Connector unit, control unit and control system

Abstract

The application relates to a connector unit (3) for a control unit (2) provided for driving an implantable blood pump (4), wherein the connector unit (3) comprises a power supply interface (5) which is provided to connect the connector unit (3) with a power supply (6), a data interface (7) which is provided to connect the connector unit (3) with a data processing unit (8), and a control interface (9) which is provided to connect the connector unit (3) with an integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2), such that a power supply connection of the control unit (2) with the power supply (6) and a data connection of the control unit (2) with the data processing unit (8) can be established simultaneously by means of the connector unit (3). The application also relates to a control unit (2) for driving an implantable blood pump (4) and to a control system for an implantable blood pump (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a connector unit for a control unit configured for driving an implantable blood pump, a control unit for driving an implantable blood pump, and a control system for an implantable blood pump. Background Technology

[0002] Control systems for implantable blood pumps and components of such control systems (particularly control units and connector units) are known in the prior art. In control systems according to the prior art, the control unit is typically connected to an external battery for power supply via a cable connection.

[0003] Such control systems may require improvements in their compactness, robustness, operability, and durability.

[0004] In the operation of implanted blood pumps, it is also advantageous to provide a control unit in a sterile operating area for connection to the blood pump, so the control system and its components should be designed for this purpose.

[0005] Therefore, the control unit in the operating area should be able to be supplied with voltage and be externally driven and / or programmed. However, any non-sterile object (such as cable connections or other connector units, external data processing units, or external batteries, provided that they are not sterile or sterilized in a feasible manner) must not be introduced into the sterile operating area.

[0006] In addition, safe operation (especially electrical safety) is of utmost importance for medical equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In light of the prior art, the objective of this application is to provide a connector unit, a control unit, and a control system that enable power supply and / or drive of the control unit in a sterile operating area in the simplest possible manner. The connector unit, control unit, and control system shall be as compact, robust, easy to operate, and durable as possible, and shall enable safe operation.

[0008] To address this task, a connector unit, a control unit, and a control system are proposed.

[0009] The proposed connector unit for the control unit designed for a driver-controlled implantable blood pump includes:

[0010] A power supply interface is configured to connect the connector unit to a power source.

[0011] A data interface, configured to connect the connector unit to the data processing unit;

[0012] The control interface is configured to connect the connector unit to the integrated control unit, thereby enabling the simultaneous establishment of a power supply connection between the control unit and the power source, as well as a data connection between the control unit and the data processing unit.

[0013] Here, an interface is understood in particular as a connection point that can be independently connected or is independently connected, used for electrical connection between hardware components that are preferably individually encapsulated, preferably using at least one independently connectable and detachable connector.

[0014] With the aid of such connector units, it is possible to supply voltage and / or perform external drive and / or external programming to the corresponding control unit in a sterile operating area by establishing the power supply connection and / or the data connection.

[0015] With the help of a power supply connection, the control unit can be supplied with voltage; with the help of a data connection, the control unit can be externally driven and / or programmed.

[0016] Only a single sterile cable connection is required between the connector unit's control interface and the integrated interface of the control unit, enabling simple and safe use in sterile operating areas. The cable connection between the connector unit and the power supply and / or data processing equipment, as well as the power supply and / or data processing equipment itself, can be non-sterile and located outside the sterile operating area.

[0017] Connector units and / or connecting cables can be sterile, for example, by chemical sterilization and / or by radiation sterilization and / or by pressure and / or temperature action. The materials and / or processing of the connector units (e.g., seals and / or gaskets) can be designed to ensure sterile capability.

[0018] Because of the shared power and data connections, the connector unit can be configured to be very compact, thus enabling a compact control system. The reduced number of connections also improves electrical safety and operability.

[0019] Aseptically combustible components, such as control units and / or connector units and / or connecting cables, can be visually distinguished from non-aseptically combustible and therefore always non-sterile components. For this purpose, housing color and / or corresponding markings can be considered, for example. On connector units, the transition from non-aseptically combustible or non-sterile components can be specifically marked.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit, configured for use with the connector unit, can be made particularly compact, robust, easy to operate, and durable because data and power connections can be established entirely through an integrated interface, requiring no additional data or power interfaces.

[0021] To this end, the connector unit can be configured to communicate with the control unit via an integrated interface and control interface when using a first communication protocol. The connector unit can also be configured to communicate with the data processing unit via a data interface when using a second communication protocol. The connector unit can be configured to convert communication data between the first and second communication protocols. The first and / or second communication protocols can be selected, for example, from protocols comprising the group consisting of: USB, UART, CAN, RS485, SPI, or any other serial or parallel communication protocol.

[0022] The power supply can be a power supply device and / or a socket and / or a battery and / or another type of power source. The data processing unit can be a workstation computer, a portable terminal, or another type of data processing unit used to drive and / or program the control unit.

[0023] In addition to a power supply interface, the connector unit may also have a battery interface, such as a battery slot, an internal battery compartment, and / or other types of connections, to connect the connector unit to a battery. The battery interface allows a power supply connection between the control unit and the battery to be established. In this case, the user can, for example, choose whether to connect a power supply component or a battery to the connector unit, which is already connected to the control unit or can be connected to the control unit.

[0024] The power supply interface, data interface, and control interface are preferably wired electrical interfaces. A wired connection is described herein as an electrical interface by which a direct conductive contact can be established between two components.

[0025] The connector unit may include a housing and at least one printed circuit board and / or integrated circuit. Alternatively, the connector unit may be configured, for example, as a Y-type cable without its own circuitry.

[0026] The power supply interface can be configured to connect the connector unit to a power source via a power connection cable. The data interface can be configured to connect the connector unit to a data processing unit via a data connection cable. The control interface can be configured to connect the connector unit to a control unit via a control connection cable. Alternatively, the connector unit can be configured to directly plug into the control unit (i.e., without an intermediate connection cable) via a connector integrated within the connector unit.

[0027] The power supply interface may have (particularly via a power connection cable) a connector for establishing a detachable cable connection to a power source. The data interface may have (particularly via a data connection cable) a connector for establishing a detachable cable connection to a data processing unit. The control interface may have (particularly via a control connection cable) a connector for establishing a detachable cable connection to a control unit. The power supply interface and / or the data interface and / or the control interface may be fixedly connected to the connection cable.

[0028] The connector unit may include, in particular, a connecting cable, wherein the control interface is fixedly or detachably connected to or already connected to a first end of the connecting cable, and the second end of the connecting cable has an integrated connector that can be connected to an integrated interface of the control unit to establish a power supply connection and a power connection.

[0029] The connector unit can be waterproof. The integrated connector of the connecting cable can be waterproofly connected to the integrated interface of the control unit. This enables safe operation and easy cleaning of the connector unit.

[0030] The data interface may be a USB interface or may include a USB interface. The connector unit may include an interface-controller-circuit, particularly a USB-controller-circuit. Therefore, even if the control unit itself does not include all the necessary interface logic, a data interface can be provided to allow medical personnel to operate and / or maintain and / or use the control unit.

[0031] This also avoids setting up additional interface logic in the control unit, which may only be necessary when medical personnel operate and / or maintain and / or use the control unit, but is not necessary for the patient during normal operation.

[0032] In particular, in addition to the wired data interface, the connector unit may also include a wireless data interface, such as a Bluetooth interface, to establish a wireless data connection with the data processing unit. Therefore, the connector unit enables particularly flexible drive control and / or programming of the control unit.

[0033] The connector unit may include an insulating barrier, particularly an air gap and / or creepage distance, to electrically decouple the control unit from the data processing unit. This electrical decoupling via the insulating barrier ensures the electrical safety of the connector unit and / or the control system. Specifically, the insulating barrier must meet the requirements of medical device safety standards, particularly IEC 60601-1 as applicable at the date of this application.

[0034] The proposed control unit for driving the implantable blood pump includes an integrated interface that can be connected to the control interface of the proposed type of connector unit to establish power and data connections.

[0035] As described above, the control unit configured in this manner for use with the connector unit can be made compact, robust, and durable, and is suitable for operation in sterile operating areas.

[0036] The control unit is capable of being sterile, for example, chemically sterile and / or sterile by radiation and / or sterile by pressure and / or temperature action. The materials and / or processing of the control unit (e.g., seals and / or gaskets) can be designed to ensure sterile capability.

[0037] The control unit is configured to be integrally connected to at least one external battery, that is, to at least one external battery without intermediate cable connections, particularly in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or waterproof manner with respect to at least one external battery. By integrally connecting to at least one external battery, the control unit can be constructed to be particularly compact, robust, easy to operate, and durable. The control unit can, for example, be configured to be integrally connected to two external batteries simultaneously. Thus, power supply is ensured even in the event of failure or replacement of an external battery.

