Patent ID: 7871369
Filing Date: 2011-01-18
Classification: A61F,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a cardiac assist sleeve, comprising: arranging first elongate strips of a first shape-memory alloy, the first elongate strips having a cross-sectional shape taken perpendicularly across a lengthwise line of symmetry; arranging second elongate strips of a second shape-memory alloy to intersect and pass the first elongate strips, where the first elongate strips and the second elongate strips define a volume that changes as the cross-sectional shape of the first elongate strips reversibly change between a first cross-sectional shape having flat surfaces and a second cross-sectional shape having one convex surface and one concave surface opposite the convex surface to change the volume of the cardiac assist sleeve; and securing a first end of the first elongate strips around a collar.