University of Cincinnati

Cardioenergetics, Inc.

Other

David Boyd Melvin

Alan Joel Melvin

Jeffrey Franklin

Brad A Klosterman

David M Brooks

H Thurman Henderson

Geoffrey Nay

Arthur J Helmicki

A prosthetic anchor to be attached to a natural or prosthetic structure of a human or animal. The anchor includes a central layer with first and second surface. A plurality of fiber bundles, each with a medial portion, are concentrically embedded within the central layer to substantially define a horseshoe-shaped pattern. A substrate element is configured to be secured to the natural or prosthetic structure and to receive the second surface of the central layer. A securing element operably coupled to the second surface of the central layer is configured to secure the central layer to the substrate element in at least two positions.

Elements for versatility of a prosthetic anchor

The present invention is directed towards a prosthetic anchor () including a central layer () through which embedded fibers (), such as artificial tendons, pass in defined pathways (), a 'deep' surface membrane () which interfaces with a hard structure, whether that is a prosthesis, a bone, or other hard tissue, and a 'superficial' surface membrane () which interfaces adjacent tissue and may be configured to adhere or not to adhere to that tissue. The central layer () is positioned intermediate the surface membranes () which are mechanically and/or adherently attached thereto. Also, non-limiting examples of methods of fabrication and of affixing the anchor () to a relatively rigid structure, natural or prosthetic, in a human or animal body with improved stress distribution in the fixed tension member end are taught.

Prosthetic anchor and method of making same

The invention consists of a cushioned active cyclically deforming cushion or jacket () that surrounds the outer or epicardial surface of at least one chamber () of the natural heart, including its base, configured so that internal components may be suspended from the jacket () by heart wall-penetrating cords to complete a restraining harness over the entire 3-dimensional boundary of the chamber or chambers. The cushion or jacket () provides protective and stabilizing openings () for atria and their inflow valves as well as for great vessels and their outflow valves. It is equipped with one or more actuator mechanisms () that cyclically change shape at one or more sites, thus altering heart wall shape and chamber volume.

Deforming jacket for a heart actuation device

Actuator mechanisms on the heart are of several types. In preferred embodiments, they are generally simple, durable, mechanical assemblies and are driven by power delivered from a remote location, generally outside the chest, by a variety of mechanisms. The invention teaches physical mechanisms () for transfer of cyclic power from outside the chest to the region of the heart for that purpose, either as translational or rotary motion. Also taught are electromechanical converting mechanisms suitable for delivering power to those transfer devices. The embodiments described herein for either transmission of energy from a site of generation to a conduit (), and of conduits that then deliver energy to heart actuators, have contours and interfaces designed to promote a favorable biologic response similar to the pseudosynovial capsules that surround artificial joints. Further, design features are chosen to avoid both non-vented gas-filled chambers and static collections of tissue fluid.

Power system for a heart actuation device

A device and corresponding method for converting the contractile work of skeletal muscles into transportable energy. The device may comprise a converter having a mobile end adapted to be connected to a skeletal muscle, a relatively stationary end opposite the mobile end; one or more energy processing units operatively connected to the mobile and stationary ends of the converter, with each energy processing unit adapted to convert tensile forces generated by contraction of the skeletal muscle into transportable energy; and one or more energy conduits such as electrical wires associated with the relatively stationary end of the converter for delivering the transportable energy to power-consuming devices implanted in a body. The device may further comprise a relatively stationary end that is operatively connected to a body structure that is stationary relative to the skeletal muscle.

Muscle energy converter with smooth continuous tissue interface

An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart includes a framework for interfacing with a natural heart and which is coupled with tissue of the heart. An actuator element is adapted to be coupled to the framework and is configured for extending along a portion of a heart wall exterior surface. The actuator element is operable for deforming the portion of the heart wall to effect a reduction in the volume of the heart. A protective sheath is configured to extend along the heart wall between the actuator element and the heart wall portion for protecting the heart wall portion from damage by the actuator element. The protective sheath is flexible and operable to transmit, to the heart wall portion, a force thereon by the actuator element for indenting the heart wall portion.

