US6238334B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood
Assignee: Cardio Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1998-11-03
•
Granted: 2001-05-29
•
Expires: 2018-11-03
Abstract
Abstract A ventricular cuff is designed to assist a heart to pump blood by applying uniform pressure to a majority portion of an exterior ventricular surface of the heart. A heart engaging structure is preferably provided for releasably engaging the heart to hold the heart in place relative to the cuff. The ventricular cuff includes an outer shell, an inflatable inner bladder and a fastener assembly. The heart engaging structure and ventricular cuff define an upwardly opening chamber sized for receiving a heart. The bladder has an opening for communication with a source of fluid under pressure so that the bladder is cyclically inflated and deflated at a predetermined rate to assist the ventricles of the heart to properly contract.
Inventors
- 👤 Willaim A. Easterbrook, III
- 👤 Ludmila Gudis
- 👤 Mark S. Howansky
- 👤 Howard R. Levin
- 👤 Paul Michelman
- 👤 Robert W. Reinhardt
- 👤 Craig W. Sherman
- 👤 Joshua E. Tsitlik
- 👤 Naum Ziselson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M60/00; A61M60/10; A61M60/122; A61M60/165; A61M60/191; A61M60/20; A61M60/289; A61M60/40; A61M60/465; A61M60/468; A61M60/80; A61M60/855; A61M60/861
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 60
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: an inflatable bladder configured to extend about at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being selectively inflatable to contract the portion of the heart, the bladder being formed of substantially inelastic material; a suction membrane configured to make a close fit over at least a portion of the heart, the suction membrane defining an interior chamber to receive at least the portion of the heart therein; a suction line in communication with the interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to withdraw fluid from the chamber, thereby drawing the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart; and an inlet line connected for communication with the bladder, the inlet line being operative to selectively deliver pressurized fluid to and withdraw pressurized fluid from the bladder to alternately inflate and deflate the bladder.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: an inflatable bladder configured to extend about at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being selectively inflatable to contract the portion of the heart, the bladder being formed of substantially inelastic material; a suction membrane configured to make a close fit over at least a portion of the heart, the suction membrane defining an interior chamber to receive at least the portion of the heart therein; a suction line in communication with the interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to withdraw fluid from the chamber, thereby drawing the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart; and an inlet line connected for communication with the bladder, the inlet line being operative to selectively deliver pressurized fluid to and withdraw pressurized fluid from the bladder to alternately inflate and deflate the bladder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bladder and suction membrane are connected together.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the bladder and suction membrane are connected together adjacent the respective upper ends of the bladder and suction membrane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one resilient reinforcing finger disposed inwardly of the suction membrane, the reinforcing finger including plural cleats to releasably engage the heart when the suction line is operative.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a semi-rigid backplate connected to a portion of the bladder, the backplate being configured for placement against the inferior side of the heart.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bladder includes an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall being reinforced to resist radially outward expansion during inflation of the bladder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bladder comprises, in combination, a substantially fluid-impermeable film layer and a substantially inelastic reinforcing layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a spatula engaged to the suction membrane adjacent a lower end of the membrane, the spatula being formed integral with the backplate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bladder comprises plural inflatable compartments, and further comprising: plural inlet lines, at least one of which is in communication with each of the respective compartments.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
166 words
A heart contracting device for use in a system for assisting a heart to pump blood, the system including a source of pressurized fluid and an inlet line connected to the source of pressurized fluid for fluid communication therebetween, the heart contracting device comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; an inflatable bladder including an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being formed of substantially inelastic material, the bladder including an inlet port for releasable connection with the inlet line, the bladder being inflatable to drive the inner wall to a heart contracting position; wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly into engagement with the heart.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
166 words
A heart contracting device for use in a system for assisting a heart to pump blood, the system including a source of pressurized fluid and an inlet line connected to the source of pressurized fluid for fluid communication therebetween, the heart contracting device comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; an inflatable bladder including an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being formed of substantially inelastic material, the bladder including an inlet port for releasable connection with the inlet line, the bladder being inflatable to drive the inner wall to a heart contracting position; wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly into engagement with the heart.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The heart contracting device of claim 12 wherein the a heart engaging device is connected to the bladder and configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the bladder and suction membrane are connected together adjacent the respective upper ends of the bladder and suction membrane.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising at least one resilient reinforcing finger disposed inwardly of the suction membrane, the reinforcing finger including plural cleats to releasably engage the heart.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction anchor shaped to receive a portion of the heart and including at least one suction port to releasably engage the heart.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction pad with one or more suction ports.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the outer wall of the bladder is reinforced to resist radially outward expansion during inflation of the bladder.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the bladder comprises a substantially fluid impermeable film layer and a substantially inelastic reinforcing layer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the bladder comprises plural spaced apart inflatable compartments, and further comprising: plural inlet lines, at least one of the lines being in communication with each of the respective compartments.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder formed of substantially inelastic, flexible material and adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to a heart compressing position to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder formed of substantially inelastic, flexible material and adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to a heart compressing position to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the bladder includes an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall being reinforced to resist radially outward expansion during inflation of the bladder.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the bladder comprises a substantially fluid impermeable film layer and a substantially inelastic reinforcing layer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the bladder comprises plural inflatable compartments, and further including: plural inlet lines, at least one of each being in communication with each of the respective compartments.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction anchor shaped to receive a portion of the heart and including at least one suction port operative to releasably engage the heart.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction pad with one or more suction ports that are operative to releasably engage the heart.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder including an inner wall having a predetermined surface area such that the inner wall is at least partially folded when in a deflated state and at least partially unfolds when in an inflated state, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder including an inner wall having a predetermined surface area such that the inner wall is at least partially folded when in a deflated state and at least partially unfolds when in an inflated state, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the bladder includes an outer wall and an inner wall, the outer wall being reinforced to resist radially outward expansion of the bladder during inflation thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the bladder comprises a substantially fluid impermeable film layer and a substantially inelastic reinforcing layer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 31 further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction anchor shaped to receive a portion of the heart and including at least one suction port operative to releasably engage the heart.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction pad with one or more suction ports that are operative to releasably engage the heart.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
