An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.

The present invention relates to surgical or laparoscopic method of creating and maintaining an opening in the thoracic diaphragm of a patient. In said method, an incision in the thoracic diaphragm is created, thereby creating an opening in the thoracic diaphragm. Further a diaphragm passing part is placed in said opening created in the thoracic diaphragm, passing from the abdomen, through the thoracic diaphragm at the pericardial contacting section, into the pericardium; When placing the diaphragm passing part a force transferring part of the diaphragm passing part is placed in contact with the thoracic diaphragm, the force transferring part being adapted to, by motion of the force transferring part, transfer force between the abdominal side of the thoracic diaphragm and the thoracic side of the thoracic diaphragm or the pericardium while sliding against the thoracic diaphragm.

The present invention relates to surgical or laparoscopic method of creating and maintaining an opening in the thoracic diaphragm of a patient. In said method, an incision in the thoracic diaphragm is created, thereby creating an opening in the thoracic diaphragm. Further a diaphragm passing part is placed in said opening created in the thoracic diaphragm, passing from the abdomen, through the thoracic diaphragm at the pericardial contacting section, into the pericardium; When placing the diaphragm passing part a force transferring part of the diaphragm passing part is placed in contact with the thoracic diaphragm, the force transferring part being adapted to, by motion of the force transferring part, transfer force between the abdominal side of the thoracic diaphragm and the thoracic side of the thoracic diaphragm or the pericardium while sliding against the thoracic diaphragm.

An introducer sheath for use in delivering devices includes a proximal portion opposite a distal portion and a body portion extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the body portion defining a lumen of the introducer sheath configured for receiving at least one device, at least one bypass opening positioned in the proximal portion of the introducer sheath such that the bypass opening extends from an exterior of the introducer sheath to the lumen of the introducer sheath, and at least one plug configured to positioned within the lumen of the introducer sheath and to inhibit the flow of blood into the lumen proximal of the plug.

The present disclosure provides catheter pump system including a catheter assembly configured to be at least partially inserted into a left ventricle (LV). The catheter assembly has a proximal end and a distal end, and includes an elongate body extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The catheter pump system further includes a pressure sensor disposed at the distal end and configured to measure a pressure within a left ventricle when the catheter assembly is inserted.

The present disclosure provides catheter pump system including a catheter assembly configured to be at least partially inserted into a left ventricle (LV). The catheter assembly has a proximal end and a distal end, and includes an elongate body extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The catheter pump system further includes a pressure sensor disposed at the distal end and configured to measure a pressure within a left ventricle when the catheter assembly is inserted.

The invention provides a blood pump for use with an intravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS), as well as a method for utilizing the blood pump to treat heart failure.

The invention provides a blood pump for use with an intravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS), as well as a method for utilizing the blood pump to treat heart failure.

Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.