CATHETER DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a catheter device that is a miniaturized pump.

[0002] Implantable blood pumps are increasingly being used to treat patients with severe heart disease. These pumps are currently primarily intended for long-term use. However, blood pumps are also being developed that are designed for short-term cardiac support and can be implanted minimally invasively. The medical goals are to relieve the strain on the heart and promote its recovery, or to bridge the gap until a possible heart transplant. The range of applications for such pumps depends on the ease of implantation, the achievable technical specifications, and, in particular, the reliably achievable operating time of the available pump systems. Ideally, such a blood pump should be implantable percutaneously-intravascularly for short-term treatment without any surgical intervention.

[0003] In cardiogenic shock, the ejection fraction of the left ventricle is significantly reduced. This diminished coronary blood supply can lead to irreversible heart failure. The use of a temporary left ventricular assist device (LVAD) aims to partially or largely take over the pumping function of the left ventricle and improve coronary blood supply. During cardiac surgery, such a system can be used in both the left and right ventricle and can replace a heart-lung machine.

[0004] One percutaneously implantable system that has gained clinical significance is the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). The intra-aortic balloon pump, or intra-aortic counterpulsation, is a mechanical system also used to support the heart's pumping function in patients with cardiogenic shock. A catheter with a cylindrical plastic balloon is advanced through the groin into the thoracic aorta, so that the balloon lies below the origin of the left subclavian artery. There, an external pump rhythmically inflates the balloon with 30-40 cm³ of helium with each heartbeat during diastole and deflates it during systole. In this way, the balloon pump improves blood flow to the heart muscle and also to all other organs.The achievable hemodynamic improvement is very limited, however, because the design principle of the IABP does not involve active blood pumping. A counterpulsation, in rhythm with the heartbeat, merely closes the aorta below the left ventricle, thus pushing back and redistributing the blood ejected by the heart, including into the coronary arteries. There is no increase in blood flow.

[0005] A well-known transfemoral implantable micro-axial pump, the "Hemopump™" from Medtronic Inc., USA, has proven to be a promising concept, based on experimental and preliminary clinical trials, capable of providing sufficient left ventricular decompression. The pump's intake port is placed retrogradely across the aortic valve in the left ventricle. The pump rotor is located at the end of a cannula in the upper descending aorta and is driven by an external motor. A disadvantage of the system is that, due to the rotor's large diameter, transfemoral implantation is only possible surgically via a femoral arteryectomy and, if necessary, with the addition of a graft.

[0006] WO 99 / 44651 describes an axial pump that can be inserted through a patient's vascular system. The axial pump features a flexible, compressible tube that forms the pump housing. A radially compressible rotor is located within the tube. The rotor's drive shaft runs through a catheter. The catheter, along with the tube and rotor, can be drawn into a cover sheath. The radial compressibility of the components allows for a puncture diameter that is acceptable for percutaneous implantation using the Seldinger technique. Due to the expansion within the cardiovascular system, a relatively large pump diameter of 10 to 14 mm can be used. This reduces the rotor speed and thus the mechanical stress on the components.

[0007] US Patent 4,753,221 describes a catheter with an integrated blood pump featuring hinged wings. The blood pump is an axial pump located within a catheter tube. A balloon is provided at the end of the catheter tube. This balloon can be inflated to unfold the pump casing, seal off the flow path past the pump, and thus secure the pump within the blood vessel. In another embodiment, a cup-shaped end of the catheter is positioned within a tubular guide catheter. The guide catheter is then withdrawn, thereby unfolding the cup-shaped end.

[0008] German patent DE 10 059 714 C1 discloses an intravascular pump. The pump comprises a drive unit and a pump unit, both with such a small diameter that they can be inserted through a blood vessel. A flexible cannula is attached to the pump unit. To reduce flow resistance, the cannula can be expanded to a diameter larger than that of the drive unit or the pump unit. To insert the pump into the body using the Seldinger technique by puncturing the blood vessel, the cannula is constricted, resulting in a small diameter. Once inside the blood vessel, it expands, thus reducing flow resistance for the blood being pumped.

[0009] JP 4126158 and EP 0 445 782 A1 describe an artificial heart that can be implanted in the body. The artificial heart comprises a pump section and a drive section for powering the pump section. The pump section is relatively small and accommodates an axial flow pump. The axial flow pump is designed as a screw pump. Various designs of screw pumps are provided.

[0010] EP 0 364 293 A2 describes a catheter with an integrated blood pump. A flexible rim extends over a tubular section of the catheter and contacts the walls of the aorta, thus ensuring that all blood within the aorta flows through the pump. Furthermore, the flexible, expandable rim keeps the pump away from the aortic valve.

[0011] US patent 5,376,114 describes a cannula pump that can be temporarily inserted through a small incision in the heart. The pump has an impeller driven by a shaft. The shaft is rigidly connected to a motor magnet. The motor magnet is surrounded by magnetic coils that generate a rotating magnetic field, thus setting the motor in motion.

[0012] WO 03 / 103745 A discloses an expandable blood pump. A rotor of the blood pump is arranged at a distal end of a drive shaft and is set into rotation by it. A pump housing surrounding the rotor is also provided. A distal and a proximal end of the rotor are supported by corresponding bearings in a distal and proximal end region of the pump housing.

[0013] WO 2006 / 020942 A describes a blood pump for long-term left ventricular support. This blood pump comprises a rotor, preferably designed as an impeller, arranged in a housing. The impeller can be mounted in the pump housing by means of appropriate bearings.

