Patent ID: 6666814
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An intra-aortic circulatory enhancing apparatus for use in a human patient to improve the function of a weak or diseased heart, the apparatus comprising:an internal catheter terminating at one extent in a retaining balloon, the internal catheter having a perforated region for receiving blood flow into an interior of the catheter, the internal catheter extending to an opposite extent to form a blood conveying tube; an external housing in communication with the blood conveying tube and an external balloon residing within the external housing; a pressurization means for alternately pressurizing and applying vacuum to the external balloon, thereby alternately drawing blood and pumping blood to and from the external housing; wherein the internal catheter is for placement within a left ventricle of the human and the external balloon is located outside of the patient; and wherein the blood conveying tube includes a first check valve which opens under vacuum and closes under pressure and a second check valve located in the direction of the external housing which opens under pressure and closes under a vacuum.