Modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow influencing device and related methods

Abstract

To provide a modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow influencing device.SOLUTION: A modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow influencing device includes a docking unit 16, the docking unit having a receiving surface, distal and proximal ends, and a proximal guide hole. A functional unit has a docking surface shaped to mate with the receiving surface and distal and proximal ends. A control wire 42 extends from the proximal end of the functional unit, passes through the guide hole and extends proximally away from the docking unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 88

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to (1) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 824,101, filed March 26, 2019, entitled "Fluid Circulation Support System and Method," (2) International Patent Application No. PCT / CA2019 / 050421, filed April 5, 2019, entitled "Fluid Circulation Support System and Method," (3) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 004,673, filed March 26, 2020, entitled "Modular Mammalian Body Implantable Fluid Flow Influencing Device And Related Methods," and (4) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 007,899, filed April 9, 2020, entitled "Modular Mammalian Body Implantable Fluid Flow Influencing Device And Related Methods," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For purposes of designating the United States of America, this application is a continuation-in-part of the aforementioned '421 International Application.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD The present technology relates to modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow affecting devices and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Fluid-carrying conduits within a patient, such as blood vessels or other conduits near the heart, liver, or kidneys that carry fluids other than blood (e.g., urine, lymph, etc.), may require fluid flow manipulation (e.g., increasing fluid flow, decreasing fluid flow, stopping fluid flow, etc.) in various medical situations.

[0004] A well-known example of such a condition is heart failure, in which a patient's heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's demand for blood and oxygen.

[0005] Heart failure is a disease that affects more than 6 million Americans and more than 26 million people worldwide at any given time. There is no cure. Heart failure causes a gradual and inevitable decline in the ability to function in daily life and overall quality of life. It can worsen rapidly. Even with the best medical care, heart failure patients' symptoms slowly and inevitably progress. Their range of activity becomes rapidly limited. At some point, symptoms of the disease will increase, even with rest and optimal medical therapy. People with end-stage heart failure currently have an estimated two-year survival rate of just 20%.

[0006] In an attempt to improve upon this grim prediction of the likely course and outcome of the disease, multiple strategies for caring for people with heart disease have been developed. These strategies include both short-term mechanical patient support options and long-term patient support options. However, none of the currently available options are optimal.

[0007] Before outlining conventional treatment possibilities, it should be noted that all such procedures are essentially surgical. They may be performed on the affected patient via "open surgery" (i.e., traditional surgical methods in which skin and tissue are cut to allow the surgeon a full view of the structures or organs involved) or via "minimally invasive surgery" (i.e., more recent surgical techniques that do not require large incisions). An example of a minimally invasive surgical technique is a transcatheter technique. A catheter (e.g., a relatively long, flexible tube) is inserted into the patient's body, and an intervention is performed through the catheter's lumen (i.e., hollow cavity) at a site distal to (e.g., away from) the catheter insertion site. Compared to open surgical procedures, transcatheter techniques typically involve less risk to the patient, less surgeon time, and shorter patient recovery times. They are generally preferred by patients.

[0008] One of the newest treatment possibilities for heart disease is heart transplantation. Heart transplantation involves removing a patient's diseased heart and replacing it with a healthy heart from a heart donor. However, the number of available donor hearts is extremely limited. In North America, for example, only approximately 3,000 donor hearts are available each year. Therefore, heart transplantation is not typically an option for patients because the number of donor hearts is far fewer than the number of diseased patients. Furthermore, heart transplantation obviously requires highly invasive open surgery. It also carries significant risks, including (but by no means limited to) transplant coronary artery disease and lifelong suppression of the transplant recipient's immune system. For all these reasons, heart transplantation is almost always limited to younger patients, who are therefore prioritized on heart transplant lists.

[0009] Another of the newest therapeutic possibilities for heart disease involves removing a patient's diseased heart and replacing it with an artificial heart device (typically known as a "total artificial heart"). The number of total artificial hearts is not limited (as is the case with donated human hearts) because they are manufactured devices, and their use is currently limited to temporary cases only. There are no total artificial hearts available for permanent implantation. Therefore, patients for whom a total artificial heart is used are those with end-stage heart disease, unless a donated heart is already available. The limited number of donated hearts severely limits their use. Additionally, implantation of a total artificial heart still requires a highly invasive open surgery, which, as noted above, carries with it risks. There are very few total artificial heart products currently available for use in patients. One product is the SynCardia™ temporary artificial heart. Another potential product, still in development, is the Carmat™ artificial heart.

[0010] The third (and most common) newest treatment possibility for heart disease is through the implantation and use of what is known as a "ventricular assist device" (commonly abbreviated "VAD"). A VAD is a mechanical pump that is surgically implanted within a patient to help a weakened heart pump blood. Unlike a total artificial heart, a VAD does not replace the patient's own heart; instead, it helps the patient's natural heart pump blood. VADs may be used to assist the left side of a patient's heart, in which case they are known as LVADs. Or they may be used to assist the right side of a patient's heart, in which case they are known as RVADs. LVADs are much more commonly used. Currently, VADs may be used as an interim measure until a heart transplant is possible (as in the case of a total artificial heart), or they may be used long-term in patients whose condition precludes a heart transplant or who require immediate long-term support. There are different types and configurations of VADs, some of which are described below.

[0011] Nearly all currently available VADs have in common that their implantation requires open surgery and is subject to the aforementioned drawbacks and risks. Both morbidity and mortality rates are high. For example, patients are at risk for embolic stroke (e.g., a stroke caused by a blood vessel blockage due to the formation of a blood clot) because, among other reasons, VADs are located at the apex of the heart. Patients are also at risk for cerebral (i.e., brain) or gastrointestinal bleeding because most VADs pump blood continuously (as opposed to a normal heart, which pumps blood in a pulsatile manner). This continuous pumping of blood weakens the patient's blood vessels (which are therefore prone to heavy bleeding) and also reduces the patient's von Willebrand factor (a molecule in the human blood that is part of the process that prevents and stops bleeding). Furthermore, due to the complexities of the VAD implantation procedure, VADs are only implanted in specialized centers. In fact, the number one reason patients refuse to undergo VAD implantation is their fear of such an invasive implantation procedure and the complications that may result from it. For all these reasons, the number of VAD implantations performed in the United States is less than 4,000 per year, even though more than 250,000 heart disease patients in North America alone could benefit from VAD implantation.

[0012] With regard to VAD types and configurations, several generations of VADs have been developed over the past several decades, and the following descriptions of these generations are not intended to be exhaustive and are merely illustrative.

[0013] First-generation VADs were membrane-based and provided pulsatile flow (e.g., Thoratec™ PVAD, IVAD, Heartmate™ XVE, Heartmate™ IP1000, and VE, WorldHeart™ Novacor™, and Arrow International LionHeart™ LVD2000). Some of the major disadvantages of first-generation VADs were their high energy requirements, their large size (which complicated surgical implantation), and their limited durability.

[0014] Second-generation VADs featured continuous axial flow pumps. These devices were smaller and featured fewer moving parts, resulting in an overall better design than their first-generation predecessors. The internal rotor of second-generation VADs was mounted on contact bearings, resulting in areas of high shear stress, with the attendant risk of thrombus formation and hemolysis. The Thoratec™ Heartmate™ II is the most widely used VAD in its class. Other examples of second-generation VADs include the Jarvik Heart Jarvik™ 2000 and the MicroMed™ Heart Assist 5.

[0015] Third-generation VADs offer all the advantages of second-generation VADs (compared to first-generation VADs), including non-contact magnetic levitation of the centrifuge rotor. This results in an overall reduction in shear stress generated by the pump, and therefore a lower tendency for thrombus formation and hemolysis compared to second-generation devices. Currently available third-generation VADs include the Terumo™ DuraHeart™, Medtronic™ Heartware™ HVAD, and Abbott™ Heartmate™ III.

[0016] All of these aforementioned generations of VADs currently in use (or previously used) require (or have required) invasive, typically open surgery (e.g., a median sternotomy or a less invasive mini-thoracotomy). During the implantation procedure, the VAD is surgically attached (e.g., sutured) to the heart, while the main VAD body remains outside the patient's vasculature (e.g., the heart and blood vessels). The VAD's pump inlet is sutured to the left or right ventricle of the heart (depending on whether the VAD is an LVAD or RVAD), and the outflow tubing from the VAD is sutured to the aorta (in the case of an LVAD) or pulmonary artery (in the case of an RVAD).

[0017] However, as mentioned above, patients prefer minimally invasive transcatheter interventions over open surgery, and therefore, the latest efforts in developing mechanical support strategies for people with heart disease are directed towards developing pumps that do not require open surgery, but rather can be implantable transcatheter.

[0018] Currently, the only commercially available product that can be implanted transcatheter is the Impella™ family of micropump devices from Abiomed™. The Impella device has a single microaxial pump (e.g., with an impeller) with a cannula (e.g., a small tubular structure). The device is implanted in the left ventricle (in the case of an LVAD) or right ventricle (in the case of an RVAD) of the heart, spanning the aortic valve (in the case of an LVAD) or the tricuspid and pulmonary valves (in the case of an RVAD). The pump inlet is inside the ventricle or inside a blood vessel that discharges fluid into the ventricle, and the pump outlet is outside the heart, in the aorta (in the case of an LVAD) or pulmonary artery (in the case of an RVAD). As the pump impeller rotates, blood is drawn into the device through the pump inlet. The blood then moves through the cannula under pressure provided by the pump and exits the device through the pump outlet in the aorta or pulmonary artery (as the case may be). In this way, the VAD provides pumping support to the ventricles of the heart.

[0019] The Impella device is implanted via a percutaneous procedure. In a percutaneous procedure, access to a patient's internal organs is achieved via a needle puncture of the skin (e.g., via the well-known conventional Seldinger technique). Typically, in such procedures, the needle puncture site is relatively far from the actual internal organ on which the surgeon is operating. For example, even if the surgeon is operating on the heart, the initial needle puncture of the skin is made in the patient's groin, allowing the surgeon to access the patient's vasculature through the femoral vessels. Once access is gained, the surgeon can advance the tools necessary to perform the surgical procedure through the patient's vasculature to the heart. The surgeon then performs the procedure on the heart, typically via a wire. The wire extends from the tool, travels through the patient's vasculature, and exits the patient's body through the access opening previously created by the surgeon. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon removes the tool from the patient's vasculature in the same manner. In such procedures, access via the femoral artery (in the patient's groin) or the axillary artery (around the patient's collarbone) is more common.

[0020] One problem that arises with such percutaneous procedures and devices (e.g., the Impella device) is that the size of the device is significantly limited because of the remote peripheral insertion point of the device (through the femoral or axillary artery, as the case may be). This means that the size of structures traveling through a patient's blood vessels is limited to be only slightly larger than those vessels themselves, because those vessels can only expand so much before being damaged. In the context of the Impella device, this means that the actual physical size of the pump (including the motor) is limited because it must travel through the patient's blood vessels to the patient's heart. This in turn limits the actual physical size of the pump's cannula, through which the pumped blood flows. Therefore, in order for the Impella device pump to send a sufficient amount of blood through the cannula to adequately assist the patient's heart, the pump's impeller must rotate very quickly. (Typically, the faster the impeller rotates, the more blood the pump can pump.) However, these high impeller rotational speeds can be problematic. High impeller rotational speeds create substantial shear stresses on the pumping blood components, leading to known deleterious phenomena (e.g., platelet activation, von Willebrand factor multimer disruption, red blood cell destruction, and thrombus formation), all of which, as previously mentioned, can lead to embolic stroke or pump thrombosis.

[0021] Other drawbacks of Impella-type devices that lead to potential harm are damage to the aortic valve (in the case of an LVAD, as the pump body crosses the aortic valve from the left ventricle to the aorta) and migration of the device during use (as the device is not secured in place during use). Because of these drawbacks, Impella-type devices are not used as outpatient solutions; such devices must be used in a clinical setting. For this reason, the Abiomed™ Impella™ pump device is approved for short-term support in cardiogenic shock or high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention.

[0022] In light of this, improved transcatheter-implantable VAD solutions are currently being developed. These devices include those developed by Magenta Medical™ or Second Heart Assist™, and the recently approved Heartmate™ PHP by Abbott™. The common goal of all these devices is to overcome the limitations of the Impella device by using an impeller with in vivo expansion capabilities. In this way, the device can be implanted transcatheter with a pump impeller in a small configuration (small enough to move through the patient's vasculature without causing damage). At the implantation site, the impeller can then be expanded to a larger size. This allows the impeller to operate at a relatively slow speed (compared to one in the Impella device), because the expandable impeller is relatively larger than the Impella device impeller in its operating configuration. In this way, these devices attempt to reduce the risks present in devices with high-speed impellers.

[0023] However, all expandable propellers share a common expected pitfall: durability, and this applies whether they use elastomeric materials (Magenta Medical™, Heartmate™ PHP) or mechanical joints (Second Heart Assist™). (Currently, all approved non-expandable device impellers are manufactured from durable materials such as titanium and therefore do not suffer from durability issues.)

[0024] Another aspect of device designs using expandable propellers is that while the impeller can be made expandable, the motor that rotates the impeller cannot. No such expandable motors exist. This is a significant limitation of such devices, as the power required by the motor to rotate such an impeller (after expansion) is significantly greater than that required to rotate the small impeller found, for example, in the Impella device. To solve this problem, all transcatheter-implantable pumps that use expandable impellers do not have a motor within the implanted device body. Rather, they use a flexible drive shaft that interconnects the expanded impeller to a motor outside the patient's vasculature. This raises serious concerns about the durability, heat generation, and reliability of these pumps during long-term use. While they are still in development, it is highly likely that these mechanical limitations will preclude the long-term use of such transcatheter-implantable, expandable-impeller-based designs.

[0025] A more recent theoretical alternative to using an expandable impeller as a solution to address the high shear stresses generated by the high speed rotation of the impeller is the modular pump assembly. A modular pump assembly is a device that can use multiple pumping units (or modules). The multiple pumping units can be delivered separately to the implantation site, but can be combined together within the patient's vasculature at the implantation site to form a single pumping device. This single pumping device, with multiple pumping units operating in parallel, can provide the required blood flow while generating much less shear stress and maintaining reliability and durability. Two such modular pump assembly devices have been described in previous patent documents: Anderson et al. and Bonde et al.

[0026] The first description is in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0250935A1 (Anderson et al.), published September 10, 2015, entitled "Modular Implantable Ventricular Assist Device," which is assigned to Medtronic Vascular Galaway (now U.S. Patent No. 9,616,159B2). Anderson et al. disclose: "A modular implantable ventricular assist device is configured to be assembled, at least in part, within a patient. The device generally includes a pump assembly and an expandable frame. The frame is configured to mate with the patient's tissue when implanted. The pump assembly is configured to be operably coupled to the frame when the frame is implanted and in an expanded configuration." (Abstract)

[0027] This patent publication teaches that the expandable frame is secured to the vessel wall, followed by attachment of a scaffold to the frame. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the expandable frame and scaffold are a single structure and are expandable. In either case, the scaffold has multiple openings within it that are intended to receive and hold individual pumping units (modules). The patent teaches that the surgeon then advances these individual pumping units through the patient's vasculature and pushes them into the scaffold openings. One major concern with this design is how exactly the surgeon will be able to guide the individual pumping units to the precise and precise location required to insert them into the scaffold openings. This is essentially a task that requires the surgeon to manipulate guidewires or the individual pumping units to achieve precise positioning and orientation in three dimensions (which may need to be repeated multiple times), while being guided only via standard, conventional two-dimensional fluoroscopy. Even assuming this were possible, the intervention would require a significant amount of time.

[0028] Furthermore, such devices can cause the scaffold to transversely occlude the vessel lumen, leading to thrombosis of the scaffold (and therefore embolic stroke) and even complete lumen occlusion (if the thrombus extends to the inlet or outlet of the pumping unit), resulting in patient death.

[0029] Also, there is no mention of how the wires (cables) of the individual pumping units should be handled. This is a significant concern because each pumping unit has at least one wire (and potentially more). With multiple pumping units, the wires can become tangled, both of which make removal of the individual units (and the device) difficult. Also, tangled wires can act as a scaffold for thrombus formation (which also leads to the risk of embolic stroke).

[0030] Furthermore, Anderson et al. fails to teach how such a device might be removed from a patient's vasculature in the context of pump unit failure (whether mechanical, thrombus-related, or otherwise) or if the patient recovers and needs to be weaned from the device. While it is conceivable that individual pump units could be pulled out of the scaffold, the frame and scaffold itself do not appear to be removable via transcatheter techniques and would therefore require removal via open surgical intervention. Failure to remove the frame and scaffold (depending on their implantation site) could lead to luminal occlusion (if implanted intravascularly) or valvular insufficiency (if implanted within a valve), both of which would be highly detrimental to the patient.

[0031] A second description of a modular pump assembly device is given in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0250935A1 (Bonde et al.), published October 29, 2015, entitled "Percutaneous Device and Method for Promoting Movement for Bodily Fluid," which is assigned to Yale University (now U.S. Patent No. 10,293,090B2). Bonde et al. disclose the following: "A minimally invasive percutaneous device that can be placed within a patient's body to assist in the movement or pumping of bodily fluids. In one embodiment, the device includes a plurality of pump units configured to switch from a first compressed configuration, in which the pump units are configured in a series arrangement, to a second expanded configuration, in which the pump units are reconfigured in a parallel arrangement." (Abstract)

[0032] This publication describes a modular pump assembly in which microaxial pumping units are all interconnected with one another by a flexible frame. When the assembly is in a compressed configuration for transcatheter delivery to the implantation site, the pumping units are arranged in series. Once delivered to the implantation site, the frame expands so that the pumping units change configuration physically and spatially, switching from series to parallel. This structure avoids at least some of the feasibility pitfalls of the structure described in the Anderson et al. publication in terms of the difficulty of in vivo assembly of the device modules by the surgeon because the device switches from one configuration to the other on its own. However, unlike the structure described in Anderson et al., the structure described in Bonde et al. offers the surgeon little control over in vivo assembly of the pump assembly because it relies solely on structural changes in preformed materials and does not allow for surgeon control. That is, in order to obtain a structure that is easily assembled, Bonde et al.'s structure gives up control over such assembly. This situation can lead to damage to the vessel wall if the movement of the pumping units cannot be controlled in some way. Such vascular injury may lead to serious conditions (eg, vessel wall dissection, vessel wall rupture, etc.) and may require immediate open surgical intervention to save the patient.

[0033] Additionally, as with Anderson et al., Bonde et al. does not address either the individual pumping unit wires or their management. The drawbacks noted above with respect to this aspect of Anderson et al. also apply to Bonde et al.

[0034] Furthermore, unfilled gaps may remain between the assembled cylindrical pumping units of the Bonde et al. device, which may lead to the formation of thrombus between the pumping units, with the associated risk of embolization as discussed above.

[0035] Finally, in one embodiment shown in the Bonde et al. figures, the structural change of the frame interconnecting the pumping units requires a reorientation of the pumping units (distal end <<->> proximal end). This structural change would need to occur inside the patient's blood vessel at the implantation site. Sufficient space would need to exist at the site to allow for this structural change. The Bonde et al. device would then need to be size-limited to allow for this structural change within that space. This would almost certainly limit the length of the pumping units to a value shorter than the cross-sectional diameter of the blood vessel at the implantation site where the structural change of the pumping units occurs during device assembly. A limited pumping unit length may limit the size of the motor, which may affect the performance of the pumping unit. Furthermore, there is no description of how the wires extending from the individual pumping units are managed before, during, or after this structural change occurs inside the patient's blood vessel at the implantation site.

[0036] Shortcomings of the modular pump assemblies described in Anderson et al. and Bonde et al. (both of which are described herein and elsewhere) are believed to have limited their usefulness and adoption. There are no currently available products that embody the technology described in these patents, meaning that there are no currently available products that use any type of modular technology.

[0037] Despite the fact that the designs for VADs using modular pump assembly architectures in Anderson et al. and Bonde et al. have not reached a stage of development appropriate for use in patients, VADs using modular pump assembly architectures are believed to be a desirable area for further development, given their potential to address some of the shortcomings of other types of VADs. However, neither the architecture described in Anderson et al. nor the architecture described in Bonde et al. is believed to be an appropriate starting point for continuing such development. It is believed that a "start over" with a new modular pump assembly design is necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0038] the purpose The purpose of the present technology is to improve upon the prior art in this area by providing a modular pump assembly that is implantable within the human body and that is of a different design than those previously described herein.

[0039] It is an objective of the present technology that the novel modular pump assembly designs described herein have at least one (and potentially multiple) reduced risk and / or reduced drawback compared to at least some of the prior art used in the same context, depending on the particular physical embodiment of the technology employed and the particular context in which it is employed. Such risks and drawbacks may include (but are not limited to): risk of hemolysis, risk of thrombosis, risk of platelet activation, risk of destruction of blood clotting factor(s) and / or proteins involved in primary hemostasis, risk of vessel wall damage, undesirable heat generation, undesirable power requirements, undesirable physical size requirements, reliability issues, durability issues, wire / cable management issues, implantation issues (e.g., difficulty, complexity, controllability, assembleability, time-consuming, etc.), explantation issues (e.g., assembleability, difficulty, complexity, controllability, disassembly, time-consuming, etc.), operational issues, etc. This list is not intended to be exhaustive.

[0040] However, living organisms, of course, are highly complex creatures and do not exhibit predictable events or circumstances, and therefore, while the present technology attempts to achieve the aforementioned objectives, no guarantee (and therefore no promise) is made that such objectives will actually be achieved in any particular situation and / or with any particular embodiment of the technology.

[0041] overview As previously mentioned, to the knowledge of the inventors of the present technology, there are no modular pump assemblies currently in use or even under development. Nevertheless, it is believed that such assemblies (at least in some forms) would offer advantages over VADs currently (or previously) in use. In particular, modular pump assemblies could be designed into implantable transcatheter implantable devices that are operable and explantable, thus having the attendant advantages of minimally invasive intervention as previously discussed.

[0042] A transcatheter-implantable modular pump assembly (once assembled in vivo) can use multiple pumping units in parallel. This contrasts with transcatheter-implantable pumps currently used in humans, which have a single pumping unit. Using multiple pumping units in parallel potentially allows the total amount of work the VAD needs to do to be divided (either equally or not) among the multiple pumping units (depending on the device design and operation). (In the context of the present technology, multiple units are considered parallel when the inlet of any pumping unit is not downstream of the outlet of any other pumping unit. Downstream refers to the direction of flow from the inlet to the outlet.) This can have several advantages over different types of prior art VADs. For example, compared to Impella-type devices, the impellers of the individual pumping units can be the same size but rotate at a slower speed (again, depending on the device design and operation). However, because there are multiple pumping units, the same amount of fluid can be pumped. In certain circumstances, rotating the impeller at a slower speed can create lower shear stress rates and thus potentially reduce the risk of hemolysis, thrombosis, platelet activation, and / or disruption of blood coagulation factor(s). In another example, compared to pumping devices that use expandable impellers, the impellers of individual pump units of a modular pump assembly can be smaller in size (and, if designed, non-expandable) and therefore require less power to rotate (depending on the design and operation of the device). As a result, the motor can be housed within the pumping unit body, allowing it to be implanted within the patient's body. Such a configuration eliminates the need for a flexible drive shaft to extend through the patient's vasculature and be driven by a motor external to the patient's vasculature, reducing the drawbacks of such a configuration (e.g., heat generation, complexity, durability, and / or reliability risks).

[0043] The present technology was initially conceived and developed for use in, but is not limited to, circulatory assist devices (VADs). Devices employing the present technology can be used for other purposes and / or in other locations in the body if so designed. As a non-limiting example, it is envisioned that devices employing the present technology could be designed to be implantable via a catheter within the renal pelvis to affect urine flow (e.g., by providing a urine pump as opposed to a blood pump).

[0044] Similarly, although the technology was originally conceived and developed for use in increasing the flow rate of fluids in a conduit in which the device is implanted, it can be used to affect fluid flow in other ways. For example, the device can be designed and / or operated to reduce the flow rate of fluids and / or to completely block fluid flow (as appropriate).

[0045] Finally, although the present technology was originally conceived and developed for use in humans, it can be used in devices for use in mammals other than humans, provided that the device employing the technology is appropriately designed (e.g., sized, dimensioned, and / or shaped) accordingly.

[0046] For all these reasons, the following description of the technology will initially be couched in much broader and more general terms (than simply VAD).

