Thoratec Laboratories Corporation

Philip Litwak

Robert Joseph Harvey

Keith Evan Buck

John Robert Rueff

David John Farrar

William A Ribich

John M Dubowik

This invention provides a simple skeletal muscle linear pull energy convertor which can harness the maximal amount of muscle power for a wide variety of implantable medical devices, including the full range of circulatory support devices. The muscle powered system provides completely implantable circulatory support as an alternative to cardiac transplantation, with a quality of life relatively free from external batteries, transcutaneous energy transmission and other electromechanical hardware.

Step-down skeletal muscle energy conversion system

Step-down skeletal muscle energy conversion method

A closure band of water-vapor permeable, flexible, elastic plastic spans a cut in the flesh and holds the cut closed. Flesh-engaging penetrants such as hooks are partly embedded in or are part of the band and engage the flesh either side of the cut. Adhesive on the band also contacts the flesh and helps hold the penetrants embedded. A tear strip overlying openings through the band, when removed, allows inspection of the cut.

Wound closing device

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Novato, CA, United States of America

Philip Litwak