[0014] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a blood pump for cardiac support that can be inserted percutaneously-intravascularly through the femoral artery and without surgical intervention.

[0015] The problem is solved with a catheter device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0016] The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor and a rotor attached to the distal end of the drive shaft. The rotor has a frame structure consisting of a helical boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inward from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are attached to the drive shaft at their ends furthest from the boundary frame. An elastic covering extends between the boundary frame and the drive shaft. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that the rotor unfolds automatically after applied compression.

[0017] The rotor's frame structure, with its limiting frame and rotor struts, makes it very stable yet foldable and compressible to virtually any desired diameter. Because the rotor can be designed to almost any length in both the longitudinal and radial directions, it can be optimized for maximum conveying capacity depending on the available space. This allows the conveying capacity to be optimally adapted to any application.

[0018] The rotor is so compressible that it can be inserted into the body using a puncture needle through a puncture with a diameter of approximately 9 French (about 3 mm). The rotor's self-expanding action results in a diameter many times larger than its diameter in the compressed state. This enables a high delivery rate.

[0019] The scaffold-like structure, consisting of a boundary frame and rotor struts, gives the rotor high rigidity, allowing it to rotate at high speeds without becoming unbalanced. A prototype of this catheter device was able to pump a fluid for several hours at a speed of approximately 32,000 rpm. The rotor had a diameter of about 18 French (approximately 6 mm) and was designed to achieve a pressure differential of about 120 mmHg. This is an exceptional performance for such a miniaturized pump. This catheter device also represents a significant improvement in terms of reliability and service life.

[0020] Preferably, the rotor's frame structure is made of a shape memory material, such as nitinol. During compression, the rotor can be heated to a temperature at which the shape memory material softens. For example, a nitinol rotor is compressed at a temperature of approximately 0°C. Upon heating, the shape memory material solidifies and expands. Generally, it is not possible to compress the rotor again without first cooling it down and causing damage.

[0021] The elastic covering between the limiting frame and the drive shaft is preferably made of a polymer coating, such as PU, PE, PP, silicone or parylene.

[0022] Advantageously, the rotor is surrounded by a tubular pump section within a pump housing. The pump housing is formed from a grid, the openings of which are closed, at least in the area of ​​the pump section, by means of an elastic covering. Such a pump housing can be designed with a small gap to the rotor, thereby ensuring optimal flow conditions and further optimizing the delivery rate.

[0023] The grid of the pump housing is preferably made of a shape memory material that is compressible together with the rotor.

[0024] The pump housing protects the rotor from external influences.

[0025] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show schematically in: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a catheter device according to the invention, Fig. 2 an exploded view of a catheter device according to the invention, Fig. 3 a shaft cap of the catheter device in a side-section view, Fig. 4 a distal catheter shaft section of the catheter device in a side-section view, Fig. 5 a connecting bushing of the catheter device in a side-section view, Fig. 6 a pump of the catheter device with bearing in a side-section view, Fig. 7a a section along line AA through the distal connecting bushing of the catheter device, Fig. 7b a section along line BB through the proximal connecting bushing of the catheter device, Fig. 8 a lattice structure of a pump housing of the catheter device, Fig. 9 a section of the lattice structure of the pump housing of the catheter device, Fig.10 a drive shaft with guide spiral and shaft guard of the catheter device, Fig. 11a a frame structure of a rotor of a pump of the catheter device, Fig. 11a a further frame structure of the rotor of the pump of the catheter device, Fig. 12 the inventive rotor of the pump of the catheter device in a perspective view, Fig. 13 a discharge hose of the catheter device in a perspective view, Fig. 14 a coupling according to the invention with coupling housing and motor of the catheter device in a perspective view, Fig. 15 the inventive coupling with the coupling housing of the catheter device in a perspective view, Fig. 16 the coupling housing of the catheter device in a perspective view, Fig. 17 a square rod of the coupling of the catheter device in a side view, Fig. 18 a coupling element of the coupling of the catheter device in a side view, Fig.Fig. 19 a closing disc of the coupling of the catheter device in a side view, Fig. 20 a ball joint bearing ball of the coupling of the catheter device in a side view, Fig. 21 a centering pin of the coupling of the catheter device in a side view, Fig. 22 a motor mount of the catheter device in a side view, Fig. 23 the coupling element with the square rod arranged therein in a top view, Fig. 24 the catheter device positioned in the body, and Fig. 25 schematically alternative embodiments of the catheter device.

[0026] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a catheter device 1. The catheter device 1 according to the invention is a pump. The catheter device 1 has a pump head 3 at a distal end 2.

[0027] The pump head 3 has a rotor 3.2 for pumping a medium in the pumping direction 5, which is connected to a drive shaft 4. The pumping direction 5 is directed from the distal end 2 to a proximal end 6. A motor 7 is arranged at the proximal end 6, which is spaced apart from the pump head 3. The drive shaft 4 is surrounded by a catheter shaft 8 and is positively connected to the motor 7 by means of a coupling 9.

[0028] The pump head 3 will first be explained in more detail. The pump head 3 comprises a shaft cap 10 at the distal end, the rotor 3.2 arranged on the drive shaft 4, a pump housing 3.1 and a discharge hose 18.

[0029] The butt plate 10 is formed from a sphere 10.1 with an attached cylindrical section 10.2. The butt plate 10 is, for example, made of stainless steel ( Fig. 2 , Fig. 3The butt plate 10 could also be made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Teflon (PTFE), acrylic glass, epoxy resin, polyurethane (PU), carbon fiber, coated materials, composite materials, PEBAX, or a polyether block amide. In principle, all hemocompatible materials are suitable, as this component is subject to only minimal mechanical stress.