[0047] Device To overcome (or at least ameliorate) at least one (preferably more) of the drawbacks associated with the devices described in the aforementioned Anderson et al. and / or Bonde et al. references, embodiments of the present technology provide a modular mammalian body-implantable fluid flow affecting device, including: (1) a docking unit having an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, at least one receiving surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, distal and proximal ends, and at least one proximal guide hole. Each receiving surface is associated with at least one proximal guide hole. The docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a conduit of a mammalian body ductal system. (For purposes of this disclosure, cavities and chambers within a generally hollow organ should be understood to be conduits within a ductal system with which they are in fluid communication. Thus, for example, the chambers of the heart should be considered, for purposes of this disclosure, to be part of the body's vasculature.) (2) a first functional unit. The first functional unit has an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a first of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit. A control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit. The size and shape of the first functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter. The first functional unit has a docking fastening arrangement in which a docking surface of the first functional unit mates with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit.The first functional unit also has an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the first functional unit does not mate with but is spaced apart from a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The first functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docked fastening configuration at the implantation site via movement of a control wire of the first functional unit. The first functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docked fastening configuration by pulling the control wire of the first functional unit. The first functional unit is movable from the docked fastening configuration to the undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the first functional unit.

[0048] As described above, a device using the present technology has at least a docking unit and a functional unit. The main function of the docking unit is to provide a structure to which the functional units of the device can be docked. Although not required, the docking unit of the present technology may have additional functions, such as fixing the device in place via a fixture (described in more detail below).

[0049] The distal and proximal ends of the elongate body of the docking unit are defined from the perspective of the surgeon implanting the device. Thus, the distal end of the elongate body of the docking unit is farther away (i.e., further or further away) from the surgeon during an intervention than the proximal end of the docking unit. The distal and proximal ends of the elongate bodies of the functional unit(s) and other structures are similarly defined.

[0050] In the context of the present technology, a guide hole is any structure that retains a control wire (e.g., of a functional unit) through which the retained control wire can move without dislodging. Thus, a guide hole does not need to be completely surrounded by material to perform its function. For example, a suitably structured hook (from which the control wire cannot dislodge) can serve to provide a guide hole in some embodiments.

[0051] In use, at an overly simplistic level (but as described in more detail below), the functional unit and docking unit reside within a delivery sheath (or some other type of catheter), with the functional unit in its undocked configuration and distal to the docking unit. Thus, the device is unassembled and in what may be referred to as a delivery configuration. When the device is in the delivery configuration, the longitudinal axes of the elongate bodies of the units are generally collinear with one another. Thus, when the device is in the delivery configuration, it exhibits a smaller cross-sectional profile (than the assembled device), and thus the device can be delivered through a conduit having a smaller luminal cross-sectional area than when the device is in the assembled configuration. The device is in its assembled configuration when the functional units are in their docked fastening configuration. In the assembled configuration, the longitudinal axes of the elongate bodies of the units are no longer generally collinear with one another. Instead, the longitudinal axes of the elongate bodies of the functional units are radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit, and the two are generally coplanar.

[0052] In the delivery configuration, the functional unit is distal to the docking unit within the delivery sheath, so that the functional unit is delivered to the implantation site first (i.e., before the docking unit), with its control wire extending from its elongated body through the docking unit's guide hole, through the patient's ductal system (e.g., vasculature), and out of the patient's body through the surgeon's access point. The docking unit is then delivered to the implantation site. The docking unit's guide hole and receiving surface are positioned one for the other so that the surgeon can pull the functional unit's control wire to place the functional unit in its docking fastening configuration. (Prior to this operation, the surgeon may fix the docking unit location (described below). Alternatively, during this operation, the surgeon may hold the docking unit in place via its control cable (described below) or some other means.) Because the functional unit's elongated body cannot pass through the guide hole, the functional unit cannot "overshoot" the docking fastening configuration, for example, when the surgeon is pulling its control wire.

[0053] The guide holes are "proximal" guide holes in that they are positioned closer to the proximal end of the elongate body of the docking unit than the distal end. While this may not be true in all embodiments, the proximal nature of the guide holes means that when the control wires of the functional units are pulled to place the functional units in a docked fastening configuration, the forces exerted on the structures of the docking unit that define the guide holes do not tend to "invert" the docking unit (i.e., reverse its distal and proximal ends) within the conduit at the implantation site.

[0054] In some embodiments, the elongate body of the docking unit is non-expandable. As previously mentioned, the expandability of a mechanical structure may (depending on the embodiment and its use) reduce the durability and / or reliability of the structure.

[0055] In some embodiments, the diameter of the docking unit's smallest bounding right cylinder is no greater than the diameter of the functional unit's smallest bounding right cylinder. In this context, the smallest bounding right cylinder is the smallest right cylinder having an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the unit in question (in which the entire unit (excluding any control wires / cables extending therefrom) fits). In such embodiments, the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the docking unit (intersecting the longitudinal axis of its elongated body) is typically smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the functional unit (intersecting the longitudinal axis of its elongated body). Thus, it is the size of the functional unit (and not the size of the docking unit) that is the limitation on device implantation; it is the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the functional unit(s) that determines through which conduits (if any) in the conduit system the device can be percutaneously implanted transcatheter.

[0056] In some embodiments, the docking unit is a central docking unit. In this context, the docking unit is "central" when the functional unit(s) forming part of the device are each located around the docking unit when in their docked fastening configurations.

[0057] At its basic level, the present technology can be implemented using a device having a single functional unit, although it is expected that most embodiments will have multiple functional units. In this regard, there is no absolute theoretical maximum number of functional units that a device employing the present technology can have. As long as a device can be embedded and operated with that number of functional units (under the given circumstances of its embedding and operation), that number of functional units is within the scope of the present technology. Embodiments are contemplated having multiple functional units ranging from 2 to 10. In various embodiments having multiple functional units, each functional unit has the same function and characteristics (e.g., size, shape, dimensions, materials of construction, etc.) as the others. In other embodiments, they differ.

[0058] Thus, in some embodiments, the device further includes a second functional unit. The second functional unit has an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage of the control wire through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. A control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit. The size and shape of the second functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter. The second functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit mates with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The second functional unit also has an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit does not mate with but is spaced apart from the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The second functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docking fastening configuration via movement of a control wire of the second functional unit. The second functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docking fastening configuration by pulling the control wire of the second functional unit. The second functional unit is movable from the docking fastening configuration to the undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the second functional unit. (The control wire of the second functional unit also extends through the patient's ductal system (e.g., vasculature), through a surgeon's access point, and out of the patient's body.)

[0059] Additionally, in some embodiments, the device further includes a third functional unit. The third functional unit has an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage of the control wire through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. A control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit. The size and shape of the third functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter. The third functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the third functional unit mates with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The third functional unit also has an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the third functional unit does not mate with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit and is spaced apart from the third receiving surface. The third functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docking fastening configuration via movement of a control wire of the third functional unit. The third functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docking fastening configuration by pulling the control wire of the third functional unit. The third functional unit is movable from the docking fastening configuration to the undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the third functional unit. (The control wire of the third functional unit also extends through the patient's ductal system (e.g., vasculature), through a surgeon's access point, and out of the patient's body.)

[0060] For simplicity, apparatus having a greater number of functional units will not be further described herein, and the above description of the second and third functional units applies mutatis mutandis to such fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. functional units.

[0061] In embodiments with two or more functional units, the device is in its delivery configuration when each functional unit is in its undocked configuration and the longitudinal axes of each elongate body of the units are all substantially collinear. Within the delivery sheath, all of the device's functional units are distal to the docking unit (i.e., the docking unit is proximal to all other functional units). During delivery of the device to the implantation site, all functional units are delivered before the docking unit is delivered. The surgeon then places the device in its assembled configuration by placing each functional unit in its docked fastening configuration. Depending on the design of the device and the size of the lumen of the conduit at the implantation site, some embodiments / implementations may or may not require the surgeon to place the functional units in their docked fastening configuration in a particular order. For example, if the size of the lumen of the conduit at the implantation site is relatively large (so that there is no interference between the functional units and their control wires once the functional units exit the delivery sheath), the surgeon may be able to place the functional units in their docked fastening configuration in any order he or she so chooses, regardless of the order in which the functional units were positioned while in the delivery sheath (and therefore exited the delivery sheath). In another illustrative example, if the size of the lumen of the conduit at the implantation site is relatively small, the surgeon may be required to place the functional units in their docked fastening configuration in a particular order, for example, in the reverse order in which they exited the delivery sheath (i.e., the last functional unit to exit the delivery sheath is the first functional unit the surgeon should place in its docked fastening configuration).

[0062] In some embodiments, the size and shape of the docking unit and functional unit are configured such that when the device is in its assembled configuration, it does not completely obstruct the lumen of the conduit at the implantation site. In this way, fluid can flow around the device. In various embodiments, depending on the function of the device and its implantation location, fluid flow around the device can be important. For example, if the device is a VAD, allowing fluid to flow around the device can be an important design feature, as well as in situations where all of the device's pumping units fail (e.g., a power outage with no battery backup), because in that situation, blood can still flow through the patient's vasculature by being able to flow around the device.

[0063] In contrast, in other embodiments, the device is designed to completely obstruct the lumen of the conduit at the implantation site so that fluid cannot flow around the pump, for example, if the entire purpose of the device was to prevent fluid flow past the point of device implantation.

[0064] In some embodiments, each receiving surface of the docking unit is radially equidistant along the outer surface of the elongated body of the docking unit. One way to determine whether the receiving surfaces of the docking unit are radially equidistant is to determine the angle formed with the longitudinal axis of the elongated body by a line connecting the midpoints of adjacent receiving surfaces in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body through the receiving surfaces. If the angles formed are all approximately the same, the receiving surfaces are radially equidistant. In some embodiments, when there are three receiving surfaces, the cross-sectional shape of the docking unit resembles a "Y." In some embodiments, radially equidistantly positioned receiving surfaces (and therefore functional units in their docking fastening configurations) may aid in mass balancing of the assembled device, especially when the functional units are all identical. In some circumstances, it may also aid in fluid flow around the device.

[0065] In other embodiments, by contrast, the receiving surfaces are not so equidistantly positioned radially along the outer surface of the elongate body of the docking unit. This may aid in mass balancing, for example in embodiments where the functional units are not identical. This may also aid in fluid flow around the device, depending on the circumstances (e.g., the size and / or shape of the functional units).

[0066] In some embodiments, each receiving surface is evenly spaced longitudinally along the outer surface of the elongate body of the docking unit. Again, in some embodiments, evenly spaced longitudinally of the receiving surfaces (and thus the functional units in their docking fastening configuration) may aid in mass balancing of the assembled device, particularly if the functional units are all identical, and may optionally aid in fluid flow around the device.

[0067] In other embodiments, by contrast, the receiving surfaces are non-uniformly positioned longitudinally (e.g., may be longitudinally staggered or otherwise at different distances from the proximal end, the distal end, or both), and the functional units are also non-uniformly positioned longitudinally in their docking fastening configuration. This may aid in mass balancing, e.g., in embodiments where the functional units are not identical, and may optionally aid in fluid flow around the device.

[0068] In some embodiments, each of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking units is concave. In some embodiments, the docking surface of each functional unit extends along the curved, convex outer wall of the elongate body of that functional unit. In some such embodiments, the curvature of the docking surface exactly matches the curvature of the corresponding receiving surface.

[0069] In some embodiments, the docking surface of each functional unit is non-invasively aligned with the receiving surface of the docking unit with which it mates when the functional unit is in the docked and fastened configuration. In the context of the present technology, "non-invasively aligned" should be understood to mean that when two surfaces mate, they fully mate with each other (i.e., align with each other) so that fluids surrounding the device in vivo cannot penetrate (enter) between the surfaces. Such a design can be useful, for example, when the fluid is blood, because when the surfaces are non-invasively aligned with each other, no thrombus-forming gaps exist between the surfaces (thrombus formation is generally to be avoided).

[0070] In some embodiments, the control wires for each functional unit extend from the apex of the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit. In some embodiments, having the control wires for the functional units extend from the apex in this manner facilitates moving the functional units into their docked fastening configuration in vivo because the units do not tend to "flip" or "rotate" (reverse their distal and proximal ends relative to their longitudinal axis) within the conduit, but rather move "straight forward" when their control wires are pulled.

[0071] In some embodiments, the control wires of each functional unit extend from the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit at a position offset from the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of that functional unit. In some embodiments, extending the control wires of the functional units in this offset position facilitates moving the functional units into their docking fastening configuration in vivo because the units tend to rotate (radially) within the conduit to a position where their docking surfaces are aligned for proper mating with the appropriate receiving surfaces of the docking unit. Furthermore, in some embodiments, offsetting the control wires of the functional units in this manner results in a more compact docking unit design. When the control wires of each functional unit pass through the guide holes of the docking unit (with the control wires offset in this manner), the guide holes can be radially closer to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit (e.g., than if the control wires extended from a position on the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of their corresponding functional unit). Thus, in the former situation, the diameter of the elongate body of the docking unit can be smaller than in the latter situation. (Also, as mentioned above, in some embodiments it may be desirable for the docking unit to have a small diameter, which is smaller than the diameter of the functional unit having the largest diameter).

[0072] In some embodiments, each of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit has an associated proximal end interface (e.g., a stop) in which a proximal guide hole associated with that docking surface is disposed. Further, in some embodiments, the proximal end of the elongate body of each functional unit has an interface contact surface. In some embodiments, when each functional unit is in its docked fastening configuration, the interface contact surface of the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit mates with the proximal end interface associated with the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates. In some embodiments, these cooperating structures may assist the surgeon in placing the functional unit in its docked fastening configuration, for example, via feel or visualization.

[0073] In some embodiments, when each functional unit is in its docked fastening configuration, the interface contact surface of the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit is in non-fluid-invasive alignment with the proximal interface corresponding to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates. Again, the purpose of such alignment, at least in some embodiments, is to avoid the formation of potentially thrombogenic gaps between the structures.

[0074] In some embodiments, when each functional unit is in its docked fastening configuration, the geometry of the joint contact surface at the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit and the proximal end joint corresponding to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates are configured, one relative to the other, such that when the control wire of that functional unit is tensioned (as would typically be the case once the device is assembled and operational in vivo), the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit is biased toward the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates. Such biasing tends to maintain the functional unit in its docked fastening configuration. Indeed, in some embodiments, the functional unit is simply maintained in its docked fastening configuration in this manner, and no physical structure is required to maintain the functional unit in this configuration.

[0075] In some embodiments, when each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the locations of the control wires of each functional unit extending from the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit and the locations of the proximal guide holes at the proximal end junction corresponding to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates are arranged, one relative to the other, such that when the control wire of that functional unit is under tension (as would typically be the case once the device is assembled and operational in vivo), the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit is biased toward the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates. Such biasing tends to maintain the functional unit in its docking fastening configuration. Indeed, in some embodiments, the functional unit is maintained in its docking fastening configuration simply in this manner, and no physical structure is required to maintain the functional unit in this configuration. In other embodiments, the functional unit is maintained in its docking fastening configuration using a combination of this method and the method described in the previous paragraph, and again, no physical structure is required to maintain the functional unit in this configuration.

[0076] In some embodiments, the device may also have one or more retaining elements for retaining the functional unit in its docking fastening configuration (and the device in its assembled configuration). In some embodiments, the retaining element is or includes a retaining ring extending around the docking unit. The retaining ring may have a proximal end connected to the elongate body of the docking unit and a distal end extending outward therefrom. The retaining ring may be resiliently biased toward the receiving surface(s) of the docking unit. Alternatively, the retaining ring may be formed of a shape memory alloy arranged to assume an expanded configuration when delivered in vivo to secure the functional unit and docking unit together at the implantation site. The retaining element may include other types of arrangements or structures capable of retaining the device in its assembled configuration at the implantation site.

[0077] In some embodiments, when each functional unit is in its docked fastening configuration, the joint contact surface of the proximal end of the elongate body of each functional unit mates with one of the proximal end joints of the docking unit, and each non-mating, outward-facing portion of the proximal end of the elongate body of each functional unit is sloped toward the apex of the proximal end. In some embodiments, shaping the non-mating, outward-facing portion of the proximal end of the elongate body of each functional unit in this manner results in a structure that reduces the risk of clot formation when the fluid is blood because it helps the blood flow smoothly around the device as opposed to stagnating or becoming blocked in any area.

[0078] In some embodiments, when the functional units are each in their docked fastened configuration, the fluid flow path is located midway between any two adjacent functional units. Again, when the fluid is blood, these structures reduce the risk of clot formation because they help the blood to flow smoothly around the device, as opposed to stagnating or becoming blocked in any area.

[0079] In some embodiments, the size, shape, and / or structure of the docking units are configured to ensure that there are no gaps between any two adjacent functional units. Again, when the fluid is blood, these structures reduce the risk of clot formation because they help the blood to flow smoothly around the device as opposed to stagnating or becoming blocked in any area.

[0080] In some embodiments, the control wires of each functional unit are control wire assemblies that include at least an electrical component for delivering electrical power to that functional unit via the control wire assembly and a mechanical component for structurally reinforcing the control wire assembly of that functional unit. Power may be required by a functional unit for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, powering the motors and / or sensors of the functional unit.

[0081] In some embodiments, the electrical component of the control wire assembly of each functional unit is a plurality of electrical wires. The mechanical component of the control wire assembly of each functional unit is a structural wire. The control wire assembly of each functional unit further comprises an outer sheath that bundles together and surrounds the plurality of electrical and structural wires of that functional unit. In some such embodiments, the plurality of electrical wires of each functional unit is three electrical wires, and each of the electrical wires of that functional unit and the structural wire have approximately the same diameter. This may be for purposes of efficient mechanical packaging within the outer sheath, for example.

[0082] In some embodiments, the electrical component of the control wire assembly of each functional unit is a plurality of electrical wires, and the mechanical component of the control wire assembly of each functional unit is an outer sheath that bundles and surrounds the plurality of electrical wires of that functional unit.

[0083] In some embodiments, the elongate body of the docking unit has a longitudinally extending central cavity. Such a central cavity may be used for various purposes, such as, but not limited to, to provide passage for control wires, tubing, etc. In some such embodiments, the longitudinally extending central cavity is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit. In some embodiments, the location of this longitudinal cavity may be optimal for one or more reasons, such as mass balancing, mechanical packaging, optimizing the function of elements passing through the cavity, etc.

[0084] In some embodiments, the device can be secured at the implantation site, such that the device is removably maintained at the implantation site.

[0085] In some embodiments, anchoring occurs when the device is sized and shaped so that, when the device is in its assembled configuration, at least a portion of the device is larger than the lumen of the conduit at the implantation site, so that the device is "wedge in place" and held there by mechanical force. For example, the thoracic aorta of a normal human is less than 6 cm in diameter, so the device, in its assembled configuration, may have a portion that is larger than the thoracic aorta in order to "wedge" it in place. However, typically, one does not want to stretch the aorta more than about 15% of its natural diameter (to avoid damage to the aorta).

[0086] In other embodiments, the device further includes a locking assembly connected to the docking unit, the locking assembly having a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration, hi some embodiments, the locking assembly is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between its unlocking configuration and its locked configuration to lock (and unlock) the docking unit at the implantation site.

[0087] In some embodiments, the device further includes a fixation assembly drive wire disposed within the central cavity of the elongate body of the docking unit, operably connected to the fixation assembly to drive switching of the fixation assembly between the locked and unlocked configurations (the fixation assembly drive wire, if present, extends through the patient's ductal system (e.g., vasculature), through the surgeon's access point, and out of the patient's body).

[0088] In other embodiments, if present, the fixation assembly is biased toward the fixation configuration. When the fixation assembly is inserted into a catheter (e.g., a delivery sheath), the fixation assembly switches to its non-fixation configuration. When the fixation assembly is removed from the catheter, the fixation assembly switches to its fixation configuration. In some such embodiments, the fixation assembly includes a fixation member that is resiliently biased away from the elongate body of the docking unit. In some such embodiments, such a fixation member has a ring connected to the docking unit and arms that extend outwardly away from the docking unit. In other such embodiments, such a fixation assembly includes an expandable element. The expandable element may be configured to expand when implanted or deployed through other means. In still other such embodiments, the fixation member comprises a stent-like structure or an expandable scaffold.

[0089] In some embodiments, the device further includes an expandable barrier assembly connected to the docking unit, the barrier assembly having an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

[0090] In some embodiments, the barrier assembly is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between its contracted configuration and its expanded configuration to prevent fluid from flowing around the device by blocking the space around the device at the implantation site. For example, in some embodiments, when the device is a VAD, there is space around the device at the implantation site between the device and the conduit (when the device is in its assembled configuration), which can cause recirculation of pumped blood. Specifically, during diastole, there is no natural flow of blood through the conduit in which the device is implanted, yet the pump may still be pumping. This results in the creation of negative pressure at the pump inlet, drawing in blood disposed around the device. Because the blood at that time is not naturally moving, some of the blood drawn into the inlet may be blood that has already exited the pump outlet but has been drawn back to the inlet by the device (in the direction opposite to the natural blood flow direction) (due to this negative pressure). Such blood recirculation is typically undesirable. This is because (1) it reduces the efficiency of the pump in terms of its volumetric flow rate (as recirculated blood replaces non-recirculated blood that would otherwise be pumped), and (2) each time the recirculated blood is re-exposed to the shear stresses induced by the pump (thus increasing the likelihood of the negative effects caused by such shear stresses detailed above). Thus, in some embodiments, the barrier assembly is designed such that when it is in the expanded configuration, it is structured and positioned to at least partially, if not completely, block the path for pumped fluid to recirculate around the device (from the pump outlet to the pump inlet). (As a non-limiting example, when a VAD pump has a speed of 18,000 RPM, its throughput increases from 3 L / min to 5 L / min if such recirculation is prevented.)

[0091] In some embodiments, the device further includes a barrier assembly drive wire disposed within the central cavity of the elongate body of the docking unit, the barrier assembly drive wire operatively connected to the barrier assembly to drive switching of the barrier assembly between the expanded and contracted configurations. (The barrier assembly drive wire, if present, extends through the patient's ductal system (e.g., vasculature), through a surgeon's access point, and out of the patient's body.)

[0092] In some embodiments, when present, the barrier assembly is biased toward the expanded configuration. When the barrier assembly is inserted into a catheter (e.g., a delivery sheath), the barrier assembly switches to its contracted configuration. When the barrier assembly is removed from the catheter, the barrier assembly switches to its expanded configuration.

[0093] In some embodiments, the barrier assembly, when in the expanded configuration, secures the docking unit at the implantation site.

[0094] In some embodiments, the device further includes a control cable attached to the docking unit, the outer diameter of the control cable being sized to allow it to pass through the ductal system of a mammalian body to reach the implantation site. (In this disclosure, no particular distinction is intended by using the terms "wire" and "cable," but rather is made simply to improve clarity and avoid confusion on the part of the reader.)

[0095] In some embodiments, the control cable is hollow, forming a cavity therein.

[0096] In some embodiments, the control wires of each functional unit (including some embodiments in which the control wires are a control wire assembly) enter and pass through a cavity within the control cable after exiting a proximal guide hole corresponding to at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates. In this way, when the device is in the assembled configuration, the control wires (which are within the control cable cavity) are not exposed, but are typically exposed to the body's duct system. When the duct system is the body's vasculature, this reduces the risk of thrombosis formation because blood is not exposed to the individual control wires (regardless of whether these wires may become entangled with each other). In such embodiments, once the control cable exits the patient's body, the control wires exit the control cable cavity, allowing each control wire and the control cable itself to be used separately by the surgeon (without using the other).

[0097] In some embodiments, the device further includes a seal located within at least one of the docking unit and the control cable cavity. The seal prevents fluid from entering the control cable cavity while allowing the control wires of each functional assembly to move through the seal. When the fluid is blood, the seal prevents patient loss of blood from flowing through the control cable cavity and exiting the patient's body.

[0098] In some embodiments, the fixation assembly drive wire (if present) movably passes through the seal and into a cavity within the control cable. In some such embodiments, once the control cable exits the patient's body, the fixation assembly drive wire also exits the control cable cavity, allowing the fixation assembly drive wire, each control wire, and control cable to be used separately by the surgeon (without using the other).

[0099] In some embodiments, the barrier assembly drive wire (if present) movably passes through the seal and into a cavity within the control cable. In some such embodiments, once the control cable exits the patient's body, the barrier assembly drive wire also exits the control cable cavity, allowing the barrier assembly drive wire, each control wire, and control cable to be used separately by the surgeon (without using the other).

