US3857382A - Piezoelectric heart assist apparatus - Google Patents

Piezoelectric heart assist apparatus Download PDF

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US3857382A
US3857382A US00395799A US39579973A US3857382A US 3857382 A US3857382 A US 3857382A US 00395799 A US00395799 A US 00395799A US 39579973 A US39579973 A US 39579973A US 3857382 A US3857382 A US 3857382A
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Prior art keywords
piezoelectric
fluid path
tubular fluid
bender
bloodstream
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US00395799A
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M Williams
W Welkowitz
A Kantrowitz
D Molony
S Fich
D Jaron
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SINAI HOSPITAL OF DETROIT
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SINAI HOSPITAL OF DETROIT
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M60/00Blood pumps; Devices for mechanical circulatory actuation; Balloon pumps for circulatory assistance
    • A61M60/10Location thereof with respect to the patient's body
    • A61M60/122Implantable pumps or pumping devices, i.e. the blood being pumped inside the patient's body
    • A61M60/126Implantable pumps or pumping devices, i.e. the blood being pumped inside the patient's body implantable via, into, inside, in line, branching on, or around a blood vessel
    • A61M60/148Implantable pumps or pumping devices, i.e. the blood being pumped inside the patient's body implantable via, into, inside, in line, branching on, or around a blood vessel in line with a blood vessel using resection or like techniques, e.g. permanent endovascular heart assist devices
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M60/00Blood pumps; Devices for mechanical circulatory actuation; Balloon pumps for circulatory assistance
    • A61M60/10Location thereof with respect to the patient's body
    • A61M60/122Implantable pumps or pumping devices, i.e. the blood being pumped inside the patient's body
    • A61M60/126Implantable pumps or pumping devices, i.e. the blood being pumped inside the patient's body implantable via, into, inside, in line, branching on, or around a blood vessel
    • A61M60/161Implantable pumps or pumping devices, i.e. the blood being pumped inside the patient's body implantable via, into, inside, in line, branching on, or around a blood vessel mechanically acting upon the outside of the patient's blood vessel structure, e.g. compressive structures placed around a vessel
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M60/00Blood pumps; Devices for mechanical circulatory actuation; Balloon pumps for circulatory assistance
    • A61M60/20Type thereof
    • A61M60/289Devices for mechanical circulatory actuation assisting the residual heart function by means mechanically acting upon the patient's native heart or blood vessel structure, e.g. direct cardiac compression [DCC] devices
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M60/00Blood pumps; Devices for mechanical circulatory actuation; Balloon pumps for circulatory assistance
    • A61M60/40Details relating to driving
    • A61M60/465Details relating to driving for devices for mechanical circulatory actuation
    • A61M60/47Details relating to driving for devices for mechanical circulatory actuation the force acting on the actuation means being mechanical, e.g. mechanically driven members clamping a blood vessel
    • A61M60/486Details relating to driving for devices for mechanical circulatory actuation the force acting on the actuation means being mechanical, e.g. mechanically driven members clamping a blood vessel generated by electro-active actuators, e.g. using electro-active polymers or piezoelectric elements
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M60/00Blood pumps; Devices for mechanical circulatory actuation; Balloon pumps for circulatory assistance
    • A61M60/20Type thereof
    • A61M60/247Positive displacement blood pumps
    • A61M60/253Positive displacement blood pumps including a displacement member directly acting on the blood
    • A61M60/268Positive displacement blood pumps including a displacement member directly acting on the blood the displacement member being flexible, e.g. membranes, diaphragms or bladders
    • A61M60/274Positive displacement blood pumps including a displacement member directly acting on the blood the displacement member being flexible, e.g. membranes, diaphragms or bladders the inlet and outlet being the same, e.g. para-aortic counter-pulsation blood pumps
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M60/00Blood pumps; Devices for mechanical circulatory actuation; Balloon pumps for circulatory assistance
    • A61M60/80Constructional details other than related to driving
    • A61M60/855Constructional details other than related to driving of implantable pumps or pumping devices
    • A61M60/857Implantable blood tubes

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to heart assist devices and, more particularly, to heart assist-devices operating in a counter-pulsation mode.
