| abstract |
An apparatus, system, and method for assisting a heart in circulating blood that has been damaged, for example, by a myocardial infarction. In at least one aspect, an apparatus, system, and method are used for inserting a single cannula assembly comprising at least an inner and outer cannula into the left ventricle, advancing the inner cannula portion of the cannula assembly past the aortic valve, and into the aorta without requiring a secondary cannula insertion through an external portion of the aorta. In another aspect, an intraventricular assistant device (IVAD) having a motor and impeller can be inserted directly into the heart, such as in the left ventricle. The IVAD uniquely provides a pump within the heart through a single insertion that can reduce thrombosis and lessen the complexities typically associated with such efforts. |