[0100] In some embodiments, the control cable cavity is divided into multiple separate, isolated chambers. In some such embodiments, the control wire of each functional unit enters one of multiple isolated chambers in the control cable cavity, separate from the control wires of all other functional units, after exiting a proximal guide hole in the proximal end joint that corresponds to at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates. In this way, the control wires can be prevented from interfering with and entangling with each other. In such embodiments, once the control cable exits the patient's body, the control wire exits its chamber in the control cable cavity, allowing each control wire and control cable to be used separately by the surgeon (without using the others).

[0101] In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one seal positioned within at least one of the docking unit, the control cable cavity, and the control cable cavity chamber, the seal preventing fluid from entering the control cable assembly cavity chamber while allowing the control wires of each functional assembly to move through the at least one seal.

[0102] In some embodiments, the assembly drive wires (if present) exit the central cavity of the elongate body of the docking unit and then enter one of a plurality of isolated chambers in a cavity separate from the others of a plurality of isolated chambers into which the control wires of the functional units enter. In some such embodiments, once the control cables have exited the patient's body, the fixation assembly drive wires also exit their chambers in the control cable cavity, allowing the fixation assembly drive wires, each control wire, and control cable to be used separately (without the other) by the surgeon.

[0103] In some embodiments, the barrier assembly drive wire (if present), after exiting the central cavity of the elongate body of the docking unit, enters one of a plurality of isolated chambers separate from the others of a plurality of isolated chambers into which the control wires of the functional units enter. In some such embodiments, once the control cable exits the patient's body, the barrier assembly drive wire also exits its chamber of the control cable cavity, allowing the barrier assembly drive wire, each control wire, and control cable to be used separately by the surgeon (without using the others).

[0104] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of each isolated chamber within the control cable cavity and the outer diameter of the control wire (or drive wire, as the case may be) entering that isolated chamber are sized relative to the other to prevent fluid from flowing around the control wire within that isolated chamber while still allowing the control wire to move within that isolated chamber. In this way, for example, when the fluid is blood, the blood can flow through the chamber within the control cable cavity and exit the patient's body, thereby preventing blood loss to the patient. Such a design can also be present in embodiments where a seal is present and can serve as a backup blood "leak" prevention even if the seal fails.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first functional unit is a first pumping unit. In some embodiments, the second functional unit is a second pumping unit. In some embodiments, the third functional unit is a third pumping unit. (It is not necessary for all of the device's functional units to have the same functionality, but they may; different embodiments of the technology differ in this regard.)

[0106] In some embodiments, each pumping unit has a fluid flow cavity therein that extends between a first opening (e.g., a side, an end, etc.) in the elongated body of that pumping unit and a second opening (e.g., a side, an end, etc.) in the elongated body of that pumping unit.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first opening of each pumping unit is located on a side of the elongated body of the pumping unit such that the first opening is not obstructed when the pumping unit is in the docked fastening configuration. Further, in some embodiments, the second opening of each pumping unit is located at a distal end of the elongated body of the pumping unit.

[0108] In some embodiments, the docking surface of each ejection unit is free of openings. Depending on the design of the docking unit and the ejection unit, the absence of openings in the docking surface may prevent thrombus formation between the receiving surface of the docking unit and the docking surface of the ejection unit.

[0109] In some embodiments, one of the first and second openings of each pumping unit is a fluid inlet, and the other of the first and second openings of each pumping unit is a fluid outlet. In some embodiments, the pumping unit is configured to allow fluid to flow in only one direction through the fluid flow cavity when the pumping unit is operating. In such cases, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are not reversible. Thus, when the device is operating, the same one of the first and second openings is always the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet (as the case may be). In other such embodiments, the pumping unit is configured to allow fluid to flow in both directions through the fluid flow cavity (depending on how the pumping unit is operating). In such cases, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet may be either the first or second opening, depending on the operating state or parameters of the pumping unit.

[0110] In some embodiments, a flow straightener is associated with the fluid inlet of each pumping unit.

[0111] In some embodiments, an impeller is rotatably disposed within the fluid flow cavity of each pumping unit. As the impeller rotates, fluid is drawn into the fluid flow cavity of that pumping unit through the fluid inlet of that pumping unit and fluid is expelled from the fluid flow cavity of that pumping unit through the fluid outlet of that pumping unit. By way of non-limiting example, in embodiments in which fluid can flow in both directions through the fluid flow cavity, the impeller may be rotatable in both directions, and it is the direction of rotation of the impeller that determines the direction of fluid flow through the cavity (and therefore which opening is the fluid inlet and which is the fluid outlet).

[0112] In some embodiments, a motor is housed within the elongated body of each pumping unit. An impeller shaft is housed within the elongated body of each pumping unit and is rotatably drivable by that pumping unit's motor. The impeller of that pumping unit is rotatably drivable by that pumping unit's impeller shaft. (Embodiments in which the motor is not housed within the elongated body of the pumping unit are also within the scope of the technology. In such cases, the impeller may be driven by a flexible drive shaft as described above.)

[0113] In some embodiments, the impeller of each pumping unit is non-expandable.As previously mentioned, expandable impeller pumps have drawbacks that make them undesirable in many situations.

[0114] In some embodiments, the fluid discharged from the fluid outlet of each pumping unit promotes entrained flow of fluid around the device. In some embodiments, for example, when the device is a VAD, having such entrained flow preserves the pulsatile nature of blood flow and / or promotes or augments natural blood flow. (It should be understood that in various embodiments, the devices of the present technology can be designed to operate with solely pulsatile flow, solely continuous flow, or selectively either.)

[0115] In some embodiments, the body's vascular system is the body's vasculature and chambers of the heart, and the fluid is blood.

[0116] In some embodiments, the device is a ventricular assist device (VAD), the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, the left ventricle, the vena cava, the pulmonary artery, and the right ventricle, and the fluid is blood.

[0117] In some embodiments, the implantation site is the thoracic duct of the lymphatic system.

[0118] In some embodiments, each functional unit is a flow-blocking unit, and when all of the functional units are in their docked fastening configuration, fluid flow through and around the device is blocked. Such flow interruption may be necessary, for example, to close a fistula or arterial bifurcation when implanting a covered stent to avoid endoleaks.

[0119] In some embodiments, at least one of the functional units is a substance delivery unit structured and arranged to deliver a substance to the implantation site, which may be a drug or another fluid (e.g., blood, plasma, saline, glucose solution, etc.).

[0120] In some such embodiments, the control wire of each substance delivery unit is a control wire assembly having at least a tube for conveying a substance to the substance delivery unit.

[0121] In some embodiments, at least one of the functional units is a fluid extraction unit structured and arranged to allow fluid to be extracted from the implantation site (e.g., blood may be drawn from the body via the fluid extraction unit).

[0122] In some such embodiments, the control wire of each fluid extraction unit is a control wire assembly having at least a tube for conveying fluid away from the implantation site.

[0123] In some embodiments, at least one of the functional units is a sensor unit configured to sense one or more physical conditions (eg, temperature, pH, fluid flow rate, etc.).

[0124] In the context of the present technology, a functional unit is not limited to having a single function, and may, but need not, have multiple functions. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, a functional unit is a pumping unit and a sensor unit. In other embodiments, a functional unit is a substance delivery unit and a fluid extraction unit. Any number and type of incompatible functions may be combined in a functional unit of the present technology.

[0125] In some embodiments, the catheter is a delivery sheath.

[0126] Intrasheath device As briefly described above, in some embodiments, in the delivery configuration, the device is unassembled and includes a sheath that surrounds the docking unit and all of the functional units. Each of the functional units is in an undocked configuration. The sheath has a proximal end and a distal end. Within the sheath, the units are aligned end-to-end, with the proximal end of the docking unit closest to the proximal end of the sheath and the proximal end of the first functional unit facing the distal end of the docking unit. The control wire of the first functional unit (i) extends proximally within the sheath from the proximal end of the elongate body of the first functional unit toward the proximal end of the sheath, (ii) travels within the sheath with the elongate body of the docking unit, (iii) passes through a proximal guide hole in the docking unit that corresponds to a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and (iv) extends proximally within the sheath, away from the docking unit, toward the proximal end of the sheath.

[0127] In some embodiments, the control wire of the first functional unit extends outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0128] In some embodiments, the control wires of the first functional unit extend proximally away from the docking unit within a control cable cavity (as described above) towards the proximal end of the sheath.

[0129] In some embodiments, the control cables extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0130] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit and the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the first functional unit are approximately collinear. Depending on the design of the device, the longitudinal axes may not be exactly collinear due to the presence of other elements within the sheath.

[0131] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the second functional unit (if present) faces the distal end of the first functional unit, and the control wire of the second functional unit (i) extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body of the second functional unit within the sheath toward the proximal end of the sheath, (ii) travels with the elongate body of the first functional unit within the sheath, (iii) travels with the elongate body of the docking unit within the sheath, (iv) passes through a proximal guide hole of the docking unit that corresponds to a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and (v) extends proximally within the sheath away from the docking unit toward the proximal end of the sheath.

[0132] In some embodiments, the control wire of the first functional unit and the control wire of the second functional unit each extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0133] In some embodiments, the control wire of the first functional unit and the control wire of the second functional unit each extend proximally within a cavity in the control cable away from the docking unit towards the proximal end of the sheath.

[0134] In some embodiments, the control cables extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0135] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the first functional unit, and the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the second functional unit are all approximately collinear. Depending on the design of the device, the longitudinal axes may not be exactly collinear due to the presence of other elements within the sheath (e.g., the control wire of one pumping unit traveling with the body of another control unit).

[0136] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the third functional unit (if present) faces the distal end of the second functional unit, and the control wire of the third functional unit (i) extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body of the third functional unit toward the proximal end of the sheath, (ii) travels through the sheath with the elongate body of the second functional unit, (iii) travels through the sheath with the elongate body of the first functional unit, (iv) travels through the sheath with the elongate body of the docking unit, (v) passes through a proximal guide hole of the docking unit that corresponds to a third of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and (vi) extends proximally through the sheath away from the docking unit toward the proximal end of the sheath.

[0137] In some embodiments, the control wire of the first functional unit, the control wire of the second functional unit, and the control wire of the third functional unit each extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0138] In some embodiments, the control wire of the first functional unit, the control wire of the second functional unit, and the control wire of the third functional unit each extend proximally within the cavity of the control cable, away from the docking unit, toward the proximal end of the sheath.

[0139] In some embodiments, the control cables extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0140] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the first functional unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the second functional unit, and the longitudinal axis of the third functional unit are all approximately collinear. Depending on the design of the device, the longitudinal axes may not be exactly collinear due to the presence of other elements within the sheath (e.g., the control wire(s) of one(or more) pumping units traveling with the body of another control unit).

[0141] In some embodiments, the sheath is a rod or other rigid tubular structure.

[0142] In some embodiments, the sheath is a delivery sheath or other flexible tubular structure.

[0143] Docking Unit In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a docking unit (including an elongate body) for use in a modular mammalian body implantable device. The elongate body has (i) a longitudinal axis, (ii) at least one receiving surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, (iii) a distal end and a proximal end, and (iv) at least one proximal guide hole. Each receiving surface is associated with at least one proximal guide hole. The docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a conduit of a ductal system of a mammalian body.

[0144] The descriptions given above for the docking unit of the various embodiments also apply mutatis mutandis to this aspect of the technology, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0145] Functional Unit In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a functional unit for use in a modular mammalian body implantable device, the functional unit including: (1) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end; and (2) a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. The functional unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a conduit of a ductal system of a mammalian body.

[0146] The descriptions of the functional units of the various embodiments discussed above also apply mutatis mutandis to this aspect of the technology and, for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0147] Control Cable Assembly In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a control cable assembly for use with a modular mammalian body intraluminal device implantable transcatheter, the control cable assembly including a hollow control cable having an internal cavity, the control cable having an outer diameter sized to be able to pass through a duct system of a mammalian body.

[0148] The descriptions of the various embodiments of control cable assemblies (including various structures, e.g., control wires, etc., therein) discussed above also apply mutatis mutandis to this aspect of the technology, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0149] Device assembly method (in vitro) In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a method for assembling a modular mammalian body-implantable fluid flow affecting device ex vivo (in its delivery configuration) (and configuring the device to be suitable for implantation). The device includes a docking unit and a first functional unit. The docking unit has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, at least one receiving surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one proximal guide hole. Each receiving surface is associated with at least one proximal guide hole. The docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable to an implantation site within a conduit of a mammalian body ductal system via a catheter. The first functional unit includes an elongated body and a control wire. The elongated body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a first of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a first docking surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. The size and shape of the first functional unit are configured to be deliverable to the implantation site via a catheter.

[0150] The method includes: a) advancing a control wire of the first functional unit so that it passes from the distal side of one of at least one guide holes associated with a first docking surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to the proximal side of the guide hole; and b) placing the docking unit and the first functional unit within a sheath so that (I) the docking unit and the first functional unit are aligned end-to-end, with the proximal end of the first functional unit facing the distal end of the docking unit, and (II) the control wire of the first functional unit extends within the sheath from the proximal end of the elongated body of the first functional unit in a proximal direction toward the end of the sheath, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first docking surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends within the sheath in a proximal direction away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath.

[0151] In some embodiments, the device further includes a second functional unit. The second functional unit includes an elongate body and a control wire. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a distal end and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. The size and shape of the second functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter.In such an embodiment, the method includes: a) advancing a control wire of a first functional unit to pass from a distal side of one of the at least one guide holes associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; b) advancing a control wire of a second functional unit to pass from a distal side of one of the at least one guide holes associated with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; and c) disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit within a sheath such that: (I) the docking unit and the first functional unit are aligned end-to-end with a proximal end of the first functional unit facing the distal end of the docking unit, and the first functional unit and the second functional unit are aligned end-to-end with a proximal end of the second functional unit facing the distal end of the first functional unit; and (II) also disposing the control wire of the first functional unit within a sheath such that: (III) the control wire of the second functional unit extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body of the second functional unit toward the end of the sheath, advances through the sheath together with the elongate body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit that corresponds to a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends proximally through the sheath away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath.

[0152] In some embodiments, the device further includes a third functional unit. The third functional unit includes an elongate body and a control wire. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a distal end and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. The size and shape of the third functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter. In such an embodiment, the method includes: a) advancing a control wire of a first functional unit to pass from a distal side of one of at least one guide holes associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; b) advancing a control wire of a second functional unit to pass from a distal side of one of at least one guide holes associated with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; and c) advancing a control wire of a third functional unit to pass from a distal side of one of at least one guide holes associated with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole. advancing the docking unit, the first functional unit, the second functional unit, and the third functional unit within the sheath so that (I) the docking unit and the first functional unit are aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the first functional unit facing the distal end of the docking unit, the first functional unit and the second functional unit are aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the second functional unit facing the distal end of the first functional unit, and the second functional unit and the third functional unit are aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the third functional unit facing the distal end of the second functional unit.(II) the control wire of the first functional unit extends proximally within the sheath from the proximal end of the elongated body of the first functional unit toward the end of the sheath, travels within the sheath with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends within the sheath proximally away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath; (III) the control wire of the second functional unit extends proximally within the sheath from the proximal end of the elongated body of the second functional unit toward the end of the sheath, travels within the sheath with the elongated body of the first functional unit, travels within the sheath with the elongated body of the docking unit, and passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. (IV) a control wire of the third functional unit extends within the sheath from the proximal end of the elongated body of the third functional unit in a proximal direction toward the end of the sheath, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the second functional unit, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the first functional unit, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide hole of the docking unit associated with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends within the sheath in a proximal direction away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath.

[0153] In some of the above-described embodiments, the control wire of the first functional unit, the control wire of the second functional unit (if present), and the control wire of the third functional unit (if present) each extend outside the end of the sheath.

[0154] In some of the aforementioned embodiments, the device further includes a control cable attached to the docking unit. The control cable has an outer diameter sized to allow it to pass through the conduit system to reach the implantation site. Disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, the second functional unit (if present), and the third functional unit (if present) within the sheath further includes disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, the second functional unit (if present), and the third functional unit (if present) within the sheath such that the control cable of the docking unit extends within the sheath proximally away from the docking unit toward an end of the sheath.

[0155] In some embodiments, the device further includes a control cable attached to the docking unit. The control cable has an outer diameter sized to allow it to pass through a conduit system to reach the implantation site. The control cable is hollow, forming a cavity therein. In such embodiments, the method includes: a) advancing a control wire of a first functional unit from a distal side of one of at least one guide holes associated with a first receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; b) advancing the control wire of the first functional unit through the cavity in the control cable; and c) disposing the docking unit and the first functional unit within a sheath such that (I) the docking unit and the first functional unit are positioned such that the proximal end of the first functional unit faces the distal end of the docking unit and the proximal end faces the distal end of the docking unit. (II) the control wire of the first functional unit extends within the sheath from the proximal end of the elongated body of the first functional unit in a proximal direction toward the end of the sheath, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit that corresponds to a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and advances into a cavity of the control cable; and (III) the control cable extends within the sheath in a proximal direction away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath.

[0156] In other such embodiments, the method includes: a) advancing a control wire of a first functional unit through a distal side of one of at least one guide holes associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; b) advancing the control wire of the first functional unit through a cavity in a control cable; and c) advancing the control wire of a second functional unit through a proximal side of one of at least one guide holes associated with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. d) passing a control wire of the second functional unit through a cavity in the control cable; and e) placing the docking unit, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit in the sheath so that (I) the docking unit and the first functional unit are aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the first functional unit facing the distal end of the docking unit, and the first functional unit and the second functional unit are aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the second functional unit facing the distal end of the first functional unit. (II) the control wire of the first functional unit extends within the sheath from the proximal end of the elongated body of the first functional unit in a proximal direction toward the end of the sheath, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and advances into a cavity of the control cable; and (III) the control wire of the second functional unit extends within the sheath to the proximal end of the elongated body of the first functional unit in a proximal direction toward the end of the sheath, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and advances into a cavity of the control cable. (IV) the control cable extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongated body of the functional unit toward the end of the sheath, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the first functional unit, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, and passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit that corresponds with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and advances into a cavity of the control cable; and

[0157] In yet another such embodiment, the method includes: a) advancing a control wire of a first functional unit from a distal side of one of the at least one guide holes associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; b) threading the control wire of the first functional unit through a cavity in the control cable; c) advancing a control wire of a second functional unit from a distal side of one of the at least one guide holes associated with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; e) threading the control wire of the second functional unit through a cavity in the control cable; f) advancing a control wire of a third functional unit from a distal side of one of the at least one guide holes associated with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; and g) threading the control wire of the third functional unit through a cavity in the control cable. h) disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, the second functional unit, and the third functional unit within the sheath so that (I) the docking unit and the first functional unit are aligned end-to-end with a proximal end of the first functional unit facing a distal end of the docking unit, the first functional unit and the second functional unit are aligned end-to-end with a proximal end of the second functional unit facing a distal end of the first functional unit, and the second functional unit and the third functional unit are aligned end-to-end with a proximal end of the second functional unit facing a distal end of the second functional unit; (II) the control wire of the first functional unit extends within the sheath from the proximal end of the elongated body of the first functional unit in a proximal direction toward the end of the sheath, travels within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and then travels into the control cable cavity; and (III) the control wire of the second functional unit extends from the proximal end of the elongated body of the first functional unit in a proximal direction toward the end of the sheath, travels within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and then travels into the control cable cavity.(IV) a control wire of a third functional unit extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongated body of the third functional unit within the sheath toward the end of the sheath, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the first functional unit, advances within the sheath together with the elongated body of the docking unit, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and advances into a cavity of the control cable; (V) the control cable extends proximally within the sheath away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath, advances within the sheath with the elongated body of the second functional unit, advances within the sheath with the elongated body of the first functional unit, advances within the sheath with the elongated body of the docking unit, and passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and advances into a cavity of the control cable;

[0158] In some of the above-described embodiments, the control cables extend outside the end of the sheath.

[0159] In some of the aforementioned embodiments, disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, the second functional unit (if present), and the third functional unit (if present) within the sheath further includes disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, the second functional unit (if present), and the third functional unit (if present) within the sheath so that the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the first functional unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the second functional unit (if present), and the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the third functional unit (if present) are all approximately collinear.

[0160] In some of the foregoing embodiments, the sheath is a rod or other rigid tubular structure.

[0161] In some of the foregoing embodiments, the sheath is a delivery sheath or other flexible tubular structure.

[0162] In some of the above-described embodiments, the first functional unit, the second functional unit (if present), and the third functional unit (if present) are each pumping units.

[0163] In some of the foregoing embodiments, the body's vascular system is the body's vasculature and heart chambers, and the fluid is blood.

[0164] In some of the foregoing embodiments, the modular implantable device is a ventricular assist device and the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, the left ventricle, the vena cava, the pulmonary artery, and the right ventricle.

[0165] The descriptions of the various embodiments discussed above also apply mutatis mutandis to this aspect of the technology and, for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0166] Device implantation method In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a method for implanting a modular fluid flow affecting device in a mammalian body. The device includes a docking unit and a first functional unit. The docking unit has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, at least one receiving surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one proximal guide hole. Each receiving surface is associated with at least one proximal guide hole. The docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable to an implantation site within a conduit of a mammalian body conduit system via a catheter. The first functional unit includes an elongated body and a control wire. The elongated body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a first of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. A control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit. The size and shape of the first functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter. The first functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the first functional unit mates with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit and an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the first functional unit does not mate with and is spaced apart from the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit.

[0167] The method includes: a) Gaining access to the ductal system of the mammalian body. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, gaining access to the ductal system may or may not involve surgery, depending on the circumstances. For example, gaining access to a patient's vasculature typically requires surgical intervention (e.g., the Seldinger technique). On the other hand, gaining access to a patient's urinary tract may not require it (e.g., if access is gained through the patient's urethra). b) Guiding the delivery sheath to the implantation site. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, guiding the delivery sheath may or may not involve the use of a guidewire and railing the delivery sheath over the guidewire, depending on the circumstances. (In the context of the present technology, a delivery sheath is a type of catheter; the present method may also be performed with any other suitable type of catheter.) c) Inserting the first functional unit in the undocked configuration distal-first into the delivery sheath, which may or may not involve the use of a loader, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. d) Inserting the docking unit distally first into the delivery sheath, which may or may not involve the use of a loader, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. e) Guiding the first functional unit and the docking unit within the delivery sheath to the implantation site. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may or may not involve the use of a loader or push rod, or may involve manipulation of control wires or control cables of the docking unit (if present), depending on the device design and circumstances. f) Facilitating the exit of the first functional unit from the delivery sheath at the implantation site. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may be accomplished by the surgeon manipulating one or more of the delivery sheath, the control wire of the first functional unit, the control cable of the docking unit (if present), or the push rod, depending on the device design and circumstances. g) Facilitating the exit of the docking unit from the delivery sheath at the implantation site. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may be accomplished by the surgeon manipulating one or more of the delivery sheath, the control wires of the functional unit, the control cables of the docking unit (if present), or the push rod, depending on the device design and circumstances. h) withdrawing the delivery sheath from the body, leaving the inner segment of the control wire of the first functional unit inside the body's conduit system and the outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit outside the body's conduit system. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may be accomplished by the surgeon manipulating one or more of the delivery sheath, the control wire of the first functional unit, and the control cable of the docking unit (if present). i) Pulling the outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit into the docking fastening configuration. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may also involve the surgeon manipulating the control cable of the docking unit (if present).

[0168] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the operations described above must be performed in the exact order described above. For the sake of brevity alone, not all of the different permutations of these operations are described herein, but they are all intended to be within the scope of the present technology. As an example, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, operations involving pulling control cables and assembling the device must be performed after peripheral access has been achieved and the fluid flow affecting device components have been delivered near the implantation site.

[0169] In some such embodiments, the device further comprises a fixation assembly connected to the docking unit, and the method further comprises, after g) and before i), fixating the fixation assembly at the implantation site.

[0170] In some embodiments, the device further includes a second functional unit. The second functional unit includes an elongate body and a control wire. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a distal end and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit. The size and shape of the second functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter. The second functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit mates with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit does not mate with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit but is spaced apart therefrom.