121 words
A heart contracting device for use in a system for assisting a heart to pump blood, the system including a source of pressurized fluid and an inlet line connected to the source of pressurized fluid for fluid communication therebetween, the heart contracting device comprising: an inflatable bladder including an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being formed of substantially inelastic material, the bladder including an inlet port for releasable connection with the inlet line, the bladder being inflatable to drive the inner wall to a heart contracting position; wherein the bladder comprises plural spaced apart inflatable compartments, and further comprising: plural inlet lines, at least one of the lines being in communication with each of the respective compartments.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
121 words
A heart contracting device for use in a system for assisting a heart to pump blood, the system including a source of pressurized fluid and an inlet line connected to the source of pressurized fluid for fluid communication therebetween, the heart contracting device comprising: an inflatable bladder including an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being formed of substantially inelastic material, the bladder including an inlet port for releasable connection with the inlet line, the bladder being inflatable to drive the inner wall to a heart contracting position; wherein the bladder comprises plural spaced apart inflatable compartments, and further comprising: plural inlet lines, at least one of the lines being in communication with each of the respective compartments.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
113 words
A heart contracting device for use in a system for assisting a heart to pump blood, the system including a source of pressurized fluid and an inlet line connected to the source of pressurized fluid for fluid communication therebetween, the heart contracting device comprising: an inflatable bladder including an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being formed of substantially inelastic material, the bladder including an inlet port for releasable connection with the inlet line, the bladder being inflatable to drive the inner wall to a heart contracting position; further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
113 words
A heart contracting device for use in a system for assisting a heart to pump blood, the system including a source of pressurized fluid and an inlet line connected to the source of pressurized fluid for fluid communication therebetween, the heart contracting device comprising: an inflatable bladder including an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being formed of substantially inelastic material, the bladder including an inlet port for releasable connection with the inlet line, the bladder being inflatable to drive the inner wall to a heart contracting position; further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
137 words
A heart contracting device for use in a system for assisting a heart to pump blood, the system including a source of pressurized fluid and an inlet line connected to the source of pressurized fluid for fluid communication therebetween, the heart contracting device comprising: an inflatable bladder including an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being formed of substantially inelastic material, the bladder including an inlet port for releasable connection with the inlet line, the bladder being inflatable to drive the inner wall to a heart contracting position; wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
137 words
A heart contracting device for use in a system for assisting a heart to pump blood, the system including a source of pressurized fluid and an inlet line connected to the source of pressurized fluid for fluid communication therebetween, the heart contracting device comprising: an inflatable bladder including an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being formed of substantially inelastic material, the bladder including an inlet port for releasable connection with the inlet line, the bladder being inflatable to drive the inner wall to a heart contracting position; wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder formed of substantially inelastic, flexible material and adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to a heart compressing position to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the bladder comprises plural inflatable compartments, and further including: plural inlet lines, at least one of each being in communication with each of the respective compartments.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder formed of substantially inelastic, flexible material and adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to a heart compressing position to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the bladder comprises plural inflatable compartments, and further including: plural inlet lines, at least one of each being in communication with each of the respective compartments.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder formed of substantially inelastic, flexible material and adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to a heart compressing position to compress at least a portion of the heart; further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder formed of substantially inelastic, flexible material and adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to a heart compressing position to compress at least a portion of the heart; further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder formed of substantially inelastic, flexible material and adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to a heart compressing position to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder formed of substantially inelastic, flexible material and adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to a heart compressing position to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder including an inner wall having a predetermined surface area such that the inner wall is at least partially folded when in a deflated state and at least partially unfolds when in an inflated state, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to compress at least a portion of the heart; further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder including an inner wall having a predetermined surface area such that the inner wall is at least partially folded when in a deflated state and at least partially unfolds when in an inflated state, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to compress at least a portion of the heart; further comprising at least two inlet lines, each of which is in fluid communication with the bladder at respective spaced apart locations.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder including an inner wall having a predetermined surface area such that the inner wall is at least partially folded when in a deflated state and at least partially unfolds when in an inflated state, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder including an inner wall having a predetermined surface area such that the inner wall is at least partially folded when in a deflated state and at least partially unfolds when in an inflated state, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the bladder is in the form of an elongated strip including first and second ends, the bladder being formed of a flexible material to be wrapped about the heart, the bladder further including a fastener device to secure the bladder in place about the heart.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder including an inner wall having a predetermined surface area such that the inner wall is at least partially folded when in a deflated state and at least partially unfolds when in an inflated state, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
173 words
An apparatus for assisting a heart to pump blood, the apparatus comprising: a heart engaging device configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the heart; a source of pressurized fluid; and a bladder adapted to be positioned about the periphery of at least a portion of the heart, the bladder including an inner wall having a predetermined surface area such that the inner wall is at least partially folded when in a deflated state and at least partially unfolds when in an inflated state, the bladder being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid and inflatable to compress at least a portion of the heart; wherein the heart engaging device comprises a suction membrane configured to make a close fit about at least a portion of the heart, the heart engaging device further including a suction line in communication with an interior chamber of the suction membrane, the suction line being operative to create a vacuum in the chamber to draw the suction membrane inwardly and into engagement with the heart.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-05-28 | 2004-11-27 | 2005-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-05-28 | 2008-11-27 | 2009-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-05-28 | 2012-11-27 | 2013-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |