Valve Simulation Device and Blood Pump Testing System

Abstract

This invention relates to a valve simulation device and a blood pump testing system. The valve simulation device includes a housing, a mounting bracket, and a valve. The housing has a receiving cavity, an inlet, and an outlet. The mounting bracket is disposed within the receiving cavity for mounting the blood pump. The mounting bracket or housing has a sealing portion. The valve is disposed within the receiving cavity to separate the inlet and outlet. The valve has a valve orifice for connecting the inlet and outlet. The valve has a closed position where the valve orifice is sealed by the sealing portion, and an open position where the valve orifice is opened after separation from the sealing portion. The valve rotates relative to the housing under the hydraulic pressure difference between the inlet and outlet, switching between the closed and open positions. This valve simulation device can realistically simulate the opening and closing of heart valves, improving the accuracy of blood pump lifespan testing results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a valve simulation device and a blood pump testing system. Background Technology

[0002] An intravascular blood pump is a blood-pumping device that can be inserted into a patient's heart through a blood vessel. The pump is placed inside the opening of a heart valve, allowing blood to flow through the pump and into the artery. Currently, to test the lifespan of blood pumps, they are typically placed in a valve simulator to simulate the opening and closing of heart valves. However, traditional valve simulators struggle to accurately simulate the opening and closing of heart valves, leading to inconsistent test results regarding the lifespan of the blood pump. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a valve simulation device, which aims to improve the realism of the simulation of heart valve opening and closing and improve the accuracy of blood pump testing, thereby solving the problem of low testing accuracy of traditional valve simulation devices.

[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a simulation device comprising a housing, a mounting bracket, and a valve; wherein the housing has an input port and an output port; the mounting bracket is disposed within the housing for mounting a blood pump; the mounting bracket or the housing has a sealing portion; the valve is disposed within the housing, the valve separating the input port and the output port; the valve has a valve orifice for communicating with the input port and the output port; the valve has a closed position and an open position; when the valve is in the closed position, the valve orifice is sealed by the sealing portion; when the valve is in the open position, the valve separates from the sealing portion, thereby opening the valve orifice; the valve can rotate relative to the housing under the hydraulic differential between the input port and the output port, switching between the closed position and the open position.

[0005] In one embodiment, the valve includes two sub-valves rotatably connected to the housing. Both sub-valves are provided with notches or grooves. When the two sub-valves are rotated to the closed position, the notches or grooves of the two sub-valves are joined together to form the valve orifice.

[0006] In one embodiment, a limiting member is provided between the side of the subvalve opposite to the inlet and the inner wall of the housing, so that after the subvalve is rotated to the open position, the limiting member separates the subvalve from the inner wall of the receiving cavity.

[0007] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the mounting bracket and the valve, and a fixing plate for rotatably connecting the valve is also provided in the receiving cavity; a mounting groove is recessed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity; and the fixing plate is fixed in the mounting groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, a recessed clearance space is provided on the surface of the fixing plate opposite to the inner wall of the receiving cavity. The clearance space is located at one end of the fixing plate near the valve, so as to accommodate a limiting member disposed on the valve.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a mounting base and a fixing post; wherein the mounting base is fixedly connected to the housing; the fixing post extends from the mounting base toward the inlet for insertion and fixing of the blood pump; the lower end of the fixing post passes through the notch grooves of the two subvalve valves so that the lower end of the fixing post forms the occlusion portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fixing post has a fixing hole inside, which penetrates the mounting base for the blood pump to be inserted and fixed; the mounting bracket also includes an end cap sleeved on the fixing post near the inlet end, the end cap having a through hole opposite to the fixing hole, and the end of the end cap facing the subvalve being able to support the subvalve.

[0011] In one embodiment, the end cap includes a cover plate with the through hole and a cover wall disposed around the circumference of the cover plate, the cover wall being connected to the outer peripheral surface of the fixing post; the mounting bracket further includes a flexible ring disposed inside the end cap, the flexible ring being located between the cover plate of the end cap and the end face of the fixing post.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cover wall is threaded to the outer peripheral surface of the fixing post, so that the distance between the end faces of the cover plate and the fixing post is adjustable, thereby adjusting the tightness of the cover plate in compressing the flexible ring.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing cavity includes a first cavity communicating with the output port, and a second cavity located between the first cavity and the input port and communicating with the first cavity, wherein a support platform is provided between the second cavity and the first cavity; the mounting base is mounted on the support platform.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting base includes a mounting plate and an annular protrusion; wherein the mounting plate is mounted on the support platform, and the mounting plate has a through hole for passing through the first cavity and the second cavity; the annular protrusion is connected to the mounting plate and surrounds the outer periphery of the fixed post, and the annular protrusion contacts and engages with the inner peripheral wall of the second cavity.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mounting plate is provided with a plurality of flow holes, which are located between the annular protrusion and the fixing hole, and are arranged at intervals around the fixing hole.

