Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application disclose a method, system and device for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, which comprises: selecting a target processor to be upgraded from at least one processor of an implantable blood pump; sending new version firmware data to the target processor; and controlling the target processor to upgrade based on the new version firmware data to obtain an upgraded implantable blood pump while continuously providing blood pumping control to the implantable blood pump. The embodiments of the present application can continuously provide blood pumping control to the implantable blood pump, so that the target processor or other processors can continuously maintain blood pumping control even if the target processor is in the process of firmware upgrading, thereby reliably ensuring that the implantable blood pump can continuously assist the damaged heart to pump blood while being upgraded, that is, the blood flow required by the patient can be maintained without stopping the pump, and the life safety of the patient can be effectively protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical technology, and in particular to methods, systems, and apparatus for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump. Background Technology

[0002] For patients with heart failure, a left ventricular assist system (LVAS) is a viable option to support the heart's pumping function. Figure 1 As shown, an LVAS typically includes an implanted left ventricular assist device (LVAD), an externally worn controller (for regulating the LVAD and providing power), and a monitor. Figure 1 (Not shown), etc. Among them, LVAD, as a blood pump that can provide pumping control, can help or replace the damaged left ventricle in pumping blood, so that blood can flow out of the left ventricle and be sent to the aorta, ensuring human life safety.

[0003] In existing solutions, after an LVAD (or blood pump) is implanted in the human body, firmware upgrades can be performed to improve its pumping performance or expand its functions (such as parameter monitoring or feedback). However, this upgrade process requires stopping the control of the blood pump, which is equivalent to stopping blood flow for patients with heart failure. This can easily lead to insufficient blood flow or thrombosis, endangering the patient's safety and even causing irreversible damage.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide an effective solution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method, system, and apparatus for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, enabling the upgrading of the blood pump without interrupting the pump operation, thereby effectively protecting the life safety of patients with heart failure.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a method for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, including:

[0007] Select the target processor to be upgraded from at least one implanted processor in the implantable blood pump;

[0008] Send the new firmware data to the target processor;

[0009] While continuously providing blood pumping control to the implanted blood pump, the target processor is manipulated to upgrade based on the new firmware data to obtain an upgraded implanted blood pump.

[0010] Optionally, the step of controlling the target processor to upgrade based on the new firmware data while continuously providing pumping control to the implanted blood pump includes:

[0011] If the main processor of the implantable blood pump is preferentially selected as the target processor, it continuously supplies power to the auxiliary processor other than the main processor, so that when the main processor is upgraded based on the new firmware data, the auxiliary processor controls the implantable blood pump to continuously pump blood.

[0012] Optionally, when continuously providing pumping control to the implanted blood pump, after manipulating the target processor to upgrade based on the new firmware data, the method further includes:

[0013] If the target processor upgrade fails, the target processor is upgraded again based on the new firmware data, and / or, other processors besides the target processor are upgraded.

[0014] Optionally, when the at least one implanted processor includes a main processor and other processors, the upgrade of the target processor based on the new firmware data includes:

[0015] The original firmware data stored in the other processors is synchronized to the target processor, so that the target processor is restored to a normal working state; the normal working state refers to the state in which the processor can continuously perform blood pump control.

[0016] Based on the new firmware data, the target processor, which has been restored to the normal working state, is upgraded again.

[0017] Optionally, upgrading processors other than the target processor includes:

[0018] The step of selecting a target processor to be upgraded from at least one implantable processor of the implantable blood pump is returned to upgrade the selected next target processor based on the new firmware data; wherein the at least one processor does not include processors that failed to upgrade.

[0019] Optionally, upgrading processors other than the target processor includes:

[0020] After the target processor is successfully upgraded, the firmware data of the upgraded target processor is synchronized to the other processors to obtain multiple upgraded processors.

[0021] Optionally, if the target processor upgrade fails, the method further includes:

[0022] The system indicates that the target processor is malfunctioning and instructs the processor in normal working order to maintain blood pump control.

[0023] A second aspect of this application provides a left ventricular assist system, including: an external controller and an implantable blood pump;

[0024] The external controller is connected to the implantable blood pump, and the external controller is used to receive firmware data sent by the host computer.

[0025] The external controller and / or the implantable blood pump are controlled by at least one processor;

[0026] The external controller and / or the implantable blood pump are also used to perform the methods described as in the first aspect or any specific implementation thereof.

[0027] A third aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method described in the first aspect or any specific implementation thereof.

[0028] A fourth aspect of this application provides a computer program product, the computer program product including computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method described in the first aspect or any specific implementation thereof.