  • Heart assist devices operating in a counter-pulsation mode have been previously developed'TechnicaI problems arising with these prior art devices include the large'amount of power. necessary for operation, the inability to generate sufficient pressures in vivo, and low efficiency.
  • the invention herein relates to an improved implantable piezoelectric heart assist device including a fluid path, adapted to be surgically connected to the bloodstream and piezoelectric means for alternately compressing and releasing the fluid path to generate sinusoidal pressure waves in the bloodstream.
  • the piezoelectric means includes a brass support which is fastened at one end .to form a cantilever and is sandwiched between piezoelectric ceramics to form a piezoelectric bender. In one embodiment a single bender is provided.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of the human heart
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of single piezoelectric bender heart assist apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a driving circuit for the piezoelectric bender of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the use of the heart assist apparatus without bisecting or severing the thoracic aorta;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the use of the heart assist apparatus with the thoracic aorta severed
  • FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a double piezoelectric bender heart assist apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a front elevation view taken in the direction of arrows 77 of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is an end elevation view taken in the direction of arrows 88 of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged, partially exploded perspective illustration of part of the apparatus of FIGS. 6-8.
  • the brass support measures 5.75 X 2.75 inches with a thickness of 0.008 inch.
  • Three ceramic strips are bonded-to each side of the brass support.
  • the strips measure 30 X 0.9 X 0.005 inch each, and are a lead zirconate titanate (G I278) manufactured by Gulton lndustries, Inc. of New Jersey.
  • the piezoelectric bender of FIG. 2 is clamped at one end 36 to form a cantilever and the free end is loaded with a mass 38 tochange the resonant frequency ofthe bender.
  • the piezoelectric bender is clamped to a support 40', and a tube 42, which may bemanufactured of segmented polyurethane or any other blood compatible material, passes between the piezoelectric bender and support member 40.
  • the apparatus may be surgically implanted in the chest cavity, hence the requirement of compatible materials is obvious.
  • the driving circuit of the present invention includes a pulse generator 44 which supplies a pacingsignal to the heart.
  • the pulse generator also provides a delayed output which serves as an input to a square wave generator 46.
  • the output of the square wave generator is coupled through a resistance network 48 to the piezoelectric bender,
  • the operation of the heart assist device is based upon the characteristic of a piezoelectric bender. That is, when a voltage is applied across a piezoelectric bender which is clamped at one end, the bender responds with an oscillatory deflection at the free end.
  • the resonant frequency of the bender dependent upon the size and mass of the bender, may be adjusted by the inclusion of an additional mass such as mass 38 of FIG. 2.
  • EXAMPLE I Various in vivo experiments were undertaken with mongrel dogs.
  • a first example included use of the piezoelectric apparatus assisting the left ventricle with the thoracic aorta 30 bisected and the polyurethane tube sutured or clamped to both ends of the thoracic aorta. Ventricular failure in the animal was surgically induced.
  • the driving system was a 200- volt peak-to-peak square wave although it is recognized that a sine wave could be utilized since the oscillatory motion of the piezoelectric bender produces a sinusoidal output.
  • Mass 38 was 330 grams.
  • FIGS. 6-9 provides a double cantilever bender apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes a frame or housing 52, which may be made of clear plastic or plexiglass and includes two opposed side walls 54, each having a central aperture 56.
  • a connector 58 which may be manufactured of teflon, plastic or other surgically compatible material, is inserted in each aperture 56.
  • the connector has a flange 59, which may be manufactured of brass, and which projects inward of the housing 52 and fits inside a bearing 60.
  • the bearing 60 is a dry ball bearing unit having a stationery inner shaft and a rotating outer shaft.
  • Rocker arms 62, 63 having central openings 64 are mounted on the outer shaft of the bearing 60 for oscillation.
  • a first cross-support 66 connects the end of the first rocker arm 62 with the end of the second rocker arm 63.
  • a second cross-support 67 connects the remaining end of the rocker arm 62 with the remaining end of the rocker arm 63.
  • Each cross-support is secured to a mass 68 by means of screws 70 which are threaded through the cross-support and are adjustable to move the mass radially inward and outward with respect to the center of the opening 64 in the rocker arm.
  • FIGS. 6-9 includes two piezoelectric bender elements 72 each having a central brass support (as in FIG. 2) and each including a brass plate 74 at one end to provide additional stiffness.