[0038] It is conceivable that the contacts on the control unit for connecting to an external battery could be switched to be disconnected from the power supply and / or electrically insulated. This would improve the operational safety of the control unit when it is operating without an external battery (especially when it is operating with an internal battery and / or with a mains voltage supply).

[0039] The control unit can be external (i.e., non-implantable). To drive the blood pump, the control unit can be connected to the blood pump via a drive system including a reversibly connected coupling. This facilitates the commissioning (e.g., during operation of the implanted blood pump) and / or replacement and / or maintenance of the control unit. The control unit can be connected to and / or is connected to a TET module (Transcutaneous Energy Transfer Module) and / or a transmission coil for wireless energy transfer. The blood pump can be driven by means of the TET module and / or the transmission coil.

[0040] The control unit may have an internal battery. Therefore, the control unit can still operate at least temporarily when the external battery fails and / or is unavailable, or when the external battery and / or external power supply fails and / or is unavailable.

[0041] It is conceivable that, apart from the following four external wired electrical interfaces, the control unit will not have any other external wired electrical interfaces: the aforementioned integrated interface; a transmission system interface for connecting the control unit to the blood pump; a battery interface for connecting the control unit to an external battery; and either a closable (preferably waterproof) service interface for housing an internal battery or an additional battery interface for connecting the control unit to an additional external battery. It is conceivable that the control unit has both a service interface and an additional battery interface, and no other external wired electrical interfaces besides the five types mentioned above.

[0042] Providing a minimum number of wired electrical interfaces is particularly advantageous for electrical safety and / or sealing (refer to the IP protection rating associated with electrical equipment).

[0043] The proposed control system for the implantable blood pump includes a connector unit of the proposed type and a control unit of the proposed type. Certain aspects and advantages of the control system arise, for example, from the aforementioned aspects and advantages of the connector unit and the control unit.

[0044] The control system may include a power supply unit, which may optionally be directly connected to the integrated interface of the control unit, or may be connected to the integrated interface of the control unit via a connector unit. Thus, the power supply unit can be advantageously connected via the connector unit when the control unit is operated and / or maintained and / or manipulated by medical personnel, thereby establishing a data connection simultaneously, while being directly connected to the control unit for the patient during normal operation. The power supply unit can be configured to operate the control unit when powered and / or to charge external and / or internal batteries. The power supply unit itself is a battery or includes a battery.

[0045] The control unit of the control system can be sealed together with the connector unit of the control system in a sterile package. Thus, the control system is provided and / or stored in a state that allows for rapid and simple use, such as in the operation of an implanted blood pump in a sterile operating area. For storage, the control unit, without external and / or internal batteries, is sealed in a sterile package. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit and / or a portion thereof (particularly the wired electrical interface of the control unit) can be covered or covered with a sterile cover (e.g., a protective film). Thus, the corresponding portion of the control unit can be protected from liquids and / or contamination during operation. After operation, the cover can be removed. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the proposed connector unit, the proposed control unit, and the proposed control system are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings (i.e.,Figures 1 to 3 Detailed description. Here, each diagram shows:

[0047] Figure 1 This is a control system for an implantable blood pump.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a control system according to another embodiment.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of a part of a control system according to another embodiment.

[0050] Recurring and similar features are given the same or similar alphanumeric reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. Reference numerals for features already shown in the previously described drawings will be partially omitted. Furthermore, reference numerals that have already been described in conjunction with the previously described drawings will not be described again in part. Detailed Implementation

[0051] exist Figure 1 The control system 1 shown includes a control unit 2 and a connector unit 3. The control unit 2 is configured to drive the implanted blood pump 4 (the blood pump 4 itself is not necessarily part of the control system 1).

[0052] The connector unit 3 includes: a power supply interface 5 configured to connect the connector unit 4 to a power supply 6; and a data interface 7 configured to connect the connector unit 4 to a data processing unit 8.

[0053] In addition, the connector unit 3 includes a control interface 9, which is configured to connect the connector unit 3 to the integrated interface 10 of the control unit 2, thereby enabling the simultaneous establishment of a power supply connection between the control unit 2 and the power supply 6, and a data connection 7 between the control unit 2 and the data processing unit 8 by means of the connector unit 3.

