Physiologically compatible cardiac assist device and method

Abstract

A physiologically compatible cardiac assist device, also known as a ventricular assist device, has a pump which draws blood through a first catheter inserted into either the right atrium, the left atrium or the left ventricle and infuses the blood via a second catheter into the aorta during diastole. Attached to the second catheter is a balloon which is also inflated during diastole. The synchronized volume infusion and balloon inflation in this counterpulsation mode reduces afterload and is thus more physiologically compatible.