Robert F Goetz

US Patent:

40489906, Sep 20, 1977

Filed:

Sep 17, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/724456

Inventors:

Robert H. Goetz - Scarsdale NY

International Classification:

A61H 700

US Classification:

128 64

Abstract:

An apparatus is herein described for directly massaging a human heart which apparatus can be left in place at the end of an operation and be removed at a later date. The apparatus generally includes a cup-like inflatable bladder formed to surround the heart and to massage the heart in a predetermined manner in response to the creation of pressure pulses within the bladder. A basket-like support is provided for disposing the bladder in an operational posture around a heart during the heart massaging process. In one form, the support is inflatable into a rigid structure and deflatable to a generally pliable, non-rigid condition to permit its removal through a small opening or a tube. In addition to the bladder and basket-like support means, a suction tube communicates with the annular space defined between the heart and the bladder so as to insure a positive contact between the bladder and the heart. After the heart massaging operation has been completed, and with the chest incision of the patient entirely closed, the bladder and support member may be deflated to the pliable condition, pulled from over the heart and removed through the small opening remaining from the generally closed incision or through a chest tube.