  • Each bender element is configured as a cantilever with the mass 68 operably loading the free end.
  • Each bender element has a plurality of apertures 76 at a fixed end 78 which is secured by bolts 80 to the frame or housing 52.
  • the cantilever support further has a plurality of slits 82 at the free end 84.
  • each bender 72 has a plurality of piezoelectric ceramics 34 bonded thereto.
  • the central brass support measures 5.25 inches X 0.95 inch 0.004 inch and i each ceramic measures 3.0 inches X 0.3 inch X 0.008 inch.
  • Each bender 72 comprises three adjacent ceramics on each side of the support. Thus, the total dimension of the ceramic on each side of the brass support is 3.0 inches X 0.9 inch X 0.008 inch.
  • each bender At the free end 84 of each bender is a U-shaped brace 86 having opposed legs 88. Each leg 88 has an elongated slot 90 having a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the central brass support 74. At each end of the apparatus is a pin 92 which extends from the first rocker arm 62 through the slots 90 to the other rocker arm 63. By this pin and slot connection, each mass 68 loads one of the piezoelectric benders 72 for adjusting resonant frequency.
  • each piezoelectric cantilever As in the first embodiment, the principles .of operation are the same.
  • the application of a driving voltage across the bender elements causes each piezoelectric cantilever to oscillate about its fixed end and thereby generate the pressure waves within the tube 42.
  • the mass may be utilized to adjust resonant frequency and the central brass support, in each embodiment, may be utilized as a fine adjustment of resonant frequency by slight sliding ofthe brass with respect to the individual slots 82 to thereby change the lever arm of the support with respect to the fixed end.
  • the entire flow of blood may be through the tube 42 or, a T adapter may be utilized with pressure waves propagating into the main bloodstream.
  • each bender element oscillates or deflects at its fixed end 84.
  • the slot 90 in the legs 88 are utilized- Furthermore, a copper plate 98 may be pivoted at the fixed end of the brass support to distribute the flexing force of the cantilever evenly across the tube 42.
  • the present heart assist principles may be employed in a device placed in parallel with the heart to bypass any of the chambers of the heart.
  • the principles may also be utilized to bypass the heart entirely.
  • Apparatus for providing mechanical assistance to a heart by generating pressure waves in the blood a tubular fluid path of resilient material adapted to be surgically connected to the bloodstream; piezoelectric means for alternately compressing and releasing said tubular fluid path and for generating sinusoidal pressure waves in said tubular-fluid path in response to a driving signal; and a frame; said piezoelectric means including at least two piezoelectric bender means each bender means having a central support and a piezoelectric ceramic bonded thereto, each bender means configured as a cantilever with one end fixed to said frame and the other end free, and having a mass operably loading the free end thereof to provide a predetermined resonant frequency; a whereby upon application of said driving signal, each piezoelectric bender means resonates at a frequency in the range of the heart frequency to generate pressure waves in said tubular fluid path thereby increasing the mean arterial bloodflow.
  • the arm and support move about different axes Without binding.
  • tubular fluid path has means connectible to the bloodstream at two different locations whereby all the blood passes through said tubular fluid path between said piezoelectric cantilever means and said base.
  • tubular fluid path has means connectible to the bloodstream at one surgical location and pressure waves are propagated ezoelectric cantilever means.

Abstract

An implantable piezoelectric heart assist apparatus generates pressure waves of approximately the same amplitude and frequency as the natural heart. The apparatus includes a brass support sandwiched between piezoelectric ceramics to form a piezoelectric bender. The bender compresses a tube which is sutured into the descending thoracic aorta. The bender is loaded at one end to change its resonant frequency and, upon application of a driving signal, the bender oscillates to generate pressure in the thoracic aorta.

Description

United States Patent [191 Williams, Jr. et al.
[111 3,857,382 [451 Dec.3'1, 1974 PIEZOELECTRIC HEART ASSIST APPARATUS Inventors: Maryon J. Williams, Jr., Augusta,
' Ga.; Walter Welkowitz, Metuchen; Sylvan Fich, Edison, both of N.J.; Dov Jaron, Detroit; Adrian Kantrowitz, Pontiac, both of Mich.; Donald A. Molony, Vienna, Austria Sinai Hospital of Detroit, Detroit, Mich.