[0016] In one embodiment, the end of the housing with the output port is provided with a first external thread for connecting to a first housing; the end of the housing with the input port is provided with a second external thread for connecting to a second housing.

[0017] The present invention also provides a blood pump testing system, the blood pump testing system comprising a first housing, a second housing, a piping assembly, and a valve simulation device as described in any one of the above descriptions. The first housing has a first reservoir; the second housing has a second reservoir with a variable volume; the piping assembly includes a conduit and a one-way valve, the two ends of the conduit being connected to the first reservoir and the second reservoir respectively, and the one-way valve being disposed within the tubing to allow liquid to flow unidirectionally from the first reservoir to the second reservoir; the input port of the valve simulation device is connected to the second reservoir, and the output port of the valve simulation device is connected to the first reservoir.

[0018] The valve simulation device of the present invention provides a valve that can rotate relative to the housing inside the housing. The valve can rotate relative to the housing under the action of the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet, so that the valve periodically switches between the closed position and the open position, thereby periodically blocking and opening the valve orifice, thus realistically simulating the opening and closing of the heart valve. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A front view of the blood pump testing system provided in the embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the assembled blood pump and valve simulation device shown.

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the valve simulation device in operation with the blood pump when the valve is in the closed position;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the valve in the simulated valve device rotating to the closed position and cooperating with the blood pump;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the valve simulation device of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 5A schematic diagram of the valve simulation device shown in the closed position;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the two sub-valve bodies of the valve in the closed position;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 An enlarged view of point P1 is shown;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the valve simulation device shown when the valve is rotated to the open position;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the two sub-valve of the valve in the open position;

[0029] Figure 11 for Figure 9 An exploded view of the valve simulation device shown.

[0030] Figure 12 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the casing of the valve simulation device shown;

[0031] Figure 13 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the mounting frame for the valve simulation device shown.

[0032] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the mounting bracket shown from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 15 for Figure 14 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the mounting bracket.

[0034] Figure 16 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the rotatable connection between the subvalve and the fixation plate.

[0035] Figure 17 for Figure 16 The diagram shows the subvalve and fixation plate from another perspective.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 10. Blood pump testing system; 11. First housing; 111. First liquid storage chamber

[0038] 12. Second housing 121 Second liquid storage chamber 13. Piping assembly

[0039] 131. Catheter; 132. One-way valve; 14. Valve simulator

[0040] 20. Blood pump 200, housing 210, accommodating cavity

[0041] 211. First cavity; 212. Second cavity; 213. Support platform

[0042] 221. Input port; 222. Output port; 231. Step surface

[0043] 241, First external thread; 242, Second external thread; 250, Mounting groove.

[0044] 300, Mounting bracket 310, Mounting base 311, Mounting plate

[0045] 3111, flow hole 312, annular protrusion 320, fixing post

[0046] 321, Fixing hole; 322, Sealing part; 330, End cap

[0047] 331, Cover plate; 3311, Through hole; 332, Cover wall

[0048] 340, flexible ring 400, valve 410, daughter valve

[0049] 411. Rotating part; 412. Notch groove; 413. Valve orifice

[0050] 420, Limiting component; 430, Fixing plate; 431, Clearance space Detailed Implementation

[0051] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0052] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "inner," "outer," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0053] Please see Figures 1 to 4This invention provides an embodiment of a valve simulation device and a blood pump testing system. The blood pump testing system 10 is used to simulate a cardiac environment to measure the lifespan of a blood pump 20. The blood pump testing system 10 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, a tubing assembly 13, and the valve simulation device 14. The tubing assembly 13 includes a connecting pipe 131 and a one-way valve 132. The first housing 11 has a first reservoir 111 for simulating an arterial cavity. The second housing 12 has a variable-volume second reservoir 121 for simulating a ventricular cavity. The valve simulation device 14 connects to the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The valve simulation device 14 is used to simulate a heart valve. The blood pump 20 transmits blood within the simulated heart valve. The inlet 21 of the blood pump 20 is located in the second reservoir 121, and the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20 is located in the first reservoir 111. The two ends of the connecting pipe 131 are connected to the first liquid storage chamber 111 and the second liquid storage chamber 121, respectively. A one-way valve 132 is provided on the connecting pipe 131 to allow the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber 111 to flow unidirectionally to the second liquid storage chamber 121. The volume of the second liquid storage chamber 121 can be changed. When the volume of the second liquid storage chamber 121 is compressed and becomes smaller, the liquid pressure in the second liquid storage chamber 121 increases, thereby simulating the contraction and expansion of the heart. For example, the second housing 12 can undergo elastic deformation under the action of extrusion force, compressing the second liquid storage chamber 121 by extruding the second housing 12; when the extrusion force is removed, the volume of the second liquid storage chamber 121 returns to its original state.

