Patent ID: 7172550

Claim:
A method for implanting a circulatory apparatus in a patient, the apparatus comprising a mechanical circulatory device and a conduit assembly for attachment to the mechanical circulatory device, the conduit assembly including a first rigid curved conduit and a second rigid curved conduit; the method comprising the steps of: attaching one end of the first rigid curved conduit to the mechanical circulatory device with a first coupling in a rotatable position; positioning the mechanical circulatory device relative to the patient; rotating the first rigid curved conduit until a desired position of the first conduit relative to the patient is achieved; moving the first coupling to a fixed position so as to maintain a predetermined orientation of the first rigid curved conduit when the first coupling is disposed in the fixed position; attaching another end of the first rigid curved conduit to the second rigid curved conduit with a second coupling in a rotatable position; positioning the mechanical circulatory device relative to the patient; rotating the second rigid curved conduit until a desired position of the second rigid curved conduit relative to the patient is achieved; and moving the second coupling to a fixed position so as to maintain a predetermined orientation of the second rigid curved conduit when the second coupling is disposed in the fixed position; wherein the first rigid curved conduit and the second rigid curved conduit provide increased adjustability in positioning the circulatory apparatus relative to the patient.