Filed: Sept. 10, 1973 Appl. No: 395,799
Related US. Application Data Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 301,553, Oct. 27, 1972, abandoned.
Assign'ee:
US. Cl. 128/1 D, 3/DlG. 2, 128/346, 251/9, 417/322 Int. Cl. A61m 01/03, A61f 0l/24 Field of Search 128/1 D, 214 R, 273, 346; 3/1, DIG. 2; 251/9; 417/322, 478
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1960 DiVette 128/346 3,361,067 1/1968 Webb ..'417/322 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Myers et al., Amer. Jour.. Med. Elect., .Oct.-Dec., 1964, PP. 233-236.
Primary ExaminerDalt0n L. Truluck Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Cullen, Settle, Sloman & Cantor 5 7 ABSTRACT An implantable piezoelectric heart assist apparatus generates pressure waves of approximately the same amplitude and frequency as the natural heart. The ap- 6 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures P452054 ECTR/c BEA/05R PIEZOELECTRIC HEART ASSIST APPARATUS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This is a continuation-in-part of our United States patent application Ser. No. 301,553 filed Oct. 27, 1972 now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION National Science Foundation.
This invention relates generally to heart assist devices and, more particularly, to heart assist-devices operating in a counter-pulsation mode.
Heart assist devices operating in a counter-pulsation mode have been previously developed'TechnicaI problems arising with these prior art devices include the large'amount of power. necessary for operation, the inability to generate sufficient pressures in vivo, and low efficiency.
The use' ofpiezoelectric transducers in heart assist devices is also known. One problem with prior piezoelectric transducers applied to heart assist devices is their high natural resonant frequency. Additional problems in the 'prior piezoelectric devices include the requirement that valves, pistons or levers be included.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention herein relates to an improved implantable piezoelectric heart assist device including a fluid path, adapted to be surgically connected to the bloodstream and piezoelectric means for alternately compressing and releasing the fluid path to generate sinusoidal pressure waves in the bloodstream. The piezoelectric means includes a brass support which is fastened at one end .to form a cantilever and is sandwiched between piezoelectric ceramics to form a piezoelectric bender. In one embodiment a single bender is provided.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved piezoelectric heart assist apparatus eliminating the need for valves, pistons and other similar mechanical elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing objects of the present invention, together with other objects and advantageswhich may be attained by its use, will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. I
In the drawings, wherein like numerals identify corresponding parts:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of the human heart;
FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of single piezoelectric bender heart assist apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a driving circuit for the piezoelectric bender of the present invention; a
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the use of the heart assist apparatus without bisecting or severing the thoracic aorta;
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the use of the heart assist apparatus with the thoracic aorta severed;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a double piezoelectric bender heart assist apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a front elevation view taken in the direction of arrows 77 of FIG. 6; I
FIG. 8 is an end elevation view taken in the direction of arrows 88 of FIG. 6; and
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, partially exploded perspective illustration of part of the apparatus of FIGS. 6-8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION -mounted in a housing (not shown), including a center brass support 32 and two piezoelectric ceramic means 34 bonded to either side of the brass support 32 to form a sandwich.
The brass support measures 5.75 X 2.75 inches with a thickness of 0.008 inch. Three ceramic strips are bonded-to each side of the brass support. The strips measure 30 X 0.9 X 0.005 inch each, and are a lead zirconate titanate (G I278) manufactured by Gulton lndustries, Inc. of New Jersey.
. The piezoelectric bender of FIG. 2 is clamped at one end 36 to form a cantilever and the free end is loaded with a mass 38 tochange the resonant frequency ofthe bender. The piezoelectric bender is clamped to a support 40', and a tube 42, which may bemanufactured of segmented polyurethane or any other blood compatible material, passes between the piezoelectric bender and support member 40. The apparatus may be surgically implanted in the chest cavity, hence the requirement of compatible materials is obvious.
