VAD connector plug
First Claim
1. A plug to be positioned in place of a VAD within a VAD connector mounted to the heart and having at least one VAD-engaging feature and defining an opening, the plug comprising a body adapted to fill the opening of the VAD connector and engage the VAD connector.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A plug which may be positioned in place of a Ventricular Assist Device (“VAD”) within a VAD connector mounted to the heart. The VAD connector may have at least one VAD-engaging feature and may define an opening. The plug may have a body adapted to fill the opening of the VAD connector and may engage the VAD connector. The plug may be installed in place of a VAD when the heart heals, and then removed and replaced by a VAD if the patient'"'"'s condition deteriorates.
70 Citations
16 Claims
- 1. A plug to be positioned in place of a VAD within a VAD connector mounted to the heart and having at least one VAD-engaging feature and defining an opening, the plug comprising a body adapted to fill the opening of the VAD connector and engage the VAD connector.
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8. An assembly including:
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a VAD connector mounted to the heart of a patient, the VAD connector having at least one VAD-engaging feature and defining an opening for communication between the interior of the heart and a VAD; and a plug filling the opening of the VAD connector and engaged with the connector. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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10. A kit for the treatment of the heart disease, comprising:
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a VAD connector mounted to the heart of a patient, the VAD connector having at least one VAD-engaging feature adapted to engage a VAD, the VAD connector defining an opening; and a plug having a body adapted to fill the opening of the connector and engage the connector. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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- 12. A kit as claimed in claim 10 wherein the plug is adapted to engage the at least one VAD-engaging feature of the connector.
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12-1. A method of treating heart disease, comprising:
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removing a VAD from an opening of a VAD connector mounted on the heart; and inserting a plug into the opening of the VAD connector so that the plug blocks the opening while the VAD connector remains mounted on the heart, and securing the plug to the VAD connector.
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13-2. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the step of securing the plug to the VAD connector includes engaging the plug with an at least one VAD-engaging feature of the VAD connector.
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15. A method of pre-emptively treating heart disease of the type causing decreased blood pumping capacity, comprising:
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attaching a VAD connector to the outer surface of the heart, the VAD connector defining an opening communicating with the interior of a ventricle; and inserting a plug into the opening of the VAD connector so that the plug blocks the opening. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification