Correction and optimization of wave reflection in blood vessels

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and modalities that can modify wave reflection in the vascular system in order to create constructive interactions between existing wave dynamics and new reflective waves for the purpose of lowering the workload on the heart and increasing cardiac output, providing a viable option for the prevention and treatment of many heart conditions and diseases.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of reducing a hemodynamic load on a mammal's heart, the method comprising:
 positioning a plurality of rings around an aorta of the mammal, the rings each encircling a portion of the aorta and spaced apart from one another along the aorta;   constricting the aorta with a curvature of each of the rings without changing ring diameter after implantation to generate a plurality of artificial pressure wave reflection sites in the aorta to reduce a hemodynamic load on the mammal's heart as compared to a hemodynamic load without the artificial pressure wave reflection sites.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of artificial pressure wave reflections sites is in an abdominal aorta of the mammal. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of artificial pressure wave reflections sites is proximate to a renal bifurcation of the mammal. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting the diameter of at least one of the rings during implantation. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the rings includes teeth for diameter adjustment and lock in, and the adjusting is by moving the teeth. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one of the ring consists of plastic. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the rings are inelastic. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the rings consists of a unitary strip of fabric wrapped around the aorta and immobilized by an adhesive or a suture. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the rings includes teeth for diameter adjustment and lock in. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one ring consists of plastic. 
     
     
         11 . A method of reducing a hemodynamic load on a mammal's heart, the method comprising affecting a reflective wave in a blood vessel of the mammal. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising providing a new artificial pressure wave reflection site in a blood vessel of the mammal. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the new artificial reflection site is in an abdominal aorta of the mammal. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the new artificial reflection site is proximate to a renal bifurcation of the mammal. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein a plurality of new artificial pressure wave reflection sites are provided. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , the reflection site is provided by a band. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the band has curvature for constricting the blood vessel at the new artificial reflection site. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the band applies pressure at the new artificial reflection site. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising adjusting a rigidity of a blood vessel of the mammal. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the rigidity is modified using a band.