Referring to FIG. 3, the driving circuit of the present invention includesa pulse generator 44 which supplies a pacingsignal to the heart. The pulse generator also provides a delayed output which serves as an input to a square wave generator 46. The output of the square wave generator is coupled through a resistance network 48 to the piezoelectric bender,
The operation of the heart assist device is based upon the characteristic of a piezoelectric bender. That is, when a voltage is applied across a piezoelectric bender which is clamped at one end, the bender responds with an oscillatory deflection at the free end. The resonant frequency of the bender, dependent upon the size and mass of the bender, may be adjusted by the inclusion of an additional mass such as mass 38 of FIG. 2.
EXAMPLE I Various in vivo experiments were undertaken with mongrel dogs. With reference to FIG. 5, a first example included use of the piezoelectric apparatus assisting the left ventricle with the thoracic aorta 30 bisected and the polyurethane tube sutured or clamped to both ends of the thoracic aorta. Ventricular failure in the animal was surgically induced. The driving system was a 200- volt peak-to-peak square wave although it is recognized that a sine wave could be utilized since the oscillatory motion of the piezoelectric bender produces a sinusoidal output. Mass 38 was 330 grams.
EXAMPLE ll EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 6-9
To provide greater pressure on the tube 42 and to reduce the sensitivity to spatial orientation, the embodiment of FIGS. 6-9 provides a double cantilever bender apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame or housing 52, which may be made of clear plastic or plexiglass and includes two opposed side walls 54, each having a central aperture 56.
A connector 58 which may be manufactured of teflon, plastic or other surgically compatible material, is inserted in each aperture 56. The connector has a flange 59, which may be manufactured of brass, and which projects inward of the housing 52 and fits inside a bearing 60. The bearing 60 is a dry ball bearing unit having a stationery inner shaft and a rotating outer shaft.
Rocker arms 62, 63 having central openings 64 are mounted on the outer shaft of the bearing 60 for oscillation.
A first cross-support 66 connects the end of the first rocker arm 62 with the end of the second rocker arm 63. A second cross-support 67 connects the remaining end of the rocker arm 62 with the remaining end of the rocker arm 63. Each cross-support is secured to a mass 68 by means of screws 70 which are threaded through the cross-support and are adjustable to move the mass radially inward and outward with respect to the center of the opening 64 in the rocker arm. Thus, the rocker arm operates with the two masses 68 as a counter balance.
The embodiment of FIGS. 6-9 includes two piezoelectric bender elements 72 each having a central brass support (as in FIG. 2) and each including a brass plate 74 at one end to provide additional stiffness. Each bender element is configured as a cantilever with the mass 68 operably loading the free end. Each bender element has a plurality of apertures 76 at a fixed end 78 which is secured by bolts 80 to the frame or housing 52. The cantilever support further has a plurality of slits 82 at the free end 84.
As in the first embodiment, each bender 72 has a plurality of piezoelectric ceramics 34 bonded thereto. In
this second embodiment, the central brass support measures 5.25 inches X 0.95 inch 0.004 inch and i each ceramic measures 3.0 inches X 0.3 inch X 0.008 inch. Each bender 72 comprises three adjacent ceramics on each side of the support. Thus, the total dimension of the ceramic on each side of the brass support is 3.0 inches X 0.9 inch X 0.008 inch.
At the free end 84 of each bender is a U-shaped brace 86 having opposed legs 88. Each leg 88 has an elongated slot 90 having a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the central brass support 74. At each end of the apparatus is a pin 92 which extends from the first rocker arm 62 through the slots 90 to the other rocker arm 63. By this pin and slot connection, each mass 68 loads one of the piezoelectric benders 72 for adjusting resonant frequency.
As in the first embodiment, the principles .of operation are the same. The application of a driving voltage across the bender elements causes each piezoelectric cantilever to oscillate about its fixed end and thereby generate the pressure waves within the tube 42. The mass may be utilized to adjust resonant frequency and the central brass support, in each embodiment, may be utilized as a fine adjustment of resonant frequency by slight sliding ofthe brass with respect to the individual slots 82 to thereby change the lever arm of the support with respect to the fixed end.
As in the first embodiment, the entire flow of blood may be through the tube 42 or, a T adapter may be utilized with pressure waves propagating into the main bloodstream.
