Download VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE AND METHOD

device. The power packs could be placed in a infra-clavicular of infra-diaphragmatic
location. In pulmonary hypertension with severe right heart failure, the device could
be used in the supra-pulmonary valve position augmenting the function of the failing
right ventricle. By virtue of its location, the etiology of the heart failure becomes less
important. Thus, it could also be used in diastolic dysfunction and restrictive
cardiomyopathic states. By simply augmenting device function and increasing the
revolutions per minute during phasic contraction of the heart, the timing of diastolic
filling becomes less important.
[0067]
Because of its location, the device would function adequately as a heart
valve in addition to being an assist device. Hence, the native valves could be
removed and the ability to stop or slow down the impeller completely would prevent
backflow of blood and minimize forward flow of blood during the diastolic phase.
[0068]
Because of its ability to be located in any major vessel, the device could
also be used as a peripheral circulatory assist device for severe peripheral vascular
disease. In that iteration, it could be placed in the descending aorta or in the femoral
or iliac vessels and thus augment blood flow to the lower limbs. Similarly, it could be
placed in other locations within the aorta to augment blood flow in the relevant
vascular beds. For instance, in individuals with severe peripheral vascular disease,
placement of the device in the infra-renal position would augment natural blood flow
and increase perfusion of the lower limbs. In critical lower limb ischemia,
improvement of a proximal blood flow may allow the ability to treat the lower limb
ischemia.
[0069]
The disclosed device and/or method may additionally prove especially
useful or suitable for placement during congenital heart surgery in patients requiring
hypoplastic left heart reconstruction. Those of skill in the art, upon reading the
present disclosure, will also find the disclosed device and/or method useful in other
procedures as well.
[0070]
The disclosed device and/or method may also prove especially adaptable
for certain energy saving or energy providing technology. For example, the device
may be adapted to extract and/or use kinetic energy from the heart and/or from the
flow of blood, and use that energy to supply at least a portion of the power
requirements of the device. Further, the device may be especially suitable for use
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