[0030] The diameter of the ball 10.1 is approximately 3.2 mm. The cylindrical section 10.2 is approximately 5.5 mm long and has a diameter of approximately 2.2 mm. The total length of the butt plate is approximately 7.0 mm.

[0031] The cylindrical section 10.2 has a through-bore 10.3 at its distal end, in the connection area with the ball 10.1, arranged transversely to the conveying direction 5. Furthermore, the cylinder 10.2 has an axial bore 10.4 extending from the proximal end of the cylindrical section 10.2 to the ball 10.1, so that a communicating passage is formed from the through-bore 10.3 to the proximal end of the shaft cap 10. A step 10.5 is formed in the region of the axial bore 10.4, so that the axial bore is widened towards the proximal end.

[0032] The through-hole 10.3 prevents a blind hole from forming in the shaft cap and allows the through-hole to be attached to a thread which is helpful when compressing the pump head 3.

[0033] Instead of the ball 10.1 of the butt cap 10, a pigtail, a spiral, a meandering wire with a ball tip, or an atraumatic fiber bundle can also be provided. The butt cap is preferred due to its small size.

[0034] The tip of the shaft cap 10 is an atraumatic sphere for protecting the heart muscle (endocardium). The pump head 3 can be supported against the heart wall via the shaft cap 10.

[0035] A tubular or tube-shaped distal catheter shaft section 8.1 is inserted from its proximal end into the shaft cap 10 up to the step. The distal catheter shaft section 8.1 is precisely received in the axial bore 10.4 and is fixed there ( Fig. 4The distal catheter shaft section 8.1 is made of polyurethane or another suitable material, in particular an elastic plastic material (e.g., PE, PVC, Teflon, elastomer). The distal end of the distal catheter shaft section 8.1 is connected to the shaft cap 10. The connection can be made by adhesive bonding, for example, using cyanoacrylate adhesive, or by welding, clamping, or shrinking. These connection methods are generally suitable for connecting a catheter shaft section to another, particularly rigid, part. Therefore, this is not described at every single connection point in the following description.

[0036] The distal catheter shaft section 8.1 forms a straight, but slightly flexible connection between the shaft cap 10 and the pump housing 3.1. The straight connection ensures coaxiality of all components arranged within it (drive shaft, shaft guard, housing, connecting bushing).

[0037] The distal catheter shaft section 8.1, in conjunction with the shaft cap 10, serves as a positioning aid for the pump head 3 when inserting it into a vessel or the heart.

[0038] The catheter shaft section 8.1 in the present embodiment has a length of approximately 25 mm, an outer diameter of approximately 1.9 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 1.3 mm.

[0039] A distal, tubular connecting bushing 12.1 is provided at the proximal end of the distal catheter shaft section 8.1 ( Fig. 5 , Fig. 6The distal connecting sleeve 12.1 has a larger inner diameter in its distal region than in its proximal region. The proximal end of the distal catheter shaft 8.1 is precisely received and fixed in the distal region of the connecting sleeve 12.1. A distal connecting section 3.1.1 of the pump housing 3.1 is received in the proximal region of the distal connecting sleeve 12.1. The distal connecting section 3.1.1 of the pump housing 3.1 is connected to the distal connecting sleeve 12.1 and the proximal end of the distal catheter shaft 8.1 ( Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b ).

[0040] The distal connecting bushing 12.1 has a length of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 2.2 mm. The diameter is approximately 2 mm in the distal region and approximately 1.5 mm in the proximal region. The shorter the connecting bushing, the less stiffening it provides.

[0041] The distal and an analogously designed proximal connecting bushing 12.1, 12.2 are, for example, made of stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium or another suitable metal, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), Teflon (PTFE), PEBAX, a polyether block amide, or another suitable material.

[0042] The expandable or compressible pump housing 3.1 is a tubular lattice structure 3.1.6 made of nitinol or another suitable shape-memory alloy or other shape-memory material, e.g., plastic, iron alloy, copper alloy. The pump housing 3.1 is divided into five sections from distal to proximal ( Fig. 8The first distal section is a tubular distal connecting section 3.1.1. A second section is a suction section 3.1.2 that expands conically in the conveying direction 5. A pump section 3.1.3 connects to the suction section 3.1.2. The tubular pump section 3.1.3 accommodates the rotor 3.2. The inner diameter of the pump section 3.1.3 is approximately 6.15 mm in its expanded state. An outlet section 3.1.4 narrows conically in the conveying direction 5 and forms the connection between the pump section 3.1.3 and a proximal connecting section 3.1.5. The proximal connecting section 3.1.5 is tubular, analogous to the distal connecting section 3.1.1, but with a smaller diameter than the pump section 3.1.3. The pump housing 3.1 can be compressed in such a way that it does not exceed a maximum diameter of less than 3 mm over its entire length.