[0054] When testing the blood pump 20 using the blood pump testing system 10, the blood pump 20 is first inserted from the first reservoir 111 of the first housing 11 through the valve simulation device 14 and into the second reservoir 121 of the second housing 12, such that the inlet 21 of the blood pump 20 is located in the second reservoir 121, and the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20 is located in the first reservoir 111. Then, the blood pump testing system 10 is activated, causing the volume of the second reservoir 121 to contract. The liquid in the second reservoir 121 is squeezed, and a portion of the liquid enters the first reservoir 111 through the valve simulation device 14 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown in L1), a portion of the liquid can enter the blood pump 20 from the inlet 21 and flow into the first reservoir 111 from the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20 (as shown in L1). Figure 4 (As shown in L2); the liquid in the first storage chamber 111 flows back to the second storage chamber 121 through the connecting pipe 131 under the action of the one-way valve 132, thus realizing the circulation of the liquid. However, due to the obstruction of the one-way valve 132, the liquid in the second storage chamber 121 cannot flow into the first storage chamber 111 through the connecting pipe 131. That is, the one-way valve 132 is used to control the liquid in the first storage chamber 111 to flow into the second storage chamber 121 in one direction through the connecting pipe 131.

[0055] The specific structure of the valve simulation device 14 will be described below.

[0056] Please see Figures 5 to 7 In some embodiments, the valve simulation device 14 includes a housing 200, a mounting bracket 300, and a valve 400. The housing 200 has an inlet 221 and an outlet 222; the mounting bracket 300 is disposed within the housing 200 for mounting the blood pump 20; the mounting bracket 300 or the housing 200 has a sealing portion 322; the valve 400 is disposed in the housing 200, separating the inlet 221 and the outlet 222; the valve 400 has a valve orifice 413 for communicating with the inlet 221 and the outlet 222, and the valve 400 has a closed position and an open position; wherein, when the valve 400 is in the closed position (e.g., ... Figure 6 As shown), valve 400 is blocked by valve orifice 413 by occlusion portion 322; when valve 400 is in the open position (e.g. Figure 9 As shown), the valve 400 separates from the sealing part 322, thereby opening the valve orifice 413; the valve 400 can rotate relative to the housing 200 under the action of the hydraulic difference between the inlet 221 and the outlet 222, and switch between the closed position and the open position.

[0057] Specifically, the housing 200 may be configured as a tubular structure, thereby forming a receiving cavity 210 inside the housing 200 for accommodating the mounting bracket 300 and the valve 400. The housing 200 includes a bottom wall, an inlet 221 is disposed on the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is also provided with a stepped surface 231, which surrounds the inner periphery of the inlet 221. When the valve 400 is rotated to the closed position, the valve 400 can fit and seal against the stepped surface 231. The inlet 221 and the outlet 222 are arranged along the axial direction of the housing 200 at both ends of the receiving cavity 210, such that the receiving cavity 210 is located between the inlet 221 and the outlet 222.

[0058] The valve simulation device 14 has an input port 221 for communicating with the second fluid storage chamber 121 of the second housing 20; and an output port 222 for communicating with the first fluid storage chamber 111 of the first housing 11. Optionally, the housing 200 of the valve simulation device 14 has a first external thread 241 at one end near the output port 222, through which the housing 200 can be threadedly connected to the first housing 11; and a second external thread 242 at one end near the input port 221, through which the housing 200 can be threadedly connected to the second housing 12, so as to facilitate the connection of the valve simulation device 14 with the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

[0059] The valve 400 and the occlusion part 322 of the valve simulation device 14 are both disposed within the receiving cavity 210 of the housing 200. The occlusion part 322 can extend into or near the input port 221. The valve 400 is rotatably mounted within the receiving cavity 210, allowing the valve 400 to rotate relative to the housing 200 and switch between the closed position and the open position. The manner in which the valve 400 is rotatably mounted within the receiving cavity 210 can be, but is not limited to: the valve 400 connecting to the housing 200 using its flexible side, allowing the valve 400 to rotate flexibly under the pressure difference; or, the valve 400 connecting to the housing 200 via a rotating shaft, allowing the valve 400 to rotate around the rotating shaft under the pressure difference, as will be described later.

