are considered capable of maintaining adequate circulation, although their capability to fully unload the ventricle is questionable.

Furthermore, the use of these pumps requires full anti-coagulation therapy coupled with antiplatelet medication and there is a risk of bleeding and/or thromboembolic complications partly caused by the very small clearance of the rotor inside the device.

However, such VADs may also present a risk of complications including thromboembolic complications.

Pulsatile devices do, however, have several disadvantages, such as their large size and complexity, which can increase the risk associated with insertion, predispose the patient to infection, and compress adjacent organs.

They may also contain many moving parts that can affect their durability.

Without this venting the displacement pumps would consume excessive power, as they would have to displace the pusher plates against a vacuum.

Whilst conventional LVADs can provide significant therapeutic benefits, they may also give rise to complications including infection, immunosuppression, clotting with resultant stroke, and bleeding secondary to anticoagulation.

By way of example, there is a high risk of the formation of blood clots within an LVAD in regions where blood flow is stagnant and this in turn

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