Duke University

Research Medical, Inc.

James E Lowe

Stephen G Kovacs

Robert J Todd

Terry M Wonder

Jaime E Yagge

A bi-ventricular cardiac assist device maintains blood circulation in a patient having a minimally functioning or malfunctioning heart. The biventricular cardiac assist device includes a self-supporting cup-shaped outer shell having opposed upper and lower ends, and an inner surface which establishes an interior cavity for receiving a heart therein. The outer shell defines a pair of diametrically opposed slots oriented generally longitudinally between the upper and lower ends of the outer shell. An annular diaphragm conformably shaped to the outer shell is positioned adjacent to the outer shell's inner surface. The diaphragm most preferably includes upper and lower edges bonded to the outer shell at the upper and lower ends thereof, and a pair of diametrically opposed, generally longitudinally oriented unitary connection flange. Each connection flange is preferably generally T-shaped in cross-section and coupled to a respective one of the slots. The connection flanges are thus bonded to the outer shell so that the diaphragm defines a pair of semi-annular fluid chambers with the inner surface of said outer shell. Most preferably, all structural components, e.g., the outer shell and the diaphragm, are formed of substantially the same urea-linked polyureathane copolymer, but have different Shore A hardness values.

Bi-ventricular cardiac assist device

The present invention is directed to a new and useful apparatus and method for absorbing and collecting blood and other fluids which accumulate in a patient during surgical procedures. An absorbent portion is connected to a suction source. When the absorbent portion is placed in contact with the fluid to be collected, the fluid is absorbed by the absorbent portion. Operation of the suction source provides a vacuum which draws the fluid away from the absorbent portion and out of the body. The fluid can be drawn into a receptacle for later cleansing and reuse. A flexible backing plate is attached to the absorbent portion. Channels formed a long the backing plate direct the vacuum evenly across the absorbent portion of the device such that fluid is drawn evenly from the absorbent portion. Suction tubing connects the absorbent portion to the suction source. The absorbent portion and attached backing plate can be folded to fit into small areas.

Growing community of inventors

Durham, NC, United States of America

James E Lowe