[0054] With the help of connector unit 3, it is possible to supply voltage and / or externally drive and / or externally program the control unit 2 in the sterile operating area 11 by establishing a power supply connection and / or a data connection. With the help of the power supply connection, the control unit 2 can be supplied with voltage, and with the help of the data connection, the control unit 2 can be externally driven and / or programmed.

[0055] The control interface 9 of the connector unit 3 can be connected to the integrated interface 10 of the control unit 2 via the first connecting cable 12 (control connecting cable), which includes the first connector 13 (an integrated connector in which the functions of the data connector and the power supply connector are integrated together).

[0056] The power supply interface 5 can be connected to the power supply 6 via a second connecting cable 14 (power connection cable), which includes a second connector 15. The data interface 7 can be connected to the data processing unit 8 via a third connecting cable 16 (data connection cable), which includes a third connector 17.

[0057] In Figure 1 The configuration shown is suitable for use with control unit 2 during operation of implanted blood pump 4. Control unit 2 and first connecting cable 12 are arranged in sterile operating area 11. Power supply 6, data processing unit 8, second connecting cable 14, and third connecting cable 16 are arranged outside sterile operating area 11. Connector unit 13 is arranged at the transition of sterile operating area 11 (e.g., at sterile barrier).

[0058] The connector unit 3, the first connecting cable 12, and the control unit 2 can be sterile, for example, chemically sterile and / or sterile by radiation and / or by pressure and / or temperature. Furthermore, the connector unit 3 can be waterproof, and the first connector 13 can be waterproofly connected to the integrated interface 10 of the control unit 2.

[0059] Power supply 6 can be a power supply device, a socket, or another type of power supply. Data processing unit 8 can be a workstation computer, a portable terminal, or another type of data processing unit, used to drive and / or program control unit 2.

[0060] Power interface 5, data interface 7, and control interface 9 are wired electrical interfaces. Connector unit 3 includes a housing 18 containing a circuit board (within housing 18) for connection to the interface. Alternatively, connector unit 3 can be configured, for example, as a Y-cable without a housing and / or its own circuitry. Alternatively or additionally, data interface 7 and / or control interface 9 may include wireless interface components.

[0061] Power interface 5 has a connector for establishing a detachable cable connection to a power source. Data interface 7 has a connector for establishing a detachable cable connection to data processing unit 8. Alternatively, power interface 5 and / or data interface 7 may be fixedly connected to corresponding connection cables 14, 16.

[0062] The control interface 9 is fixedly connected to the first connecting cable 12. Alternatively, the control interface 9 has a connector for establishing a detachable cable connection with the control unit 2.

[0063] The control system 1 also includes an external battery 19. The control unit 2 is configured to be integrally connected to the external battery 19 via a battery interface 28, that is, connected to the external battery 19 without an intermediate cable connection. The external battery 19 and the control unit 2 are configured to be integrally connected by means of an engaging slide-in guide rail 20, which is form-fitting, force-fitting (through engagement), and waterproof. Alternatively, the external battery 19 can be connected to the control unit 2 via a cable connection.

[0064] The control unit 2 includes a service interface 21 for inserting an internal battery. The service interface 21 is preferably closable, and more preferably waterproof.

[0065] Control unit 2 is an external (i.e., non-implantable) control unit. Control unit 2 includes a drive system interface 22. This drive system interface 22 can be connected to blood pump 4 via drive system 24 (with a fourth connector 23) to drive blood pump 4. Drive system 24 includes a reversibly connected coupling 25. Alternatively, drive system 24 can be implemented integrally, i.e., without a coupling.

[0066] The control unit 2 includes: a display screen 26 for displaying operating parameters and / or control options of the control unit 2 and / or the blood pump 4; and an operation panel 27 for operating the control unit 2. The operation panel 27 may be, for example, a keyboard panel or a touch panel. The operation panel 27 may also be integrated into the display screen 26, for example, combined with a touch screen that serves as the display screen 26. The display screen 26 and / or the operation panel 27 may also be omitted. In this case, the control unit 2 may, for example, be connected to an external display screen and / or an external operating unit.

[0067] In addition to the following four external wired electrical interfaces, the control unit 2 does not include other external wired electrical interfaces: integrated interface 10, transmission system interface 22, battery interface 28, and maintenance interface 21. Alternatively, the control unit 2 may include at least one other wired electrical interface, such as an additional data interface (e.g., for connection to an external display and / or external operating unit).