[0029] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of this application have at least the following advantages:

[0030] The embodiments of this application can continuously provide pumping control for the implantable blood pump, so that even when the target processor is undergoing firmware upgrades, the target processor or other processors can continuously maintain the pumping control, thereby reliably ensuring that the implantable blood pump can continuously assist the damaged heart in pumping blood while being upgraded, maintaining the blood flow required by the patient and effectively protecting the patient's life safety. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0032] It should be noted that although the steps in the flowcharts of the various embodiments are drawn sequentially according to the arrows, unless otherwise explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the various embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of existing LVAS products;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture for the method of upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of the method for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the blood pumping control implemented by the auxiliary processor when upgrading the firmware of the main blood pump processor in this application embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the blood pumping control implemented by the main processor when upgrading the firmware of the blood pump auxiliary processor according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the state machine for the method of upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the multiprocessor collaborative workflow when upgrading the blood pump firmware according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a table showing the processor's operating state during the upgrade of the blood pump firmware in this application embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be regarded as limitations on this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or components is not necessarily limited to those explicitly listed, but may include other steps or components not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, or apparatus.

[0044] In the following description, expressions such as "one specific implementation" or "one specific example" describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that "one specific implementation" or "one specific example" can be the same subset or a different subset of all possible embodiments and can be combined with each other without conflict. In the following description, the term "plural" means at least two. The terms "any" or "at least one" and similar expressions used in this application specifically refer to any one of the listed examples or any combination of such examples.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0046] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 The system architecture of an embodiment of this application is illustrated. This system architecture includes a host computer, an externally wearable controller, and an implantable LVAD (or blood pump). The host computer, external controller, and blood pump can communicate with each other via wired or wireless means. The aforementioned host computer can specifically be a computer or other offline programming device, mainly used for data transmission and monitoring with the external controller. The aforementioned external controller can be considered an intermediary between the host computer and the blood pump, capable of data conversion, display, or transmission; for example, it can display the real-time status of the blood pump and power supply information. In some examples, the aforementioned external controller and blood pump can be connected via a percutaneous cable. The external controller can be connected to a power source to supply power to the blood pump, ensuring that the blood pump's processor can properly control the motor, thereby assisting the damaged heart in pumping blood normally.

[0047] It should be noted that the method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented by an external controller, or it can be designed to be implemented autonomously by a blood pump, or it can be implemented jointly by an external controller and a blood pump. The specific implementation can be determined according to the actual application scenario, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0048] The method of this application will be further described in detail below based on the case where the method is implemented by a blood pump, i.e., in some examples. Figure 3 This can be seen as a flowchart illustrating the process by which the blood pump independently completes the upgrade.

[0049] Please see Figure 3 The first aspect of this application provides a specific embodiment of a method for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, the embodiment including the following operation steps:

[0050] Step S31: Select the target processor to be upgraded from at least one implanted processor of the implanted blood pump.

[0051] The implantable blood pump of this application embodiment may have one or more implantable processors (which may be referred to as chips or processors). These processors can be placed inside the human body, specifically inside the implantable blood pump. This processor can parse input signals sent by an external controller, such as pumping commands and pumping parameters. The parsed output signals can be used to control the start and stop of the blood pump motor, adjust the motor speed, etc., so that the blood pump pumps blood as expected. Since the processor is a core component of the blood pump, upgrading the processor can be considered as upgrading the blood pump. The method of this application can also be described as a method for upgrading the blood pump firmware without stopping the pump.

[0052] In some examples, the implantable blood pump in this application embodiment may be a magnetically levitated blood pump.

[0053] To avoid impacting the overall safety and effectiveness of blood pump products due to the failure of a single component, in practical applications, blood pumps can be equipped with at least two processors. This ensures that if one fails, a backup processor can still operate, embodying a safety redundancy design mechanism. This conservatively and reliably guarantees uninterrupted blood pumping, effectively protecting patient safety. These processors can be of the same or different models, but all must at least support blood pump control. Furthermore, with at least two processors, it is possible to upgrade some or all of the blood pump's processors, depending on the specific needs.

[0054] Of course, without considering safety redundancy design mechanisms, a blood pump can also be equipped with only one processor.

[0055] Step S32: Send the new firmware data to the target processor.

[0056] To achieve the upgrade, the new firmware data (or program) can be received from the host computer via the external controller, and the blood pump's processor can use the new firmware data to upgrade, thereby obtaining the upgraded blood pump.

[0057] The "upgrade" in this application embodiment mainly refers to software updates and iterations. Compared with the old version, the new firmware data can expand the blood pump with more or better functions, such as monitoring or diagnostic functions, or improve the operating performance of the blood pump and ensure its durability.

