×

Devices and methods for assisting cardiac function

  • US 10,117,984 B2
  • Filed: 03/29/2016
  • Issued: 11/06/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of assisting heart function, the method comprising the steps of:

  • introducing at least part of a device for assisting heart function into a pericardial space surrounding a heart, the device comprising;

    a source of a gas and/or a liquid,a first catheter having a proximal end in communication with the source of the gas and/or the liquid and a distal end having a first pericardial balloon coupled thereto, anda second catheter having a proximal end in communication with a portion of the device and a distal end having a second pericardial balloon coupled thereto,wherein the first pericardial balloon is configured to be positioned within the pericardial space at or near a first heart chamber, configured to exert pressure upon the first heart chamber when at least partially inflated, and configured to relieve pressure from the first heart chamber when at least partially deflated, andwherein the second pericardial balloon is configured to be positioned within the pericardial space at or near a second heart chamber, configured to exert pressure upon the second heart chamber when at least partially inflated, and configured to relieve pressure from the second heart chamber when at least partially deflated; and

    operating the device to inject a gas and/or a liquid from the source of the gas and/or the liquid into the first pericardial balloon and to remove the gas and/or the liquid from the first pericardial balloon to assist heart function;

    wherein when the first pericardial balloon is positioned within the pericardial space, the operating step is performed to inject the gas and/or the liquid into the first pericardial balloon, causing at least partial expansion of the first pericardial balloon, which causes pressure to be applied to a chamber of the heart to facilitate heart function, and the operating step is further performed to remove the gas and/or the liquid from the first pericardial balloon, causing at least partial deflation of the first pericardial balloon, which relieves pressure from the chamber of the heart.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×