Protective sheath apparatus and method for use with a heart wall actuation system for the natural heart

An actuation mechanism for assisting the operation of the natural heart has a varying shape for deforming the heart. In one embodiment, a plurality of links articulates with respect to each other for varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. The plurality of links is configured for being positioned proximate to an outer surface of the heart for deforming the heart by varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. In another embodiment, a jacket for coupling with an outer surface of the heart has a tether coupled to successive sections of the jacket. The tether is operable to be translated with respect to the jacket sections to vary the shape of the jacket for deforming the heart. In another embodiment, a plurality of concentric ring structures are coupled together to move with respect to each other in a concentric fashion. A movement mechanism coupled to the rings is operable to vary their positions with respect to each other to vary the overall shape for deforming the heart.

Actuation mechanisms for a heart actuation device

An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart comprises a framework for interfacing with a natural heart, through the wall of the heart, which includes an internal framework element configured to be positioned within the interior volume of a heart and an external framework element configured to be positioned proximate an exterior surface of the heart. The internal framework is flexibly suspended with respect to the external frame. An actuator system is coupled to the framework and configured to engage an exterior surface of the heart. The actuator system comprises an actuator band extending along a portion of a heart wall exterior surface. The actuator band is selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and is operable, when in the actuated state, to assume a predetermined shape and thereby indent a portion of the heart wall to effect a reduction in the volume of the heart. A drive apparatus is coupled to the actuator band and is operable for selectively moving the actuator band between the relaxed and actuated states to achieve the desired assistance of the natural heart.

Heart wall actuation device for the natural heart

An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart is disclosed. The actuation system includes a framework for interfacing with the natural heart and a power system that can be coupled to the framework. The framework includes an internal framework element and an external framework element. The power system is configured to engage an exterior surface of the heart wall, and includes an actuator mechanism for exerting force on the heart wall, a driving mechanism for actuating the actuator mechanism, a transmission mechanism coupled between the actuator mechanism and the driving mechanism for transmitting power to the actuator mechanism, and a carrier device coupled between the actuator mechanism and the driving mechanism and configured for housing the transmission mechanism. The modular power system is configured for being freely exchanged and replaced in the actuation system while leaving the framework elements in place and generally undisturbed. A guide structure such as a wire or tube can also be included for guiding or advancing the power system to its position adjacent to the heart surface.

Modular power system and method for a heart wall actuation system for the natural heart

An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart includes an actuator element adapted to be positioned proximate a portion of a heart wall. The actuator element is operable for acting on the heart wall portion to effect a change in the shape of the heart. A shape-limiting element is configured for being positioned proximate a heart wall. The shape-limiting element is operable for flexing to assume a curvature no greater than a predetermined curvature when the heart wall is acted upon and maintaining that predetermined curvature to control the shape of the actuated heart.

Heart wall actuation system for the natural heart with shape limiting elements

An insertion kit for positioning a plurality of filaments into muscle includes at least one holder that is configured for being attached to an end portion of the muscle. The holder is coupled with a guide, such as on a frame. The guide conforms the muscle to a desired shape. An inserter, used in conjunction with a plurality of needles, inserts a plurality of filaments into the muscle.

Article and method for coupling muscle to a prosthetic device

A system for studying a beating explanted heart comprises a fluid inflow circuit configured for coupling to an explanted heart to direct fluid for flowing into a ventricle of the heart, and a fluid outflow circuit configured for coupling to an explanted heart to direct fluid flowing out of the ventricle of the beating heart. A flow meter coupled with the inflow circuit measures the inflow rate of fluid into the heart ventricle and a flow meter coupled with the outflow circuit measures the outflow rate of fluid out of the heart ventricle. A processing system converts the inflow and outflow rates into incremental volume changes in the volume of the heart ventricle and adds and subtracts the incremental volume changes from a relative volume of the heart ventricle to study volume changes in the explanted heart while it is beating.

System for study of global uni-or bi-ventricular function of an explanted, reperfused heart

A geometric reconfiguration assembly for the natural heart having a collar configured for surrounding the natural heart. The collar can include a plurality of supports configured for positioning on the epicardial surface of the heart. Supports can be joined with connectors that can permit or provide slight deformation of the assembly. An external shell or skin portion can be provided around the supports an/or connectors.

Growing community of inventors

Loveland, OH, United States of America

David Boyd Melvin