US3734087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
External pressure circulatory assist
Assignee: Intermedics Cardiassist Corp
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Filing: 1971-11-11
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1991-11-11
Abstract
Abstract Improved external pressure circulatory assist device of the type which utilizes an electrocardiogram signal to facilitate synchronization of its pressure pulse with the heartbeat. The improvements include a more efficient and clinically suitable mechanical means to induce pressure variations in the legs of a patient, and an automatic control means to maintain the proper pressurization even during physiological changes in the limbs of the patient being treated, and control means to monitor and adjust the pressure wave to achieve the proper phasing of the pressure wave with the cardiac cycle during treatment of the patient.
Inventors
- 👤 H Sauer
- 👤 N Hagopian
- 👤 J Colman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:50
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61H; A61H9/00; A61H9/005; A61H9/0078; A61H31/00; A61H31/004; A61H31/006; A61H2201/00; A61H2201/01; A61H2201/0103; A61H2201/12; A61H2201/1238; A61H2201/16; A61H2201/1602; A61H2201/1645; A61H2201/50; A61H2201/5058; A61H2201/5071; A61H2205/00; A61H2205/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
In apparatus for applying external pressure circulatory assist action to the legs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient by pressurizing said legs, the improvement wherein said apparatus comprises: A. a unitary bladder adapted for wrapping about a patient''s legs and holding a quantity of liquid, B. mechanical displacement means in contact with outside wall of said bladder and forming means to press against said bladder, said means forming the primary means for obtaining the aforesaid pressure assist action, and C. a unitary upper leg casing member and a unitary lower leg casing member having means, said casing members adapted for attachment to form a compartment to enclose said bladder, said casing members having sufficient brace means between leg sections thereof to avoid any substantial outward deflection of said leg casing members during said pressurizing of said fluid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
In apparatus for applying external pressure circulatory assist action to the legs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient by pressurizing said legs, the improvement wherein said apparatus comprises: A. a unitary bladder adapted for wrapping about a patient''s legs and holding a quantity of liquid, B. mechanical displacement means in contact with outside wall of said bladder and forming means to press against said bladder, said means forming the primary means for obtaining the aforesaid pressure assist action, and C. a unitary upper leg casing member and a unitary lower leg casing member having means, said casing members adapted for attachment to form a compartment to enclose said bladder, said casing members having sufficient brace means between leg sections thereof to avoid any substantial outward deflection of said leg casing members during said pressurizing of said fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said brace means comprise: A. triangular brace means between each of leg-enclosing zones of each of the upper and lower casing members, and B. a plurality of fastening means connecting said brace means together.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace, or arterial trace.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace, or arterial trace.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration of a pressure command signal on Said traces, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration of a pressure command signal on Said traces, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration of a pressure command signal on said traces, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace, or arterial trace.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration of a pressure command signal on said traces, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace, or arterial trace.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
62 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration of a pressure command signal on said traces, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
62 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration of a pressure command signal on said traces, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
65 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration of a pressure command signal on said traces, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace, or arterial trace.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
65 words
a trace derived from an arterial pressure sensor, B. means for visually displaying of the relative time duration of a pressure command signal on said traces, and C. manual means to adjust the relative timing and duration of said pressure command signal, while simultaneously achieving a visual adjustment of said signal to bring it into the desired relationship to said EKG trace, or arterial trace.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said leg-enclosing zones are conical in shape and adapted to dissipate stresses exerted thereon as hoop stresses, thereby resisting any substantial deflection or deformation of said zones.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said pressurizing means has a displacement capacity of at least 100 cubic inches and comprises means for actuating said platen through a stroke length of up to about 3.5 inches.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said casing members, bladder and displacement means are all placed within an envelope forming means to maintain sub-atmospheric pressure therearound.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said mechanical displacement means is placed within said compartment formed by said casing and also comprises a platen and a power linkage forming means to impart a power stroke thereto characterized by a substantial loss of velocity of said platen as the platen rises against said bladder.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said pressurizing means has a displacement capacity of at least 100 cubic inches and comprises means for actuating said platen through a stroke length of up to about 3.5 inches.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said casing members, bladder and displacement means are all placed within an envelope forming means to maintain sub-atomspheric pressure therearound.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said pressurizing means has a displacement capacity of at least 100 cubic inches and comprises means for actuating said platen through a stroke length of up to about 3.5 inches.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
120 words