[0171] Also in such embodiments, the method includes a) gaining access to a vascular system of a mammalian body; b) guiding a delivery sheath to an implantation site; c) inserting a second functional unit in an undocked configuration into the delivery sheath distally first; d) inserting the first functional unit in an undocked configuration into the delivery sheath distally first; e) inserting a docking unit into the delivery sheath distally first; f) guiding the second functional unit, the first functional unit, and the docking unit within the delivery sheath to the implantation site; g) facilitating exit of the second functional unit from the delivery sheath at the implantation site; and h) facilitating exit of the first functional unit from the delivery sheath at the implantation site. i) facilitating exit of the docking unit from the delivery sheath at the implantation site; j) withdrawing the delivery sheath from the body to leave an inner segment of the control wire of the second functional unit inside the body's duct system, an outer segment of the control wire of the second functional unit outside the body's duct system, an inner segment of the control wire of the first functional unit inside the body's duct system, and an outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit outside the body's duct system; k) pulling the outer segment of the control wire of the second functional unit to guide the second functional unit to a docking position; and l) pulling the outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit to a docking position. (The descriptions of the steps of the previous embodiment (method) using a single first functional unit apply mutatis mutandis to the present embodiment. They have been omitted solely for the sake of brevity. Furthermore, as discussed above with respect to the previous embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described above need to be performed in exactly the order described above. For the sake of brevity only, not all of the different permutations of these operations are described herein, but are all intended to be within the scope of the present technology. As an example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that if the control cables are long enough, operation j) could be performed before operations k) and l).

[0172] In some such embodiments, the device further comprises a fixation assembly connected to the docking unit, and the method further comprises fixating the device at the implantation site after i) and before k).

[0173] In some embodiments, the device further includes a third functional unit. The third functional unit includes an elongate body and a control wire. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a distal end and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passes through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit. The size and shape of the third functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter. The third functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the third functional unit mates with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the third functional unit does not mate with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit but is spaced apart from the third receiving surface.

[0174] Also in such embodiments, the method includes a) gaining access to a vascular system of a mammalian body; b) guiding a delivery sheath to an implantation site; c) inserting a third functional unit in an undocked configuration into the delivery sheath distally first; d) inserting the second functional unit in an undocked configuration into the delivery sheath distally first; e) inserting the first functional unit in an undocked configuration into the delivery sheath distally first; f) inserting a docking unit into the delivery sheath distally first; g) guiding the third functional unit, the second functional unit, the first functional unit, and the docking unit within the delivery sheath to the implantation site; h) facilitating exit of the third functional unit from the delivery sheath at the implantation site; i) facilitating exit of the second functional unit from the delivery sheath at the implantation site; j) facilitating exit of the first functional unit from the delivery sheath at the implantation site; and k) facilitating exit of the delivery sheath at the implantation site. l) withdrawing the delivery sheath from the body to leave an inner segment of the control wire of the third functional unit inside the body's conduit system, an outer segment of the control wire of the third functional unit outside the body, an inner segment of the control wire of the second functional unit inside the body's conduit system, an outer segment of the control wire of the second functional unit outside the body's conduit system, an inner segment of the control wire of the first functional unit inside the body's conduit system, and an outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit outside the body's conduit system; m) pulling the outer segment of the control wire of the third functional unit to guide the third functional unit to a docking position; n) pulling the outer segment of the control wire of the second functional unit to guide the second functional unit to a docking position; and o) pulling the outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit to a docking position. (The descriptions of the steps of the previous embodiment (method) using a single first functional unit apply mutatis mutandis to this embodiment; they have been omitted solely for the sake of brevity.)Furthermore, as noted above with respect to the previous embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described above must be performed in the exact order described above. For the sake of brevity only, not all of the different permutations of these operations are described herein, although they are all intended to be within the scope of the present technology. As an example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that operations m), n), and o) can be performed simultaneously.

[0175] In some such embodiments, the device further comprises a fixation assembly connected to the docking unit, and the method further comprises fixating the device at the implantation site after k) and before m).

[0176] In some embodiments, the device further includes a fixation assembly drive wire operably connected to the fixation assembly for driving the fixation assembly between the locked and unlocked configurations. Locking the fixation assembly includes the surgeon manipulating an external segment of the fixation assembly drive wire that is external to the body's conduit system to drive the fixation assembly from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. During such manipulation, the surgeon may also manipulate other elements, such as the delivery sheath, the control cable of the docking unit (if present), etc.

[0177] In some embodiments, the fixation assembly is biased toward the fixation configuration. Fixation of the fixation assembly occurs when the fixation assembly exits the delivery sheath.

[0178] In some embodiments, the device further includes a control cable attached to the docking unit. The outer diameter of the control cable is sized to allow it to pass through a body duct system to reach the implantation site. Guiding the third functional unit (if present), the second functional unit (if present), the first functional unit, and the docking unit through the delivery sheath to the implantation site includes (by the surgeon) pushing the control cable attached to the docking unit.

[0179] In some embodiments, the control cable is hollow and has an internal cavity, with the internal segment of the control wire of the first functional unit, the internal segment of the control wire of the second functional unit (if present), and the internal segment of the control wire of the third functional unit (if present) each being within the cavity of the control cable.

[0180] In some embodiments, guiding the third functional unit (if present), the second functional unit (if present), the first functional unit, and the docking unit through the delivery sheath to the implantation site comprises pushing the docking unit.

[0181] In some embodiments, guiding the third functional unit (if present), the second functional unit (if present), the first functional unit, and the docking unit within the delivery sheath to the implantation site includes pushing the docking unit with a push rod.

[0182] In some embodiments, guiding the third functional unit (if present), the second functional unit (if present), the first functional unit, and the docking unit within the delivery sheath to the implantation site comprises pushing a control wire(s) of the functional units.

[0183] In some of the above-described embodiments, urging the third functional unit (if present) to exit from the delivery sheath includes pushing a control wire of the third functional unit.

[0184] In some of the above-described embodiments, urging the second functional unit (if present) to exit from the delivery sheath includes pushing a control wire of the second functional unit.

[0185] In some of the above-described embodiments, facilitating exit of the first functional unit from the delivery sheath includes pushing a control wire of the first functional unit.

[0186] In some of the above-described embodiments, facilitating the exit of the docking unit from the delivery sheath includes pushing a control cable of the docking unit.

[0187] In some of the above-described embodiments, the first functional unit, the second functional unit (if present), and the third functional unit (if present) are each pumping units.

[0188] In some of the above-described embodiments, the body's vascular system is the body's vasculature and heart chambers, and the fluid is blood.

[0189] In some of the above embodiments, the device is a ventricular assist device and the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, the left ventricle, the vena cava, the pulmonary artery, and the right ventricle.

[0190] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, for a particular embodiment of the device of the present technology, depending on the device design, particularly whether the device has sharp edges, the above-described method may be performed without the use of a delivery sheath (or other similar catheter). In such an embodiment, delivering the device directly by railing the components over a guidewire without the use of a sheath may be a viable alternative.

[0191] Device explant method In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a method for explanting a modular fluid flow influencing device implanted within a conduit of a mammalian body's conduit system. The device includes a docking unit and a first functional unit. The docking unit has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, at least one receiving surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one proximal guide hole. Each receiving surface is associated with at least one proximal guide hole. The docking unit is sized and shaped to be removable from the implantation site via a catheter. The first functional unit includes an elongated body and a control wire. The elongated body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a first of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and a distal end and a proximal end. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. The size and shape of the first functional unit are configured to allow removal from the implantation site via a catheter. The first functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the first functional unit mates with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit and a docking undock configuration in which the docking surface of the first functional unit does not mate with and is spaced apart from the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit.

[0192] In such an embodiment, the first functional unit is in a docking fastening configuration at the implantation site, an inner segment of the control wire of the first functional unit is inside the body's duct system, and an outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit is outside the body's duct system, and the method includes: a) Gaining access to the vascular system of a mammalian body. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, gaining access to the vascular system may or may not involve surgery, depending on the circumstances. b) Guiding the retrieval sheath to the implantation site. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, guiding the retrieval sheath may or may not involve the use of a guidewire and / or railing the retrieval sheath along the guidewire and / or the control wires of the functional units and / or the control cables of the docking unit (if present), depending on the device design and circumstances. (In the context of the present technology, a retrieval sheath is a type of catheter; the method may also be performed with any other suitable type of catheter.) c) Pushing the outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit into the undocked position. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this can be achieved by the surgeon manipulating one or more elements, for example the control wire of the first functional unit and / or the control cable of the docking unit (if present), depending on the device design and circumstances. d) Facilitating proximal-first entry of the docking unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may be accomplished by the surgeon manipulating one or more elements, such as the retrieval sheath, the control cable of the docking unit (if present), and / or the snare, depending on the device design and circumstances. e) Facilitating proximal-first entry of the first functional unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may be accomplished by the surgeon manipulating one or more elements, such as the retrieval sheath, the control wire of the first functional unit, the control cable of the docking unit (if present), and / or the snare, depending on the device design and circumstances. f) Withdrawing the retrieval sheath and device from the body. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this may be accomplished by the surgeon manipulating one or more elements, such as the retrieval sheath, the control wires of the first functional unit, and / or the control cables of the docking unit (if present), depending on the device design and circumstances.

[0193] As noted above with respect to the previous embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described above must be performed in the exact order described above. For the sake of brevity only, this specification does not describe all of the different permutations of these operations, but all are intended to be within the scope of the present technology. As an example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that operation c) can be performed before operation b).

[0194] In some such embodiments, the device further comprises a fixation assembly connected to the docking unit, the fixation assembly fixating the device at the implantation site, and the method further comprises, prior to d), unlocking the fixation assembly.

[0195] In some embodiments, the device further includes a second functional unit. The second functional unit includes an elongate body and a control wire. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and a distal end and a proximal end. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit corresponding to the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. The size and shape of the second functional unit are configured to allow removal from the implantation site via a catheter. The second functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit mates with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit does not mate with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit but is spaced apart therefrom.

[0196] In such an embodiment, (i) the first functional unit is in a docking fastening configuration at the implantation site, (ii) the second functional unit is in a docking fastening configuration at the implantation site, (iii) an inner segment of the control wire of the first functional unit is inside the body's ductal system and an outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit is outside the body's ductal system, and (iv) an inner segment of the control wire of the second functional unit is inside the body's ductal system and an outer segment of the control wire of the second functional unit is outside the body's ductal system, the method comprising: a) gaining access to the mammalian body's ductal system; and b) guiding a retrieval sheath to the implantation site. c) pushing an outer segment of the control wire of the second functional unit to guide the second functional unit to the undocked position, d) pushing an outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit to the undocked position, e) facilitating proximal-first entry of the docking unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site, f) facilitating proximal-first entry of the first functional unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site, g) facilitating proximal-first entry of the second functional unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site, and h) withdrawing the retrieval sheath and device from the body. (The descriptions of the steps of the previous embodiment (method) using a single first functional unit apply mutatis mutandis to this embodiment; they have been omitted merely for the sake of brevity. Furthermore, as discussed above with respect to the previous embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the operations described above must be performed in the exact order described above. For the sake of brevity only, not all of the different permutations of these operations are described herein, although all are intended to be within the scope of the present technology.)

[0197] In some such embodiments, the device further comprises a fixation assembly connected to the docking unit, the fixation assembly fixating the device at the implantation site, and the method further comprises, prior to e), unlocking the fixation assembly.

[0198] In some embodiments, the device further includes a third functional unit. The third functional unit includes an elongate body and a control wire. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and a distal end and a proximal end. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. The size and shape of the third functional unit are configured to allow removal from the implantation site via a catheter. The third functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the third functional unit mates with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the third functional unit does not mate with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit but is spaced apart therefrom.

[0199] In such an embodiment, (i) the first functional unit is in a docking fastening configuration at the implantation site, (ii) the second functional unit is in a docking fastening configuration at the implantation site, (iii) the third functional unit is in a docking fastening configuration at the implantation site, (iv) an inner segment of the control wire of the first functional unit is inside the body's ductal system and an outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit is outside the body's ductal system, (v) an inner segment of the control wire of the second functional unit is inside the body's ductal system and an outer segment of the control wire of the second functional unit is outside the body's ductal system, and (vi) an inner segment of the control wire of the third functional unit is inside the body's ductal system and an outer segment of the control wire of the third functional unit is outside the body's ductal system, the method comprising: a) gaining access to a ductal system of a mammalian body; and b) implanting a retrieval sheath. c) pushing an outer segment of the control wire of the third functional unit to guide the third functional unit to the undocked position; d) pushing an outer segment of the control wire of the second functional unit to guide the second functional unit to the undocked position; e) pushing an outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit to the undocked position; f) facilitating proximal-first entry of the docking unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site; g) facilitating proximal-first entry of the first functional unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site; h) facilitating proximal-first entry of the second functional unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site; i) facilitating proximal-first entry of the third functional unit into the retrieval sheath at the implantation site; and j) withdrawing the retrieval sheath and device from the body. (The descriptions of the steps of the previous embodiment (method) using a single first functional unit apply mutatis mutandis to this embodiment; they have been omitted solely for the sake of brevity. As discussed above with respect to the previous embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described above must be performed in exactly the order described above.)For the sake of brevity only, not all of the different permutations of these operations are described herein, although they are all intended to be within the scope of the present technology.

[0200] In some such embodiments, the device further comprises a fixation assembly connected to the docking unit, the fixation assembly fixating the device at the implantation site, and the method further comprises, prior to f), unlocking the fixation assembly.

[0201] In some of the foregoing embodiments, the device further includes a fixation assembly drive wire operably connected to the fixation assembly for driving the fixation assembly between the locked and unlocked configurations. Unlocking the fixation assembly includes the surgeon manipulating an outer segment of the fixation assembly drive wire that is external to the body's conduit system to drive the fixation assembly from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

[0202] In some such embodiments, the fixation assembly is biased toward the locked configuration, and unlocking the fixation assembly occurs when the fixation assembly enters the retrieval sheath.

[0203] In some of the foregoing embodiments, the device further includes a control cable attached to the docking unit, the control cable having an outer diameter sized to allow it to be passed through the conduit system to the implantation site. In some such embodiments, guiding the retrieval sheath to the implantation site includes railing the retrieval sheath over the control cable.

[0204] In some of the foregoing embodiments, facilitating entry of the docking unit into the retrieval sheath includes pulling a control cable attached to the docking unit.

[0205] In some of the foregoing embodiments, urging the first functional unit into the retrieval sheath includes pulling a control wire of the first functional unit.

[0206] In some of the foregoing embodiments, urging the second functional unit (if present) into the retrieval sheath includes pulling a control wire of the second functional unit.

[0207] In some of the foregoing embodiments, urging the third functional unit (if present) into the retrieval sheath includes pulling a control wire of the third functional unit.

[0208] In some of the aforementioned embodiments, withdrawing the retrieval sheath and device includes pulling the control wire(s) of the functional unit(s) until the docking unit and functional unit(s) exit the conduit system at the proximal end of the retrieval sheath.

[0209] In some of the aforementioned embodiments, withdrawing the retrieval sheath and device includes pulling the control wire(s) of the functional unit(s) and the control cable of the docking unit until the docking unit and functional unit(s) exit the conduit system at the proximal end of the retrieval sheath.

[0210] In some of the aforementioned embodiments, withdrawing the retrieval sheath and device includes pulling the control wire(s) of the functional unit(s), the control cable of the docking unit, and the retrieval sheath until the docking unit, the functional unit(s), and the retrieval sheath exit the conduit system.

[0211] In some of the above-described embodiments, the first functional unit, the second functional unit (if present), and the third functional unit (if present) are each pumping units.

[0212] In some of the foregoing embodiments, the body's vascular system is the body's vasculature and heart chambers, and the fluid is blood.

[0213] In some of the above embodiments, the device is a ventricular assist device and the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, the left ventricle, the vena cava, the pulmonary artery, and the right ventricle.

[0214] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, for a particular embodiment of the device of the present technology, depending on the device design, particularly whether the device has sharp edges, the above-described method may be performed without the use of a retrieval sheath (or other similar catheter). In such an implementation, direct retrieval of the device may be accomplished by placing the functional units in an undocked configuration and withdrawing the components via their cables or wires (as the case may be).

[0215] Method for in vivo removal of functional units from implanted devices - Patent Application 20070122997 In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a method for in vivo removal of a functional unit from a modular fluid flow affecting device implanted within a conduit of a mammalian body's conduit system. The device includes a docking unit and a first functional unit. The docking unit has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, at least one receiving surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one proximal guide hole. Each receiving surface is associated with at least one proximal guide hole. The docking unit is sized and shaped to be removable from the implantation site through the conduit system. The functional unit has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with one of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and structure of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit. A control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. An inner segment of the control wire is inside the body's conduit system and an outer segment of the control cable is outside the body's conduit system via a first access to the conduit system. The size and shape of the functional unit are configured to be removable from the implantation site through the conduit system. The functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which a docking surface of the functional unit mates with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit and a docking detachment configuration in which the docking surface of the functional unit does not mate with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit and is spaced therefrom.

[0216] In such an embodiment, the functional unit is in a docking fastening configuration at the implantation site, and the method includes: a) Gaining a second access to the ductal system of the mammalian body, the second access being different from the first access into which the device is implanted. b) Guiding the snare through the conduit system to the implantation site via the second access. c) pushing the outer segments of the control wires of the functional unit to guide the functional unit into the undocked configuration; d) Ensnaring the first functional unit in the undocked configuration with the snare. e) Pulling the snare with the ensnared functional unit out of the mammalian body via the second access. f) Pulling the control wires of the functional units out of the mammalian body via the second access.

[0217] As noted above with respect to the previous embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described above must be performed in the exact order described above. For the sake of brevity only, this specification does not describe all of the different permutations of these operations, but all are intended to be within the scope of the present technology. As an example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that operation c) can be performed before operation b).

[0218] Method for adding functional units to implanted devices in vivo In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a method for in vivo addition of a functional unit to a modular fluid flow affecting device implanted within a conduit of a mammalian body's duct system. The device includes a docking unit and a control cable. The docking unit has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, at least one receiving surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one proximal guide hole. Each receiving surface is associated with at least one proximal guide hole. The docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable to an implantation site via a catheter. A control cable is attached to the docking unit. The outer diameter of the control cable is sized to allow it to pass through the duct system and reach the implantation site. The control cable is hollow and has an internal cavity. Via a first access to the duct system, an inner segment of the control cable is inside the body's duct system and an outer segment of the control cable is outside the body's duct system. The functional unit includes an elongated body and a control wire. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit. The functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the functional unit mates with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit and an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the functional unit does not mate with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit and is spaced therefrom. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit corresponding to one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit. The control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body. The size and shape of the functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a conduit system.

[0219] In such an embodiment, the docking unit is at the implantation site and the method includes: a) Inserting a guide wire into the cavity of the outer segment of the control cable. b) a guide wire, i. pushing through the cavity into one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit that corresponds to the at least one receiving surface; ii. Pushing the guidewire through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the at least one receiving surface until the guidewire exits one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the at least one receiving surface at the implantation site. c) Gaining second access to the ductal system of the mammalian body. d) Guiding the snare through the conduit system to the implantation site via the second access. e) Ensnaring the guidewire with a snare. f) Pulling the snare together with the ensnared guidewire out of the mammalian body via the second access, while leaving the outer segment of the guidewire to exit the duct system via the first access. g) Releasing the guidewire from the ensnare. h) Attaching the control wire of the functional unit to the guide wire. i) pulling the outer segment of the guidewire exiting the first access; i. allowing the control wires of the functional unit to enter the conduit system via the second access; ii. inserting the elongated body of the functional unit into the conduit system via the second access; iii. moving the elongated body of the functional unit through the conduit system to the implantation site; iv. guiding the functional unit into a docking fastening configuration; v. Allowing the control wires of the functional unit to exit the mammalian body via the first access. j) withdrawing the guide wire from the control wire of the functional unit, leaving an outer segment of the control wire to exit the mammalian body via the first access.

[0220] As noted above with respect to the previous embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described above must be performed in the exact order described above. For the sake of brevity only, this specification does not describe all of the different permutations of these operations, but they are all intended to be within the scope of the present technology. As an example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that operations c) and d) can be performed before operations a) and b).

[0221] Method for in vivo replacement of functional units of implanted devices - Patent Application 20070122997 In another aspect, embodiments of the present technology provide a method for in vivo replacement of a first functional unit of a modular fluid flow affecting device implanted in a conduit of a mammalian body conduit system with a second functional unit. The device includes a docking unit and a first functional unit. The docking unit has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, at least one receiving surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one proximal guide hole. Each receiving surface is associated with at least one proximal guide hole. The docking unit is sized and shaped to be removable from the implantation site through the conduit system. The first functional unit has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with one of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent it from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit.

[0222] The first functional unit has a control wire extending proximally from a proximal end of the elongate body of the first functional unit. An inner segment of the control wire is located inside the body's conduit system and an outer segment of the control cable is located outside the body's conduit system via a first access to the conduit system. The first functional unit is sized and shaped to be removable from the implantation site via the conduit system. The first functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which a docking surface of the first functional unit mates with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit and an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the first functional unit does not mate with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit and is spaced therefrom.

[0223] The second functional unit has an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shape of the docking surface is configured to mate with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit. The second functional unit has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit mates with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit, and an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit does not mate with one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit and is spaced therefrom. At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongate body is configured to prevent passage through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit corresponding to one of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit. A control wire extends proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body of the second functional unit. The size and shape of the second functional unit are configured to be deliverable to an implantation site via a conduit system.

[0224] The first functional unit is a docking fastening configuration at the implantation site, and the method includes: a) Attaching a guide wire to the outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit. b) pushing an outer segment of the control wire of the first functional unit to guide the first functional unit into the undocked configuration; c) Gaining second access to the ductal system of the mammalian body. d) Guiding the snare through the conduit system to the implantation site via the second access. e) Ensnaring the first functional unit in the undocked configuration with the snare. f) Pulling the snare together with the en-snared first functional unit out of the mammalian body via the second access. g) Pulling the control wire of the first functional unit and a portion of the guide wire out of the mammalian body via the second access, while leaving an outer segment of the guide wire to exit the conduit system via the first access. h) Removing the control wire of the first functional unit from the guide wire. i) Attaching the control wire of the second functional unit to the guide wire. j) pulling the outer segment of the guidewire at the first access; i. allowing a control wire of a second functional unit to enter the conduit system via a second access; ii. inserting the elongated body of the second functional unit into the conduit system via the second access; iii. moving the elongate body of the second functional unit through the conduit system to the implantation site; iv. guiding the second functional unit into a docking fastening configuration; v. Allowing the control wire of the second functional unit to exit the mammalian body via the first access. k) withdrawing the guide wire from the control wire of the second functional unit to leave an outer segment of the control wire exiting the mammalian body via the first access.

[0225] As noted above with respect to the previous embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described above must be performed in the exact order described. For purposes of brevity only, not all of the different permutations of these operations are described herein, although they are all intended to be within the scope of the present technology.

[0226] General In the context of this specification, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used as adjectives merely to enable distinction between the nouns they modify, and not to describe any particular relationship between those nouns. Thus, for example, it should be understood that the use of the terms "first unit" and "third unit" is not intended to imply any particular type, hierarchy, or ranking (for example) of / between units.

[0227] In the context of this specification, the term "embodiment(s)" is typically used when referring to a physical realization of the technology, and the term "implementation" is typically used when referring to a method encompassed by the technology (which typically also includes a physical realization of the technology). The use of these different terms is not intended to limit or determine the scope of the technology. The use of these different terms is simply to allow the reader to better orient themselves when reading this very long specification.

[0228] Each embodiment and implementation of the present technology will have at least one, but not necessarily all, of the above-described objectives and / or aspects. It will be understood that some aspects of the present technology that arise from attempting to achieve the above-described objective may not meet that objective and / or may meet other objectives not specifically described herein.