[0060] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the initial state, the hydraulic pressure in the first reservoir 111 is higher than that in the second reservoir 121. Under the hydraulic pressure of the first reservoir 111, the valve 400 of the valve simulation device 14 engages with the sealing part 322, and the valve orifice 413 on the valve 400 is blocked by the sealing part 322, placing the valve 400 in the closed position. (See also...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 Then, the volume of the second reservoir 121 is reduced, and the liquid in the second reservoir 121 is squeezed, making the pressure at the inlet 221 greater than the pressure at the outlet 222. As a result, the liquid in the second reservoir 121 flows from the inlet 221 of the valve simulation device 14 into its receiving cavity 210. This liquid pushes the valve 400 towards the receiving cavity 210, causing the valve 400 to rotate towards the inside of the receiving cavity 210 and separate from the sealing part 322. The valve orifice 413 of the valve 400 is exposed, and the valve 400 switches to the open position. The liquid in the second reservoir 121 can enter the area of ​​the receiving cavity 210 located between the valve 400 and the outlet 222 from the inlet 221 and the valve orifice 413 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown in L1), the liquid finally flows from the output port 222 to the first liquid storage chamber 111 of the first housing 11; at the same time, some of the liquid in the second liquid storage chamber 121 will also enter the blood pump 20 from the inlet 21 (as shown in L1). Figure 4 (As shown in L2), and then transported to the first reservoir 111 via the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20.

[0061] Next, the second liquid storage chamber 121 is released to expand its volume, and the pressure at the inlet 221 becomes less than the pressure at the outlet 222. As a result, the liquid in the valve simulation device 14 tends to flow toward the inlet 221, thereby driving the valve 400 to be pushed from the accommodating chamber 210 toward the inlet 221. This causes the valve 400 to rotate toward the inlet 222 and be blocked by the blocking part 322. The valve 400 then switches back to the closed position. At the same time, the liquid in the first housing 11 also flows back to the second liquid storage chamber 121 of the second housing 12 through the pipeline assembly 13, entering the next cycle.

[0062] As can be seen from the above description, the valve simulation device 14 of the present invention provides a valve 400 that can rotate relative to the housing 200 inside the housing 200. The valve 400 can rotate relative to the housing 200 under the action of the pressure difference between the inlet 221 and the outlet 222, so that the valve 400 periodically switches between the closed position and the open position, thereby periodically blocking and opening the valve orifice 413 of the valve 400, thus realistically simulating the opening and closing of the heart valve.

[0063] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the valve 400 includes two sub-valves 410 rotatably connected to the housing 200. Both sub-valves 410 are provided with notches 412. When the two sub-valves 410 are rotated to the closed position, the notches 412 of the two sub-valves 410 are joined together to form a valve orifice 413.

[0064] Specifically, each subvalve 410 has a rotating part 411 on its side opposite to the other subvalve 410, and the rotating part 411 is rotatably connected to the housing 200; each subvalve 410 has a notch 412 on its side opposite to the rotating part 411. For example, the rotating part 411 can be rotatably connected to the housing 200 via a rotating shaft. Alternatively, the rotating part 411 can have a certain degree of flexibility, allowing the subvalve 410 to rotate relative to the housing 200 through flexible deformation. The subvalve 410 can be positioned at the step surface 230 of the housing 200, and when the subvalve 410 rotates to abut against the step surface 230, the subvalve 410 can be approximately horizontal.

[0065] Please also see Figure 6 and Figure 7When the two sub-valve 410 rotate to the closed position, the two sub-valve 410 splice together, so that the notches 412 of the two sub-valve 410 splice together to form a valve orifice 413. The notches 412 of the two sub-valve 410 fit together and surround the sealing part 322, which is equivalent to the entire valve orifice 413 being filled by the sealing part 322. The sealing part 322 will contact the orifice wall of the valve orifice 413, thereby sealing the valve orifice 413.

[0066] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 10 When the two sub-valve 410 rotates to rotate a certain angle from the closed position toward the output port 222, the two sub-valve 410 move away from each other and separate from the blocking part 322. The distance between the notch grooves 412 of the two sub-valve 410 gradually increases until they are separated. The valve orifice 413 formed by splicing the notch grooves 412 of the two sub-valve 410 also increases until the blocking part 321 can no longer fill the entire valve orifice 413. The remaining part of the valve orifice 413 that is not filled by the blocking part 321 will form a flow gap. This flow gap will connect the input port 221 and the second cavity 212, thus opening the valve orifice 413.

[0067] Therefore, when the subvalve 410 rotates away from the sealing part 321, which serves as the sealing part, to the position where the flow gap is formed, the subvalve 410 is in the open position, allowing the liquid in the inlet 221 to smoothly pass through the valve orifice 413 into the second cavity 212. Thus, the liquid that enters from the second reservoir 121 into the inlet 221 can pass through the valve orifice 413 into the second cavity 212, and then from the second cavity 212 through the flow orifice 3111 into the first cavity 211, and finally from the first cavity 211 through the outlet 222 into the first reservoir 111.