In apparatus for applying external pressure circulatory assist action to the limbs of a patient in synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, and wherein said assist is achieved by pressurizing a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein said apparatus comprises a mechanical pressurizing member positioned generally between said limbs and in contact with an outside wall of said bladder and forming means to presS against said bladder, said bladder adapted for reciprocal movement in contact with said bladder, said mechanical means comprising a power-transmitting linkage forming means to impart a power stroke characterized by a substantial loss of velocity of said pressurizing member as the pressure of said contact is increased in the bladder during said stroke.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
120 words
In apparatus for applying external pressure circulatory assist action to the limbs of a patient in synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, and wherein said assist is achieved by pressurizing a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein said apparatus comprises a mechanical pressurizing member positioned generally between said limbs and in contact with an outside wall of said bladder and forming means to presS against said bladder, said bladder adapted for reciprocal movement in contact with said bladder, said mechanical means comprising a power-transmitting linkage forming means to impart a power stroke characterized by a substantial loss of velocity of said pressurizing member as the pressure of said contact is increased in the bladder during said stroke.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
65 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said bladder and mechanical pressurizing means are enclosed in a rigid casing, wherein the casing is enclosed in an envelope, and wherein a suction pump is operably connected to the interior of said envelope forming means to maintain a sub-atmospheric pressure within said envelope of between atmospheric pressure and about minus 100 mm of mercury below atmospheric pressure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said pressurizing means has a displacement capacity of at least 100 cubic inches and comprises means for actuating said platen through a stroke of up to about 3.5 inches.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said pressurizing means has a displacement capacity of at least 100 cubic inches and comprises means for actuating said platent through a stroke of up to about 3.5 inches.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
100 words
In apparatus for applying external pressure circulatory assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with a heartbeat of said patient, and wherein said assist is achieved by means for pressurizing a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein pump means is provided for adding to or subtracting fluid from said bladder, said pump means being responsive to the pressure within said bladder, through a bladder-pressure sensing means and a control circuit, and wherein said pump is responsive to said sensing means to receive an independent command signal therefrom on each heartbeat cycle of said patient.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
100 words
In apparatus for applying external pressure circulatory assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with a heartbeat of said patient, and wherein said assist is achieved by means for pressurizing a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein pump means is provided for adding to or subtracting fluid from said bladder, said pump means being responsive to the pressure within said bladder, through a bladder-pressure sensing means and a control circuit, and wherein said pump is responsive to said sensing means to receive an independent command signal therefrom on each heartbeat cycle of said patient.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said pump means has an operating period of about 0.5 seconds.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 14 comprising a reciprocating mechanical member forming displacement means to engage said bladder and pressurize the fluid therein.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said pressure-sensing means is an indirect sensing means comprising a displacement-sensing monitor adapted to sense the position of said mechanical pressure-transmitting device, to transmit a signal indicative of said position, and consequently indicative of said pressure in said bladder.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus for applying external pressure assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, wherein said assist is achieved with means for transmitting pressure to said limbs through a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein the apparatus includes a visual cycle-phasing monitor comprising: A. a multi-channel display device adapted to display
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus for applying external pressure assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, wherein said assist is achieved with means for transmitting pressure to said limbs through a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein the apparatus includes a visual cycle-phasing monitor comprising: A. a multi-channel display device adapted to display
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for applying external pressure assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, wherein said assist is achieved with means for transmitting pressure through a hydraulic cylinder to said limbs through a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein the apparatus includes A. an ideal pressure waveform generator means, B. actual leg pressure waveform sensing means, C. means for continually comparing said ideal and actual waveforms, and D. variable valve means, responsive to a signaL from said comparing means, to modify fluid flow to said hydraulic cylinder and thereby more nearly achieve said ideal-pressure waveform.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for applying external pressure assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, wherein said assist is achieved with means for transmitting pressure through a hydraulic cylinder to said limbs through a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein the apparatus includes A. an ideal pressure waveform generator means, B. actual leg pressure waveform sensing means, C. means for continually comparing said ideal and actual waveforms, and D. variable valve means, responsive to a signaL from said comparing means, to modify fluid flow to said hydraulic cylinder and thereby more nearly achieve said ideal-pressure waveform.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 19 comprising: A. a multi-channel oscilloscope adapted to display