' The use of the counter-balanced rocker arms 62 and 63 provides for oscillation about the central axis 96 of the tube 42. Each bender element oscillates or deflects at its fixed end 84. To compensate for the different axes 'of motion and thereby prevent binding of the central brass supports, the slot 90 in the legs 88 are utilized- Furthermore, a copper plate 98 may be pivoted at the fixed end of the brass support to distribute the flexing force of the cantilever evenly across the tube 42.
RESULTS The expected results in a left ventricular heart assist device of this nature are a decrease inthe systolic pressure and an increase in the diastolic pressure. These expected results for the single bender device were obtained as reported by us at the 24th Annual Conference first embodiment, the fundamental component of the pressure generated by the device in the carotid artery was 15 mmI-Ig peak-to-peak. This was approximately equal to the fundamental component of the pulse pressure in the carotid artery with the device off. The typical counter-pulsation pressure wave form was readily noted in the aortic pressure curves. A typical power consumption of one watt was noted for these experiments.
The results using the double bender or double cantilever apparatus were also as expected. It was found that coronary-arterial flow was increased from 6 to 20 percent in various experiments and the in-phase fundamental aortic pressure can be decreased from 23 to 10 mmHg peak-to-peak based upon the location of the bender along the aorta and the delay setting on the pulse generator 44. Again, typical power consumption of one watt was noted.
In each embodiment, the same driving circuit was utilized.
It should be appreciated that the present heart assist principles may be employed in a device placed in parallel with the heart to bypass any of the chambers of the heart. The principles may also be utilized to bypass the heart entirely.
The foregoing is a description of the concepts of the present invention and of several embodiments which have operated successfully. The description should not be read in a restrictive sense but only as describing the underlying concepts of the present invention. The invention may be further developed within the scope of the following claims.
What is claimed is: 1. Apparatus for providing mechanical assistance to a heart by generating pressure waves in the blood a tubular fluid path of resilient material adapted to be surgically connected to the bloodstream; piezoelectric means for alternately compressing and releasing said tubular fluid path and for generating sinusoidal pressure waves in said tubular-fluid path in response to a driving signal; and a frame; said piezoelectric means including at least two piezoelectric bender means each bender means having a central support and a piezoelectric ceramic bonded thereto, each bender means configured as a cantilever with one end fixed to said frame and the other end free, and having a mass operably loading the free end thereof to provide a predetermined resonant frequency; a whereby upon application of said driving signal, each piezoelectric bender means resonates at a frequency in the range of the heart frequency to generate pressure waves in said tubular fluid path thereby increasing the mean arterial bloodflow.
piezoelecoscillation therein about the axis of said tubular U which slots are parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the cantilever, and
.an elongated pin positioned through said slots and fixed in the ends of said arms;
whereby the resonating of said supports is coupled through the slot and pin to oscillate said arms, and
the arm and support move about different axes Without binding.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said tubular fluid path has means connectible to the bloodstream at two different locations whereby all the blood passes through said tubular fluid path between said piezoelectric cantilever means and said base.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said tubular fluid path has means connectible to the bloodstream at one surgical location and pressure waves are propagated ezoelectric cantilever means.

Claims (6)

1. Apparatus for providing mechanical assistance to a heart by generating pressure waves in the bloodstream, the pressure waves being introduced in the bloodstream so that diastolic pressure is increased; the apparatus comprising: a tubular fluid path of resilient material adapted to be surgically connected to the bloodstream; piezoelectric means for alternately compressing and releasing said tubular fluid path and for generating sinusoidal pressure waves in said tubular fluid path in response to a driving signal; and a frame; said piezoelectric means including at least two piezoelectric bender means each bender means having a central support and a piezoelectric ceramic bonded thereto, each bender means configured as a cantilever with one end fixed to said frame and the other end free, and having a mass operably loading the free end thereof to provide a predetermined resonant frequency; whereby upon application of said driving signal, each piezoelectric bender means resonates at a frequency in the range of the heart frequency to generate pressure waves in said tubular fluid path thereby increasing the mean arterial blood flow.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric means fUrther includes: an arm mounted transversely of said tubular fluid path for oscillation in said frame about the axis of said tubular fluid path; said arm having one of said masses secured to each end thereof to form a counterbalance; whereby upon application of said driving signal, said central supports resonate to oscillate said arm to compress said tubular fluid path between said supports for generating said pressure waves therein.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 and further including: two arms mounted on opposite sides of said frame for oscillation therein about the axis of said tubular fluid path; each central support resonating about an axis distinct from the axis of said tubular fluid path; said central support including a U-shaped brace on its free end, said brace having slots in the legs of the ''''U'''' which slots are parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the cantilever, and an elongated pin positioned through said slots and fixed in the ends of said arms; whereby the resonating of said supports is coupled through the slot and pin to oscillate said arms, and the arm and support move about different axes without binding.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said tubular fluid path has means connectible to the bloodstream at two different locations whereby all the blood passes through said tubular fluid path between said piezoelectric cantilever means and said base.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said tubular fluid path has means connectible to the bloodstream at one surgical location and pressure waves are propagated into the main bloodstream.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each mass is radially adjustable on said arm with respect to the axis of rotation for adjusting the resonant frequency of said piezoelectric cantilever means.