[0058] Step S33: While continuously providing blood pumping control to the implanted blood pump, the target processor is upgraded based on the new firmware data to obtain the upgraded implanted blood pump.

[0059] The continuous blood pumping control provided here (such as maintaining motor rotation control) can essentially be understood as ensuring that at least one processor of the blood pump is functioning properly, so that the blood pump can continuously pump blood under the control of the processor, while also performing blood pump upgrades; the processor can be the target processor itself, or other processors besides the target processor, and there are no specific limitations.

[0060] In summary, the embodiments of this application can continuously provide pumping control for the implantable blood pump, so that even when the target processor is undergoing firmware upgrades, the target processor or other processors can continuously maintain the pumping control, thereby reliably ensuring that the implantable blood pump can continuously assist the damaged heart in pumping blood while being upgraded, maintaining the blood flow required by the patient and effectively protecting the patient's life safety.

[0061] Based on the examples above, some specific possible implementation examples will be provided below. In practical applications, the implementation content of these examples can be combined or implemented separately as needed according to the corresponding functional principles and application logic. If combined, the execution order between the combined examples can be determined according to their respective processing logic, which can be determined by the actual scenario.

[0062] based on Figure 3 In some specific examples, the specific operation process of step S33 may include: if the main processor of the implantable blood pump is preferentially selected as the target processor, the auxiliary processor other than the main processor is continuously powered so that when the main processor is upgraded based on the new firmware data, the auxiliary processor controls the implantable blood pump to continuously pump blood.

[0063] Specifically, if the implantable blood pump contains two or more processors, they can be distinguished as a main processor and a secondary processor. The main processor can be prioritized as the target processor to be upgraded, while the secondary processors are continuously powered. This allows the secondary processors to control the implantable blood pump to continue pumping blood while the main processor is upgraded based on the new firmware data, achieving the multiple benefits of upgrading the blood pump without stopping pumping. Of course, there can be one or more target processors to be upgraded at the same time. In other words, multiple processors can be upgraded simultaneously without stopping pumping, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0064] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the terms "main" and "auxiliary" for the main processor and auxiliary processor refer to the upgrade order. That is, a processor can be defined as "main" or "auxiliary" relative to other processors. In other words, without much consideration, two or more batches of processors with a sequential upgrade order can always be distinguished as "main" and "auxiliary" based on the upgrade order. Generally, it is not necessary to place too much emphasis on the brand, model, or other attributes of the main processor and auxiliary processor, as long as they can both control the implanted blood pump to continuously pump blood.

[0065] Please see Figures 4 to 6 Two chips of the same model can be selected as the main processor and auxiliary processor. In this case, their inputs and outputs are generally the same, so the arbitration control module of the blood pump can determine which processor's output signal will ultimately control the blood pump. For example, if both the main and auxiliary processors are successfully upgraded, the blood pump motor can preferentially follow the output signal of the main processor. Of course, if there are differences between the main and auxiliary processors (such as different chip models or outputs), the output signals of both can be used together to regulate the operation of the blood pump. The specifics can be determined according to the needs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0066] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, from the source, in some examples, the arbitration control module can determine which processor receives the new firmware data. The processor receiving the new firmware data can then be designated as the target processor for upgrade. Furthermore, the implanted blood pump can use the output signals of other processors besides the target processor to regulate its continuous pumping. In other words, the arbitration control module can determine the upgrade target (one or more) among multiple processors, and the upgrade order when multiple processors need to be upgraded. Generally, the primary processor can be upgraded first, followed by the secondary processors.

[0067] As one possible implementation, if each processor of the blood pump supports "upgrading itself without stopping its operation" (i.e., always adhering to the central idea of ​​never stopping blood pumping), then in some examples, these processors can be used as target processors in parallel to achieve upgrades with a small time difference or even no time difference.

[0068] based on Figure 3 In some specific examples, after step S33, the method of this application embodiment may also include the following operations (attempting a second upgrade): if the target processor upgrade fails, upgrade the target processor again based on the new firmware data, and / or upgrade other processors other than the target processor.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, if both the main processor and the auxiliary processor are in normal condition (i.e., continuously controlling the blood pumping state), the main processor can be prioritized for upgrade. If the main processor upgrade fails, it can be restored to normal condition. This is because a failed upgrade may corrupt the firmware data of the processor, rendering it unable to function properly. The main processor can then be upgraded again until successful. Alternatively, if the upgrade fails after n retries (e.g., once), an error message can be displayed indicating an anomaly in the main processor, and it can enter Fail-Safe Mode, with the auxiliary processor maintaining blood pumping control. Conversely, if the main processor upgrade is successful, the auxiliary processor can be upgraded subsequently. The upgrade process for both main and auxiliary processors can be implemented similarly. For example, if the auxiliary processor upgrade fails, it can be restored to normal condition, and then the upgrade can be attempted again until successful. Alternatively, if the upgrade fails after n retries (e.g., once), an error message can be displayed indicating an anomaly in the auxiliary processor, and it can enter Fail-Safe Mode, with the main processor maintaining blood pumping control.