[0043] The grid structure 3.1.6 of the pump housing 3.1 has openings 3.1.7 between the grid struts ( Fig. 8 , Fig. 9The openings are designed as polygons 3.1.7, which in this embodiment are rhombuses. Small rhombuses 3.1.7.1 are provided in the pump section 3.1.3. In the transition areas from the pump section 3.1.3 to the intake section 3.1.2 and the outlet section 3.1.4 of the tubular grid structure 3.1.6, the small rhombuses 3.1.7.1 are progressively grouped into increasingly larger rhombuses. Adjacent to a small rhombus is a larger rhombus with twice the edge length. This doubling of the edge length is repeated until the openings have the desired size. In the intake section 3.1.2 and the outlet section 3.1.4, large rhombuses 3.1.7.2 are provided, which have approximately four times the edge length of the small rhombuses 3.1.7.1. In the transition areas from the intake section 3.1.2 and the outlet section 3.1.4 to the distal and proximal connecting sections 3.8.1, 3.1.5 of the tubular grid structure 3.1.6, the large diamonds 3.1.7 are located.2 decreasing rhombuses are grouped together. In the distal and proximal connecting sections, medium-sized rhombuses 3.1.7.3 are provided, which have approximately twice the edge length of the small rhombuses 3.1.7.1 ( ). Fig. 9 The design of the openings (3.1.7) and the number of repetitions can be arbitrary. When transitioning from smaller to larger rhombuses, the width of the grid struts is increased. This keeps the strength of the grid struts approximately the same or even increases it towards the larger rhombuses.

[0044] The grid structure 3.1.6 of the pump housing 3.1 is covered in the pump section 3.1.3 with a PU covering 3.1.8, which seals the grid openings in a liquid-tight manner.

[0045] This covering or sealing of the grid structure 3.1.6 can also be formed, for example, by a PU tube that is arranged on the surface, either on the outside or inside.

[0046] Other covering materials besides PU can be used, such as PE, PP, silicone or parylene, as long as they meet the mechanical and geometric requirements.

[0047] By selecting individual openings 3.1.71, in particular the medium and larger openings 3.1.7.3, 3.1.7.2, which are not coated, the performance parameters including blood damage of the pump can be specifically controlled.

[0048] The polygonal structure and the special design of the PU covering result in an almost round cross-sectional shape for the pump housing 3.1. In conjunction with the round rotor 3.2, this results in very small gaps between the rotor 3.2 and the pump housing 3.1. This leads to comparatively low blood damage, low leakage currents, and good efficiency. The grid structure 3.1.6 provides very good radial and axial stability as well as very good axial compressibility and expandability. The special structure allows for very easy adjustment of the length and diameter to meet performance requirements.

[0049] The proximal connecting section 3.1.5 of the pump housing 3.1 is received in and connected to the proximal connecting socket 12.2. Analogous to the distal connecting socket 12.1, a tubular proximal catheter shaft section 8.2 is received in and connected to the proximal connecting socket 12.2. Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b The same connection types described above can be used.

[0050] Within the distal and proximal catheter shaft sections 8.1, 8.2, a distal shaft guard 13.1 and a proximal shaft guard 13.2 are arranged in the axial direction ( Fig. 6 ). The distal and proximal wave guards 13.1, 13.2 are designed as a tube made of PU or one of the other materials already listed above.

[0051] The distal shaft guard 13.1 extends in the conveying direction 5 from just before the distal connecting bushing 12.1 to the distal end of the pump section 3.1.3 of the pump housing 3.1, i.e., to the rotor 3.2. The proximal shaft guard 13.2 extends from the proximal end of the rotor 3.2 to just behind the proximal end of the proximal connecting bushing 12.1.

[0052] The distal and proximal wave guards 13.1, 13.2 are connected to the distal and proximal connecting bushings 12.1, 12.2 and the distal and proximal catheter shaft pieces 8.1, 8.2, respectively, in the two areas where they are arranged within these.

[0053] The two connecting bushings 12.1, 12.2, together with the components arranged therein (shaft guard, pump housing, catheter shaft), form a bearing area for the drive shaft 4. The connecting bushings 12.1, 12.2 ensure the axial centering of the drive shaft 4, particularly in the pump housing 3.1.

[0054] The drive shaft 4 is arranged axially within the distal and proximal shaft guards 13.1, 13.2 and the pump housing 3.1, respectively. The drive shaft 4 has three sections in the conveying direction 5: a distal section of the drive shaft 4.1 in the region of the shaft cap 10; a pump section of the drive shaft 4.2, on which the rotor 3.2 is fixedly mounted; and a proximal section of the drive shaft 4.3, which extends from the pump section 3.1.3 to the coupling 9. The rotor 3.2 is bonded to the drive shaft. However, other frictional connections such as welding or clamping are also possible.

[0055] The proximal wave protection 13.2 ( Fig. 2 , Fig. 6To protect against blood damage caused by the rotational movement of the drive shaft 4 and the adhesion of blood components to the drive shaft 4, the proximal section 4.3 of the drive shaft 4 is spatially separated from the pumping medium. This prevents the build-up of shear forces. Due to the very small gap, there is no direct interaction between the drive shaft 4 and the blood, and only minimal blood transport through this gap is possible. The distal and proximal shaft guards 13.1, 13.2 center and support the drive shaft 4 during operation and during the compression and expansion process.

[0056] The drive shaft 4 is preferably formed from several, in particular six, wires (not shown) arranged in a left- or right-handed winding around a core (not shown). The outer diameter of the drive shaft 4 is approximately 0.48 mm. However, the drive shaft 4 can also have a different number of cores and wires and a smaller or larger diameter. The diameter of the drive shaft can be in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm and is preferably approximately 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. The smaller the diameter of the drive shaft, the higher the rotational speed can be, because the smaller the diameter, the lower the speed at which the circumference of the drive shaft moves relative to its surroundings. A high circumferential speed is problematic if the drive shaft comes into contact with the surroundings. The catheter device is designed for rotational speeds of more than 20,000 rpm and up to 40,000 rpm.Therefore, the diameter of the drive shaft 4 is made as small as possible, but thick enough to still have sufficient strength.

