Other

World Heart Corporation

Tofy Mussivand

Ji-Feng Chen

Jal S Jassawalla

David H LaForge

Phillip J Miller

Kenneth Lawrence Franco

Kevin Day

David H Laforge

A method for rapidly collecting cells from a surface, such as a surface bearing fingerprints, for subsequent macromolecular analysis involves dispensing a predetermined amount of an aqueous solution onto the surface, and subjecting the aqueous solution to ultrasound waves to promote a detachment of the cells from the surface. Extraction of macromolecules such as DNA from the cells can be effected directly in the solution containing the collected cells by further subjecting the solution to ultrasound waves for a prescribed period of time to lyse the cells, and then extracting the DNA.

Method for collecting cells for macromolecular analysis

A pumping system for assisting either or both ventricles of the heart. In one embodiment, separate devices are provided for each ventricle. In another embodiment, one device provides both right and left pumping. The pumping system is small, efficient, atraumatic, and fully implantable. In addition, the pumping system can provide pulsatile flow during systole. The ventricular assist device includes an actuator plate between a pair of serially connected pumping chambers that operate in a two-stroke mode, specifically a power stroke and a transfer stroke. The ventricular assist device also includes an electromagnetic drive system that provides adjustment to the pump pressure according to the current through an electromagnet. For the pumping system, springs provide a 'spring force' on the actuator plate that is towards the high-pressure pump chamber. The bias force allows the springs to store and deliver energy from the electromagnetic drive system to provide better utilization of the pump components, and to reduce the pump size and consumption of electricity.

Miniature, pulsatile implantable ventricular assist devices and methods of controlling ventricular assist devices

An implantable blood flow monitoring system for providing synchronized blood vessel flow and myocardial wall contractility data to an external monitor independent of transcutaneous leads. Synchronized electrocardiogram data allows and provides comprehensive monitoring. A means is provided for transmitting synchronized cardiac function data and blood flow data to a distant remote location to facilitate continual physician monitoring.

Implantable blood flow monitoring system

An inflow conduit assembly for conducting blood from a ventricle to a Ventricular Assistance Device (VAD) is provided. The assembly includes a rigid tube including an angled heart engaging end for insertion into a ventricle. The angled heart engaging end defines a long side for placement adjacent a heart septum. The tube includes an orifice end for attachment to the VAD, and the inflow conduit assembly further includes a coupling for attaching the orifice end of the tube to the VAD. The coupling is movable between a rotatable position wherein the tube is rotatable relative to the VAD, and a locked position wherein the tube is immobile relative to the VAD.

Inflow conduit assembly for a ventricular assist device

A conduit assembly is provided for attachment to a Mechanical Circulatory Device (MCD) having an orifice surrounded by an orifice rim and a blood bag for forming a blood chamber in the MCD. The blood bag has an open end extends through the orifice. The conduit assembly comprises a tube, a coupling and a washer. The tube is provided for conducting blood between a patient and the orifice of the MCD. The tube has an orifice end. The coupling attaches the orifice end of the tube to the orifice of the MCD with the open end of the blood bag folded over the orifice rim of the MCD. The coupling is movable between a rotatable position wherein the tube is rotatable relative to the MCD, and a locked position wherein the tube is immobile relative to the MCD. The washer is placed between the orifice end of the tube and the blood bag folded over the orifice rim of the MCD. The washer has an inner section which has a shape corresponding to a space between the orifice end of the tube and the blood bag folded over the orifice rim of the MCD so as to smooth the transition between the tube and the blood bag at the orifice of the MCD to reduce turbulence in blood flowing between the tube and the blood bag.

Growing community of inventors

Navan, Canada

Tofy Mussivand