[0070] For example, please refer to Figure 8 If a main processor fails to upgrade after step S33 (which can be called an initial upgrade), a second upgrade can be attempted. The process of the second upgrade is similar to that of the initial upgrade. For example, the main processor receives new firmware data from the external controller (which can be initiated by the host computer) again, and the main processor upgrades again based on the new firmware data; and / or, the auxiliary processors other than the main processor are upgraded (i.e., undergo an initial upgrade). In this way, it can be further ensured that at least one processor can be upgraded successfully, so as to achieve the purpose of upgrading the blood pump.

[0071] Of course, the secondary processor can also be upgraded only after the main processor has undergone two upgrades, depending on the specific circumstances. In reality, the usual goal is for all processors in the blood pump to be upgraded. This helps ensure that regardless of which processor is adopted, the processor version and functionality remain consistent, facilitating unified monitoring and maintenance, and improving the user experience.

[0072] The aforementioned upgrade of the main processor, including both primary and secondary upgrades, can all be referred to as the process of the main processor's autonomous upgrade.

[0073] Considering that a processor upgrade failure may corrupt the original firmware data, rendering the processor malfunctioning (e.g., preventing the motor from properly rotating to pump blood), therefore... Figure 8 As shown, in one possible implementation, when at least one implanted processor includes a main processor and other processors, the above-mentioned process of "upgrading the target processor based on the new firmware data" may specifically include: synchronizing the original firmware data stored in other processors to the target processor so that the target processor can be restored to a normal working state (hereinafter referred to as "recovering the processor"), for example, restoring the main processor based on the auxiliary processor, or restoring the auxiliary processor based on the main processor; the normal working state (or simply normal state) refers to the state in which the processor can continuously control the blood pumping; and upgrading the target processor that has been restored to the normal working state based on the new firmware data, such as returning to the operations of steps S32 to S33.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, if a processor's current state is "recovery processor" (which can be categorized as an upgrade phase), it means that the output signals of other processors in normal working state are used to control the operation of the blood pump. This ensures that even during the upgrade phase, other processors can maintain blood pump control, thus maintaining the focus on continuous blood pump control. In other words, compared to the normal working state, the processor's upgrade phase can be considered a special phase, and the state of a processor in the upgrade phase can be called a special state. Therefore, if a processor's current state is a special state, the blood pump can use other processors in normal working state to maintain blood pump control.

[0075] Of course, if the target processor still has the new firmware data after the first upgrade fails, then step S32 does not need to be executed when upgrading the target processor for the second time, depending on the specific situation.

[0076] As one possible implementation, when at least one implantable processor includes a main processor and other processors, the aforementioned process of "upgrading processors other than the target processor" may specifically include (autonomous upgrade of the auxiliary processor): returning to the step of selecting the target processor to be upgraded from at least one implantable processor of the implantable blood pump (i.e., S32), and upgrading the selected next target processor based on the new firmware data; wherein, at least one processor does not include processors that failed to upgrade. In other words, the auxiliary processor can perform an autonomous upgrade process similar to that of the main processor, thus allowing the auxiliary processor to have another opportunity to perform an upgrade even if the main processor fails to upgrade (continuously). Specific details will not be elaborated here.

[0077] As another possible implementation, when at least one implanted processor includes a main processor and other processors, the aforementioned process of "upgrading processors other than the target processor" can specifically include (the auxiliary processor being upgraded in conjunction with the main processor): after the target processor is successfully upgraded, the firmware data of the upgraded target processor is synchronized to the other processors to obtain multiple upgraded processors. In other words, the auxiliary processor does not need to perform the upgrade independently; instead, it simply adopts the upgraded firmware data from the main processor, i.e., it conveniently performs the upgrade by attaching to the main processor.

[0078] based on Figure 3 In some specific examples, if the target processor upgrade fails (such as a first upgrade or a second upgrade), the method of this application embodiment may further include: prompting that the target processor has an abnormality and instructing the processor in normal working state to maintain blood pump control.

[0079] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, taking the main processor as an example, if the main processor fails to upgrade after two upgrades, it can indicate that the main processor is abnormal and enter fail-safe mode. Additionally, it can prompt the blood pump to switch to using the output signal of the auxiliary processor, which is in normal working condition, to control its operation. Entering fail-safe mode, to a certain extent, indicates that a certain processor may have a hardware or software problem, allowing for manual intervention to replace the hardware or update the software.

[0080] It should be noted that, generally speaking, the upgraded processor has more complete functions than the original processor. Therefore, in terms of performance, the upgraded processor can be selected to implement the blood pump control.

[0081] In summary, the embodiments of this application can upgrade the blood pump without stopping the blood pump control (i.e., without stopping the pump), thus reliably protecting the life safety of heart disease patients.

[0082] Compared to Figure 3 The examples shown illustrate that the additional or refined examples or possible implementation methods (such as secondary upgrades) mentioned above may not necessarily be executed in actual implementation. If more than two examples or possible implementation methods are added, these examples or possible implementation methods can be implemented in combination or individually. If implemented in combination, the execution order between the combined examples can be determined according to their respective processing logic, depending on the actual scenario.

[0083] The second aspect of this application provides a left ventricular assist system, which includes: an external controller and an implantable blood pump;

[0084] The external controller is connected to the implantable blood pump, and the external controller is used to receive firmware data sent by the host computer.

[0085] The external controller and / or implantable blood pump control the blood pumping process via at least one processor;

[0086] The external controller and / or implantable blood pump are also used to perform the methods described in the first aspect or any specific implementation thereof.

[0087] In this embodiment, the operations performed by the left ventricular assist system are similar to those described in the first aspect or any specific method embodiment of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Of course, the specific implementation process of each operation in the first aspect of this application can also be found in the relevant description of the second aspect.

[0088] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in the first aspect or any specific implementation thereof.

[0089] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions or computer programs, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect or any specific implementation thereof.

[0090] It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each step does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each step should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The operations added or refined to the example solutions of the above methods, systems or devices are not necessarily required to be executed in specific implementations. If more than two operations are added, these operations can be implemented in combination or individually, depending on the actual scenario.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and device described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of the apparatus is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple components may be combined or integrated into another system or apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of components may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0093] If the integrated components are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a computer software product. This computer software product (or computer program product) is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a business server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A method of upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump, characterized by, include: The arbitration control module is used to select the target processor to be upgraded from at least one implanted processor in the implantable blood pump; Send the new firmware data to the target processor; While continuously providing blood pumping control to the implanted blood pump, the target processor is manipulated to upgrade based on the new firmware data to obtain an upgraded implanted blood pump. While continuously providing pumping control to the implanted blood pump, after manipulating the target processor to upgrade based on the new firmware data, the method further includes: If the target processor upgrade fails, the target processor is upgraded again based on the new firmware data, and / or, other processors besides the target processor are upgraded; When the at least one implanted processor includes a main processor and other processors, the upgrade of the target processor based on the new firmware data includes: The original firmware data stored in the other processors is synchronized to the target processor, so that the target processor is restored to a normal working state; the normal working state refers to the state in which the processor can continuously control blood pumping. Based on the new firmware data, the target processor, which has been restored to the normal working state, is upgraded again. During the upgrade process of the target processor based on the new firmware data, the other processors among the at least one implantable processors, excluding the target processor, continuously provide blood pumping control to the implantable blood pump.

2. The method for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, While continuously providing pumping control to the implanted blood pump, the method of manipulating the target processor to upgrade based on the new firmware data includes: If the main processor of the implantable blood pump is preferentially selected as the target processor, it continuously supplies power to the auxiliary processor other than the main processor, so that when the main processor is upgraded based on the new firmware data, the auxiliary processor controls the implantable blood pump to continuously pump blood.

3. The method for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, Upgrading processors other than the target processor includes: The process returns to the step of selecting a target processor to be upgraded from at least one implantable processor of the implantable blood pump, so as to upgrade the selected next target processor based on the new firmware data; wherein the at least one implantable processor does not include processors that failed to upgrade.

4. The method for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, Upgrading processors other than the target processor includes: After the target processor is successfully upgraded, the firmware data of the upgraded target processor is synchronized to the other processors to obtain multiple upgraded processors.

5. The method for upgrading blood pump firmware without stopping the pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the target processor upgrade fails, the method further includes: The system indicates that the target processor is malfunctioning and instructs the processor in normal working order to maintain blood pump control.

6. A left ventricular assist system, characterized in that, include: External controller, implantable blood pump; The external controller is connected to the implantable blood pump, and the external controller is used to receive firmware data sent by the host computer. The external controller and / or the implantable blood pump are controlled by at least one implantable processor. The external controller and / or the implantable blood pump are also used to perform the method of upgrading the blood pump firmware without stopping the pump as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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