[0068] Please see Figures 9 to 11 In one embodiment, to facilitate the installation of the valve 400, optionally, a fixing plate 430 for rotatably connecting the valve 400 is also provided in the receiving cavity 210 of the housing 200; an installation groove 250 is recessed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 210 (e.g., Figure 12 (As shown); the fixing plate 430 is fixed in the mounting groove 250. Specifically, the fixing plate 430 is entirely housed in the mounting groove 250 and is connected and fixed to the housing 200. One end of the fixing plate 430 near the inlet 221 is rotatably connected to the rotating part 411 of the subvalve 410 via a rotating shaft, so that the subvalve 400 rotates around the rotating shaft.

[0069] See Figure 9 , Figure 16 and Figure 17Considering that when the subvalve 410 is pushed open by the liquid in the inlet 221 and rotates from the closed position to the open position towards the outlet 222, the subvalve 410 may be excessively pushed open and flipped at a large angle, causing the subvalve 410 to adhere to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 210. This would increase the difficulty of the subvalve 410 returning to the closed position. Therefore, to reduce this situation, in some embodiments, a limiting member 420 is provided between the side of the subvalve 410 facing away from the inlet 221 and the inner wall of the housing 200. When the valve 400 is in the open position, the limiting member 420 is positioned between the side of the subvalve 410 and the inner wall of the housing 200, thereby separating the subvalve 410 from the inner wall of the housing 200.

[0070] Specifically, the housing 200 has an internal accommodating cavity 210 for accommodating the mounting bracket 300 and the valve 400. The fixing position of the limiting member 420 within the accommodating cavity 210 can be designed in various ways. In this embodiment, the limiting member 420 is disposed on the inner side of the sub-valve 410 facing away from the inlet 221 and is connected and fixed to the sub-valve 410. Alternatively, the limiting member 420 is integrally formed with the sub-valve 410. Of course, in another embodiment, the limiting member 420 can also be disposed on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 210 and connected and fixed to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 210. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, since a fixing plate 430 for rotating connection of the sub-valve 410 is embedded on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 210, the limiting member 420 can also be disposed on the fixing plate 430, as long as the limiting member 420 can prevent the sub-valve 410 from excessively flipping and adhering to the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 210. Furthermore, the structure of the limiting member 420 is not limited. The limiting member 420 can be a hard protrusion, a soft protrusion, or an elastic member such as a spring.

[0071] Furthermore, to avoid the limiting member 420, a recessed clearance space 431 can be provided on the inner wall of the fixing plate 430 opposite to the receiving cavity 210. The clearance space 431 is located at the end of the fixing plate 430 near the valve 400, for accommodating the limiting member 420. During the rotation of the subvalve 410 away from the fixed post 320 from the closed position, when the limiting member 420 is received in the clearance space 431 and abuts against the fixing plate 430, the subvalve 410 rotates away from the fixed post 320 to its limit position and stops rotating. Obviously, this limit position is also an open position of the subvalve 410. When the recess depth of the clearance space 431 is greater, the angle through which the sub-valve 410 rotates from the closed position to the extreme position is greater, which also makes the valve orifice 413 formed by the splicing of the two notches 412 larger. This results in a larger flow gap in the valve orifice 413 that is not filled by the fixing post 320, which reasonably reduces the flow resistance of liquid flowing through the valve orifice 413, thereby reducing the generation of eddies.

[0072] Please see Figure 9 In some embodiments, an elastic element (not shown) may be provided between the subvalve 410 and the housing 200. This elastic element stores energy as the subvalve 410 moves from the closed position to the open position. During the movement of the subvalve 410 from the open position to the closed position, the elastic element releases the energy, causing the subvalve 410 to move rapidly to the closed position.

[0073] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 Based on any of the above embodiments, the sealing part 322 can be a structure disposed on the mounting bracket 300. Of course, in other embodiments, the sealing part 322 can also be a structure disposed on the housing 200, making the sealing part 322 independent of the mounting bracket 300. For example, a perforated bracket is disposed within the input port 221 of the housing 200, and the sealing part 322 is disposed in the central region of the perforated bracket. The perforated bracket is connected and fixed to the inner wall of the input port 221 by ribs. In this embodiment, the sealing part 322 is a structure disposed on the mounting bracket 300.

[0074] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 Optionally, the mounting bracket 300 is fixedly connected to the housing 200. The mounting bracket 300 includes a mounting base 310 and a fixing post 320. The mounting base 310 is fixedly connected to the housing 200. The fixing post 320 extends from the mounting base 310 toward the inlet 221 for the blood pump 20 to be inserted and fixed. The lower end of the fixing post 320 passes through the notch 412 of the two sub-valve 410, so that the lower end of the fixing post 320 forms a sealing part 321. In this way, during the movement of the sub-valve 410 between the closed and open positions, the fixing post 320 can always be inserted in the valve orifice 413. The limiting effect generated by the contact between the orifice wall of the valve orifice 413 and the fixing post 320 can effectively prevent the sub-valve 410 from shaking during rotation, thereby improving its rotational stability.

