Patent ID: 6846294
Filing Date: 2005-01-25
Classification: A61H

Abstract:
1. An external counterpulsation cardiac assist device for varying pressure on a body segment of a patient comprising means for receiving air, means for controlling the flow of air in accordance with cardiac systole and cardiac diastolic of said patient, and a housing adapted to surround the body segment, said housing comprising a shell formed of interior and exterior walls, said interior shell wall containing air transfer openings permitting air flow into the space interior to the interior shell wall, spacer means comprising a plurality of elements sufficiently rigid to maintain said exterior shell wall in spaced relation with said interior shell, said spacer elements comprising air transfer openings so as to permit air flow between said walls, and means for connecting said air receiving means to said space between said shell and the body segment to vary the pressure within said space in synchronization with heart function.