[0057] Contrary to the winding direction of the drive shaft 4 – in the present embodiment it is wound counterclockwise – a counterclockwise wound (here: clockwise), spirally shaped guide spiral 14 is arranged axially around the distal and proximal sections of the drive shaft 4.1, 4.3 to minimize friction of the drive shaft 4, to prevent wall contact of the drive shaft 4 with the proximal catheter shaft section 8.2, and to prevent kinking of the drive shaft 4 due to bending. The guide spiral 14 guides and splints or stabilizes the drive shaft 4. Fig. 10The guide spiral 14 can be made of stainless steel and bonded to the shaft guard 13.1, 13.2. Alternatively, the guide spiral can be designed as a spring. The winding direction of the guide spiral 14 can also be the same as the winding direction of the drive shaft 4.

[0058] The drive shaft 4 extends from the distal end of the distal shaft guard 13.1 in the conveying direction 5 behind the distal connecting bushing 12.1 to the coupling 9.

[0059] The proximal catheter shaft section 8.2, in conjunction with the guide spiral 14, provides a length- and torsion-constant connection between the pump head 3 and the coupling 9.

[0060] A bearing disc 15 is arranged at the proximal end of the distal shaft guard 13.1 ( Fig. 6The bearing disc 15 is provided with a through-bore 15.1. The diameter of the through-bore 15.1 corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the drive shaft 4. The bearing disc 15 is arranged on the drive shaft 4 such that it receives the proximal end of the distal shaft guard 13.1 and limits it in the conveying direction 5.

[0061] The bearing disc 15 is made, for example, of stainless steel, Teflon, ceramic, or another suitable material. The bearing disc 15 is connected to the stationary shaft guard by means of cyanoacrylate adhesive and can therefore absorb axial forces opposite to the conveying direction 5 (connecting element so).

[0062] In the pump section 4.2 of the drive shaft 4, the spiral-shaped, expandable rotor 3.2 is arranged non-rotatably on the drive shaft 4. In the present embodiment, the rotor 3.2 is a two-winged, comb-shaped frame structure 3.2.1 made of nitinol or another shape-memory material, e.g., plastic (so), which is coated with a PU skin or surrounded by it in a liquid-tight manner ( Fig. 11a The covering, in the form of the PU skin, is stretched between the comb-shaped frame structure. Due to the construction of the rotor 3.2 as a coated frame structure 3.2.1 made of Nitinol, it is possible to expand or compress the rotor 3.2. The PU skin possesses high elasticity, so that it is not damaged during compression.

[0063] The frame structure 3.2.1 has a circumferential, helical or spiral outer boundary frame 3.2.2 with several rotor struts 3.2.3 connected to the boundary frame 3.2.2 and extending radially inwards ( Fig. 12 ). Rings 3.2.4 are formed at the free ends of the rotor struts 3.2.3. The drive shaft 4 extends through the rings 3.2.4 of the rotor struts 3.2.3.

[0064] A spacer sleeve 16 is arranged between each pair of adjacent rings 3.2.4. The distal end of the rotor 3.2 rests against the bearing disk 15 with a distal end spacer sleeve 16. The end spacer sleeve 16 can also be designed as a special bearing spacer sleeve 16. In this way, two of the frame structures 3.2.1 form a two-bladed rotor 3.2.

[0065] The Rotor 3.2 can also be manufactured in one piece ( Fig. 11b ) be formed or have multiple framework structures ( Fig. 11aEach frame structure forms a rotor blade. In Fig. 11b and 12 A frame structure 3.2.1 for a rotor 3.2 is shown, forming two rotor blades. If required, several rotor blades and, accordingly, several frame structures 3.2.1 can be arranged on one rotor 3.2. The frame structure can also have any other suitable shape.

[0066] The distance between two adjacent rings 3.2.4 is smaller than the corresponding section of the spiral bounding frame 3.2.2. The greater the difference between the distance between two rings 3.2.4 and the corresponding section of the spiral bounding frame 3.2.2, the greater the pitch of the rotor. The pitch of the rotor 3.2 can thus be determined by the length of the spacer sleeves 16. It can vary within a single rotor 3.2.

[0067] The pitch of the rotor 3.2 is determined by the length or number of spacer sleeves 16 in relation to the dimensions of the circumferential, spiral outer boundary frame 3.2.2 between two rotor struts 3.2.3. The length of the spacer sleeves 16 can be uniform for all positions, or it can be varied symmetrically or asymmetrically for each position. This complete design freedom allows for a very flexible design of the rotor 3.2. This flexible design makes it possible to generate different conveying or pumping characteristics for the rotor 3.2.

[0068] The Rotor 3.2 exhibits high dimensional stability with flexible design options and minimal material usage (e.g., a thin frame structure). Maximum rigidity and stability are achieved. Despite this, the combination of the frame structure with the covering, which further enhances the frame's stabilizing properties, allows for very high compression. This results in the rotor's excellent compressibility and expandability. Due to the high-quality surface finish of the PU skin on the grid structure, a very good fit between the housing structure and the rotor structure is possible.

[0069] In its compressed state, the rotor 3.2 has approximately the same inner diameter as the compressed pump housing 3.1. The outer diameter of the compressed pump housing is approximately between 2 mm and 4 mm, and preferably approximately 3.3 mm.