[0229] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments and / or implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

[0230] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0231] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 12]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 23] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 25]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 26] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 27] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 28] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 29] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 30] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 31] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 32] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 33] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 34] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 35] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 36] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 37] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 38]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 39] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 40] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 41] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 42] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 43] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 44] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 45] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 46] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 47] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 48] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 49] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 50] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 51]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 52] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 53] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 54] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 55] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 56] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 57] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of a second embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 61] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 62] FIG. 62 is another schematic diagram of the VAD of FIG. 61. [Figure 63] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology. [Figure 64] FIG. 60 is an exploded view of the VAD of FIG. 59. [Figure 65] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an eighth embodiment of the present technology, in which the VAD is in its delivery configuration inside a loader. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 is a close-up view of the boxed portion of FIG. 65. [Figure 67]FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 67-67 of FIG. 66. [Figure 68] 13 is an image of a ninth embodiment of a VAD of the present technology in the process of being implanted in a pig aorta. [Figure 69] 69 is an image of the VAD further along in the implantation process in the pig of FIG. 68. [Figure 70] 69 is an image of the VAD further along in the implantation process in the pig of FIG. 68. [Figure 71] 1 is a chart comparing the scalar shear stress generated by a single pump VAD with the pumping unit of a triple pump modular assembly VAD. [Figure 72] A chart similar to that of Figure 71, but for different flow rates. [Figure 73] FIG. 1 illustrates a computational fluid dynamics analysis of a single pump VAD for a given fluid flow rate. [Figure 74] 73 shows a computational fluid dynamics analysis of one pumping unit of a triple pump modular assembly VAD (such as that shown in FIG. 57) when the total flow rate of the modular assembly VAD is the same as that of the single pump device of FIG. 73. [Figure 75] 97-97 is a schematic diagram illustrating the diameter of the smallest boundary right circular cylinder of the docking unit of the first embodiment (FIG. 97-97) and the diameter Φ B of the smallest boundary right circular cylinder of the first ejection unit of that embodiment. [Figure 76]

[0023] FIG. 14 shows a pumping unit of an embodiment of the present technology with the shroud removed. [Figure 77] FIG. 77 is an enlarged side view of the proximal end of the pumping unit of FIG. 76. [Figure 78] FIG. 78 is an enlarged front view of the proximal end of the pumping unit of FIG. 77; [Figure 79] 14 illustrates a docking unit according to an alternative embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 80] FIG. 10 illustrates a docking unit of another alternative embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 81]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an internal cutaway of a control cable of the present technology. [Figure 82] FIG. 82 is similar to FIG. 81 but with control wires for the functional units. [Figure 83] FIG. 60 shows the fixation assembly of FIG. 59 in a fixed configuration. [Figure 84] FIG. 60 shows the locking assembly of FIG. 59 in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 85] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a tenth embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 86] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an eleventh embodiment of a VAD of the present technology. [Figure 87] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) of the present technology in an intrasheathed delivery configuration; [Figure 88] FIG. 88 is a side view of the VAD of FIG. 87 in an assembled configuration. [Figure 89] FIG. 88 is an exploded view of the docking unit and control cable of the VAD of FIG. 87. [Figure 90] FIG. 88 is an isometric view of the distal end of the docking unit of the VAD of FIG. 87. [Figure 91] FIG. 88 is a distal end view of the docking unit of the VAD of FIG. 87. [Figure 92] FIG. 88 is an exploded view of the pumping unit of the VAD of FIG. 87. [Figure 93] FIG. 88 is a proximal end isometric view of the pumping unit of the VAD of FIG. 87. [Figure 94] FIG. 88 is an isometric view of the distal end of the pumping unit of the VAD of FIG. 87. [Figure 95] 95 is an isometric view of the distal end of the pumping unit of the VAD of FIG. 87 shown in FIG. 94 in its docking fastening configuration with the docking unit of the VAD. [Figure 96] FIG. 89 is a distal end view of the VAD of FIG. 87 in an assembled configuration as shown in FIG. 88. [Figure 97] 88 is a cross-sectional view of the control wire of the pumping unit of the VAD of FIG. 87. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0232] Referring to FIG. 88, a modular mammalian body-implantable fluid flow affecting device is shown as a ventricular assist device (VAD) 10. This is one embodiment of the present technology. It should be clearly understood that the VAD 10 is merely one embodiment, among many, of the present technology. Accordingly, the following description is intended to be merely an illustrative example of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or describe the boundaries of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be useful modifications and / or additional embodiments of the VAD 10 may be described below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and again, it is not intended to define the scope or describe the boundaries of the technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and other modifications are likely possible, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Furthermore, if this is not done (i.e., if a modification is not described), it should not be interpreted as meaning that modifications are not possible and / or that what is described is the only way to implement that element of the present technology. As would be understood by one skilled in the art, this may not be the case. Additionally, it should be understood that VAD 10 may provide a simple embodiment of the present technology in certain circumstances, and in such cases is shown as such as an aid to understanding. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments of the present technology will be more complex.

[0233] VAD - Overview Referring to FIG. 88, the VAD 10 is modular and includes a docking unit 16 and three pumping units 14. (In this description, the pumping units are collectively referred to as 14; the first pumping unit is separately referred to as 14a, if desired; the second pumping unit is separately referred to as 14b, if desired; and the third pumping unit is separately referred to as 14c, if desired.)

[0234] Docking Unit 88-91, the docking unit 16 has an elongated body 22. The elongated body 22 has a longitudinal axis 26, three receiving surfaces 24 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 26, a distal end 23, and a proximal end 25. (In this description, the receiving surfaces are collectively referred to as 24. The first receiving surface is referred to separately as 24a, as needed, the second receiving surface is referred to as 24b, as needed, and the third receiving surface is referred to as 24c, as needed.) The three receiving surfaces 24 are positioned radially equidistant along the outer surface of the elongated body 22. The angle formed between (i) a line connecting the midpoint of any one receiving surface 24 to the longitudinal axis 26 and (ii) a line connecting the midpoint of any adjacent receiving surface 24 to the longitudinal axis 26 is 120° (see, for example, angle alpha in FIG. 91). Each receiving surface 24 is concave, and as described below, its shape is configured to conform to and mate with the curved, convex outer wall 58 of the elongated body 80 of the pumping unit 14. As seen in FIG. 91 , when the docking unit 16 is viewed from its distal end 23, the presence of the three concave receiving surfaces causes the docking unit 16 to resemble a "Y." In this embodiment, each receiving surface 24 is identical to the others and is approximately 6 cm in length. (In other embodiments, this is not the case.) In this embodiment, the docking unit 16 is a central docking unit.

[0235] The elongated body 22 is formed of titanium and is effectively non-expandable, at least between storage, room, and body temperature.) In other embodiments, the body can be formed of stainless steel, a titanium alloy (e.g., Nitinol), or a chromium-cobalt alloy.

[0236] The elongate body 22 further includes three proximal guide holes 36. (In this description, the proximal guide holes are collectively referred to as 36, the first proximal guide hole is separately referred to as 36a, the second proximal guide hole is separately referred to as 36b, and the third proximal guide hole is separately referred to as 36c.) Each receiving surface 24 is associated with one proximal guide hole 36. Thus, the first proximal guide hole 36a is associated with the first receiving surface 24a. The second proximal guide hole 36b is associated with the second receiving surface 24b. The third proximal guide hole 36c is associated with the third receiving surface 36c. In this embodiment, each proximal guide hole 36 is identical to the others (in other embodiments, this is not the case). In this embodiment, the guide holes 36 are in the form of passages through the proximal end 25 of the docking unit 16. One open end of each guide hole 36 is adjacent to the receiving surface 24 with which it is associated. The other end of each guide hole 36 opens into an opening 27 to which a control cable 42 is attached. In this embodiment, the guide holes have a diameter of approximately 1.4 mm and a length of approximately 1.0 cm.

[0237] Additionally, each receiving surface 24 defines a proximal end interface 34 in which the proximal guide hole 26 associated with that receiving surface 24 is located. (In this disclosure, the proximal end interfaces are collectively referred to as 34, the first proximal end interface is separately referred to as 34a, the second proximal end interface is separately referred to as 34b, and the third proximal end interface is separately referred to as 34c.) Thus, the first proximal guide hole 36a is located within the first proximal end interface 34a. The second proximal guide hole 36b is located within the second proximal end interface 34b. The third proximal guide hole 36c is located within the third proximal end interface 34c. In this embodiment, each proximal end interface 36 is identical to the others and has a concave shape. (In other embodiments, this is not the case.)

[0238] Elongated body 22 has a longitudinally extending central cavity 48 disposed along its longitudinal axis 26 .

[0239] The docking unit 16 is sized and shaped to be a transcatheter that can be delivered percutaneously via a delivery sheath through the patient's vasculature to an implantation site within the aorta of an adult body. In this embodiment, the docking unit is approximately 8 cm in length and has a maximum diameter of approximately 5.9 mm. In other embodiments, the length can be between approximately 1 cm and 20 cm, with a length of approximately 5 cm to 12 cm being preferred within that range. In other embodiments, the maximum diameter does not exceed 10 mm.

[0240] Control cable A control cable 42 is attached to and sealed (blood-tight) at the proximal end 25 of the docking unit. The control cable 42 has an internal cavity that communicates with an opening 27 at the proximal end 25. The cavity is sized to allow the control wires 38 (see below) of the various pumping units 14 (and any other wires extending from the docking unit 16) to pass through the cavity in the control cable 42. The control cable itself is sized to navigate the patient's vasculature while avoiding occluding or promoting thrombosis in the smaller blood vessels (e.g., approximately 1 mm to 6 mm in diameter) through which it passes. In this embodiment, the control cable has an outer diameter of approximately 4 mm and a length of approximately 50 cm. In this embodiment, the control cable is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0241] Ejection unit - structure 92-94, all of the pumping units 14 are identical (in this embodiment, as well as in the other embodiments). Each pumping unit 14 has an elongated body 80 and a control wire 38. The elongated body 80 of each pumping unit 14 is generally cylindrical, having a longitudinal axis 62 and a docking surface 53 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 62 and along the generally cylindrical outer surface 58 of the elongated body 80. The elongated body 80 of each pumping unit 14 also has a distal end 60 and a proximal end 40. The size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body 80 of each pumping unit are such that it cannot pass through the proximal guide hole 36 of the docking unit 16.

[0242] The shape of the docking surface 53 of each pumping unit 14 is configured to mate with one of the receiving surfaces 24 of the docking unit 16. To that end, each docking surface 53 is convex and has the same radius of curvature as the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 16. The size and shape of each pumping unit 14 are configured to be transcatheter deliverable percutaneously via a delivery sheath through the patient's vasculature to an implantation site in the aorta of an adult body. In this embodiment, the pumping unit is approximately 6 cm long and has a maximum diameter of approximately 6 mm.

[0243] The elongated body 80 of each pumping unit 14 is formed from titanium. In other embodiments, the body may be formed from stainless steel, a titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol), or a chromium-cobalt alloy. The elongated body 80 of each pumping unit 14 is effectively non-expandable at least between storage, room, and body temperature. The other components of the pumping unit are formed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in this embodiment, although any other suitable biocompatible plastic may be used in other embodiments.

[0244] 88 and 92-96, each pumping unit 14 has a blood flow cavity 108 therein. The blood flow cavity 108 extends between a first set of openings 64 in the cylindrical outer surface 58 of the elongated cylinder 80 and a second opening 65 in the distal end 60 of the elongated body 80 of the pumping unit 14. The openings (66, 68, 70) of the first set of openings 64 are located on the side surface 58 of the elongated body 60 of the pumping unit 14 such that the first set of openings 64 are all unobstructed when the pumping unit 14 is in its docked fastening configuration. There are no openings in the docking surface 24 of each pumping unit 14. Depending on the rotation of the impeller 76 (described below), the first set of openings 64 act as inlets to the blood fluid flow cavity 108 and the second openings 65 act as outlets from the blood flow cavity, or the second openings 65 act as inlets to the blood flow cavity 108 and the first set of openings 64 act as outlets from the blood flow cavity. (Optionally, flow straighteners can be associated with either or both of the first set of openings 64 or the second openings 65).

[0245] 92 , an impeller 76 is rotatably disposed within the blood flow cavity 108 of each pumping unit 14. As the impeller 76 rotates, blood is drawn into the blood flow cavity 108 of the pumping unit 14 through the fluid inlet (one of the openings 64 or 65) of the pumping unit 14, and blood is expelled from the blood flow cavity 108 of the pumping unit 14 through the fluid outlet (the other of the openings 64 or 65 for the pumping unit 14, as the case may be). A motor 72 is housed within the elongated body 80 of the pumping unit 14. An impeller shaft 77 is housed within the elongated body 80 of the pumping unit 14. The impeller shaft 77 is rotatably drivable by the motor 72 of the pumping unit 14 via the motor output shaft 74. The impeller shaft 77 rotatably drives the impeller 76 of that pumping unit 14. In this embodiment, when pumping unit 14 is assembled, shroud 71 forms part of elongated body 80. Shroud 71 houses impeller 76 and forms part of blood flow cavity 108. A flow rectifier is located inside shroud 71. In this embodiment, the motor is a 6mm motor with a maximum RPM of 50,000.

[0246] The impeller 76 of each pumping unit 14 is non-expandable. In this embodiment, the pumping unit components are also formed from titanium and PEEK.

[0247] Ejection unit - control wire The control wires 38 extend proximally from the proximal end 40 of the elongate body 80. In this embodiment, the control wires 38 of each pumping unit 14 extend from the apex 100 of the proximal end 40 of the elongate body 80 of that pumping unit 38. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control wires 38 of each pumping unit 14 extend from the proximal end 40 of the elongate body 80 of that pumping unit 14 at a location offset from the longitudinal axis 62 of that pumping unit 14.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 97, the control wire 38 of each pumping unit is a control wire assembly having a diameter of approximately 1.3 mm and a length of approximately 70 cm. The control wire assembly includes electrical components for delivering power to that pumping unit 14 via the control wire assembly and mechanical components for structurally reinforcing the control wire assembly of that pumping unit. The outer segment of each pumping unit's control wire 38 is manipulated by the surgeon at the implantation site to move the pumping unit between its various configurations (described in more detail below). To accomplish this, the control wire must be structurally and mechanically sufficient.

[0249] In this embodiment, the electrical components are three electrical wires 92. In other embodiments, the number of electrical wires varies depending on the electrical requirements of the component requiring power (e.g., a motor). In this embodiment, the mechanical components are structural wires (which do not serve any electrical purpose, but may in other embodiments). In other embodiments, the mechanical components are different. In this embodiment, the control wire assembly is an outer sheath 88 that bundles together and surrounds multiple electrical wires 92 and structural wires 94. Reference numeral 90 in FIG. 97 identifies a cavity within the outer sheath 88 within which the wires 92, 94 are disposed.

[0250] In another embodiment, the electrical component of each pumping unit's control wire assembly is a number of electrical wires, and the mechanical component is an outer sheath that bundles and surrounds the electrical wires. This embodiment is not shown, but would appear similar to FIG. 97 without the mechanical wires 94.

[0251] The control wire 38 extends proximally from the proximal end 40 of the elongate body 80. When the device 10 is assembled for implantation, the control wire 38 passes through one of the proximal guide holes 36 associated with one of the receiving surfaces 26 of the docking unit 16 and extends proximally away from the docking unit 16. Thus, when the device 10 is assembled for implantation, the control wire 38a of the first pumping unit 14a extends away from the proximal end 40a of the elongate body 80a of the first pumping unit 14a, passes through the first proximal guide hole 36a associated with the first receiving surface 24a of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit 16 through the control cable cavity 42 of the docking unit 16. Similarly, when the device 10 is assembled for implantation, the control wire 38b of the second pumping unit 14b extends away from the proximal end 40b of the elongated body 80b of the second pumping unit 14b, passes through the second proximal guide hole 36b associated with the second receiving surface 24b of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit 16 through the control cable cavity 42 of the docking unit 16. Finally, when the device 10 is assembled for implantation, the control wire 38c of the third pumping unit 14c extends away from the proximal end 40c of the elongated body 80c of the third pumping unit 14c, passes through the third proximal guide hole 36c associated with the third receiving surface 24c of the docking unit, and extends proximally away from the docking unit 16 through the control cable cavity 42 of the docking unit 16.

[0252] In this manner, when the device is implanted within a patient, the control wires 38 are routed through the patient's vasculature within the control cable 42 and are not exposed to the patient's vasculature itself. The control wires 38 exit the patient's body within the control cable 42. Once the control cable 42 is outside the patient's body, the control wires 38 exit the control cable cavity 42 through the seal 46 and can be separately manipulated by the surgeon.

[0253] Ejection unit - configuration Each pumping unit 14 has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface 53 of that pumping unit 14 mates with the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit. Each pumping unit 14 also has an undocked configuration in which the docking surface 53 of that pumping unit 14 does not mate with but is spaced apart from the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 16. Thus, the first pumping unit 14a has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface 53 of the first pumping unit 14a mates with the first receiving surface 24a of the docking unit 16. The first pumping unit 14a also has an undocked configuration in which the docking surface 53 of the first pumping unit 14a does not mate with but is spaced apart from the first receiving surface 24a of the docking unit 16. Similarly, the second pumping unit 14b has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface 53 of the second pumping unit 14b mates with the second receiving surface 24b of the docking unit 16. The second pumping unit 14b also has an undocked configuration in which the docking surface 53 of the second pumping unit 14b does not mate with the second receiving surface 24b of the docking unit 16 but is spaced apart therefrom. Finally, the third pumping unit 14c has a docking fastening configuration in which the docking surface 53 of the third pumping unit 14c mates with the third receiving surface 24c of the docking unit 16. The third pumping unit 14c also has an undocked configuration in which the docking surface 53 of the third pumping unit 14c does not mate with the third receiving surface 24c of the docking unit 16 but is spaced apart therefrom. In Figure 88, the first pumping unit 14a, the second pumping unit 14b, and the third pumping unit 14c are each in their docked fastened configurations. In Figure 62, the first pumping unit 5014a (of the VAD 5010), the second pumping unit 5014b, and the third pumping unit 5014c are in their undocked configurations.

[0254] Each pumping unit 14 is movable between an undocked configuration and a docked fastening configuration at the implantation site via movement of the control wire 38 of that pumping unit 14. Specifically, each pumping unit 14 is movable from its undocked configuration to its docked fastening configuration at the implantation site by pulling the control wire 38 of that pumping unit 14. Also, each pumping unit 14 is movable from the docked fastening configuration to the undocked configuration at the implantation site by pushing the control wire 38 of that pumping unit 14. Thus, the first pumping unit 14a is movable from its undocked configuration to its docked fastening configuration at the implantation site by pulling the control wire 38a of the first pumping unit 14a. Also, the first pumping unit 14a is movable from the docked fastening configuration to the undocked configuration at the implantation site by pushing the control wire 38a of the first pumping unit 14a. Similarly, the second pumping unit 14b can be moved from its undocked configuration to its docked fastened configuration at the implantation site by pulling the control wire 38b of the second pumping unit 14b. The second pumping unit 14b can also be moved from the docked fastened configuration to the undocked configuration at the implantation site by pushing the control wire 38b of the second pumping unit 14b. Finally, the third pumping unit 14c can be moved from its undocked configuration to its docked fastened configuration at the implantation site by pulling the control wire 38c of the third pumping unit 14c. The third pumping unit 14c can also be moved from the docked fastened configuration to the undocked configuration at the implantation site by pushing the control wire 38c of the third pumping unit 14c.

[0255] Pumping Unit - Further Details In this embodiment, the docking surface 53 of each pumping unit 14 non-invasively aligns with the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 16 to which it mates when that pumping unit 14 is in the docking fastening configuration. Thus, the docking surface 53 of the first pumping unit 14a non-invasively aligns with the receiving surface 24a of the docking unit 16 when the first pumping unit 14a is in its docking fastening configuration. Similarly, the docking surface 53 of the second pumping unit 14b non-invasively aligns with the receiving surface 24b of the docking unit 16 when the second pumping unit 14b is in its docking fastening configuration. Finally, the docking surface 53 of the third pumping unit 14c non-invasively aligns with the receiving surface 24c of the docking unit 16 when the third pumping unit 14c is in its docking fastening configuration.

[0256] The proximal end 40 of the elongated body 80 of each pumping unit 14 has a joint contact surface 102. As best seen in FIG. 95 , when each pumping unit 14 is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface 102 of the proximal end 40 of the elongated body 80 of that pumping unit 14 mates with the proximal end joint 34 corresponding to the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 16 with which the docking surface 53 of the elongated body 80 of that pumping unit 14 mates. Thus, when the first pumping unit 14a is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface 102a of the proximal end 40a of the elongated body 80a of the first pumping unit 14a mates with the proximal end joint 34a of the receiving surface 24a of the docking unit 16. Similarly, when the second pumping unit 14b is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface 102b of the proximal end 40b of the elongated body 80b of the second pumping unit 14b mates with the proximal end joint 34b of the receiving surface 24b of the docking unit 16. Finally, when the third pumping unit 14c is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface 102c of the proximal end 40c of the elongated body 80c of the third pumping unit 14c mates with the proximal end joint 34c of the receiving surface 24c of the docking unit 16.

[0257] In this embodiment, when each ejection unit 14 is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface 102 of the proximal end 40 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 is fluidically and non-invasively aligned with the proximal end joint 34 that corresponds to at least one receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 53 with which the docking surface of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 mates.

[0258] In this embodiment, when each ejection unit 14 is in its docking fastening configuration, the shapes of the joint contact surface 102 of the proximal end 40 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 and the proximal end joint 34 corresponding to the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 16 with which the docking surface 53 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 mates are set relative to the other so that when tension is applied to the control wire 38 of that ejection unit 14, the docking surface 53 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 is urged toward the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 16 with which the docking surface 53 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 mates.

[0259] In this embodiment, when each ejection unit 14 is in its docking fastening configuration, the position at which the control wire 38 of each ejection unit 14 extends from the proximal end 40 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit and the position of the proximal guide hole 36 at the proximal end joint 34 corresponding to the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 16 with which the docking surface 53 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 mates are arranged relative to one another so that when tension is applied to the control wire 38 of that ejection unit 14, the docking surface 53 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 is urged toward the receiving surface 24 of the docking unit 16 with which the docking surface 53 of the elongated body 80 of that ejection unit 14 mates.

[0260] 88 and 95, when each pumping unit 14 is in its docked fastening configuration, a joint contact surface 102 of the proximal end 40 of the elongated body 80 of each pumping unit 14 mates with one of the proximal end joints 34 of the docking unit 16, and each of the non-mating outwardly facing portions 104 of the proximal end 40 of the elongated body 80 of each pumping unit 14 is inclined toward an apex 100 of the proximal end 40. Furthermore, when each pumping unit 14 is in its docked fastening configuration, a fluid flow path 106 (FIG. 88) is disposed intermediate any two of the pumping units 14.

[0261] Device Delivery and Pre-Assembled Configuration FIG. 87 is a schematic diagram of the VAD 10 in its delivery configuration within the sheath 20. For ease of understanding, certain elements (e.g., the control wires 38 of the various pumping units 14) are not shown in FIG. 87. In the delivery configuration, each pumping unit 14 is in an undocked configuration, with their respective longitudinal axes generally collinear. The sheath 20 has a proximal end 17 and a distal end 19 (defined relative to the orientation of the device during implantation). Closest to the distal end 19 of the sheath 20 is the third pumping unit 14c, which is oriented with its distal end 60c closer to the distal end 19 of the sheath 20 and its proximal end 40c closer to the proximal end 17 of the sheath 20. Next to and more proximal than the third pumping unit 14c is the second pumping unit 14b. The second pumping unit 14b is oriented with its distal end 60b closer to the distal end 19 of the sheath 20 and its proximal end 40b closer to the proximal end 17 of the sheath 20. Next to and more proximal than the second pumping unit 14b is the first pumping unit 14a. The first pumping unit 14a is oriented with its distal end 60a closer to the distal end 19 of the sheath 20 and its proximal end 40a closer to the proximal end 17 of the sheath 20. Next to and more proximal than the first pumping unit 14a is the docking unit 16. The docking unit is oriented with its distal end 23 closer to the distal end 19 of the sheath 20 and its proximal end 25 closer to the proximal end 17 of the sheath 20. (FIGS. 65-67, described below, show a schematic diagram similar to that in FIG. 87, but also illustrate control wire 7038).

[0262] FIG. 88 shows the VAD 10 in its assembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, each pumping unit 14 is in its docked and fastened configuration. As described elsewhere herein, at the implantation site, the surgeon moves the pumping unit 14 from its undocked configuration to its docked and fastened configuration by pulling its control wire (not shown in FIG. 88). The maximum diameter of the device in the assembled configuration is approximately 16 mm. The flow rate of the VAD 10 can vary from 1.0 L / min to 5.0 L / min, and typically operates at a flow rate of 2.5 L / min.