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US3963380A (en) * 1975-01-06 1976-06-15 Thomas Jr Lyell J Micro pump powered by piezoelectric disk benders
US4080958A (en) * 1976-02-27 1978-03-28 Datascope Corporation Apparatus for aiding and improving the blood flow in patients
US4344743A (en) * 1979-12-04 1982-08-17 Bessman Samuel P Piezoelectric driven diaphragm micro-pump
US4731076A (en) * 1986-12-22 1988-03-15 Baylor College Of Medicine Piezoelectric fluid pumping system for use in the human body
EP0654276A1 (en) * 1991-05-06 1995-05-24 The Administrators Of The Tulane Educational Fund Cardiovascular flow enhancer and method of operation
US5433731A (en) * 1993-03-29 1995-07-18 Pacesetter Ab Mechanical defibrillator and method for defibrillating a heart
US6368079B2 (en) * 1998-12-23 2002-04-09 Battelle Pulmonary Therapeutics, Inc. Piezoelectric micropump
US6589229B1 (en) 2000-07-31 2003-07-08 Becton, Dickinson And Company Wearable, self-contained drug infusion device
WO2004112895A1 (en) * 2003-06-17 2004-12-29 Ebr Systems, Inc. Vibrational pacing therapy device
US20050131468A1 (en) * 2003-11-06 2005-06-16 Ebr Systems, Inc. Vibrational therapy device used for resynchronization pacing in a treatment for heart failure
US20060136005A1 (en) * 2004-12-21 2006-06-22 Ebr Systems, Inc. Implantable transducer devices
US20060136004A1 (en) * 2004-12-21 2006-06-22 Ebr Systems, Inc. Leadless tissue stimulation systems and methods
US20070060961A1 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-15 Ebr Systems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for determining cardiac stimulation sites using hemodynamic data
US20070078490A1 (en) * 2004-12-21 2007-04-05 Ebr Systems, Inc. Leadless tissue stimulation systems and methods
US20080294208A1 (en) * 2007-05-23 2008-11-27 Ebr Systems, Inc. Optimizing energy transmission in a leadless tissue stimulation system
US7765001B2 (en) 2005-08-31 2010-07-27 Ebr Systems, Inc. Methods and systems for heart failure prevention and treatments using ultrasound and leadless implantable devices
US7953493B2 (en) 2007-12-27 2011-05-31 Ebr Systems, Inc. Optimizing size of implantable medical devices by isolating the power source
US8795230B2 (en) 2010-11-30 2014-08-05 Becton, Dickinson And Company Adjustable height needle infusion device
US8814831B2 (en) 2010-11-30 2014-08-26 Becton, Dickinson And Company Ballistic microneedle infusion device
WO2014145667A3 (en) * 2013-03-15 2015-01-22 Vascor, Inc. Thoracic aorta ventricular assist system
US8939928B2 (en) 2009-07-23 2015-01-27 Becton, Dickinson And Company Medical device having capacitive coupling communication and energy harvesting
US20150147206A1 (en) * 2013-11-28 2015-05-28 Marco Systemanalyse Und Entwicklung Gmbh Valve for metering media in the micro-quantity range
US9283392B2 (en) 2008-03-25 2016-03-15 Ebr Systems, Inc. Temporary electrode connection for wireless pacing systems
US9375529B2 (en) 2009-09-02 2016-06-28 Becton, Dickinson And Company Extended use medical device
US9416775B2 (en) 2014-07-02 2016-08-16 Becton, Dickinson And Company Internal cam metering pump
US9731139B2 (en) 2008-07-16 2017-08-15 Ebr Systems, Inc. Local lead to improve energy efficiency in implantable wireless acoustic stimulators
US9782536B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2017-10-10 Becton, Dickinson And Company Infusion set and/or patch pump having at least one of an in-dwelling rigid catheter with flexible features and/or a flexible catheter attachment