[0070] In its expanded state, the spiral outer boundary frame 3.2.2 of the rotor 3.2 is slightly spaced from the inner surface of the pump housing 3.1. The distance between the outer boundary frame 3.2.2 and the inner surface of the pump housing 3.1 is approximately between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm. The smaller the distance between the frame structure 3.2.1 and the inner surface of the pump housing 3.1, the higher the flow rate of the rotor 3.2.

[0071] At the distal end spacer sleeve 16 of the rotor, the bearing disk 15, attached to the distal shaft guard 13.1, and the distal end spacer sleeve 16, both located on the drive shaft 4, make contact. When the rotor 3.2 is set into rotation by the drive shaft 4, the distal spacer sleeve 16 of the rotor 3.2 contacts the bearing disk 15 in the manner of a sliding bearing. In this way, a distal rotor bearing 17 is formed ( Fig. 6The drive shaft 4 is received by the through-bore of the bearing disc 15 with almost no play. Only small clearances remain (not shown) due to the design of the drive shaft 4.

[0072] During pumping, the rotor 3.2 is subjected to an axial force opposite to the pumping direction 5 due to the conveying of the pump medium. This force is transferred to the bearing disk 15 via the distal end spacer sleeve 16.

[0073] To lubricate the distal rotor bearing, blood or serum is drawn in through the through-hole 10.3 of the shaft cap 10, the spaces between the distal shaft guard 13.1 and the drive shaft 4, and the space between the drive shaft and the bearing disk 15. The suction effect is created by the rotational movement of the drive shaft 4 and the rotor 3.2.

[0074] The drive shaft 4 is received analogously by a proximal connecting bushing 12.2 at the proximal end spacer sleeve 16 of the rotor 3.2.

[0075] Approximately at the proximal end of pump section 3.1.3 of the pump housing, a tubular elastic discharge hose 18 is arranged ( Fig. 1 , Fig. 13 The discharge hose 18 is made of PU. The discharge hose 18 has a length of approximately 70 mm, a diameter of approximately 10 mm, and a wall thickness of approximately 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm, and preferably approximately 0.03 mm. Both ends of the discharge hose 18 are tapered, with a cylindrical section arranged at the proximal conical end of the discharge hose.

[0076] The distal, tapered end of the outflow tube 18 seals tightly against the PU covering of pump section 3.1.3 of the pump housing 3.1. The cylindrical proximal section is firmly connected to the proximal catheter shaft section 8.2. Both are fluid-tightly connected to each other by means of dissolved PU.

[0077] At the proximal end of the outflow tube 18, several outlet openings 18.1 are arranged radially around the circumference. The outlet openings 18.1 can, for example, be oval in the direction of flow 5. It is also possible to design the outlet openings as round, crescent-shaped, or in any other geometry to generate different outlet flows. The outlet openings 18.1 create turbulence in the blood exiting the aortic bulb. This prevents laminar flow and thus the water jet pump effect in the coronary arteries.

[0078] The outflow tube 18 directs the pump's output from the left ventricle, across the aortic valve, and into the aorta. Here, the outflow tube 18 acts as a check valve. With a positive pressure differential between the outflow tube 18 and the aorta, the outflow tube 18 is more or less open, depending on the flow rate generated by the pump. At zero or negative pressure differentials, the outflow tube 18, due to its high flexibility, closes just like the aortic valve and fits snugly against the proximal catheter shaft section 8.2. This flexibility ensures a good seal against the leaflets of the aortic valve during flow. In this way, only minimal backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle occurs.

[0079] The coupling 9 and the motor 7 are located at the proximal end of the catheter shaft 8.2. The distance between the pump head 3 and the coupling 9, or the length of the proximal catheter shaft section 8.2, can vary depending on the patient and is approximately 90 to 150 cm.

[0080] The procedure for expanding rotor 3.2 is described below.

[0081] A tubular cover tube 29 is arranged over the catheter device 1. The cover tube 29 is designed to surround the compressed pump head 3 and the proximal catheter shaft section 8.2. The cover tube 29 holds the pump head 3 in its compressed state.

[0082] After the pump head 3 is correctly positioned, the cover tube 29 is retracted from the fixed catheter device 1 until the pump head 3 is exposed. Due to the spring force of the elastic material, the pump housing 3.1 and rotor 3.2 expand radially outwards. That is, the lattice structure 3.1.6 of the pump housing 3.1 and the frame structure 3.2.1 of the rotor 3.2 expand until they reach their predetermined diameter. It may also be possible to utilize temperature effects of the memory material to assist in the expansion process.

[0083] To remove the catheter device 1, the cover tube 29 is advanced to the shaft cap 10, thereby compressing the rotor 3.2 and the pump housing 3.1 and drawing them into the cover tube, after which the latter is extracted through the puncture site.

[0084] The clutch 9 and the motor 7 are explained below.

[0085] Clutch 9 is a magnetic clutch ( Fig. 14 , Fig. 15 The coupling 9 has a coupling housing 19 with a distal magnet unit 23.1. The coupling housing 19 is connected to the proximal catheter shaft section 8.2, which forms a continuous cavity. The coupling housing 19 hermetically separates the proximal catheter shaft section 8.2 from a motor assembly 30. The motor assembly 30 has a proximal magnet unit 23.2. The proximal magnet unit 23.2 is force-fitted to the motor 7. The distal magnet unit 23.1 is connected to the drive shaft 4 via a coupling element 22.

[0086] The distal magnetic unit 23.1 and the proximal magnetic unit 23.2 are rotationally fixed to each other via magnetic forces. The two magnetic units 23.1 and 23.2 ensure a force-fit connection with contactless rotational force transmission.

