A medical prosthesis includes a tube having a length between a first end and a second end. The tube includes a polymer and at least one drug. The tube is configured to be manipulated to selectively increase and decrease the length of the tube. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

The present disclosure provides intravascular ventricular assist devices for insertion into the vasculature of an individual to improve the overall blood flow of the individual. In many embodiments, the intravascular ventricular assist devices described herein provide an individual with an intravascular ventricular assist device that is sized and configured for insertion into an aortic root or pulmonary root such that its reduced size and placement provide the individual with an improved quality of life. The intravascular ventricular assist devices described herein utilize a pump and optionally a prosthetic valve in combination with a self-expandable or balloon expandable stent or frame to allow placement within the aortic root or the pulmonary root such that a functioning valve works in combination with the pump to increase blood flow within the heart. Both intravascular left ventricular assist devices and intravascular right ventricular assist devices are within the scope of the present disclosure. Processes for implanting the intravascular ventricular assist devices are also disclosed herein.

A method of controlling an implantable blood pump of a living patient. The method includes receiving one or more pump signals indicating at least one from the group consisting of a motor speed of the blood pump, power supplied to the blood pump, and differential pressure exerted by the blood pump. One or more medication signals is received indicating whether the patient has taken a medication. The flow rate of blood based on a combination of the one or more pump signals and the medication signals is determined. At least one from the group consisting of increasing and decreasing power is supplied to the pump in response to the determined flow rate.

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.

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.

An example renal support pump includes a renal support device including an outer catheter shaft having a longitudinal axis and a distal end region coupled to a renal pump assembly, wherein the renal pump assembly includes a frame and an impeller assembly, wherein the impeller assembly is disposed within the frame, and wherein the impeller assembly is configured to rotate relative to the frame about the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

An example renal support pump includes a renal support device including an outer catheter shaft having a longitudinal axis and a distal end region coupled to a renal pump assembly, wherein the renal pump assembly includes a frame and an impeller assembly, wherein the impeller assembly is disposed within the frame, and wherein the impeller assembly is configured to rotate relative to the frame about the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and system for providing a diagnostic vascular window that may be used in real time to monitor a patient's fluid conditions in a variety of settings. The diagnostic vascular window may, for example, be used pre-surgery, during surgery, and post-surgery to determine whether a correct type and dose of diuretic drugs are being used for the patient. The diagnostic vascular window utilizes low flow accesses to view blood/fluids leaving and entering the patient's body. In addition, the same amount of fluids leaving the body enters the body, so there are no fluid losses or gains within the diagnostic vascular window. The low flow accesses in conjunction with a monitoring system allows for real-time measurements of blood parameters without fluid loss.

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device system for treating a heart, includes a control system including a processor and a pump, a hub coupled to the control system, a catheter shaft having a lumen and a first end coupled to the hub, a first expandable member disposed on the catheter shaft, wherein the first expandable member is configured to be positioned in the superior vena cava and a second expandable member disposed on the catheter shaft. Further, the second expandable member is configured to be positioned in the inferior vena cava and the catheter shaft includes a first aperture configured to permit an auxiliary medical device to pass from the lumen into the right atrium of the heart.

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device system for treating a heart, includes a control system including a processor and a pump, a hub coupled to the control system, a catheter shaft having a lumen and a first end coupled to the hub, a first expandable member disposed on the catheter shaft, wherein the first expandable member is configured to be positioned in the superior vena cava and a second expandable member disposed on the catheter shaft. Further, the second expandable member is configured to be positioned in the inferior vena cava and the catheter shaft includes a first aperture configured to permit an auxiliary medical device to pass from the lumen into the right atrium of the heart.