James Allen Lowe

US Patent:

57386277, Apr 14, 1998

Filed:

Jan 15, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/784130

Inventors:

Stephen G. Kovacs - Durham NC
James E. Lowe - Durham NC

Assignee:

Duke University - Durham NC

International Classification:

A61M 110

US Classification:

600 16

Abstract:

A bi-ventricular cardiac assist device maintains blood circulation in a patient having a minimally functioning or malfunctioning heart. The biventricular cardiac assist device includes a self-supporting cup-shaped outer shell having opposed upper and lower ends, and an inner surface which establishes an interior cavity for receiving a heart therein. The outer shell defines a pair of diametrically opposed slots oriented generally longitudinally between the upper and lower ends of the outer shell. An annular diaphragm conformably shaped to the outer shell is positioned adjacent to the outer shell's inner surface. The diaphragm most preferably includes upper and lower edges bonded to the outer shell at the upper and lower ends thereof, and a pair of diametrically opposed, generally longitudinally oriented unitary connection flange. Each connection flange is preferably generally T-shaped in cross-section and coupled to a respective one of the slots. The connection flanges are thus bonded to the outer shell so that the diaphragm defines a pair of semi-annular fluid chambers with the inner surface of said outer shell.

US Patent:

59083786, Jun 1, 1999

Filed:

Oct 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/955437

Inventors:

Stephen G. Kovacs - Durham NC
James E. Lowe - Durham NC

Assignee:

Duke University - Durham NC

International Classification:

A61M 110

US Classification:

600 16

Abstract:

A bi-ventricular cardiac assist device maintains blood circulation in a patient having a minimally functioning or malfunctioning heart. The biventricular cardiac assist device includes a self-supporting cup-shaped outer shell having opposed upper and lower ends, and an inner surface which establishes an interior cavity for receiving a heart therein. The outer shell defines a pair of diametrically opposed slots oriented generally longitudinally between the upper and lower ends of the outer shell. An annular diaphragm conformably shaped to the outer shell is positioned adjacent to the outer shell's inner surface. The diaphragm most preferably includes upper and lower edges bonded to the outer shell at the upper and lower ends thereof, and a pair of diametrically opposed, generally longitudinally oriented unitary connection flange. Each connection flange is preferably generally T-shaped in cross-section and coupled to a respective one of the slots. The connection flanges are thus bonded to the outer shell so that the diaphragm defines a pair of semi-annular fluid chambers with the inner surface of said outer shell.

Address:

10418 Royal Terrell Dr, Conroe, TX 77303

Phone:

9368568945

VIN:

5TFST54157X001548

Make:

TOYOTA

Model:

TUNDRA

Year:

2007