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US3857382A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Piezoelectric heart assist apparatus
Assignee: SINAI HOSPITAL OF DETROIT
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Filing: 1973-09-10
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Granted: 1974-12-31
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Expires: 1993-09-10
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 M Williams
- 👤 W Welkowitz
- 👤 A Kantrowitz
- 👤 D Molony
- 👤 S Fich
- 👤 D Jaron
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:23
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M60/00; A61M60/10; A61M60/122; A61M60/126; A61M60/148; A61M60/152; A61M60/161; A61M60/20; A61M60/205; A61M60/289; A61M60/40; A61M60/403; A61M60/408; A61M60/465; A61M60/47; A61M60/486; A61M60/80; A61M60/855; A61M60/857; A61M60/247; A61M60/253; A61M60/268; A61M60/274
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
79 words
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.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
120 words
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.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
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.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
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.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
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.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2921584A
Cited
US3361067A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-30 | 1978-07-01 | 1978-12-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-30 | 1982-07-01 | 1982-12-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-30 | 1986-07-01 | 1986-12-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |