Modular power system and method for a heart wall actuation system for the natural heart
First Claim
1. An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart, the actuation system comprising:
- a framework for interfacing with the heart;
a power system configured for coupling to the framework for engaging a heart wall, the power system comprising;
an actuator mechanism operable, when actuated, for exerting a force on a heart wall surface;
a transmission mechanism coupled with the actuator mechanism for transmitting power to the actuator mechanism to actuate the mechanism; and
a carrier device coupling the actuator mechanism and the transmission mechanism together.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart is disclosed. The actuation system includes a framework for interfacing with the natural heart and a power system that can be coupled to the framework. The framework includes an internal framework element and an external framework element. The power system is configured to engage an exterior surface of the heart wall, and includes an actuator mechanism for exerting force on the heart wall, a driving mechanism for actuating the actuator mechanism, a transmission mechanism coupled between the actuator mechanism and the driving mechanism for transmitting power to the actuator mechanism, and a carrier device coupled between the actuator mechanism and the driving mechanism and configured for housing the transmission mechanism. The modular power system is configured for being freely exchanged and replaced in the actuation system while leaving the framework elements in place and generally undisturbed. A guide structure such as a wire or tube can also be included for guiding or advancing the power system to its position adjacent to the heart surface.
114 Citations
48 Claims
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1. An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart, the actuation system comprising:
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a framework for interfacing with the heart;
a power system configured for coupling to the framework for engaging a heart wall, the power system comprising;
an actuator mechanism operable, when actuated, for exerting a force on a heart wall surface;
a transmission mechanism coupled with the actuator mechanism for transmitting power to the actuator mechanism to actuate the mechanism; and
a carrier device coupling the actuator mechanism and the transmission mechanism together. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart, the actuation system comprising:
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a power system configured for positioning proximate a heart wall and including an actuator mechanism which is operable, when actuated, for exerting a force on a heart wall surface;
a guide structure coupled with the power system for aiding in the placement of the power system in the body, the guide structure configured for guiding the power system from a position remote from the heart to proximate the heart wall. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method for assisting the operation of a natural heart comprising:
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positioning a framework to interface with the heart;
positioning a power system in the body, the power system comprising an actuator mechanism operable, when actuated, for exerting a force on a heart wall surface and a carrier device coupled to the actuator mechanism;
positioning the actuator mechanism proximate to a heart wall surface and coupling a portion of the power system with the framework to secure the position of the actuator mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A method for assisting the operation of a natural heart comprising:
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positioning a guide structure with respect to a body to have an end proximate to a natural heart;
providing a power system comprising an actuator mechanism operable, when actuated, for exerting a force on a heart wall surface;
guiding the power system with the guide structure from a position remote from the heart to a position proximate the heart to position the actuator mechanism to act on a heart wall surface. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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Specification