Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A transmyocardial implant for establishing a blood flow path through a myocardium between a heart chamber and a lumen of a coronary vasculature residing at an exterior of the myocardium includes a hollow, rigid conduit having a wall defining an outer surface and an interior; an open first end; an open second end; a first portion defining the first end; a second portion defining the second end; and a reinforcing wrap. The first portion is dimensioned to be received within the lumen and the second portion is dimensioned to extend from the vasculature to the myocardium into the chamber. The conduit defines a blood flow pathway within the interior between the first and second ends. The second portion is formed of a material sufficiently rigid to resist deformation and closure of the pathway in response to contraction of the myocardium. Preferably, the reinforcing wrap extends along at least a section of the outer surface of the wall. In one embodiment, the reinforcing wrap is a spiral winding. In another embodiment, the reinforcing wrap is a woven braid.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim