A self-contained peristaltic pump includes a flexible flow conduit with a plurality of circumferential and/or longitudinal shapechange elements distributed longitudinally and/or transversely along the longitudinal axis of the flow conduit. The activations of the shapechange elements result in the positive displacement of fluid in the anterograde direction (i.e. from the anterior end of the pump to the posterior end).

A self-contained peristaltic pump includes a flexible flow conduit with a plurality of circumferential and/or longitudinal shapechange elements distributed longitudinally and/or transversely along the longitudinal axis of the flow conduit. The activations of the shapechange elements result in the positive displacement of fluid in the anterograde direction (i.e. from the anterior end of the pump to the posterior end).

The cardiovascular device (1) comprises: a flexible membrane (3) insertable in a transverse position in a ventricular cavity (10); a flexible frame (2) which supports the membrane (3) in the transverse position, the flexible frame (2) comprising a plurality of shaped thread-like elements (4) each of which comprises a first portion (4A) which has a first end that is centrally associated with other first ends (4A) of other first portions of other thread-like elements (4) forming a central hub (5) and a second portion (4B) which is helically shaped and which has having a second end opposite the first end which is attached to an attachment element (6) which is common to other second ends of other thread-like elements (4), which form all together a plurality of loops (7; 28) everted toward the outside to support and constrain the membrane (3).

The cardiovascular device (1) comprises: a flexible membrane (3) insertable in a transverse position in a ventricular cavity (10); a flexible frame (2) which supports the membrane (3) in the transverse position, the flexible frame (2) comprising a plurality of shaped thread-like elements (4) each of which comprises a first portion (4A) which has a first end that is centrally associated with other first ends (4A) of other first portions of other thread-like elements (4) forming a central hub (5) and a second portion (4B) which is helically shaped and which has having a second end opposite the first end which is attached to an attachment element (6) which is common to other second ends of other thread-like elements (4), which form all together a plurality of loops (7; 28) everted toward the outside to support and constrain the membrane (3).

Tubular propulsion devices and systems and methods for using such devices and systems to restore, replace, or augment or otherwise modulate active transport of fluids through a diseased or damaged tubular organ or organ segment are described. The devices have a hollow center surrounded by a peripheral wall. The devices can be multilayer devices. The devices may be single tube devices or multi-section devices. Typically, elements for altering the structure of the device, such as via compression, expansion, twisting, and/or contraction of one or more sections of the peripheral wall, are included in the walls or are outside or inside, of the walls of the device. The devices undergo intermittent change of the contained volume (luminal volume) in a sequential manner to direct fluid flow. In use, the devices are able to serve as local mini- or regional-pumps.