[0075] Specifically, the fixing post 320 is a hollow cylinder, thus forming a fixing hole 321 inside the fixing post 320. The fixing hole 321 passes through the mounting base 310 for the blood pump 20 to be inserted and fixed. When installing the blood pump 20 onto the valve simulation device 14, first insert the distal end of the blood pump 20 (i.e., the end of the blood pump 20 with the inlet 21) into the output port 222 of the valve simulation device 14, then pass through the fixing hole 321 on the mounting bracket 300, and finally extend out from the input port 221 of the valve simulation device 14, so that the inlet 21 of the blood pump 20 is located outside the input port 221 (i.e., inside the second liquid storage chamber 121 of the second housing 12), and the outlet 22 of the blood pump 20 is located outside the output port 222 (i.e., inside the first liquid storage chamber 111 of the first housing 11). At this time, the blood pump 20 is interference-fitted with the fixing hole 321, so that the mounting bracket 300 supports and fixes the blood pump 20.

[0076] Regarding the installation method of the mounting base 310, in one embodiment, the accommodating cavity 210 of the housing 200 includes a first cavity 211 communicating with the output port 222, and a second cavity 212 located between the first cavity 211 and the input port 221 and communicating with the first cavity 211. A support platform 213 is provided between the second cavity 212 and the first cavity 211; the mounting base 310 is mounted on the support platform 213. Specifically, the inner diameter of the first cavity 211 is larger than the inner diameter of the second cavity 212, thereby forming the support platform 213 between the transition position of the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212.

[0077] Optionally, the mounting base 310 includes a mounting plate 311 and an annular protrusion 312; wherein the mounting plate 311 is mounted on the support platform 213; the annular protrusion 312 is connected to the mounting plate 311 and surrounds the outer periphery of the fixing post 320. For the mounting plate 311 of the mounting base 310, the mounting plate 311 can be a circular plate, with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the annular protrusion 312, such that the outer periphery of the mounting plate 311 protrudes radially from the annular protrusion 312, thereby overlapping the outer periphery of the mounting plate 311 with the support platform 213 and being fixedly connected to it. The support platform 213 provides support and limiting for the mounting plate 311. The outer peripheral surface of the mounting plate 311 contacts and engages with the inner peripheral wall of the first cavity 211, ensuring that there is no gap between the mounting plate 311 and the housing 200 in the radial direction of the housing 200, thus allowing the mounting plate 311 to seal the first cavity 211. Mounting plate 311 can be fixed to support platform 213 by gluing, screwing or welding, thereby fixing mounting base 310 and the entire mounting frame 300 to housing 200.

[0078] See Figure 9 , Figure 13 and Figure 14The mounting plate 311 has flow holes 3111. There can be multiple flow holes 3111, which penetrate the mounting plate 311 along its thickness direction, ensuring that the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212 are always connected. The multiple flow holes 3111 can be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the mounting plate 311. The multiple flow holes 3111 are arranged around the fixing hole 321.

[0079] Specifically, the outline of the flow orifice 3111 can be set as trapezoidal or fan-shaped. That is, the width of the flow orifice 3111 gradually increases from the fixing hole 321 to the outer periphery of the mounting plate 311. Since the flow orifice 3111 always connects the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 212, the liquid in the second cavity 212 will enter the first cavity 211 through the flow orifice 3111. During the process of liquid flowing from the second cavity 212 through the flow orifice 3111 into the first cavity 211, the shape of the flow orifice 3111 can improve the mechanical properties of the liquid flow, minimize the eddies generated by the liquid during the flow, maximize the simulation of the influence of the opening and closing state of the real heart valve on the flow field of the blood pump 20, and further improve the realism of the valve simulation device 14.

[0080] Regarding the annular protrusion 312 of the mounting base 310, the annular protrusion 312 protrudes from the plate surface of the mounting plate 311 facing the second cavity 212 towards the second cavity 212. The annular protrusion 312 is generally cylindrical and surrounds the outer periphery of the fixing post 320. The annular protrusion 312 extends into the second cavity 212; the annular protrusion 312 can maintain a certain gap with the inner peripheral wall of the second cavity 212, so that the end of the aforementioned fixing plate 430 away from the sub-valve 410 can be sandwiched between the annular protrusion 312 and the housing 200, which can further improve the stability and reliability of the fixing plate 430 installation. Of course, the annular protrusion 312 can fit against the inner peripheral wall of the second cavity 212, so that the annular protrusion 312 is inserted into the second cavity 212 in an insert-like manner, as long as it avoids the fixing plate 430.

