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Abstract

An implantable coronary perfusion assist system to divert blood from large arteries, such as the aorta, to small arteries, such as the coronary arteries where additional blood flow is needed. The assist system includes a shunt graft which is connected to the aorta or another convenient source of oxygenated blood at one end, and to the coronary artery or the atrium at its other end. A pump, preferably of the type employing a trained muscle wrapped around a fluid chamber is connected by a conduit to a bladder disposed in line with the graft, to assist in pumping of blood from the aorta to the coronary artery. The pump action is synchronized to the dastolic phase of the patient's cardiac cycle, and the coronary perfusion is accomplished without increasing the concentration of oxygen in the patient's body.

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First Claim