[0087] The coupling housing 19 has, from distal to proximal, a distal cylindrical section 19.1, a conically widening section 19.2, a second cylindrical section 19.3, and a proximal cylindrical section 19.4. The coupling housing is made, for example, of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or another injection-moldable or machinable material.

[0088] In the distal cylindrical section 19.1, a through-bore is formed, arranged centrally in the axial direction. The through-bore extends through the entire coupling housing 19.

[0089] From the distal end of the distal cylindrical section 19.1, the through-bore narrows in three stages from a first catheter shaft receiving section 19.5 to a second guide spiral receiving section 19.6 and to a third drive shaft passage section 19.7.

[0090] The bore diameter of the catheter shaft receiving section 19.5 is approximately 1.9 mm, that of the guide coil receiving section 19.6 is approximately 1.28 mm and that of the third bore section is approximately 1.0 mm.

[0091] The proximal end of the proximal catheter shaft is located in the catheter shaft receiving section 19.5 of the coupling housing 19 and is firmly connected to it. The guide spiral 14 is received in the guide spiral receiving section 19.6.

[0092] The drive shaft 4 extends through the through-bore of the drive shaft passage section 19.7 of the distal cylindrical section 19.1 and the conically widening section 19.1, 19.2. The drive shaft passage section 19.7 widens in the conically widening section 19.2 into a fourth bore section 19.8.

[0093] The fourth bore section transitions into a hollow cylindrical bearing section 19.9 at the beginning of the second cylindrical section 19.3. An outer ring magnet 20.1 is arranged in the distal end region of the bearing section 19.9. The outer ring magnet 20.1 is fixed in the bore of the bearing section 19.9 by an interference fit and can additionally or alternatively be fixed by adhesive bonding.

[0094] The bearing section 19.9 has a diameter of approximately 10 mm.

[0095] At the beginning of the proximal cylindrical section 19.4 of the coupling housing 19, the bore of the bearing section 19.9 transitions into a larger sixth distal coupling section 19.10. A radially arranged flushing bore 19.15 is formed in the distal coupling section 19.10.

[0096] A pump (not shown) is connected to the flushing bore for introducing a medium, e.g. NaCl, glucose solution, Ringer's solution, plasma expander, etc.

[0097] The bore of the distal coupling section 19.10 transitions into a larger proximal coupling section 19.11. Eight M1.6 threaded holes 19.13 are radially symmetrical in the shoulder 19.12 formed between the distal and proximal coupling sections 19.10 and 19.11. Three L-shaped milled recesses 19.14 are arranged around the circumference at the proximal end of the proximal section 19.4.

[0098] The distal coupling section 19.10 has a diameter of approximately 22 mm. The flushing bore 19.15 has a diameter of approximately 6.5 mm, and the proximal coupling section 19.11 has a diameter of approximately 30 mm.

[0099] The proximal end of the drive shaft 4 is connected to a cuboid square rod 21 in a rotationally, tensilely and compressively resistant manner (friction-fit). Fig. 17 In the axial direction, the square bar 21 has a recess 21.1 for receiving the proximal end of the drive shaft 4. The drive shaft 4 is fixed in the recess. The square bar 21 is made, for example, of brass, which has good lubricating properties. Other suitable materials include all extrudable or machinable materials, such as PE, PP, PTFE, gold, silver, titanium, diamond, etc.

[0100] The square bar 21 has a length of approximately 19.4 mm and a cross-section of approximately 2.88 mm x 2.88 mm.

[0101] The square rod 21 transmits the rotary motion of the motor to the drive shaft. The square rod 21 can have any geometric shape that allows for a statically determinate force input.

[0102] The square rod 21 is received axially displaceably by an axial recess 22.1 within a rotationally symmetrical coupling element 22 ( Fig. 23 This enables it to compensate for differences in length in the axial direction ( Fig. 18 The recess 22.1 is formed by a larger, central bore and four smaller bores arranged around the circumference of the central bore. The bores can be formed by drilling, electrical discharge machining (EDM), ultrasonic drilling, laser drilling, or water jet drilling.

[0103] The arrangement of the bores provides four axially extending double stop edges. The recess 22.1 is located within a cylindrical section 22.2 of the coupling element 22 and extends from the distal end of the coupling element 22 to just before a disc-shaped proximal section 22.3 of the coupling element 22.

[0104] The cylindrical section 22.2 has an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm and the disc-shaped section 22.3 has an outer diameter of approximately 18 mm.

[0105] The recess 22.1 is designed such that the square rod 21 is fixed radially or circumferentially and is axially displaceable. The radial fixation of the square rod 21 is achieved by contacting all four longitudinal edges of the square rod 21 with one of the four double stop edges of the recess 22.1. When the square rod 21 is axially displaced within the recess 22.1, only minimal friction occurs at the corresponding contact lines.

[0106] More or fewer stop edges can also be provided. Instead of a square bar, for example a triangular or pentagonal bar, or a profile bar with an arbitrarily large cross-sectional area that remains constant along the length of the bar, can also be provided. The recess 22.1 must be adapted in shape to the cross-sectional area of ​​the profile bar.

[0107] A shoulder 22.4 is formed at the distal outer end or circumference of the cylindrical section 22.2 of the coupling element 22. A second inner ring magnet 20.2 is arranged on this shoulder 22.4. The shoulder 22.4 receives the ring magnet 20.2 such that its outer surface is flush with the lateral surface of the cylindrical section 22.2. This, in conjunction with the outer ring magnet 20.1 surrounding it in the bearing section 19.9 of the coupling housing 19, forms a magnetic ring bearing 20.3.