[0068] Power supply 6 is a power supply unit that can optionally be directly connected to the integrated interface of control unit 2 or connected to the integrated interface of control unit 2 via connector unit 3. For this purpose, second connector 15 can optionally be connected to the connector of power supply interface 5 of connector unit 3 or to the integrated interface 10 of control unit 2. The power supply unit can be configured to operate control unit 2 when powered and / or to charge external battery 19 and / or internal battery.

[0069] Alternatively, the second connector 15 may be connected only to the power supply interface 5, and not to the integrated interface 10. In this case, a separate power supply unit may be provided to directly power the control unit 2 (without connector unit 3).

[0070] Data interface 7 is a USB interface, but it can also be other types of data interfaces. Connector unit 3 includes an interface-controller-circuit, which in this embodiment is a USB-controller-circuit. Alternatively, the interface-controller-circuit can be part of control unit 2; it is also conceivable that connector unit 3 does not include its own interface logic.

[0071] In addition to the wired data interface 7, the connector unit 3 has a wireless data interface, preferably a Bluetooth interface. As a supplement to or alternative to the wired data connection, this wireless data interface enables the establishment of a wireless data connection between the control unit 2 and the data processing unit 8, while the control unit 2 itself does not include a wireless data interface. Alternatively, the wireless data interface can be omitted. Furthermore, the control unit 2 may also include a wireless data interface.

[0072] The control unit 2 of the control system 1 can be sealed in sterile packaging together with the connector unit of the control system, thereby providing and / or storing the control system 1 in a state that enables rapid and simple use, for example, in a sterile operating area 11. It is conceivable that the control unit 2, without an external battery 19 and an internal battery, is sealed in sterile packaging.

[0073] exist Figure 2 The control system 1' shown is largely similar to that in Figure 1 The control system 1 shown is why only the differences and additional details shown here (which can also be conceived for control system 1 or 1) are discussed here, where said differences and details represent optional features of the proposed type of control system. In particular, Figure 2 The structure of an exemplary control unit 2 is shown.

[0074] In the example of control system 1', control unit 2 includes interface-controller-circuit 29. This interface-controller-circuit 29 includes: a UART-controller-circuit for establishing a wired data connection; and a Bluetooth-controller-circuit for establishing a wireless data connection with data processing unit 8. In this case, connector unit 3 includes a USB-controller-circuit and is configured to convert communication data between the USB communication protocol used for communication with data processing unit 8 and the UART communication protocol used for communication with control interface 2. Other communication protocols, such as CAN, RS485, SPI, etc., are also conceivable.

[0075] The control unit 2 of the control system 1' includes: a main controller 32, which is configured to drive and control the different components of the control unit 2; and a motor controller 33, which is configured to drive and control the pump motor 34 of the blood pump 4.

[0076] In addition, the control unit 2 includes a power management circuit 30, which is configured to control the power supply to the main controller 32, the blood pump 4, and other components of the control system 1. The power management circuit 30 is also configured to control the charging and / or discharging of the internal battery 31 and the external battery 19.

[0077] The control unit 2 also includes an expansion interface 35, by means of which the control unit 2 can be connected to an expansion unit. This expansion unit can be, for example, a memory expansion, particularly a memory card. Preferably, the expansion interface 35 is closable, particularly waterproof. The expansion interface 35 can, for example, be arranged inside a service interface to accommodate an internal battery 31, so that the expansion interface 35 and the service interface can be closed together.

[0078] Optionally, the control unit may include other components 36, such as one or more sensors (to acquire the operating status of the control unit 2 and / or the blood pump 4) and / or alarms (to provide notification about the operating status of the control unit 2 and / or the blood pump 4).

[0079] exist Figure 3 The control system 1 shown in part is "largely similar to" Figure 1 The control system 1 shown here is why only the differences and additional details shown are discussed here (which can also be conceived for control system 1' or 1'), where said differences and details represent optional features of the proposed type of control system. In particular, Figure 3 The diagram shows the aspect of control system 1 that serves electrical safety.

[0080] The connector unit 3 of the control system 1 may include an insulating barrier 38, which is implemented as an air gap and / or creepage distance between conductive elements on the circuit board of the connector unit 3. This insulating barrier is configured to electrically decouple the control unit 2 from the data processing unit 8, particularly from the power supply unit 37 or other power supply device of the data processing unit 8. Preferably, it is contemplated that the insulating barrier meets the requirements of the IEC 60601-1 standard (or other standards concerning the safety of medical devices) applicable at the filing date of this application.