[0081] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 15In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 300 further includes an end cap 330, which is fitted onto the end of the fixing post 320 near the inlet 221 (i.e., the lower end of the fixing post 320). The end cap 330 has a through hole 3311 opposite to the fixing hole 321 of the fixing post 320, for the distal end of the blood pump 20 to extend out. The end of the end cap 330 facing the subvalve 410 can support the subvalve 410 when it is in the closed position. Specifically, a stop surface 3321 is formed at the end of the end cap 330 facing the subvalve 410. When the subvalve 410 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the side of the subvalve 410 facing the inlet 221 abuts against the stop surface 3321 of the end cap 330, thereby the end cap 330 supports the subvalve 410 to prevent the subvalve 410 from rotating excessively toward the inlet 221, ensuring that the subvalve 410 is stably in the closed position.

[0082] Optionally, the end cap 330 includes a cover plate 331 and a cover wall 332; wherein, the cover plate 331 is provided with a through hole 3311; the cover wall 332 is disposed around the circumference of the cover plate 331 and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the fixing post 320. The cover wall 332 can be threaded to the outer peripheral surface of the fixing post 320 or can be interference-fitted. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cover wall 332 is threaded to the outer peripheral surface of the fixing post 320.

[0083] Furthermore, the mounting bracket 300 also includes a flexible ring 340, which is disposed within the end cap 330 and located between the cover plate 331 of the end cap 330 and the end face of the fixing post 320. The through hole 3311 communicates with the fixing hole 321 and the flexible ring 340, allowing the blood pump 20 to pass through sequentially. The flexible ring 340 possesses a certain degree of flexibility / elasticity. The flexible ring 340 is essentially compressed between the cover plate 331 of the end cap 330 and the end face of the fixing post 320. When compressed, the flexible ring 340 undergoes radial flexible deformation, causing its inner circumferential surface to press tightly against the blood pump 20 passing through the through hole 3311, thereby securing the blood pump 20 and enhancing its installation stability. Furthermore, since the cover wall 332 is threaded to the outer peripheral surface of the fixing post 320, the distance between the end face of the cover plate 331 and the fixing post 320 is adjustable, thereby adjusting the force of the cover plate 331 of the end cover 330 pressing the flexible ring 340.

[0084] When the blood pump 20 needs to be removed, the end cap 330 can be rotated counterclockwise to eliminate the clamping effect of the flexible ring 340 on the blood pump 20, allowing the blood pump 20 to be pulled out from the fixing post 320. Thus, the end cap 330 and the flexible ring 340 serve two purposes: firstly, they reduce the difficulty of assembling and disassembling the blood pump 20 on the valve simulation device 14, enabling quick assembly and disassembly; secondly, the clamping effect of the flexible ring 340 eliminates the gap between the flexible ring 340 and the blood pump 20, sealing the fixing hole 321, thereby providing a good sealing effect.

[0085] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 During the life test of the blood pump 20, the blood pump 20 is inserted through the fixing hole 321 and the through hole 3311, and the end cap 330 is tightened so that the flexible ring 340 clamps the blood pump 20, thereby fixing the blood pump 20. In the initial state, the pressure in the second chamber 212 is greater than the pressure in the inlet 221, causing the daughter valve 410 to be in the closed position, and the sealing part 322 seals the valve orifice 413 (e.g., Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown), the blood pump 20 also blocks the fixing hole 321 and the through hole 3311, so the liquid in the inlet 221 cannot enter the second cavity 212, and the liquid in the second reservoir 121 cannot enter the first reservoir 111 through the receiving cavity 210. When pressure is applied to the second housing 12 to compress the second reservoir 121, the pressure in the second reservoir 121 and the inlet 221 increases, so that the pressure in the inlet 221 is greater than the pressure in the second cavity 212. The liquid in the inlet 221 will push the subvalve 410 to rotate, thereby moving the subvalve 410 from the closed position to the open position, so that the second cavity 212 and the inlet 221 are interconnected through the valve orifice 413 (as shown). Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the liquid in the inlet 221 will enter the second cavity 212 through the valve orifice 413, thereby allowing the liquid in the second reservoir 121 to enter the first reservoir 111 through the receiving cavity 210. When the compression of the second housing 12 stops, the second reservoir 121 returns to its original state, and the pressure in the second cavity 212 is greater than the pressure in the inlet 221, causing the subvalve 410 to return from the open position to the closed position.

[0086] By periodically compressing the second chamber 12, the volume of the second reservoir 121 is periodically changed, thereby adjusting the pressure difference between the inlet 221 and the second chamber 212. This causes the subvalve 410 to periodically switch between the closed and open positions, thus realistically simulating the opening and closing of the heart valve. This ensures that the blood pump 20 is in a realistic simulation environment, thereby improving the accuracy of the blood pump 20 lifespan test results.

