MINIATURE, PULSATILE IMPLANTABLE VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICES AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICES

摘要

A pumping system for assisting either or both ventricles of the heart. In oneembodiment, separate devices are provided for each ventricle. In anotherembodiment, one device provides both right and left pumping. The pumpingsystem is small, efficient, atraumatic, and fully implantable. In addition,the pumping system can provide pulsatile flow during systole. The ventricularassist device includes an actuator plate between a pair of serially connectedpumping chambers that operate in a two-stroke mode, specifically a powerstroke and a transfer stroke. The ventricular assist device also includes anelectromagnetic drive system that provides adjustment to the pump pressureaccording to the current through an electromagnet. For the pumping system,springs provide a "spring force" on the actuator plate that is towards thehigh-pressure pump chamber. The bias force allows the springs to store anddeliver energy from the electromagnetic drive system to provide betterutilization of the pump components, and to reduce the pump size andconsumption of electricity.