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 20 wherein pump means is provided for adding to or subtracting fluid from said bladder, said pump means being responsive to the pressure within said bladder, through a bladder-pressure sensing means and a control circuit, and wherein said pump is responsive to said sensing means to receive an independent command signal therefrom on each heartbeat cycle of said patient.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said pressurizing means has a displacement capacity of at least 100 cubic inches and comprises means for actuating said platen through a stroke length of up to about 3.5 inches.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
106 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 1 for applying external pressure circulatory assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with a heartbeat of said patient, and wherein said assist is achieved by means for pressurizing a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein pump means is provided for adding to or subtracting the fluid from said bladder, said pump means being responsive to the pressure within said bladder, through a bladder-pressure sensing means and a control circuit, and wherein said pump is responsive to said sensing means to receive an independent command signal therefrom on each heartbeat cycle of said patient.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 23 wherein said pump means has an operating period of about 0.5 seconds.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 24 wherein said leg-enclosing zones are conical in shape and adapted to dissipate stresses exerted thereon as hoop stresses, thereby resisting any substantial deflection or deformation of said zones.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
105 words
In apparatus as defined in claim 23 for applying external pressure circulatory assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with a heartbeat of said patient, and wherein said assist is achieved by means for pressurizing a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein pump means is provided for adding to or subtracting fluid from said bladder, said pump means being responsive to the pressure within said bladder, through a bladder-pressure sensing means and a control circuit, and wherein said pump is responsive to said sensing means to receive an independent command signal therefrom on each heartbeat cycle of said patient.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 26 wherein said pump means has an operating period of about 0.5 seconds.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 27 wherein said leg-enclosing zones are conical in shape and adapted to dissipate stresses exerted thereon as hoop stresses, thereby resisting any substantial deflection or deformation of said zones.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 26 comprising a reciprocating mechanical member forming displacement means to engage said bladder and pressurize the fluid therein.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein said pressure-sensing means is an indirect sensing means comprising a displacement-sensing monitor adapted to sense the position of said mechanical pressure-transmitting device, to transmit a signal indicative of said position, and consequently indicative of said pressure in said bladder.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 for applying external pressure assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, wherein said assist is achieved with means for transmitting pressure to said limbs through a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein the apparatus includes a visual cycle-phasing monitor comprising: A. a multi-channel display device adapted to display
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein said leg-enclosing zones are conical in shape and adapted to dissipate stresses exerted thereon as hoop stresses, thereby resisting any substantial deflection or deformation of said zones.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein said pressurizing means has a displacement capacity of at least 100 cubic inches and comprises means for actuating said platen through a stroke of up to about 3.5 inches.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 16 for applying external pressure assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, wherein said assist is achieved with means for transmitting pressure to said limbs through a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein the apparatus includes a visual cycle-phasing monitor comprising: A. a multi-channel display device adapted to display
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 33 wherein said leg-enclosing zones are conical in shape and adapted to dissipate stresses exerted thereon as hoop stresses, thereby resisting any substantial deflection or deformation of said zones.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein said pressure-sensing means is an indirect sensing means comprising a displacement-sensing monitor adapted to sense the position of said mechanical pressure-transmitting device, to transmit a signal indicative of said position, and consequently indicative of said pressure in said bladder.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 23 wherein said leg-enclosing zones are conical in shape and adapted to dissipate stresses exerted thereon as hoop stresses, thereby resisting any substantial deflection or deformation of said zones.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
110 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 for applying external pressure assist action to the limbs of a patient in cyclic synchronization with the heartbeat of said patient, wherein said assist is achieved with means for transmitting pressure through an hydraulic cylinder to said limbs through a fluid-filled bladder surrounding said limbs, the improvement wherein the apparatus includes A. an ideal pressure waveform generator means, B. actual leg pressure waveform sensing means, C. means for continually comparing said ideal and actual waveforms, and D. variable valve means, responsive to a signal from said comparing means, to modify fluid flow to said sydraulic cylinder and thereby more nearly achieve said ideal-pressure waveform.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 38 comprising: A. a multi-channel oscilloscope adapted to display
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 39 wherein pump means is provided for adding to or subtracting fluid from said bladder, said pump means being responsive to the pressure within said bladder, through a bladder-pressure sensing means and a control circuit, and wherein said pump is responsive to said sensing means to receive an independent command signal therefrom on each heartbeat cycle of said patient.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 40 wherein said pump means has an operating period of about 0.5 seconds.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 38 wherein said pump means has an operating period of about 0.5 seconds.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 39 wherein said pump means has an operating period of about 0.5 seconds.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |