Electric Boat Corporation

Other

Washington University

Michael K Pasque

James S Smith

John H Chapman

Alberto Franco

John J McGarvey

Marvin E Rosen

Scot A Slimon

Carl O Larson, Jr

Robert J Brozek

John D Trahan

Trahan D John

Brian P Cupps

Julia Kar

J Brozek Robert

A method for rapid computation of three-dimensional displacement and Lagrange strain in a high resolution filed of phase data obtained with Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) in magnetic resonance images of the myocardium. The method includes semi-automated segmentation of a region of a heart, phase unwrapping the images in three dimensions, and a custom radial point interpolation method (RPIM). The RPIM is a meshfree numerical analysis method that uses radial basis functions and polynomial functions to calculate the Lagrange strain of DENSE displacement data acquired from the myocardium.

Systems and methods for measuring cardiac strain

The strain at different locations in a subject's heart is determined by acquiring a series of MR images using a tagging pulse sequence (SPAMM) that produces a grid of lines in the reconstructed images. Circumferential strain, longitudinal strain, and the minimum principal strain angle, are all calculated at locations in the heart. These raw strain values are normalized by comparing them with corresponding values in a stored reference heart model. The normalized values at each location are combined to form a composite multiparametric strain index that is indicative of myocardial contractile function and these values are employed to modulate the color at corresponding locations in an anatomical image of the subject's heart.

Method for quantitatively mapping myocardial contractile function with magnetic resonance based multiparametric strain analysis

In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.

Implantable device monitoring arrangement and method

Electrical circuit for equipment requiring redundant flow paths and

Reciprocating pump with imperforate piston

Connecting arrangement for medical device

Reciprocating pump circulatory assist arrangement

Surgically implantable power supply

Artificial heart and method of maintaining blood flow

Reciprocating pump and linear motor arrangement

Surgically implantable pump arrangement and method for pumping body

A surgical device and method are disclosed for closing the sternum following a median sternotomy. Instead of using stainless steel wire or a flat steel band, a strand of thin flexible suture material is used which is compressible in its radial dimension (either because of a hollow tubular shape, or due to solid material properties), while remaining strong and inelastic in its longitudinal dimension. The longitudinal strength may be maintained by using selected plastics, or by using nylon fibers or other materials for reinforcement. When not compressed, the strand has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the needle used to place the strand in position around the sternal halves, between the ribs. After insertion, the expandable suture material will provide gentle pressure against the surrounding tissue to minimize bleeding in the needle track. The soft suture material will also help cushion, distribute, and minimize the stresses and damage inflicted on the sternum or ribs during postoperative ambulation. A fastener device which provides additional advantages is also disclosed.

Sternal closure device

This invention relates to a method of surgically implanting a blood pump into the ascending aorta or pulmonary artery of a patient with a diseased or damaged heart ventricle. One preferred type of pump which is well-suited for such implantation has an impeller design that generates central axial flow (CAF). After implantation of the CAF pump, blood flows through the hollowed-out rotor shaft of an electric motor. The CAF rotor shaft contains angled vanes mounted on the inner surface of the hollow shaft, extending only part of the distance toward an imaginary axis at the center of the rotor shaft. Rotation of the hollow shaft with its angled vanes pumps blood through the pumping unit. The vanes contact and impart forward motion to a portion of the blood at the periphery of the flow path, generating an outer fluid annulus which is being directly propelled by the vanes. Blood cells near the center of the cylinder are not touched by the vanes as they pass through the pump; instead, they are drawn forward by viscous flow of the surrounding annulus. In the method of this invention, the pump and motor unit is inserted downstream of an aortic or pulmonary valve which is left intact and functioning, by means such as suturing the arterial walls to short attachment cuffs at each end of the pump. After insertion, the pump lies directly in line with the artery, so that directional changes, shear forces, and artificial surfaces contacted by blood are all minimized. Unlike shunt systems, placement entirely within an aorta or pulmonary artery can provide pulsatile flow if desired, and can reduce the pressure that a damaged or diseased ventricle must pump against. In addition, the placement and design of the CAF pump allow maximal use of the residual functioning of the patient's heart and will not lead to catastrophic backflow if the pump suffers a power or mechanical failure.

Method of implanting blood pump in ascending aorta or main pulmonary

Growing community of inventors

St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Michael K Pasque