Devices and methods for blood flow assistance

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for assisting in blood flow from a weakened or injured heart, particularly for pediatric patents. A low profile, multi-chambered implantable mechanism is used to collect blood from a blood vessel and re-pump the blood out with an induced pressure emanating from a fluid pressure source. The devices and methods described herein are easy to use and may be attachable to body tissue without use of suture anastomosis.

1 . A low-profile implantable device for promoting blood flow, the device comprising: 
 a blood chamber having a blood chamber port, the blood chamber being in communication with a source of blood;    a fluid chamber having a fluid chamber port, the fluid chamber being in communication with a source of fluid pressure; and    a flexible membrane separating a portion of the blood chamber from a portion of the fluid chamber;    wherein when fluid enters the fluid chamber through the fluid chamber port, the flexible membrane moves further into the blood chamber causing any blood therein to flow out of the blood chamber through the blood chamber port; and    wherein when fluid exits the fluid chamber through the fluid chamber port, the flexible membrane moves further into the fluid chamber causing any blood in the blood chamber to flow into the blood chamber through the blood chamber port.    
   
   
       2 .- 32 . (canceled)