A valve for the control of a fluid flow may be provided, the valve including a connection block having a cylinder-symmetrical recess, where at least one first and a second entry channel as well as a first and a second exit channel run out in the peripheral surface of the recess. A control pin, which is fitted into the recess, is rotatable about a rotation axis, having at least two through-channels and connecting different ones of the entry and exit channels of the connection block to one another depending on its angular position. A first through-channel in the pin, with respect to the rotation axis, may exclusively connect channels running out at a first axial height, to one another, and a second through-channel exclusively connecting channels running out at a second axial height, to one another.

Systems, devices and methods are provided for supporting cardiac function. A device comprises an elongate housing configured for implantation into the right atrium and/or the superior vena cava of a human heart. The housing includes a first inlet and an outlet that define a primary blood flow path from the left atrium through at least a portion of the housing within the right atrium, and to the aorta. The housing comprises a motor disposed within the housing and an impeller coupled to the motor for pumping blood from the first inlet to the outlet of the housing through the primary blood flow path. The device bypasses the left ventricle by drawing freshly oxygenated blood from the left atrium and propelling this blood directly into the aorta. Implanting the pump in the right atrium eliminates the risk of bloods clots forming on the pump from passing into the arteries supplying blood to the brain. In addition, this decreases the stresses and loads on the blood pump, thereby reducing bleeding events, mechanical failure and/or wear on the pump components.

Systems, devices and methods are provided for supporting cardiac function. A device comprises an elongate housing configured for implantation into the right atrium and/or the superior vena cava of a human heart. The housing includes a first inlet and an outlet that define a primary blood flow path from the left atrium through at least a portion of the housing within the right atrium, and to the aorta. The housing comprises a motor disposed within the housing and an impeller coupled to the motor for pumping blood from the first inlet to the outlet of the housing through the primary blood flow path. The device bypasses the left ventricle by drawing freshly oxygenated blood from the left atrium and propelling this blood directly into the aorta. Implanting the pump in the right atrium eliminates the risk of bloods clots forming on the pump from passing into the arteries supplying blood to the brain. In addition, this decreases the stresses and loads on the blood pump, thereby reducing bleeding events, mechanical failure and/or wear on the pump components.

A method of operating a counterpulsation device (CPD) in a human or animal subject is disclosed, the method including: receiving a heart beat signal indicative of the heart beat of the subject; providing counterpulsation therapy by controlling the pressure supplied to a CPD drive line in pneumatic communication with the CPD to cause the CPD to alternately fill with blood and eject blood with a timing that is determined at least in part based on the heart beat signal; while providing counterpulsation therapy, receiving a CPD drive line pressure signal indicative of the pressure in the CPD drive line; and adjusting the pressure supplied to the drive line based at least in part on the drive line pressure signal.

A method of operating a counterpulsation device (CPD) in a human or animal subject is disclosed, the method including: receiving a heart beat signal indicative of the heart beat of the subject; providing counterpulsation therapy by controlling the pressure supplied to a CPD drive line in pneumatic communication with the CPD to cause the CPD to alternately fill with blood and eject blood with a timing that is determined at least in part based on the heart beat signal; while providing counterpulsation therapy, receiving a CPD drive line pressure signal indicative of the pressure in the CPD drive line; and adjusting the pressure supplied to the drive line based at least in part on the drive line pressure signal.

Mechanical circulatory supports configured to operate in series with the native heart are disclosed. In an embodiment, a centrifugal pump is used. In an embodiment, inlet and outlet ports are connected into the aorta and blood flow is diverted through a lumen and a centrifugal pump between the inlet and outlet ports. The supports may create a pressure rise between about 40-80 mmHg, and maintain a flow rate of about 5 L/min. The support may be configured to be inserted in a collinear manner with the descending aorta. The support may be optimized to replicate naturally occurring vortex formation within the aorta. Diffusers of different dimensions and configurations, such as helical configuration, and/or the orientation of installation may be used to optimize vortex formation. The support may use an impeller which is electromagnetically suspended, stabilized, and rotated to pump blood.

Apparatus and methods for cleaning a single-port fluidic device, such as a single-port, diaphragm-based cardiac pump, with a continuous stream of fresh cleaning fluid, while simultaneously draining soiled fluid, via a single input-output port of the fluidic device. A first coupler releasably mates with the input-output port. The first coupler includes an injector nozzle and a return port. The injector nozzle is oriented to direct a stream of pressurized cleaning fluid toward an interior chamber of the single-port fluidic device. The return port simultaneously removes soiled cleaning fluid from the interior chamber. A circulation pump delivers the pressurized cleaning fluid from a tank to the injector nozzle, and returns soiled cleaning fluid from the return port to the tank, via a cleaning fluid circulation circuit. Optionally, the diaphragm may be alternately driven between two positions, to agitate the cleaning fluid within the interior chamber, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency.

Systems and techniques for improving cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) may be provided. The systems may include a first flow enhancer configured to increase a renal artery pressure. The systems may include a second flow enhancer or flow restrictor configured to reduce a renal vein pressure. Each flow enhancer or flow restrictor may be configured to increase a transrenal pressure gradient, improve filtering and renal perfusion.

Systems and techniques for improving cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) may be provided. The systems may include a first flow enhancer configured to increase a renal artery pressure. The systems may include a second flow enhancer or flow restrictor configured to reduce a renal vein pressure. Each flow enhancer or flow restrictor may be configured to increase a transrenal pressure gradient, improve filtering and renal perfusion.

A system and method for increasing the speed of blood and the wall shear stress in a peripheral artery or peripheral vein to a sufficient level and for a sufficient period of time to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the donating artery or donating vein is provided. The method includes systems and methods to effect the movement of blood at the desired rate and in the desired direction. The movement of blood is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired blood speed and wall shear stress in the peripheral artery or vein in order to optimize the rate and extent of persistent diameter increase of the peripheral artery or peripheral vein.