[0263] Fixing Assembly 89 and 90, the docking unit 16 includes a locking assembly 56 connected to the elongate body 22. The locking assembly 56 has a locked configuration (the docking unit 16 is mechanically locked in place at the implementation site) and an unlocked configuration (the docking unit 16 is unlocked in place at the implementation site). The locking assembly 56 is biased toward the locked configuration. Inserting the locking assembly 56 into the delivery sheath 20 (FIG. 87) switches the locking assembly 26 to its unlocked configuration. Removing the locking assembly 56 from the delivery sheath switches the locking assembly 56 to its locked configuration. The distal locking assembly 56 is connected to the docking unit 16 via wires 44.

[0264] In other embodiments, the fixation assembly 56 is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration to secure the docking unit 16 at the implantation site. In some such embodiments, there is a fixation assembly drive wire (not shown) disposed within the central cavity 48 of the elongate body 22. The fixation assembly drive wire is operably connected to the fixation assembly 56 to drive the switching of the fixation assembly 56 between the unlocked and unlocked configurations.

[0265] Schematic diagram 1-57 are schematic diagrams illustrating the construction, implantation, and use of an embodiment of a ventricular assist device (VAD) 1010 (which closely resembles VAD 10) of the present technology. It should be understood that these diagrams are intended to be merely exemplary and educational for those skilled in the art. The diagrams are not intended to be design drawings. In some cases, device elements and / or anatomical structures may be merely approximated and / or omitted, as actual detail is not believed necessary for the understanding of one skilled in the art. Additionally, conventional methods and / or steps may not be shown, as they would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0266] Figure 1 illustrates a pumping unit 1014 of a VAD. For purposes of illustration, the shroud surrounding the impeller 1076 at the distal end of the elongated body 1080 has been removed. The control wires 1038 of the pumping unit 1014 and other pumping units (not shown) are visible. The proximal end 1040 of the elongated body 1080 is shown. The view in Figure 1 is taken from the distal end of the unit.

[0267] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, but now shows the shroud 1120 as transparent, thereby allowing visualization of the flow cavity 1108 within the pumping unit 1014. The shroud 1120 forms part of the elongated body 1080 of the pumping unit 1014. The distal end 1060 of the elongated body 1080 is shown.

[0268] 3 is similar to FIG. 2, but now shows the shroud 1120 as opaque, allowing visualization of a first set of openings 1064 leading into the flow cavity in the side of the elongate body 1080 and a second set of openings 1065 leading into the flow cavity at the distal end 1060 of the elongate body 1080.

[0269] FIG. 4 illustrates the pumping unit of FIGS. 1-3 as a first pumping unit 1014a. A second pumping unit 1014b (similar to the first pumping unit 1014a) is also shown. The proximal end 1040b of the second pumping unit 1014b faces the distal end 1060a of the first pumping unit 1014a. The longitudinal axes (not shown) of the elongated bodies 1080a, 1080b are generally collinear. The control wires 1038a, 1038b of the first pumping unit 1014a and the second pumping unit 1014b (respectively) are shown. The view in FIG. 4 is taken from the proximal end of the first pumping unit.

[0270] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4, but shows three pumping units 1014a, 1014b, and 1014c. The longitudinal axes (not shown) of the elongate bodies 1080a, 1080b, and 1080c are generally collinear. The control wires 1038a, 1038b, and 1038c (respectively) of each pumping unit 1014a, 1014b, and 1014c are shown. Each pumping unit 1014a, 1014b, and 1014c is in its undocked configuration.

[0271] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5, but shows the three pumping units 1014a, 1014b, 1014c such that the longitudinal axes (not shown) of the elongate bodies 1080a, 1080b, 1080c are no longer approximately collinear. Control wires 1038a, 1038b, 1038c (respectively) for each pumping unit 1014a, 1014b, 1014c are also shown.

[0272] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 but shows the docking unit 1016. The first pumping unit 1014a is being pulled forward by pulling its control wire 1038a, causing its docking surface (not shown) to slide along the first receiving surface 1024a of the docking unit 1016. In Figure 7, the proximal end 1040a of the first pumping unit 1014a is shown between portions of the fastening assembly 1056 of the docking unit 1016.

[0273] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, except that the first pumping unit 1014a has been pulled further forward by pulling its control wire 1038a to slide its docking surface further along the first receiving surface 1024a of the docking unit 1016. In Figure 8, the proximal end 1040a of the first pumping unit 1014a is shown entering the first retaining element 1052a. The retaining element 1052a holds the first pumping unit 1014a in place when the first pumping unit 1014a is in its docked fastening configuration.

[0274] FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, except that the first pumping unit 1014a has been pulled further forward. This is done by pulling its control wire 1038a to slide its docking surface further along the first receiving surface 1024a of the docking unit 1016, causing the docking surface and the first receiving surface 1024a to mate with each other. As a result, the first pumping unit 1014a is in its docked fastening configuration. In FIG. 8, the first retaining element 1052a is biased against the outer wall 1058a of the elongated body 1080a of the first pumping unit 1014a, holding it in place. The distal end 1060a of the first pumping unit 1014a is between portions of the securing assembly 1056 of the docking unit 1016. The second pumping unit 1014b has been pulled forward. This is done by pulling its control wire 1038b to a position similar to that of the first pumping unit 1014a in Figure 7. The docking surface 1053b of the second pumping unit 1014b can be seen in Figure 9.

[0275] Figure 10 is similar to Figure 9, except that the second pumping unit 1014b has been pulled further forward by pulling its control wire 1038b to slide its docking surface 1053 further along the second receiving surface (not shown) of the docking unit 1016. The second pumping unit 1014b is in a position similar to that of the first pumping unit 1014a in Figure 8. The third pumping unit 1014c has been pulled slightly forward by pulling its control wire 1038c.

[0276] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10, except that the second pumping unit 1014b has been pulled further forward by pulling its control wire 1038b, causing its docking surface 1053b to slide further along the receiving surface 1016 of the second docking unit, thereby mating the docking surface 1053b with the second receiving surface. As a result, the second pumping unit 1014b is in its docked fastening configuration. In FIG. 11, the second retaining element 1052b is biased against the outer wall of the elongated body of the second pumping unit 1014b, holding it in place. The third pumping unit 1014c has been pulled forward by pulling its control wire 1038c, placing it in a position similar to that of the first pumping unit 1014b in FIG. 7.

[0277] FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11 , except that the third pumping unit 1014c has been pulled further forward. This is done by pulling its control wire 1038c to slide its docking surface (not shown) further along the third receiving surface 1024c of the docking unit 1016 until the docking surface and the third receiving surface 1024c intermate. As a result, the third pumping unit 1014c is in its docked fastening configuration. In FIG. 12, the third retaining element 1052c is biased against the outer wall 1058c of the elongated body 1080c of the third pumping unit 1014c, holding it in place. In FIG. 12, the VAD 1010 is in its assembled configuration because each of the pumping units 1014a, 1014b, and 1014c is in its docked fastening configuration. 11 and 12, the control wires 1038 of each pumping unit 1014 pass through guide holes into the docking unit 1016 and travel within a cavity (not shown) in the control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016. This is why the control wires 1038 are not shown in FIG. 12. As previously mentioned, movement (e.g., pulling, pushing) of the control wires 1038 is not hindered by their presence within the cavity of the control cable 1039.

[0278] Figure 13 is similar to Figure 12, but shows a side view of the device 1010. The device 1010 is still in its assembled configuration. The distal end 1023 (as well as the proximal end 1025) of the docking unit 1016 is shown in Figure 13.

[0279] Figure 14 is similar to Figure 13, but is a view from the distal end of device 1010. Device 1010 is still in its assembled configuration.

[0280] FIG. 15 shows the device 1010 prior to implantation within the human body (e.g., partially via conventional Seldinger techniques). Specifically, an introducer 1122 is shown, which includes a dilator 1024 and a delivery sheath 1126. A loader 1128 is also shown, into which the device 1010 is loaded (in its delivery configuration). A forward (distal) portion 1130 of the loader is sized and shaped to mate with a rearward (proximal) portion 1132 of the delivery sheath 1126. A control cable 1039 (containing a control wire 1038 within its cavity) extends from the rearward portion 1132 of the loader 1128. In FIG. 15, the loader 1128 is shown transparent to allow visibility into the interior of the device 1010. The view in FIG. 15 is from the distal end of the structure.

[0281] FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15, but shows a close-up view of the loader 1128 (shown opaque).

[0282] Figure 17 is similar to Figure 15, but the view is from the proximal end of the structure. It shows the proximal end 1041 of the control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016. Emerging from a seal 1043 at the proximal end 1041 of the control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016 are the proximal ends of the control wires 1038a, 1038b, and 1038c (respectively) of the pumping units 1014a, 1014b, and 1014c. An electrical connector tip 1045a, 1045b, and 1045c is located on each control wire 1038a, 1038b, and 1038c (respectively). The control wires 1038 are both mechanically structural (capable of being manually pulled and pushed) and electrical (capable of transmitting power and electrical signals).

[0283] FIG. 18 shows a simulated patient 1200 in a catheter lab prepared for implantation of device 1010.

[0284] A simulated patient 1200, shown in FIG. 19, has had a right thigh access area 1202 prepared (eg, surgically).

[0285] FIG. 20 shows a detailed view of the right thigh access area 1202.

[0286] 21 shows a schematic diagram of portions of the skeletal and vasculature structure of a patient 1200. An inset of the right femoral access area 1202 is also shown.

[0287] FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21, but shows a guidewire 1204 about to be inserted into a patient 1200 (eg, as part of a conventional minimal surgical intervention).

[0288] Figure 23 is similar to Figure 22, but shows a guidewire 1204 inserted into the right femoral artery 1206 of the patient 1200. This can be seen (as well as inserted) in the main image.

[0289] Figure 24 is similar to Figure 23, but shows the introducer 1122 about to be inserted into the patient 1200. Both the dilator 1124 and delivery sheath 1126 of the introducer 1122 can be seen in the inset.

[0290] FIG. 25 is similar to FIG. 24, except that an introducer 1122 has been inserted into the patient's femoral artery 1206 (conventionally, the introducer 1122 is railed over a guidewire 1204 by the surgeon).

[0291] FIG. 26 is similar to FIG. 25, except that the introducer 1122 is now further into the vasculature of the patient 1200 at the patient's right common iliac artery 1208.

[0292] FIG. 27 is similar to FIG. 26, but here introducer 1122 is further into the vasculature of patient 1200 at the patient's descending abdominal aortic rupture 1210.

[0293] FIG. 28 is similar to FIG. 27, except that here introducer 1122 is further into the vasculature of patient 1200 in the patient's descending thoracic aorta 1212 behind the patient's heart 1214 (in this view).

[0294] 29 shows a close-up view of the introducer at an implantation site 1214 in a patient's aorta. As can be seen in the inset, the trailing end 1132 of the introducer 1122 (and thus part of the delivery sheath 1126) remains outside the body of the patient 1200.

[0295] Figure 30 is similar to Figure 29, except that the guidewire 1204 has been withdrawn from the body of the patient 1200 (as seen in the inset), and the dilator 1124 (via the delivery sheath 1126) has begun to be withdrawn from the patient's body.

[0296] FIG. 31 is similar to FIG. 30, but shows the dilator 1124 withdrawn to a greater extent from the patient's body.

[0297] FIG. 32 is similar to FIG. 31, but shows the dilator 1124 completely withdrawn from the patient's body.

[0298] FIG. 33 is similar to FIG. 32, but the loader 1128 is brought into connection with the rear end 1132 of the delivery sheath 1126.

[0299] FIG. 34 is similar to FIG. 33, except that the loader 1128 is secured to the rear end 1132 of the delivery sheath 1126 with the front end 1130 (FIG. 33) inserted into the rear end 1132 of the delivery sheath 1126 .

[0300] Figure 35 is similar to Figure 34, but shows the proximal end 1041 of the control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016. As can be seen in the inset, the control wire 1038 of the pumping unit 1014 extends from the proximal end 1041 of the control cable 1039.

[0301] Figure 36 is similar to Figure 36, but shows a mechanical handle device 1136 (whose function is simply to facilitate handling of various wires, cables, and components, but which is not part of, and is not required for, the present technology), and the distal end 1134 of the delivery sheath 1126 is shown in the main image.

[0302] FIG. 37 is similar to FIG. 36, but shows a portion of the arm 1138 of the handle 1136 (with the body of the handle 1136 retracted).

[0303] FIG. 38 is similar to FIG. 37, but shows a close-up view of the handle 1136, showing the control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016 and the control wire 1038 of the pumping unit 1014.

[0304] Figure 39 is similar to Figure 38, but shows a close-up view of the handle 1136, with the tip 1045 of the control wire 1038 of the pumping unit 1014 inserted or inserted into the handle 1136 and secured therein (allowing the control wire 1038 to be pulled more easily than simply by hand).

[0305] FIG. 40 is similar to FIG. 39, except that the tips 1045 of the control wires 1038 of the pumping unit 1014 are all secured within the handle 1136.

[0306] 41 shows the delivery sheath 1126 being withdrawn from the body of the patient 1200. The third pumping unit 1014c begins to emerge from the distal end 1134 of the delivery sheath 1126 at the implantation site 1214 (distal end 1060c first).

[0307] Figure 42 is similar to Figure 41, except that the delivery sheath 1126 has been further withdrawn from the body of the patient 1200. The third pumping unit 1014c has fully exited the delivery sheath 1126 at the implantation site 1214. The second pumping unit 1014b has nearly fully exited the delivery sheath 1126 at the implantation site 1214 (distal end 1060b first).

[0308] Figure 43 is similar to Figure 42, except that the delivery sheath 1126 has been further withdrawn from the body of the patient 1200. The first pumping unit 1014a has completely exited the delivery sheath 1126 (distal end 1060a first) at the implantation site 1214. The control wires 1038a, 1038b, 1038c of the pumping unit 1014 have exited the delivery sheath 1126 at the implantation site 1214. The docking unit 1016 has also begun to exit the delivery sheath 1126 distal end 1023 first. Because the securing assembly 1056 is biased away from the elongate body 1022 of the docking unit 1016, once the securing assembly 1056 exits the delivery sheath 1126 at the implantation site 1214, it moves to the secured configuration to secure the docking unit 1016 in place.

[0309] FIG. 44 is similar to FIG. 43, except that the entire docking unit 1016 and a portion of the control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016 exit the delivery sheath 1126 at the implantation site 1214.

[0310] FIG. 45 is similar to FIG. 6, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214.

[0311] FIG. 46 is similar to FIG. 7, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214.

[0312] FIG. 47 is similar to FIG. 8, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214.

[0313] FIG. 48 is similar to FIG. 9, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214.

[0314] FIG. 49 is similar to FIG. 10, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214.

[0315] FIG. 50 is similar to FIG. 11, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214.

[0316] FIG. 51 is similar to FIG. 12, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214.

[0317] FIG. 52 is similar to FIG. 13, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214.

[0318] Figure 53 is similar to Figure 35, except that the loader 1128 has been disconnected from the rear end 1132 of the delivery sheath 1126 and has slid over the control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016 and the control wire 1038 of the pumping unit 1014. The device 1010 is in an assembled configuration at the implantation site.

[0319] FIG. 54 is similar to FIG. 53, but the loader 1128 has been slid away from the rear end 1132 of the delivery sheath 1126.

[0320] Figure 55 is similar to Figure 54, except that the loader 1128 has been fully removed and the delivery sheath 1126 is in the process of being withdrawn (e.g., retracted) from the patient's body by sliding itself over the control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016 and the control wire 1038 of the pumping unit 1014.

[0321] Figure 56 is similar to Figure 55, but the delivery sheath has been completely removed. The device 1010 is in an assembled configuration at the implantation site. The control cable 1039 of the docking unit 1016 and the control wire 1038 of the pumping unit exit the patient's body. The control wire 1038 is ready to be attached to the control unit, thereby powering, operating, and / or controlling the device 1010.

[0322] Figure 57 is similar to Figure 56, but shows the device 1010 at the implantation site 1214. Distal end openings 1065a, 1065b, 1065c are pump inlets.

[0323] Further embodiments and features 58 shows another embodiment of the present technology, a VAD 2010, at an implantation site 2214. The VAD 2010 is very similar in design to the VAD 1010. As such, the VAD 2010 has a docking unit 2016 and three pumping units 2014. A control cable 2039 extends from the docking unit 2016. In this embodiment, the VAD 2020 does not have a fixation assembly (or other structure that serves a similar purpose). The VAD 2020 is held in place via the control cable 2039 of the docking unit 2016.

[0324] 59 shows a schematic diagram of a VAD 3010, another embodiment of the present technology. The VAD 3010 is similar in design to the VAD 1010. The VAD 3010 has a docking unit 3016 and three ejection units 3014. A control cable 3039 extends from the docking unit 3016, and its cavity contains the control wires 3038 of the ejection units 3014. In this embodiment, the fixation assembly 3056 is different from the fixation assembly 1056 of the VAD 1010. The VAD 3010 is prepared for retrieval; that is, the surgeon is pushing the control wire 3038a, and the ejection unit 3014a is in its undocked configuration (the control wire 3038a exiting the proximal end is shown shorter). The ejection units 3014b and 3014c (not shown) remain in their docked and fastened configurations.

[0325] Figure 60 shows a schematic diagram of a VAD 4010, another embodiment of the present technology. The VAD 4010 is similar in design to the VAD 3010. However, the docking unit 4016 does not have a control cable. The control wire 4038 of the pumping unit 4014 simply travels through the patient's vasculature without being inside any other structure. As in Figure 59, the VAD 4010 is prepared for retrieval. That is, the surgeon is pushing the control wire 4038a, and the pumping unit 4014a is in its undocked configuration (the control wire 4038a exiting the proximal end is shown shorter). The pumping units 4014b and 4014c (not shown) remain in their docked and fastened configurations.

[0326] Figure 61 shows a schematic diagram of a VAD 5010, another embodiment of the present technology. The VAD 5010 is similar to the VAD 2010 shown in Figure 58. As in Figures 58 and 59, the VAD 5010 is prepared for retrieval, i.e., the control wire 5038 (not shown) is being pushed by the surgeon and the pumping units 5014a, 5014b, 5014c are all in their undocked configuration.

[0327] Figure 62 shows the VAD 5010 of Figure 61. The retrieval sheath 5140 is railed over the control cable 5039 of the docking unit 5016 to a point just proximal to the docking unit 5016.

[0328] Figure 63 shows a schematic diagram of a VAD 6010, another embodiment of the present technology. The VAD 6010 is similar to the VAD 5010, except that the docking unit 5016 does not have a control cable. The control wire 6038 of the pumping unit 6014 simply travels through the patient's vasculature without being inside any other structure. Similar to Figure 62, in this illustration, the retrieval sheath 6140 is railed over the control wire 6038 to a point just proximal to the docking unit 6016.

[0329] FIG. 64 shows an exploded view of the VAD 3010 shown in FIG. 59 . Shown in FIG. 64 are a docking unit 3016 and three pumping units 3014. One of the pumping units 3014 is also shown in an exploded view, showing its main body portion 3142, seal 3144, impeller 3076, and shroud 3120. The control wires 3038 of each pumping unit 3014 extend from their proximal ends into guide holes in the docking unit 3016 and from there into cavities in the control cables 3039 of the docking unit 3016. The connection between the control cables 3039 and the docking unit 3016 is also shown in the exploded view: the seal 3146 and the connector 3148, which holds the seal 3146 in place and connects the control cables 3039 to the docking unit 3016. An additional seal 3150 is at the proximal end of the control cable 3039. A control wire 3038 of the pumping unit 3014 extends through the seal 3150. The control wire 3038 terminates in an electrical connector tip 3045.

[0330] 65 shows a schematic diagram of how a VAD 7010, an embodiment of the present technology, is positioned within a loader (e.g., rigid sheath) 7128 in a delivery configuration. The VAD 7010 includes a docking unit 7016 and three pumping units 7014a, 7014b, 7014c. In this embodiment, the third pumping unit 7014c is positioned furthest from the docking unit 7016. The second pumping unit 7014b is closer to the docking unit 7016. Finally, the first pumping unit 7014a is positioned closest to the docking unit 7016. A control wire 7038c of the third pumping unit 7014c extends from its proximal end 7040c. The control wire 7038c runs alongside the elongated body 7080b of the second pumping unit 7014b, then alongside the elongated body 7080a of the first pumping unit 7014a, then alongside the elongated body 7022 of the docking unit 7016, then into the guide hole of the docking unit 7016, and finally into the cavity of the control cable 7039 of the docking unit 7016. The control wire 7038b of the second pumping unit 7014b extends from its proximal end 7040b. The control wire 7038b then runs alongside the elongated body 7080a of the first pumping unit 7014a, then alongside the elongated body 7022 of the docking unit 7016, then into the guide hole of the docking unit 7016, and finally into the cavity of the control cable 7039 of the docking unit 7016. A control wire 7038a of the first pumping unit 7014a extends from its proximal end 7040a, runs alongside the elongate body 7022 of the docking unit 7016, and finally runs into a cavity in the control cable 7039 of the docking unit 7016.

[0331] FIG. 66 shows an enlarged schematic view of the first pumping unit 7014a in the loader 7128 of FIG.

[0332] FIG. 67 shows a cross-sectional view of the first pumping unit 7014a in the loader 7128 taken along line 67-67 of FIG.

[0333] 75 is a schematic diagram illustrating the diameter ΦA of the smallest boundary right circular cylinder of the docking unit 16 of the VAD 10 and the diameter ΦB of the smallest boundary right circular cylinder of the first pumping unit 14a of the VAD 10. As can be seen from the diagram, the diameter ΦA is smaller than the diameter ΦB. In the VAD 10, all of the pumping units 14 are identical. Therefore, the diameters of the smallest boundary right circular cylinders of the second pumping unit 14b and the third pumping unit 14c of the VAD 10 are also represented by the diameter ΦB.

[0334] FIG. 76 shows a pumping unit 11014 of an embodiment of the present technology with the shroud removed.

[0335] FIG. 77 shows an enlarged side view of the proximal end 11060 of the pumping unit 11014 of FIG.

[0336] FIG. 78 shows an enlarged front view of the proximal end 11060 of the pumping unit 11014 of FIG.

[0337] FIG. 79 shows a docking unit 12016 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present technology.

[0338] 80 shows a docking unit 13016 of an alternative embodiment of the present technology. In this embodiment, the guide hole is an open path 13036 to which the control cable 13039 connects.

[0339] 81 shows a schematic of the interior cutout of the control cable 14039 with three isolated chambers 14041 therein. Note that the seal for the control cable, although similar in appearance, is made of silicone.

[0340] 82 shows a schematic diagram of a cutaway of the interior of a control cable 14039 having three isolated chambers 14041 therein. As shown, a control wire 14038 of a functional unit (not shown) passes through one of the isolated chambers. Note that the seal for the control cable, while similar in appearance, is made of silicone.

[0341] FIG. 83 illustrates the locking assembly 3056 of FIG. 59 in a locked configuration.

[0342] FIG. 84 illustrates the locking assembly 3056 of FIG. 59 in an unlocked configuration.

[0343] Referring to FIG. 85 , another embodiment of the present technology, device 9010, is shown. In this embodiment, the device is not a VAD, but rather has a functional unit 9014. The functional unit 9014 is structured and configured to serve a different purpose when in a docked and fastened configuration with a docking unit 9016. Specifically, as can be seen, the shape and dimensions of the functional unit are configured such that when the device is in its assembled configuration, it blocks the passage of bodily fluids in a bodily conduit in which it is implanted. As such, in this embodiment, the functional unit can be referred to as a “fluid-blocking” unit. Furthermore, in some embodiments, an opening in the functional unit 9014 communicates with bodily fluids in the conduit. A tube passes through a control wire (not shown) in the functional unit 9014, through a control cable 9042 in the docking unit 9016, and exits the patient's body. Bodily fluids may be withdrawn or a substance may be delivered through the tube, as appropriate.

[0344] Referring to FIG. 86 , another embodiment of the present technology, a VAD 10010, is shown. An expandable barrier assembly 10045 is connected to a docking unit 10016 of the VAD 10010. The barrier assembly 10045 has an extended configuration (shown) and a retracted configuration (not shown). The barrier assembly 10045 is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between the retracted and extended configurations to prevent fluid from flowing between the device and the vessel wall at the implantation site. In this manner, the barrier assembly 10045 blocks fluid recirculation around the device 10010 (from the opening 10064 (which in this embodiment is the pump unit outlet) to the pump unit inlet (hidden by the barrier assembly in FIG. 86 )). A barrier assembly drive wire (not shown) is disposed within a central cavity (not shown) of the elongate body and is operably connected to the barrier assembly to drive the switching of the barrier assembly between the extended and retracted configurations.

[0345] In other embodiments, the barrier assembly is biased toward the expanded configuration. When the barrier assembly is inserted into the catheter, the barrier assembly switches to its contracted configuration. When the barrier assembly is removed from the catheter, the barrier assembly switches to its expanded configuration.

[0346] In other embodiments, the barrier assembly, when in the expanded configuration, secures the docking unit at the implantation site.

[0347] Animal testing Figure 68 shows an image taken of a VAD 8010 of an embodiment of the present technology in the process of being implanted into a pig's aorta. In Figure 68, the VAD 8010 is in a delivery configuration within a delivery sheath 8126 within the pig's thoracic aorta. A third pumping unit 8014c can be seen in the image of Figure 68. The pig's heart is identified as 8214.

[0348] Figure 69 shows an image taken of the VAD 8010 further along in the implantation process in the pig of Figure 68. In Figure 69, the third pumping unit 8014c has exited the delivery sheath 8126. The second pumping unit 8014b and the first pumping unit 8014a can also be seen in the image and are still within the delivery sheath 8126.

[0349] Figure 70 shows an image taken of the VAD 8010 further along in the implantation process in the pig of Figure 68. In Figure 70, all of the pumping units 8014 have exited the delivery sheath 8126 and are in the docked fastening configuration.

[0350] The VAD8010 has been successfully implanted, operated (8 hours of continuous operation), and explanted from pigs. Tests showed no significant increase in blood damage markers (LDH, plasma free Hb) or decrease in vWF activity.

[0351] Charts and Models Figure 71 is a chart comparing the scalar shear stress generated by a single-pump VAD (e.g., one of the Impella types) with the scalar shear stress generated by the pump unit of a triple-pump modular assembly VAD (e.g., that shown in Figure 57). Here, both devices are operated to generate a flow of 1 liter / minute, and each pump unit of the modular assembly VAD is of similar size to the single-pump VAD. On the left axis of the chart is the volume being pumped by the pump / pump unit (as applicable). On the bottom axis of the chart is the scalar shear stress being generated. The single-pump VAD must operate at a higher rotational speed to generate the same outflow as the modular assembly VAD. In a modular assembly VAD, the volumetric output of each of the multiple pumps contributes to the total volumetric output generated by the modular assembly. The chart shows that the single pump generates a higher scalar shear stress than the individual pumps of the modular assembly due to its higher rotational speed. Finally, the chart shows that the modular assembly pumping unit allows for a greater volumetric throughput at a given scalar shear stress rate than can be achieved with a single pump. Thus, the modular assembly pumping unit allows for a greater volumetric throughput before reaching the hemolysis threshold.

[0352] Figure 72 is a chart similar to that of Figure 71, but at a flow rate of 2.5 liters / minute. The same general conclusions can be drawn from both charts. However, by comparing the two charts, it can be seen that the effect of the modular pump assembly is even more evident at this higher flow rate.

[0353] A computational fluid dynamics analysis of a single pump VAD (e.g., one of the Impella type) for a given fluid flow rate is shown in Figure 73. The color indicates the fluid velocity in the space around the impeller within the fluid flow cavity.

[0354] Figure 74 shows a computational fluid dynamics analysis of one pumping unit of a triple-pump modular assembly VAD (such as that shown in Figure 57) for the case where the total flow rate of the modular assembly VAD is the same as that of the single-pump device of Figure 73. The colors indicate the fluid velocity within the fluid flow cavity. The same colors are used for the same velocities in both figures. As can be seen by comparing the figures, the fluid velocity is much lower in the pumping unit of the modular VAD than in the single pump. Therefore, the risk of hemolysis, etc. (all detailed above) is greatly reduced in the pumping unit compared to the single pump.

[0355] others The present technology is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting. The use herein of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and optionally additional items. In the description, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0356] Please note that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0357] As used herein, the terms "about," "typically," "substantially," and the like, in relation to a given value, range, etc., refer to a value or range, etc., that is within 20%, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of the given value or range.

[0358] As used herein, the term "and / or" shall be interpreted as a specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example, "A and / or B" shall be interpreted as a specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B, and (iii) A and B (as if each were set forth separately herein).

[0359] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the technology be limited only by the appended claims.

[0360] Further clauses and descriptions - for use in the national phase

[0361] Device X-1. A modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow affecting device, comprising: A docking unit comprising: The docking unit has an elongated body, the elongated body comprising: The longitudinal axis and at least one receiving surface extending parallel to said longitudinal axis; a distal end and a proximal end; at least one proximal guide hole, wherein each receiving surface has at least one proximal guide hole associated therewith; the docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a vessel of a ductal system of the mammalian body; the docking unit; a first functional unit, The first functional unit comprises: An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and a distal end and a proximal end; At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body is configured to prevent the elongated body from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extending proximally away from the docking unit; and the size and shape of the first functional unit are set so that it can be delivered to the implantation site through the catheter; The first functional unit comprises: a docking fastening arrangement in which the docking surface of the first functional unit mates with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the first functional unit does not mate with and is spaced apart from a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and the first functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docked fastening configuration at the implantation site via movement of the control wire of the first functional unit; the first functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docked fastened configuration by pulling the control wire of the first functional unit; the first functional unit is movable from the docked fastening configuration to the docked undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the first functional unit; the first functional unit; 10. The modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow affecting device of claim 9,

[0362] X-2. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated body of the docking unit is non-expandable.

[0363] X-3. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the diameter of the smallest bounding right cylinder of the docking unit is no greater than the diameter of the smallest bounding right cylinder of the functional unit.

[0364] X-4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the docking unit is a central docking unit.

[0365] X-5.Furthermore, a second functional unit; The second functional unit is An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and a distal end and a proximal end; At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body is configured to prevent the elongated body from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extending proximally away from the docking unit; the second functional unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable to the implantation site through the catheter; The second functional unit is a docking fastening arrangement in which the docking surface of the second functional unit mates with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit does not mate with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit and is spaced apart from the second receiving surface; the second functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docked fastening configuration via movement of the control wire of the second functional unit; the second functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docked fastened configuration by pulling the control wire of the second functional unit; 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second functional unit is movable from the docked fastening configuration to the docked undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the second functional unit.

[0366] X-6.Furthermore, a third functional unit; The third functional unit is An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and a distal end and a proximal end; At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body is configured to prevent the elongated body from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the body, the control wire passing through one of the at least one proximal guide hole of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; the third functional unit is sized and shaped so as to be deliverable to the implantation site through the catheter; The third functional unit is a docking fastening arrangement in which the docking surface of the third functional unit mates with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the third functional unit does not mate with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit and is spaced apart from the third receiving surface; the third functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docked fastening configuration via movement of the control wire of the third functional unit; the third functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docked fastened configuration by pulling the control wire of the third functional unit; The device of claim 5 , wherein the third functional unit is movable from the docked fastened configuration to the docked undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the third functional unit.

[0367] X-7. The device of any one of claims 1-6, wherein each of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit is positioned at equal radial distances along the outer surface of the elongated body of the docking unit.

[0368] X-8. The device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit is each a recess.

[0369] X-9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the docking surface of each functional unit extends along a curved, convex outer wall of the elongated body of that functional unit.

[0370] X-10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the docking surface of each functional unit non-invasively aligns with the receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of that functional unit mates when that functional unit is in the docking fastening configuration.

[0371] X-11. The device of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the control wire for each functional unit extends from the apex of the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit.

[0372] X-12. The device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the control wire of each functional unit extends from the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit at a position offset from the longitudinal axis of that functional unit.

[0373] X-13. The device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit has an associated proximal end joint in which the proximal guide hole associated with that docking surface is positioned.

[0374] X-14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the proximal end of the elongated body of each functional unit has a joint contact surface.

[0375] X-15. The device of claim 14, wherein when each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface of the proximal end of the elongated body of that functional unit mates with the proximal end joint that corresponds to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongated body of that functional unit mates.

[0376] X-16. The apparatus of clause 15, wherein when each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface of the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit non-invasively aligns with the proximal end joint that corresponds to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates.

[0377] X-17. When each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface at the proximal end of the elongate body of the functional unit; the proximal end joint portion corresponding to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit into which the docking surface of the elongated body of the functional unit mates; and 17. The device of claim 15, wherein when tension is applied to the control wire of one functional unit relative to the other, the docking surface of the elongated body of that functional unit is biased toward the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongated body of that functional unit mates.

[0378] X-18. When each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the location at which the control wire of each functional unit extends from the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit; the position of the proximal guide hole in the proximal end joint corresponding to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit into which the docking surface of the elongated body of the functional unit mates; 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the device is arranged such that when tension is applied to the control wire of one functional unit relative to the other, the docking surface of the elongated body of the functional unit is biased toward the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongated body of the functional unit mates.

[0379] X-19. When each of said functional units is in its docking fastening configuration, 19. The device of claim 14, wherein the joint contact surface of the proximal end of the elongated body of each functional unit mates with one of the proximal end joints of the docking unit, and the non-mating outward-facing portions of the proximal end of the elongated body of each functional unit are each inclined toward an apex of the proximal end.

[0380] X-20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a fluid flow path is disposed intermediate any two of said functional units when each of said functional units is in its docked fastened configuration.

[0381] X-21. The control wires of each functional unit are control wire assemblies; 21. The device of claim 1, wherein the control wire assembly has at least an electrical component for delivering power to the functional unit via the control wire assembly, and a mechanical component for structurally reinforcing the control wire assembly of the functional unit.

[0382] X-22. The electrical components of the control wire assembly of each functional unit are a plurality of electrical wires; the mechanical component of the control wire assembly of each functional unit is a structural wire; 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the control wire assembly of each functional unit further comprises an outer sheath that bundles together and surrounds the plurality of electrical wires and the structural wires of that functional unit.

[0383] X-23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plurality of electrical wires for each functional unit is three electrical wires, and each of the electrical wires for that functional unit and the structural wire have approximately the same diameter.

[0384] X-24. The electrical components of the control wire assembly of each functional unit are a plurality of electrical wires; 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mechanical component of the control wire assembly of each functional unit is an outer sheath that bundles and surrounds the electrical wires of that functional unit.

[0385] X-25. The device of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the elongated body of the docking unit has a central cavity extending longitudinally.

[0386] X-26. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-25, further comprising a locking assembly connected to said docking unit, said locking assembly having a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration.

[0387] X-27. The device of claim 26, wherein the fixation assembly is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration to fix the docking unit at the implantation site.

[0388] X-28. Further including a fixation assembly drive wire disposed within the central cavity of the elongated body of the docking unit; 28. The apparatus of claim 27, indirectly dependent on claim 25, wherein the fixation assembly drive wire is operatively connected to the fixation assembly to drive switching of the fixation assembly between the fixed configuration and the unlocked configuration.

[0389] X-29. The device of claim 26, wherein the fixation assembly is biased toward the fixation configuration, the fixation assembly switches to its unlocked configuration when the fixation assembly is inserted into the catheter, and the fixation assembly switches to its fixation configuration when the fixation assembly is removed from the catheter.

[0390] X-30. Further comprising an expandable barrier assembly connected to said docking unit; 30. The device of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the barrier assembly has an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

[0391] X-31. The device of claim 30, wherein the barrier assembly is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration to prevent fluid from flowing around the device by blocking space around the device at the implantation site.

[0392] X-32. Further including a barrier assembly drive wire disposed within the central cavity of the elongated body of the docking unit; 32. The apparatus of claim 31, indirectly dependent on claim 25, wherein the barrier assembly drive wire is operatively connected to the barrier assembly to drive switching of the barrier assembly between the expanded configuration and the contracted configuration.

[0393] X-33. The device of claim 30, wherein the barrier assembly is biased toward the expanded configuration, the barrier assembly switching to its contracted configuration when the barrier assembly is inserted into the catheter, and the barrier assembly switching to its expanded configuration when the barrier assembly is removed from the catheter.

[0394] X-34. The docking unit of any one of claims 30-33, wherein the barrier assembly secures the docking unit at the implantation site when in the expanded configuration.

[0395] X-35. Further including a control cable attached to said docking unit; 35. The device of any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the outer diameter of the control cable is sized to allow it to pass through the duct system of the mammalian body to reach the implantation site.

[0396] X-36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the control cable is hollow and has a cavity formed therein.

[0397] X-37. The device of claim 36, wherein the control wire of each functional unit enters and passes through the cavity in the control cable after exiting the proximal guide hole associated with the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit into which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates.

[0398] X-38. Further including a seal located within at least one of the docking unit and the cavity of the control cable; 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the seal prevents fluid from entering the cavity of the control cable while allowing the control wire of each functional assembly to move through the seal.

[0399] X-39. The apparatus of claim 38 indirectly dependent on claim 29, wherein the fixation assembly drive wire movably passes through the seal and enters the cavity within the control cable.

[0400] X-40. The apparatus of claim 38 indirectly dependent on claim 33, wherein the barrier assembly drive wire movably passes through the seal and enters the cavity within the control cable.

[0401] X-41. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the cavity is divided into a plurality of separate, isolated chambers.

[0402] X-42. The device of claim 41, wherein the control wire of each functional unit enters one of the plurality of isolated chambers of the cavity in the control cable, separate from the control wires of all other functional units, after exiting the proximal guide hole in the proximal end joint that corresponds to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates.

[0403] X-43. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising at least one seal located within at least one of the docking unit, the control cable cavity, and the chamber of the control cable cavity, the seal preventing fluid from entering the chamber of the control cable assembly cavity while allowing the control wire of each functional assembly to move through the at least one seal.

[0404] X-44. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 42 and 43, indirectly dependent on claim 28, wherein the assembly drive wire, after exiting the central cavity of the elongated body of the docking unit, enters one of the plurality of isolated chambers of the cavity separate from the others of the plurality of isolated chambers into which the control wires of the functional units enter.

[0405] X-45. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 42 and 43, indirectly dependent on claim 32, wherein the barrier assembly drive wire, after exiting the central cavity of the elongated body of the docking unit, enters one of the plurality of isolated chambers separate from the others of the plurality of isolated chambers into which the control wires of the functional units enter.

[0406] X-46. The device of any one of claims 42 and 43, wherein the inner diameter of each isolated chamber within the cavity of the control cable and the outer diameter of the control wire entering that isolated chamber are sized, one relative to the other, to prevent fluid from flowing around the control wire within that isolated chamber while still allowing the control wire to move within that isolated chamber.

[0407] X-47. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-46, wherein the first functional unit is a first pumping unit.

[0408] X-48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the second functional unit is a second pumping unit.

[0409] X-49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the third functional unit is a third pumping unit.

[0410] X-50. Each pumping unit has a fluid flow cavity therein, 49. The device of claim 47, wherein the fluid flow cavity extends between a first opening in the elongate body of the pumping unit and a second opening in the elongate body of the pumping unit.

[0411] X-51. The device of claim 50, wherein the first opening of each ejection unit is located on a side of the elongated body of that ejection unit so that the first opening is not obstructed when that ejection unit is in the docking fastening configuration, and the second opening of each ejection unit is located at the distal end of the elongated body of that ejection unit.

[0412] X-52. The apparatus of any one of claims 50 and 51, wherein there are no openings in the docking surface of each pumping unit.

[0413] X-53. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein one of the first opening and the second opening of each pumping unit is a fluid inlet, and the other of the first opening and the second opening of each pumping unit is a fluid outlet.

[0414] X-53A. The device of any claim 53 indirectly dependent on claim 31, wherein the barrier assembly, when in the expanded configuration, at least partially blocks a recirculation path of pumped fluid around the device between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of each pumping unit.

[0415] X-54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the fluid inlet of each pumping unit has a flow straightener associated with it.

[0416] X-55. The apparatus of claims 50-54, wherein an impeller is rotatably disposed within the fluid flow cavity of each pumping unit, and when the impeller rotates, fluid is drawn into the fluid flow cavity of that pumping unit through the fluid inlet of that pumping unit and fluid is expelled from the fluid flow cavity of that pumping unit through the fluid outlet of that pumping unit.

[0417] X-56. a motor is housed within the elongated body of each pumping unit; an impeller shaft is housed within the elongated body of each pumping unit and is rotatably drivable by the motor of that pumping unit; 56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the impeller of the pumping unit is rotatably drivable by the impeller shaft of the pumping unit.

[0418] X-57. The apparatus of any one of claims 55 and 56, wherein the impeller of each pumping unit is non-expandable.

[0419] X-58. The device of any one of claims 47-57, wherein fluid discharged from the fluid outlet of each pumping unit promotes entrainment of fluid flowing around the device.

[0420] X-59. The apparatus of any one of claims 47-58, wherein the ductal system of the body is the vasculature of the body.

[0421] X-60. The device of claim 59, wherein the device is a ventricular assist device and the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, left ventricle, vena cava, pulmonary artery, and right ventricle.

[0422] X-61. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-46, wherein each of said functional units is a flow fluid blocking unit, and when all of said functional units are in their docked fastened configurations, fluid flow through and around said apparatus is blocked.

[0423] X-62. The device of any one of claims 1-46, wherein at least one of the functional units is a substance delivery unit structured and arranged to deliver a substance to the implantation site.

[0424] X-63. The control wire of each substance delivery unit is a control wire assembly; 65. The device of claim 64, wherein the control wire assembly includes at least a tube for conveying the substance to the substance delivery unit.

[0425] X-64. A device as described in any one of claims 1-46 and claims 62-63, wherein at least one of the functional units is a fluid extraction unit structured and arranged to extract fluid from the implantation site.

[0426] X-65. The control wires of each fluid extraction unit are control wire assemblies; 65. The device of claim 64, wherein the control wire assembly includes at least a tube for conveying the fluid from the implantation site.

[0427] X-66. The device of any one of claims 1-65, wherein the catheter is a delivery sheath.

[0428] Intrasheath device X-67. Further including a sheath surrounding said docking unit and all said functional units; each of said functional units is in said undocked configuration; the sheath having a proximal end and a distal end; Within the sheath, the unit comprises: the proximal end of the docking unit closest to the proximal end of the sheath; and aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the first functional unit facing the distal end of the docking unit; The control wire of the first functional unit is extending within the sheath in a proximal direction from the proximal end of the elongate body of the first functional unit toward the proximal end of the sheath; advancement of the elongate body of the docking unit through the sheath; through the proximal guide hole of the docking unit that corresponds to the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and extending within the sheath in a proximal direction away from the docking unit toward the proximal end of the sheath; 67. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 66.

[0429] X-68. The device of claim 67, wherein the control wire of the first functional unit extends outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0430] X-69. The device of any one of claims 67-68, depending directly or indirectly from claim 36, wherein the control wire of the first functional unit extends proximally within the cavity of the control cable, away from the docking unit, toward the proximal end of the sheath.

[0431] X-70. The device of claim 69, wherein the control cables extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0432] X-71. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 67 to 70, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the docking unit and the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the first functional unit are approximately collinear.

[0433] X-72. the proximal end of the second functional unit faces the distal end of the first functional unit; The control wire of the second functional unit is extending within the sheath in a proximal direction from the proximal end of the elongate body of the second functional unit toward the proximal end of the sheath; advances through the sheath with the elongate body of the first functional unit; advancement of the elongate body of the docking unit through the sheath; through the proximal guide hole of the docking unit that corresponds to the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and extending within the sheath in a proximal direction away from the docking unit toward the proximal end of the sheath; 68. The apparatus of claim 67.

[0434] X-73. The device of claim 72, wherein the control wire of the first functional unit and the control wire of the second functional unit each extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0435] X-74. The device of any one of claims 72-73, depending directly or indirectly from claim 36, wherein the control wire of the first functional unit and the control wire of the second functional unit each extend proximally within the cavity of the control cable, away from the docking unit, toward the proximal end of the sheath.

[0436] X-75. The device of claim 70, wherein the control cables extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0437] X-76. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 72 to 75, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the docking unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the first functional unit, and the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the second functional unit are all approximately collinear.

[0438] X-77. the proximal end of the third functional unit faces the distal end of the second functional unit; The control wire of the third functional unit is extending within the sheath in a proximal direction from the proximal end of the elongate body of the third functional unit toward the proximal end of the sheath; advances within the sheath together with the elongate body of the second functional unit; advances through the sheath with the elongate body of the first functional unit; advancement of the elongate body of the docking unit through the sheath; through the proximal guide hole of the docking unit that corresponds to the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and extending within the sheath in a proximal direction away from the docking unit toward the proximal end of the sheath; 73. The apparatus of claim 72.

[0439] X-78. The device of claim 77, wherein the control wire of the first functional unit, the control wire of the second functional unit, and the control wire of the third functional unit each extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0440] X-79. The device of any one of claims 77-78, depending directly or indirectly from claim 36, wherein the control wire of the first functional unit, the control wire of the second functional unit, and the control wire of the third functional unit each extend proximally within the cavity of the control cable, away from the docking unit, toward the proximal end of the sheath.

[0441] X-80. The device of claim 79, wherein the control cables extend outside the proximal end of the sheath.

[0442] X-81. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 77 to 80, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the docking unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the first functional unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongated body of the second functional unit, and the longitudinal axis of the third functional unit are all approximately collinear.

[0443] X-82. The apparatus of any one of claims 67-81, wherein the sheath is a loader.

[0444] X-83. The device of any one of claims 67-82, wherein the sheath is a delivery sheath.

[0445] Docking unit alone X-84. A docking unit for use in a modular mammalian body implant device, comprising: an elongated body, the elongated body comprising: The longitudinal axis and at least one receiving surface extending parallel to said longitudinal axis; a distal end and a proximal end; at least one proximal guide hole, wherein each receiving surface has at least one proximal guide hole associated therewith; The docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a vessel of a ductal system of the mammalian body.

[0446] X-85. The docking unit of claim 84, wherein the elongate body is non-expandable.

[0447] X-86. The docking unit of any one of claims 84-85, wherein the docking unit is a central docking unit.

[0448] X-87. The docking unit of any one of claims 84-86, wherein each of the at least one receiving surfaces is positioned at equal radial distances along the outer surface of the elongate body.

[0449] X-88. The docking unit of any one of claims 84-87, wherein each of the at least one receiving surfaces is a recess.

[0450] X-89. A docking unit as described in any one of claims 84 to 88, wherein each of the at least one receiving surface has an associated proximal end joint in which the proximal guide hole associated with that docking surface is located.

[0451] X-90. A docking unit as described in any one of claims 84 to 89, wherein the at least one receiving surface is three receiving surfaces.

[0452] X-91. A docking unit as claimed in any one of claims 84 to 90, wherein the elongated body has a central cavity extending longitudinally.

[0453] X-92. The docking unit of any one of claims 84-91, further comprising a locking assembly connected to the elongate body, the locking assembly having a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration.

[0454] X-93. The docking unit of claim 92, wherein the locking assembly is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration to lock the docking unit at the implantation site.

[0455] X-94. Further including a fixation assembly drive wire disposed within the central cavity of the elongate body; 94. The docking unit of claim 93, indirectly dependent on claim 91, wherein the fixation assembly drive wire is operably connected to the fixation assembly to drive switching of the fixation assembly between the fixed configuration and the unlocked configuration.

[0456] X-95. A docking unit as described in claim 92, wherein the locking assembly is biased toward the locking configuration, the locking assembly switches to its unlocked configuration when the locking assembly is inserted into the catheter, and the locking assembly switches to its locking configuration when the locking assembly is removed from the catheter.

[0457] X-96. Further comprising an expandable barrier assembly connected to said docking unit; 96. The docking unit of any one of claims 84 to 95, wherein the barrier assembly has an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

[0458] X-97. A docking unit as described in claim 96, wherein the barrier assembly is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration to prevent fluid from flowing between the device and the conduit wall at the implantation site.

[0459] X-98. Further comprising a barrier assembly drive wire disposed within the central cavity of the elongate body; 98. The docking unit of claim 97, indirectly dependent on claim 84, wherein the barrier assembly drive wire is operably connected to the barrier assembly to drive switching of the barrier assembly between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

[0460] X-99. A docking unit as described in claim 96, wherein the barrier assembly is biased toward the expanded configuration, the barrier assembly switching to its contracted configuration when the barrier assembly is inserted into the catheter, and the barrier assembly switching to its expanded configuration when the barrier assembly is removed from the catheter.

[0461] X-100. A docking unit as described in any one of claims 96 to 99, wherein the barrier assembly secures the docking unit at the implantation site when in the expanded configuration.

[0462] X-101. Further including a control cable attached to said elongated body; 101. The docking unit according to claim 84, wherein the control cable has an outer diameter sized to be able to pass through the duct system of the body.