US9950109B2 (en) 2010-11-30 2018-04-24 Becton, Dickinson And Company Slide-activated angled inserter and cantilevered ballistic insertion for intradermal drug infusion
US10004845B2 (en) 2014-04-18 2018-06-26 Becton, Dickinson And Company Split piston metering pump
US10092691B2 (en) 2009-09-02 2018-10-09 Becton, Dickinson And Company Flexible and conformal patch pump
US20200209970A1 (en) * 2018-12-29 2020-07-02 AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd. Mobile terminal

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Cited By (69)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US3963380A (en) * 1975-01-06 1976-06-15 Thomas Jr Lyell J Micro pump powered by piezoelectric disk benders
US4080958A (en) * 1976-02-27 1978-03-28 Datascope Corporation Apparatus for aiding and improving the blood flow in patients
US4344743A (en) * 1979-12-04 1982-08-17 Bessman Samuel P Piezoelectric driven diaphragm micro-pump
US4731076A (en) * 1986-12-22 1988-03-15 Baylor College Of Medicine Piezoelectric fluid pumping system for use in the human body
EP0654276A1 (en) * 1991-05-06 1995-05-24 The Administrators Of The Tulane Educational Fund Cardiovascular flow enhancer and method of operation
AU673203B2 (en) * 1991-05-06 1996-10-31 The Administrators Of The Tulane Eductional Fund Cardiovascular flow enhancer and method of operation
US5433731A (en) * 1993-03-29 1995-07-18 Pacesetter Ab Mechanical defibrillator and method for defibrillating a heart
US6368079B2 (en) * 1998-12-23 2002-04-09 Battelle Pulmonary Therapeutics, Inc. Piezoelectric micropump
US6589229B1 (en) 2000-07-31 2003-07-08 Becton, Dickinson And Company Wearable, self-contained drug infusion device
WO2004112895A1 (en) * 2003-06-17 2004-12-29 Ebr Systems, Inc. Vibrational pacing therapy device
US20060161061A1 (en) * 2003-11-06 2006-07-20 Ebr Systems, Inc. Vibrational therapy device used for resynchronization pacing in a treatment for heart failure
US7050849B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2006-05-23 Ebr Systems, Inc. Vibrational therapy device used for resynchronization pacing in a treatment for heart failure
US20050131468A1 (en) * 2003-11-06 2005-06-16 Ebr Systems, Inc. Vibrational therapy device used for resynchronization pacing in a treatment for heart failure
US9333364B2 (en) 2004-06-15 2016-05-10 Ebr Systems, Inc. Methods and systems for heart failure treatments using ultrasound and leadless implantable devices
US20070078490A1 (en) * 2004-12-21 2007-04-05 Ebr Systems, Inc. Leadless tissue stimulation systems and methods
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US9008776B2 (en) 2004-12-21 2015-04-14 Ebr Systems, Inc. Leadless tissue stimulation systems and methods
US20060136005A1 (en) * 2004-12-21 2006-06-22 Ebr Systems, Inc. Implantable transducer devices
US7558631B2 (en) 2004-12-21 2009-07-07 Ebr Systems, Inc. Leadless tissue stimulation systems and methods
US7606621B2 (en) 2004-12-21 2009-10-20 Ebr Systems, Inc. Implantable transducer devices
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US10456588B2 (en) 2007-05-23 2019-10-29 Ebr Systems, Inc. Optimizing energy transmission in a leadless tissue stimulation system
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US7953493B2 (en) 2007-12-27 2011-05-31 Ebr Systems, Inc. Optimizing size of implantable medical devices by isolating the power source
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US20150147206A1 (en) * 2013-11-28 2015-05-28 Marco Systemanalyse Und Entwicklung Gmbh Valve for metering media in the micro-quantity range
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