[0087] When valve 400 is in the open position, the wall of valve orifice 413 still surrounds blood pump 20. The fluid flowing in valve orifice 413 will surround blood pump 20 circumferentially, thereby reducing eddies generated during fluid flow and maximizing the simulation of the actual opening and closing state of a heart valve on the flow field of blood pump 20. This further improves the realism of the simulation by valve simulation device 14, thus improving the accuracy of blood pump 20 lifespan test results. Furthermore, the limiting member 420 can effectively limit the rotation angle of sub-valve 410. When sub-valve 410 is in the open position, it ensures that blood pump 20 is completely inserted into valve orifice 413, further ensuring that the fluid flowing in valve orifice 413 surrounds blood pump 20 circumferentially, thereby reducing eddies and improving the realism of the simulation and the accuracy of the test results.

[0088] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0089] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve simulation device, characterized in that, The valve simulation device is used for testing a blood pump; the valve simulation device comprises: a housing provided with an input port and an output port; a mounting rack for mounting the blood pump, the mounting rack being arranged in the housing; one of the mounting rack and the housing is provided with a blocking part, the blood pump passes through the blocking part when the blood pump is tested; and a valve arranged in the housing, the valve separating the input port and the output port; the valve is provided with a valve hole for communicating the input port and the output port, the valve having a closed position and an open position; when the valve is in the closed position, the valve hole is filled with the blocking part, the peripheral surface of the blocking part being in contact with the hole wall of the valve hole, so that the valve hole is blocked by the blocking part; when the valve is in the open position, the valve is separated from the blocking part to open the valve hole, the valve being capable of rotating relative to the housing under the action of the hydraulic pressure difference between the input port and the output port, and switching between the closed position and the open position.

2. The valve simulation device of claim 1, wherein, The valve comprises two sub-valves rotationally connected with the housing, both of the sub-valves being provided with a notched groove, the notched grooves of both of the sub-valves being spliced to form the valve hole when the sub-valves are rotated to the closed position.

3. The valve simulation device of claim 2, wherein, A limiting piece is arranged between the side of the sub-valve facing away from the input port and the inner wall of the housing, so that the limiting piece separates the sub-valve and the inner wall of the housing after the sub-valve is rotated to the open position.

4. The valve simulation device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The housing is provided with a containing cavity for containing the mounting rack and the valve, the containing cavity further being provided with a fixing plate for rotationally connecting the valve; the inner wall of the containing cavity is concavely provided with a mounting groove; the fixing plate is fixed in the mounting groove.

5. The valve simulation device of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The mounting rack comprises a mounting seat and a fixing column; the mounting seat is fixedly connected with the housing; the fixing column extends from the mounting seat towards the input port to allow the blood pump to be inserted and fixed; the lower end of the fixing column passes through the notched grooves of both of the sub-valves to form the blocking part.

6. The valve simulation device of claim 5, wherein, The inside of the fixing column is provided with a fixing hole penetrating the mounting seat to allow the blood pump to be inserted and fixed; the mounting rack further comprises an end cover sleeved on the end of the fixing column close to the input port, the end cover comprising a cover plate and a cover wall arranged along the circumference of the cover plate; the cover plate is provided with a through hole opposite the fixing hole; the cover wall is connected with the peripheral surface of the fixing column, the end of the cover wall facing the sub-valves forming a stop surface capable of supporting the sub-valves.

7. The valve simulation device of claim 6, wherein, The mounting rack further comprises a flexible ring arranged in the end cover, the flexible ring being located between the cover plate of the end cover and the end surface of the fixing column; the cover wall of the end cover is threadedly connected with the peripheral surface of the fixing column to allow the spacing between the cover plate and the end surface of the fixing column to be adjusted.

8. The valve simulation device of claim 5, wherein, The accommodating cavity of the shell comprises a first cavity communicated with the output port, and a second cavity located between the first cavity and the input port and communicated with the first cavity, and a support table is arranged between the second cavity and the first cavity; the mounting seat comprises a mounting plate and an annular protrusion; wherein the mounting plate is mounted on the support table, the mounting plate is provided with overflow holes of the first cavity and the second cavity; and the annular protrusion is connected with the mounting plate and surrounds the outer periphery of the fixing column.

9. The valve simulation device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein, One end of the shell provided with the output port is provided with a first external thread for connecting the first box; and one end of the shell provided with the input port is provided with a second external thread for connecting the second box.

10. A blood pump testing system, characterized by, The blood pump test system comprises: a first box provided with a first liquid storage cavity; a second box provided with a second liquid storage cavity with variable volume; a pipeline assembly comprising a catheter and a one-way valve, two ends of the catheter are respectively communicated with the first liquid storage cavity and the second liquid storage cavity, and the one-way valve is arranged in the lumen of the catheter to enable the liquid to flow from the first liquid storage cavity to the second liquid storage cavity in one direction; and The valve simulation device of any one of claims 1 to 9, an input port of the valve simulation device is communicated with the second liquid storage cavity, and an output port of the valve simulation device is communicated with the first liquid storage cavity.

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