[0463] X-102. The docking unit of claim 101, wherein the control cable is hollow and has a cavity formed therein.

[0464] X-103. Further including a seal located within at least one of the docking unit and the cavity of the control cable; 103. The docking unit of claim 102, wherein the seal prevents fluid from entering the cavity of the control cable while allowing the control wire to move through the seal.

[0465] X-104. A docking unit as described in claim 103 indirectly depending from claim 94, wherein the fixation assembly drive wire movably passes through the seal and enters the cavity within the control cable.

[0466] X-105. A docking unit as described in claim 103 indirectly depending from claim 98, wherein the barrier assembly drive wire movably passes through the seal and enters the cavity within the control cable.

[0467] X-106. The docking unit of claim 102, wherein the cavity is divided into a plurality of separate, isolated chambers.

[0468] X-107. The docking unit of claim 106, wherein each of the chambers is sized to receive one of a single control wire and a single drive wire.

[0469] X-108. Further including at least one seal located within at least one of said docking unit, said control cable cavity, and a chamber of said control cable cavity; A docking unit as described in clause 107, which prevents fluid from entering the chamber of the cavity of the control cable while allowing one of the single control wire and the single drive wire to move through the at least one seal, respectively.

[0470] X-109. A docking unit as described in any one of claims 84 to 108, wherein the ductal system of the body is the vasculature of the body.

[0471] X-110. The docking unit of claim 109, wherein the modular implantable device is a ventricular assist device and the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, left ventricle, vena cava, pulmonary artery, and right ventricle.

[0472] X-111. The docking unit of any one of claims 1-110, wherein the catheter is a delivery sheath.

[0473] Functional unit alone X-112. A functional unit for use within a modular mammalian body implantable device, comprising: An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; a distal end and a proximal end; the elongate body having a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body; The first functional unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a vessel of a ductal system of the mammalian body.

[0474] X-113. The functional unit of claim 112, wherein the docking surface extends along a curved, convex outer wall of the elongate body.

[0475] X-114. A functional unit as described in any one of claims 112 to 113, wherein the control wire extends from the apex of the proximal end of the elongate body.

[0476] X-115. A functional unit as described in any one of claims 112 to 114, wherein the control wire extends from the proximal end of the elongate body at a position offset from the longitudinal axis.

[0477] X-116. The functional unit of any one of claims 112-115, wherein the proximal end of the elongate body has a joint contact surface.

[0478] X-117. The functional unit of claim 116, wherein a portion of the proximal end of the elongate body other than the joint contact surface is tapered toward an apex of the proximal end.

[0479] X-118. The control wire is a control wire assembly; A functional unit as described in any one of claims 112 to 117, wherein the control wire assembly has at least an electrical component for delivering power through the control wire assembly and a mechanical component for structurally reinforcing the control wire assembly.

[0480] X-119. the electrical component of the control wire assembly is a plurality of electrical wires; the mechanical component of the control wire assembly is a structural wire; 119. The functional unit of claim 118, wherein the control wire assembly further comprises an outer sheath that bundles and surrounds the plurality of electrical wires and the structural wires.

[0481] X-120. The functional unit of claim 119, wherein the plurality of electrical wires is three electrical wires, each of the electrical wires and the structural wire having approximately the same diameter.

[0482] X-121. the electrical component of the control wire assembly is a plurality of electrical wires; 119. A functional unit as described in claim 118, wherein the mechanical component of the control wire assembly is an outer sheath that bundles and surrounds the plurality of electrical wires.

[0483] X-122. The functional unit of any one of claims 112-121, wherein the functional unit is a pumping unit.

[0484] X-123. The functional unit of claim 122, wherein the elongated body has a fluid flow cavity therein, the fluid flow cavity extending between a first opening in the elongated body and a second opening in the elongated body.

[0485] X-124. The functional unit of claim 123, wherein the first opening is located on a side of the elongate body and the second opening is located at the distal end of the elongate body.

[0486] X-125. A functional unit as claimed in any one of claims 123 and 124, wherein there are no openings in the docking surface of each ejection unit.

[0487] X-126. A functional unit described in any one of claims 123 to 125, wherein one of the first opening and the second opening is a fluid inlet, and the other of the first opening and the second opening is a fluid outlet.

[0488] X-127. The functional unit of claim 126, wherein said fluid inlet has a flow straightener associated therewith.

[0489] X-128. A functional unit as described in claims 123-127, wherein an impeller is rotatably disposed within the fluid flow cavity, and when the impeller rotates, fluid is drawn into the fluid flow cavity through the fluid inlet and fluid is expelled from the fluid flow cavity through the fluid outlet.

[0490] X-129. a motor housed within the elongated body; an impeller shaft housed within the elongated body and rotatably drivable by the motor; 129. A functional unit as described in claim 128, wherein the impeller is rotatably drivable by the impeller shaft.

[0491] X-130. The functional unit of any one of claims 128 and 129, wherein the impeller is non-expandable.

[0492] X-131. The functional unit of any one of claims 126-130, wherein fluid discharged from the fluid outlet of each pumping unit promotes entrainment of fluid flowing around the unit.

[0493] X-132. The functional unit of any one of claims 112-121, wherein the functional unit is a fluid flow blocking unit.

[0494] X-133. The functional unit of any one of claims 112-121, wherein the functional unit is a substance delivery unit structured and arranged to deliver a substance to the implantation site.

[0495] X-134. The control wire is a control wire assembly; 134. A functional unit according to claim 133, wherein the control wire assembly has at least a tube for conveying a substance to the substance delivery unit.

[0496] X-135. The functional unit of any one of claims 112-121, wherein the functional unit is a fluid extraction unit structured and arranged to extract fluid from the implantation site.

[0497] X-136. The control wire is a control wire assembly; 136. The functional unit of claim 135, wherein the control wire assembly includes at least a tube for conveying the fluid from the implantation site.

[0498] X-137. A functional unit as described in any one of claims 112-136, wherein the ductal system of the body is the vasculature of the body.

[0499] X-138. The docking unit of claim 137, wherein the modular implantable device is a ventricular assist device and the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, left ventricle, vena cava, pulmonary artery, and right ventricle.

[0500] X-139. The docking unit of any one of claims 112-138, wherein the catheter is a delivery sheath.

[0501] Wire Assembly X-140. A control cable assembly for use in a modular mammalian body implantable device, the control cable assembly including a hollow control cable having an internal cavity, the outer diameter of the control cable being sized to allow passage through a ductal system of a mammalian body.

[0502] X-141. One of a control wire and a drive wire is located within said cavity; 141. The control cable assembly of claim 140, wherein an inner diameter of the cavity and an outer diameter of one of the control and drive wires are sized and configured relative to the other to prevent fluid from flowing around the control wire within the cavity while still allowing the control wire to move within the cavity.

[0503] X-142. Further comprising a seal; 142. A control cable assembly as described in any one of claims 140 to 141, wherein the seal prevents fluid from entering the cavity while allowing one of the control wire and the drive wire to move through the seal.

[0504] X-143. The control cable assembly of claim 140, wherein the cavity is divided into a plurality of separate, isolated chambers.

[0505] X-144. Each chamber has one of a control wire and a drive wire therein; 143. The control cable assembly of claim 142, wherein the inner diameter of each chamber and the outer diameter of one of the control and drive wires within that chamber are sized and configured relative to the other to prevent fluid from flowing around the control wire within that chamber while still allowing the control wire to move within that chamber.

[0506] X-145. Further comprising at least one seal; 145. The control cable assembly of claim 144, wherein the at least one seal prevents fluid from entering the chamber of the cavity while allowing the control wire of each functional assembly to move through the at least one seal.

[0507] X-146. The control cable assembly of any one of claims 140-145, wherein the ductal system of the body is the vasculature of the body.

[0508] Assembly of the apparatus X-147. A method of assembling a modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow affecting device, said device comprising: A docking unit comprising: The docking unit has an elongated body, the elongated body comprising: The longitudinal axis and at least one receiving surface extending parallel to said longitudinal axis; a distal end and a proximal end; at least one proximal guide hole, wherein each receiving surface has at least one proximal guide hole associated therewith; the docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a vessel of a ductal system of the mammalian body; the docking unit; a first functional unit, The first functional unit comprises: An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and a distal end and a proximal end; At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body is configured to prevent the elongated body from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body; and The first functional unit has a size and shape configured to be deliverable to the implantation site through the catheter; and and The method comprises: a) advancing the control wire of the first functional unit to pass from a distal side of one of the at least one guide hole associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; b) placing the docking unit and the first functional unit within the sheath; such that the docking unit and the first functional unit are aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the first functional unit facing the distal end of the docking unit; The control wire of the first functional unit is extending within the sheath in a proximal direction from the proximal end of the elongate body of the first functional unit toward the end of the sheath; advancement of the elongate body of the docking unit through the sheath; through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and extending within the sheath proximally away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath; The method comprising:

[0509] X-148. The method of claim 147, wherein the control wire of the first functional unit extends outside the end of the sheath.

[0510] X-149. The method of any one of claims 147 and 148, wherein disposing the docking unit and the first functional unit within the sheath further comprises disposing the docking unit and the first functional unit within the sheath such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit and the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the first functional unit are approximately collinear.

[0511] X-150. The device further includes a control cable attached to the docking unit; an outer diameter of the control cable is sized to allow it to pass through the conduit system to reach the implantation site; The method of any one of claims 147 to 149, wherein placing the docking unit and the first functional unit within the sheath further comprises placing the docking unit and the first functional unit within the sheath so that the control cable of the docking unit extends within the sheath in a proximal direction away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath.

[0512] X-151. The method of claim 150, wherein the control cables extend outside the end of the sheath.

[0513] X-152. The method of any one of claims 147-151, wherein the sheath is a loader.

[0514] X-153. The method of any one of claims 147-151, wherein the sheath is a delivery sheath.

[0515] X-154. The method of any one of claims 147-153, wherein the first functional unit is a pumping unit.

[0516] X-155. The method of any one of claims 147-154, wherein the ductal system of the body is the vasculature of the body.

[0517] X-156. The method of claim 155, wherein the modular implantable device is a ventricular assist device and the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, left ventricle, vena cava, pulmonary artery, and right ventricle.

[0518] X-157. A method of assembling a modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow affecting device, said device comprising: A docking unit comprising: The docking unit has an elongated body, the elongated body comprising: The longitudinal axis and at least one receiving surface extending parallel to said longitudinal axis; a distal end and a proximal end; at least one proximal guide hole, wherein each receiving surface has at least one proximal guide hole associated therewith; the docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a vessel of a ductal system of the mammalian body; the docking unit; a first functional unit, The first functional unit comprises: An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and a distal end and a proximal end; At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body is configured to prevent the elongated body from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body; and The first functional unit has a size and shape configured to be deliverable to the implantation site through the catheter; and a second functional unit, The second functional unit is An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and a distal end and a proximal end; At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body is configured to prevent the elongated body from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body; and the second functional unit has a size and shape configured to be deliverable to the implantation site through the catheter; The method comprises: a) advancing the control wire of the first functional unit to pass from a distal side of one of the at least one guide hole associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; b) advancing the control wire of the second functional unit to pass from a distal side of one of the at least one guide hole associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit to a proximal side of the guide hole; c) disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit within the sheath; the docking unit and the first functional unit are aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the first functional unit facing the distal end of the docking unit; such that the first functional unit and the second functional unit are aligned end-to-end with the proximal end of the second functional unit facing the distal end of the first functional unit; The control wire of the first functional unit is extending within the sheath in a proximal direction from the proximal end of the elongate body of the first functional unit toward the end of the sheath; advancement of the elongate body of the docking unit through the sheath; through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and extending within the sheath proximally away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath; The control wire of the second functional unit is extending within the sheath in a proximal direction from the proximal end of the elongate body of the second functional unit toward the end of the sheath; advances through the sheath with the elongate body of the first functional unit; advancement of the elongate body of the docking unit through the sheath; through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and extending within the sheath proximally away from the docking unit toward the end of the sheath; The method comprising:

[0519] X-158. The method of claim 157, wherein the control wire of the first functional unit and the control wire of the second functional unit each extend outside the end of the sheath.

[0520] X-159. The method of any one of claims 157-158, wherein disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit within the sheath further comprises disposing the docking unit, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit within the sheath so that the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the docking unit, the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the first functional unit, and the longitudinal axis of the elongate body of the second functional unit are all approximately collinear.

[0521] X-160. The device further comprises a control c...

Claims

1. 1. A modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow affecting device comprising: A docking unit comprising: The docking unit has an elongated body, the elongated body comprising: The longitudinal axis and at least one receiving surface extending parallel to said longitudinal axis; a distal end and a proximal end; at least one proximal guide hole, wherein each receiving surface has at least one proximal guide hole associated therewith; the docking unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable via a catheter to an implantation site within a vessel of a ductal system of the mammalian body; the docking unit; a first functional unit, The first functional unit: An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and a distal end and a proximal end; At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body is configured to prevent the elongated body from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extending proximally away from the docking unit; the first functional unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable to the implantation site through the catheter; The first functional unit: a docking fastening arrangement in which the docking surface of the first functional unit mates with the first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the first functional unit does not mate with and is spaced apart from a first receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; the first functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docked fastening configuration at the implantation site via movement of the control wire of the first functional unit; the first functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docked fastened configuration by pulling the control wire of the first functional unit; the first functional unit is movable from the docked fastening configuration to the docked undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the first functional unit; the first functional unit; 10. The modular mammalian body implantable fluid flow affecting device of claim 9,

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate body of the docking unit is non-expandable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the smallest bounding right cylinder of the docking unit is no greater than the diameter of the smallest bounding right cylinder of the functional unit.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the docking unit is a central docking unit.

5. moreover, a second functional unit; The second functional unit: An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; and a distal end and a proximal end; the elongated body having at least one of a size, shape, and configuration configured to be unable to pass through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the elongate body, passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit, and extending proximally away from the docking unit; the second functional unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable to the implantation site through the catheter; The second functional unit: a docking fastening arrangement in which the docking surface of the second functional unit mates with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the second functional unit does not mate with the second receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit and is spaced apart from the second receiving surface; the second functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docked fastening configuration via movement of the control wire of the second functional unit; the second functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docked fastened configuration by pulling the control wire of the second functional unit; the second functional unit is movable from the docked fastening configuration to the docked undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the second functional unit; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

6. moreover, a third functional unit; The third functional unit: An elongated body, The longitudinal axis and a docking surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, the docking surface having a shape configured to mate with a third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a distal end and a proximal end; At least one of the size, shape, and configuration of the elongated body is configured to prevent the elongated body from passing through one of the at least one proximal guide holes of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; a control wire extending proximally from the proximal end of the body, the control wire passing through one of the at least one proximal guide hole of the docking unit associated with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; the third functional unit is sized and shaped to be deliverable to the implantation site through the catheter; The third functional unit: a docking fastening arrangement in which the docking surface of the third functional unit mates with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit; an undocked configuration in which the docking surface of the third functional unit does not mate with the third receiving surface of the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit and is spaced apart from the third receiving surface; the third functional unit is movable between the undocked configuration and the docked fastening configuration via movement of the control wire of the third functional unit; the third functional unit is movable from the undocked configuration to the docked fastened configuration by pulling the control wire of the third functional unit; the third functional unit is movable from the docked fastening configuration to the docked undocked configuration by pushing the control wire of the third functional unit; 6. The apparatus of claim 5.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein each of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit is positioned at an equal radial distance along an outer surface of the elongate body of the docking unit.

8. The device of claim 6 , wherein the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit is each a recess.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the docking surface of each functional unit extends along a curved convex outer wall of the elongate body of that functional unit.

10. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the docking surface of each functional unit non-invasively aligns with the receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking table of that functional unit mates when that functional unit is in the docked fastening configuration.

11. The device of claim 6 , wherein the control wire for each functional unit extends from an apex at the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit.

12. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the control wire for each functional unit extends from the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit at a location offset from the longitudinal axis of that functional unit.

13. The device of claim 6 , wherein each of the at least one receiving surfaces of the docking unit has an associated proximal end interface at which the proximal guide hole associated with that docking surface is located.

14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the proximal end of the elongate body of each functional unit has a joint contact surface.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein when each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface of the proximal end of the elongated body of that functional unit mates with the proximal end joint that corresponds to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongated body of that functional unit mates.

16. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein when each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface of the proximal end of the elongated body of that functional unit is fluidically non-invasively aligned with the proximal end joint that corresponds to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongated body of that functional unit mates.

17. When each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the joint contact surface at the proximal end of the elongate body of the functional unit; the proximal end joint portion corresponding to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit into which the docking surface of the elongated body of the functional unit mates; and 16. The device of claim 15, wherein when tension is applied to the control wire of one functional unit relative to the other, the docking surface of the elongated body of that functional unit is biased toward the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongated body of that functional unit mates.

18. When each functional unit is in its docking fastening configuration, the location at which the control wire of each functional unit extends from the proximal end of the elongate body of that functional unit; the position of the proximal guide hole in the proximal end joint corresponding to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit into which the docking surface of the elongated body of the functional unit mates; 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the functional units are arranged such that when tension is applied to the control wires of the functional units relative to one another, the docking surface of the elongated body of the functional unit is biased toward the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongated body of the functional unit mates.

19. When each of said functional units is in its docked fastening configuration, 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the joint contact surface of the proximal end of the elongated body of each functional unit mates with one of the proximal end joints of the docking unit, and the non-mating outward-facing portions of the proximal end of the elongated body of each functional unit are each inclined toward the apex of the proximal end.

20. When each of said functional units is in its docked fastening configuration, 20. The device of claim 19, wherein a fluid flow path is located intermediate any two of said functional units.

21. the control wires of each functional unit are control wire assemblies; 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the control wire assembly comprises at least an electrical component for delivering power to the functional unit via the control wire assembly, and a mechanical component for structurally reinforcing the control wire assembly of the functional unit.

22. the electrical components of the control wire assembly of each functional unit are a plurality of electrical wires; the mechanical component of the control wire assembly of each functional unit is a structural wire; 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the control wire assembly of each functional unit further comprises an outer sheath that bundles together and surrounds the plurality of electrical wires and the structural wires of that functional unit.

23. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plurality of electrical wires for each functional unit is three electrical wires, and each of the electrical wires for that functional unit and the structural wire have approximately the same diameter.

24. the electrical components of the control wire assembly of each functional unit are a plurality of electrical wires; 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mechanical component of the control wire assembly of each functional unit is an outer sheath that bundles and surrounds the electrical wires of that functional unit.

25. The device of claim 6 , wherein the elongated body of the docking unit has a central longitudinally extending cavity.

26. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising a locking assembly connected to the docking unit, the locking assembly having a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration.

27. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the locking assembly is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration to lock the docking unit at the implantation site.

28. and a fixation assembly drive wire disposed within the central cavity of the elongated body of the docking unit; 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the fixation assembly drive wire is operatively connected to the fixation assembly to drive switching of the fixation assembly between the fixed configuration and the unlocked configuration.

29. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the fixation assembly is biased toward the fixation configuration, the fixation assembly switching to its unlocked configuration when the fixation assembly is inserted into the catheter, and the fixation assembly switching to its fixation configuration when the fixation assembly is removed from the catheter.

30. further comprising an expandable barrier assembly connected to the docking unit; 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the barrier assembly has an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

31. 31. The device of claim 30, wherein the barrier assembly is actuatable at the implantation site to switch between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration to prevent fluid from flowing around the device by blocking the space around the device at the implantation site.

32. further comprising a barrier assembly drive wire disposed within the central cavity of the elongate body of the docking unit; 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the barrier assembly drive wire is operatively connected to the barrier assembly to drive switching of the barrier assembly between the expanded configuration and the contracted configuration.

33. 31. The device of claim 30, wherein the barrier assembly is biased toward the expanded configuration, the barrier assembly switching to its contracted configuration when the barrier assembly is inserted into the catheter, and the barrier assembly switching to its expanded configuration when the barrier assembly is removed from the catheter.

34. 32. The docking unit of claim 31, wherein the barrier assembly secures the docking unit at the implantation site when in the expanded configuration.

35. further comprising a control cable attached to the docking unit; 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the outer diameter of the control cable is sized to allow it to pass through the duct system of the mammalian body to reach the implantation site.

36. 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the control cable is hollow and has a cavity formed therein.

37. 37. The device of claim 36, wherein the control wire of each functional unit enters and passes through the cavity in the control cable after exiting the proximal guide hole corresponding to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates.

38. further comprising a seal located within at least one of the docking unit and the cavity of the control cable; 38. The device of claim 37, wherein the seal prevents fluid from entering the cavity of the control cable while allowing the control wire of each functional assembly to move through the seal.

39. 39. The device of claim 38, wherein the cavity is divided into a plurality of separate, isolated chambers.

40. 40. The device of claim 39, wherein the control wire of each functional unit, after exiting the proximal guide hole in the proximal end joint that corresponds to the at least one receiving surface of the docking unit with which the docking surface of the elongate body of that functional unit mates, enters one of the multiple isolated chambers of the cavity in the control cable, separate from the control wires of all other functional units.

41. 41. The device of claim 40, further comprising at least one seal positioned within at least one of the docking unit, the control cable cavity, and the chamber of the control cable cavity, the seal preventing fluid from entering the chamber of the control cable assembly cavity while allowing the control wire of each functional assembly to move through the at least one seal.

42. 40. The device of claim 39, wherein the inner diameter of each isolated chamber within the cavity of the control cable and the outer diameter of the control wire entering that isolated chamber are sized relative to the other to prevent fluid from flowing around the control wire within that isolated chamber while still allowing the control wire to move within that isolated chamber.

43. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first functional unit is a first pumping unit.

44. 44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the second functional unit is a second pumping unit.

45. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the third functional unit is a third pumping unit.

46. Each pumping unit has a fluid flow cavity therein; 46. ​​The device of claim 45, wherein the fluid flow cavity extends between a first opening in the elongate body of the pumping unit and a second opening in the elongate body of the pumping unit.

47. 47. The device of claim 46, wherein the first opening of each pumping unit is located on a side of the elongated body of that pumping unit so that the first opening is not obstructed when that pumping unit is in the docking fastening configuration, and the second opening of each pumping unit is located at the distal end of the elongated body of that pumping unit.

48. 47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein there are no openings in the docking surface of each pumping unit.

49. 47. The device of claim 46, wherein one of the first opening and the second opening of each pumping unit is a fluid inlet, and the other of the first opening and the second opening of each pumping unit is a fluid outlet.

50. 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the fluid inlet of each pumping unit is associated with a flow straightener.

51. 50. The device of claim 49, wherein an impeller is rotatably disposed within the fluid flow cavity of each pumping unit, and when the impeller rotates, fluid is drawn into the fluid flow cavity of that pumping unit through the fluid inlet of that pumping unit and fluid is expelled from the fluid flow cavity of that pumping unit through the fluid outlet of that pumping unit.

52. a motor is housed within the elongated body of each pumping unit; an impeller shaft is housed within the elongated body of each pumping unit and is rotatably drivable by the motor of that pumping unit; 52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the impeller of the pumping unit is rotatably drivable by the impeller shaft of the pumping unit.

53. 52. The device of claim 51, wherein the impeller of each pumping unit is non-expandable.

54. 52. The device of claim 51, wherein fluid discharged from the fluid outlet of each pumping unit promotes entrainment of fluid flowing around the device.

55. 46. ​​The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the ductal system of the body is the vasculature of the body.

56. 56. The device of claim 55, wherein the device is a ventricular assist device and the implantation site is one selected from the group consisting of the aorta, left ventricle, vena cava, pulmonary artery, and right ventricle.

57. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of said functional units is a flow-fluid-blocking unit, and when all of said functional units are in their docked fastened configuration, fluid flow through and around said apparatus is blocked.

58. The device of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the functional units is a substance delivery unit structured and arranged to deliver a substance to the implantation site.

59. the control wire of each substance delivery unit is a control wire assembly; 59. The device of claim 58, wherein the control wire assembly includes at least a tube for conveying the substance to the substance delivery unit.

60. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the functional units is a fluid extraction unit structured and arranged to allow fluid to be extracted from the implantation site.

61. the control wires of each fluid extraction unit are control wire assemblies; 61. The device of claim 60, wherein the control wire assembly includes at least a tube for conveying the fluid from the implantation site.

62. The device of claim 1 , wherein the catheter is a delivery sheath.

Images