Systems and methods for draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are described herein described herein. In one implementation, an example system includes a signal generator, a plurality of electrodes operably connected to the signal generator, and a controller operably connected to the signal generator. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to deliver a neuromuscular electrical stimulation signal including at least one burst of pulses to at least one muscle in the subject's neck. The neuromuscular electrical stimulation signal is configured to induce a plurality of contractions of the at least one muscle. Additionally, the contractions of the at least one muscle are configured to squeeze at least one lymph node to create a pumping force, and the pumping force is configured to direct CSF flow in a proximal direction. The results in CSF drainage through the subject's neck lymphatic system.

Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus (20) for implanting in a heart of a human subject. The apparatus includes an interatrial anchor (22) shaped to define an opening (26) having a diameter of 4-8 mm, and a bag (24) in fluid communication with the opening of the anchor. The apparatus is shaped to fit within a right atrium of the heart of the subject, and has a capacity of between 4 and 20 cm3. Other applications are also described.

A device to convert redundant uterus to ventricular assist device and total artificial heart by capturing and extracting muscular power of uterus being mechanical energy and transfer the energy to pump blood in the circulatory system with the transfer being one of indirect transfer through transfer fluid and where required directly to blood with the uterus based compression chambers directly pumping blood in the aortic circulation at least. A system of connecting joints and pipes organized around a mode change over valve set controlled by micro controller enabling the device to operate in different modes and an external pipe connector connected to external pump which greatly extends the utility of the invention enabling patient to treat problems from lung, kidney, liver, gastro intestinal system and manage sepsis. The purpose of the invention is give additional life span or time to a patient especially with heart failure.

An autologous left ventricular assist device (ALVAD) is implanted into a skeletal muscle of a patient, such as being nested in the Latissimus Dorsi muscle. This implantation may be referred to as a training or prefabrication step and may last for 3 to 6 months or even longer. The ALVAD may include a plurality of ribs distributed in a spiral configuration as structural support and may include a plurality of electrodes operative to cause repeated contractions of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Once trained, the autologous LVADnow integrated into the conditioned musclemay be repositioned, reshaped and, specifically, moved into proximity with the patient's own heart and operatively coupled in fluid communication therewith for repeatedly contracting so as to pump oxygenated blood to and through the aorta and to the patient's organs and tissues.

An autologous left ventricular assist device (ALVAD) is implanted into a skeletal muscle of a patient, such as being nested in the Latissimus Dorsi muscle. This implantation may be referred to as a training or prefabrication step and may last for 3 to 6 months or even longer. The ALVAD may include a plurality of ribs distributed in a spiral configuration as structural support and may include a plurality of electrodes operative to cause repeated contractions of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Once trained, the autologous LVADnow integrated into the conditioned musclemay be repositioned, reshaped and, specifically, moved into proximity with the patient's own heart and operatively coupled in fluid communication therewith for repeatedly contracting so as to pump oxygenated blood to and through the aorta and to the patient's organs and tissues.

A convertor (100) for converting the mechanical energy of the movement of the heart muscle, or of other moving organs, into electrical energy comprising two flexible blocks (7, 7), wherein a first and a second end of a plurality of extendable elements (1) are immovably connected on the first and on the second flexible blocks (7, 7). Each of the extendable elements (1) comprises a layer of triboelectric material and a hollow portion (6). Each of the plurality of the extendable elements (1) comprises a triboelectric spiral structure (3) that is mounted within the hollow portion (6), wherein the triboelectric spiral structure (3) comprises a plurality of twisted elongated elements (4) that are movable within the hollow portion (6) of the extendable elements (1). Each of the twisted elongated elements (4) has the shape of a rod and each of the twisted elongated elements (4) comprises a triboelectric material layer (2) and a conducting material layer (12).

A convertor (100) for converting the mechanical energy of the movement of the heart muscle, or of other moving organs, into electrical energy comprising two flexible blocks (7, 7), wherein a first and a second end of a plurality of extendable elements (1) are immovably connected on the first and on the second flexible blocks (7, 7). Each of the extendable elements (1) comprises a layer of triboelectric material and a hollow portion (6). Each of the plurality of the extendable elements (1) comprises a triboelectric spiral structure (3) that is mounted within the hollow portion (6), wherein the triboelectric spiral structure (3) comprises a plurality of twisted elongated elements (4) that are movable within the hollow portion (6) of the extendable elements (1). Each of the twisted elongated elements (4) has the shape of a rod and each of the twisted elongated elements (4) comprises a triboelectric material layer (2) and a conducting material layer (12).

A medical device for causing blood flow within a left atrial appendage (LAA) includes a flow energy capture element adapted to capture energy caused by movement within the heart. A transmission element is operably coupled to the flow energy capture element, the transmission element adapted to utilize the captured energy to cause blood flow within the LAA.

A medical device for causing blood flow within a left atrial appendage (LAA) includes a flow energy capture element adapted to capture energy caused by movement within the heart. A transmission element is operably coupled to the flow energy capture element, the transmission element adapted to utilize the captured energy to cause blood flow within the LAA.

A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge. Devices and methods are described herein which are directed to the treatment of a patient's heart having, or one which is susceptible to heart failure, to improve diastolic function.