Inventors:
Carl O. Larson - Stonington CT
James S. Smith - Old Lyme CT
John H. Chapman - Groton CT
Scot A. Slimon - Mystic CT
Trahan D. John - No. Stonington CT
Marvin E. Rosen - Elizabeth NJ
Robert J. Brozek - Bridgewater NJ
Alberto Franco - Hazlet NJ
John J. McGarvey - Elizabeth NJ
Michael K. Pasque - St. Louis MO
Assignee:
Electric Boat Corporation - Groton CT
International Classification:
A61M 112
Abstract:
In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.