[0081] The contact 39 located on the control unit 2 (which is used to connect to an external battery) is electrically insulated and therefore can be switched off from the power supply. The control unit 2 is therefore configured so that the contact 39 automatically switches off from the power supply when the external battery is removed.

[0082] This disclosure further covers the following aspects:

[0083] 1. A connector unit (3) for a control unit (2) configured for a drive-controlled implantable blood pump (4), wherein the connector unit (3) comprises:

[0084] The power supply interface (5) is configured to connect the connector unit (3) to the power supply (6);

[0085] The data interface (7) is configured to connect the connector unit (3) to the data processing unit (8);

[0086] The control interface (9) is configured to connect the connector unit (3) to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2), thereby enabling the power supply connection between the control unit (2) and the power supply (6) and the data connection between the control unit (2) and the data processing unit (8) to be established simultaneously by means of the connector unit (3).

[0087] 2. The connector unit (3) according to the first aspect further includes a connecting cable (12), wherein the control interface (9) is fixedly or detachably connected to or connected to the first end of the connecting cable (12), and the second end of the connecting cable (12) has an integrated connector (13) which can be connected to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2) to establish a power supply connection and a power connection.

[0088] 3. According to the connector unit (3) of the second aspect, wherein the integrated connector (13) of the connecting cable (12) can be waterproofly connected to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2).

[0089] 4. The connector unit (3) according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the connector unit (3) is sterile, and / or the connecting cable (12) is sterile.

[0090] 5. The connector unit (3) according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the connector unit (3) includes a USB controller circuit (29), and the data interface (7) is a USB interface or includes a USB interface.

[0091] 6. The connector unit (3) according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the connector unit (3) has an insulating barrier (38), in particular an air gap and / or creepage distance, so as to electrically decouple the control unit (2) from the data processing unit (8).

[0092] 7. A control unit (2) for driving an implantable blood pump (4), comprising an integrated interface (10) which can be connected to a control interface (9) of a connector unit (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 6 to establish a power supply connection and a data connection.

[0093] 8. The control unit (2) according to aspect 7 is configured to be integrally connected with at least one external battery (19), that is, to be integrally connected with at least one external battery (19) without intermediate cable connection, in particular to be integrally connected with at least one external battery (19) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or waterproof manner.

[0094] 9. According to the control unit (2) of the eighth aspect, wherein the contacts (39) arranged on the control unit (2) for connection with an external battery (19) are switchable to be disconnected from the power supply and / or electrically insulated.

[0095] 10. The control unit (2) according to any one of the 7th to 9th aspects, wherein the control unit (2) is sterile.

[0096] 11. A control unit (2) according to any one of the 7th to 10th aspects, wherein the control unit (2) is an external control unit (2) and can be connected to the blood pump (4) by means of a transmission system (24) for driving the blood pump (4), the transmission system (24) including a reversibly connected coupling (25).

[0097] 12. The control unit (2) according to any one of aspects 7 to 11, wherein the control unit (2) has no other external wired electrical interfaces besides the following four external wired electrical interfaces: the aforementioned integrated interface (10); the transmission system interface (22) for connecting the control unit (2) to the blood pump (4); the battery interface (28) for connecting the control unit (2) to an external battery (19); and either a closable (preferably waterproof) maintenance interface (21) for housing an internal battery (31) or an additional battery interface for connecting the control unit (2) to an additional external battery.

[0098] 13. A control system for an implantable blood pump (4), comprising:

[0099] According to the connector unit (3) of any one of aspects 1 to 6; and

[0100] Control unit (2) according to any one of aspects 7 to 12.

[0101] 14. The control system according to aspect 13 further includes a power supply unit (6), which may optionally be directly connected to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2), or be connected to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2) by means of a connector unit (3).

[0102] 15. The control system according to aspect 13 or aspect 14, wherein the control unit (2) is capable of being sealed together with the connector unit (3) in a sterile package.

