Circulatory Assistance Device

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a circulatory assistance device designed to support the function of a failing heart. It consists of a cuff that can be placed around the outside of the heart, particularly outside the ventricles, and periodically applies pressure to assist in pumping blood. The cuff uses at least one dielectric elastomer membrane controlled in sync with the heartbeat to pulse the pressure. The device includes a padded inner layer filled with an incompressible liquid and an emergency outlet valve, which prevents harmful constriction in case of power failure by releasing the liquid. The system is designed to enhance cardiac output without direct blood contact, reducing risks such as thrombosis.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Long-term circulatory support for patients with severe heart failure who are not suitable for or are awaiting heart transplantation.
• Temporary cardiac assistance during cardiac surgery or after acute cardiac events, such as myocardial infarction.
• Alternative to mechanical blood pumps that require blood contact, reducing hospital stay duration and improving mobility for heart failure patients.
• Use in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects affecting heart function.
• Cardiac rehabilitation support to improve pump function and patient outcomes.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduced risk of blood clot (thrombosis) and bleeding complications compared to devices that contact blood directly.
• No need for external tubing or mechanical pumps, which lowers infection and bleeding risks and can improve patient mobility and quality of life.
• Device design includes failsafe mechanisms; in case of power loss, it prevents dangerous heart squeezing by releasing the inner liquid.
• Improved efficiency and effectiveness by synchronizing auxiliary pumping action with the patient’s natural heartbeat.
• Potential for long-term use, enabling patients to be more independent and possibly spend less time in hospital.
• The inner liquid layer can be designed to release beneficial drugs in emergency scenarios, providing additional immediate cardiac support.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a circulatory assistance device (22) for a heart of a living being, comprising a cuff for periodically applying pressure to the heart (10) by means of at least one dielectric elastomer membrane which, by means of a control device (30), can be controlled in synchronization with a cardiac beat in order to convey blood in pulses, wherein the cuff is designed to be pulled over the outside of the heart (10) and for this purpose has an inner shape that is adapted to the outer contour of the heart (10) at least in the region outside the ventricles, wherein the cuff is composed of an outer contraction layer (24) and an inner padding layer (26) which is filled with an incompressible liquid and has at least one outlet valve (28) which is closed in a normal state and opened in an emergency state.