| abstract |
System and methods for applying vascular therapy to a body vessel using a chamber capable of negative and/or positive pressure relative to ambient are provided. The chamber includes one or more pressure-isolated chambers. A pressure and/or vacuum source is connected to the pressure chamber, and is configured to provide distinct pressures within each pressure-isolated chamber. A controller is coupled to the pressure source, and is configured to control the pressure source such that pressure within each of the pressure-isolated chambers is controlled cyclically to simulate a pulsating pump or peristaltic-like pump action within the body vessel. The use of negative pressure is sequenced such that the resistance to pressure toward the heart is reduced. This effectively “pulls” blood flow toward the heart and creates more space for incoming blood flow. During simulation, medical devices may be introduced to and/or diagnostics may be performed on the targeted vessel. |