[0103] List of reference numerals

[0104] 1, 1', 1" control system

[0105] 2. Control unit

[0106] 3 Connector Units

[0107] 4. Blood pumps

[0108] 5. Power supply interface

[0109] 6. Power supply

[0110] 7. Data interface

[0111] 8. Data processing unit

[0112] 9. Control interface

[0113] 10 Integrated interfaces

[0114] 11. Aseptic operating area,

[0115] 12 First connecting cable,

[0116] 13 First connector,

[0117] 14 Second connecting cable,

[0118] 15. Second connector,

[0119] 16. Third connecting cable,

[0120] 17. Third connector,

[0121] 18. Outer shell,

[0122] 19. External battery

[0123] 20 Slide-in guide rails,

[0124] 21. Maintenance interface

[0125] 22. Transmission system interface.

[0126] 23. Fourth connector,

[0127] 24. Transmission system

[0128] 25 Couplings

[0129] 26 displays,

[0130] 27. Control panel

[0131] 28 Battery interface,

[0132] 29 Interface-Controller-Circuit

[0133] 30 Power Management Circuits

[0134] 31. The internal battery.

[0135] 32 main controllers,

[0136] 33 Motor controller,

[0137] 34 Pump motor,

[0138] 35. Expansion Interfaces

[0139] 36 Other components,

[0140] 37 power supply units,

[0141] 38. Insulation barrier

[0142] 39 contacts.

Claims

1. A connector unit (3) for a control unit (2) configured for a drive-controlled implantable blood pump (4), wherein, The connector unit (3) includes: Power supply interface (5), which is configured to connect the connector unit (3) to the power supply (6); Data interface (7), which is configured to connect the connector unit (3) to the data processing unit (8); A control interface (9) is configured to connect the connector unit (3) to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2), thereby enabling the simultaneous establishment of a power supply connection between the control unit (2) and the power supply (6) and a data connection between the control unit (2) and the data processing unit (8) via the connector unit (3). The control unit (2) is an external control unit (2), and in order to drive the blood pump (4), it can be connected to the blood pump (4) by means of a transmission system (24), the transmission system (24) including a reversibly connected coupling (25).

2. The connector unit (3) according to claim 1, wherein the connector unit (3) further comprises a control connection cable (12), wherein, The control interface (9) is fixedly or detachably connected to the first end of the control connection cable (12), and the second end of the control connection cable (12) has an integrated connector (13) that can be connected to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2) to establish the power supply connection and the power source connection.

3. The connector unit (3) according to claim 2, wherein, The integrated connector (13) of the control connection cable (12) can be waterproofly connected to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2).

4. The connector unit (3) according to claim 2, wherein, The connector unit (3) is sterile, and / or the control connection cable (12) is sterile.

5. The connector unit (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The connector unit (3) includes a USB controller circuit (29), and the data interface (7) is a USB interface or includes a USB interface, and / or wherein, The connector unit (3) has an insulating barrier (38) to electrically decouple the control unit (2) from the data processing unit (8).

6. The connector unit (3) according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply interface (5) is configured to connect the connector unit (3) to the power supply (6) via a power connection cable (14), and the data interface (7) is configured to connect the connector unit (3) to the data processing unit (8) via a data connection cable (16).

7. The connector unit (3) according to claim 1, the connector unit (3) further includes a battery interface for connecting the connector unit to a battery, thereby enabling the power supply connection between the control unit (2) and the battery to be established.

8. A control unit (2) for driving an implantable blood pump (4), wherein, The control unit (2) includes an integrated interface (10) which can be connected to the control interface (9) of the connector unit (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to establish a power supply connection and a data connection.

9. The control unit (2) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to be integrally connected with at least one external battery (19), that is, connected to the at least one external battery (19) without intermediate cable connection.

10. The control unit (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The contacts (39) arranged on the control unit (2) for connection to the external battery (19) can be switched to be disconnected from the power supply and / or electrically insulated.

11. The control unit (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The control unit (2) is sterile.

12. The control unit (2) according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit (2) has no external wired electrical interfaces other than the following four: the aforementioned integrated interface (10); the transmission system interface (22) for connecting the control unit (2) to the blood pump (4); the battery interface (28) for connecting the control unit (2) to an external battery (19); and a closable maintenance interface (21) for inserting an internal battery (31).

13. A control system for an implantable blood pump (4), the control system comprising: Connector unit (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as The control unit (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. The control system according to claim 13, further comprising a power supply unit (6) capable of being connected to the integrated interface (10) of the control unit (2) via the connector unit (3).

15. The control system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The control unit (2) and the connector unit (3) are sealed together in sterile packaging.

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