[0108] In the magnetic ring bearing 20.3, the two ring magnets 20.1 and 20.2 are arranged such that, for example, the north pole of the outer ring magnet is oriented distally and the south pole proximally. The north and south poles of the inner ring magnet are correspondingly opposite. The north and south poles of the two ring magnets can also be arranged in reverse. The magnetic ring bearing 20.3 centers the drive shaft 4 in the axial and radial directions. Radial centering is achieved by the magnetic attraction forces in the radial direction. Axial centering is achieved by the fact that, in the event of a small displacement of the inner ring magnet 20.2, magnetic restoring forces are generated that pull the inner ring magnet 20.2 into a position corresponding to the position of the outer ring magnet 20.1 in the axial direction. In the event of a larger displacement, however, repulsive forces occur between the two magnetic rings 20.1 and 20.2.2, which pushes them apart.

[0109] In the magnetic ring bearing 20.3, the ring magnets 20.1 and 20.2 do not touch, meaning no lubrication is required. Furthermore, the magnetic ring bearing provides vibration damping.

[0110] At the proximal end of the coupling element, a magnet receptacle 22.5 is formed in the disc-shaped section 22.3 of the magnetic coupling element 22. The magnet receptacle 22.5 is a central circular milled recess.

[0111] The central circular milling 22.5 has a diameter of approximately 16.5 mm and a depth of approximately 3 mm.

[0112] The magnet receptacle 22.5 accommodates the ring-shaped distal magnet unit 23.1, which consists of four segments. The ring-shaped distal magnet unit is glued into the magnet receptacle 22.5.

[0113] A ball-head bearing receptacle 22.6 is formed centrally in the proximal end face of the coupling element 22. The ball-head bearing receptacle 22.6 is an approximately hemispherical recess 22.6.

[0114] The hemispherical recess 22.6 has a diameter of approximately 0.5 to 1.3 mm.

[0115] The square rod 21 or the cylindrical section of the coupling element 22 is received by the fourth bore section 19.8 or by the bearing section 19.9 of the coupling housing 19. The disc-shaped section 22.3 of the coupling element 22 is received by the distal coupling section 19.10 of the coupling housing 19.

[0116] The clutch housing 19 is hermetically separated from the engine assembly by a closing disc 24 ( Fig. 19). The clutch housing 19 is gas- and liquid-tight except for the flushing bore 19.15 in the clutch housing 22 and the free spaces between the drive shaft passage section 19.7 and the drive shaft 4.

[0117] The end plate 24 is arranged on the shoulder 19.12 of the coupling housing 19 and is fixed by means of eight screws, which are received by radially symmetrical bores 24.1 in the end plate 24 and screwed into the threaded bores 19.13 of the coupling housing 19. This connection is designed to be liquid- and gas-tight. The end plate 24 is made, for example, of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or another non-metallic material (such as PEEK, PEBAX, Teflon, PP, PE, or any injection-moldable, extrudable, or machinable, non-magnetic material).

[0118] On its distal side, the end plate 24 has a central thickening 24.2. A through-hole 24.3 and a central hemispherical recess 24.4 are formed in the center of the end plate 24. A cylindrical centering pin 24.5 is fixed in the through-hole 24.3 ( Fig. 21 ). A ball head 24.6 is arranged on the centering pin 24.5 and is received in the hemispherical recess ( Fig. 15 , Fig. 20 ).

[0119] The distal magnet unit 23.1 is subjected to a proximal force. These opposing forces produce a resultant force that presses the coupling element 22 against the ball head 24.6. This resultant force is adjusted to ensure that the ball head 24.6 is securely mounted while minimizing wear in the ball head bearing.

[0120] The ball head 24.6, in conjunction with the distally arranged ball head bearing receptacle 22.7 of the coupling element 22, forms a ball head bearing 25. The ball head bearing 25 is a plain bearing. However, other plain bearings are also possible, such as a tapered head bearing or a cylindrical head bearing, in which a cone or a cylinder is provided as the bearing body instead of a ball. The receptacle is adapted to the shape of the bearing body.

[0121] The ball head bearing 25, in conjunction with the magnetic ring bearing 20.3, ensures axial running centering and guidance of the coupling element 22 and the drive shaft 4 arranged therein within the coupling housing 19.

[0122] The axial centering of the magnetic ring bearing 20.3 is achieved by positioning the inner ring magnet 20.2 slightly offset proximally, rather than exactly centrally within the outer ring magnet 20.1. This exerts a distal force on the inner ring magnet 20.2. The ball head 24.6 can be made of ruby, aluminum oxide, or a hard plastic.

[0123] To prevent blood and serum from being drawn in through the gaps between the drive shaft 4 and the proximal rotor bearing 17.2 due to the rotational movement of the drive shaft 4, and thus from clotting and / or adhering to the drive shaft 4, a flushing medium is introduced via the flushing bore in the clutch housing to create counter-pressure to the drawn-in or forced blood flow. This lubricates the ball joint bearing. Suitable flushing media include, for example: 3-20% glucose solution; 5-40% dextran solution with a molar mass of 5,000 to 65,000, in particular 10% dextran solution MM 40,000 in 0.9% NaCl; Ringer's solution: an electrolyte mixture solution with K, Na, Mg; other physiological electrolyte solutions.

[0124] The motor assembly comprises the proximal magnet unit 23.2, a proximal magnet mount 26, a coupling flange 27, a motor mount 7.1 with a cooling fan arranged thereon, and the motor 7 ( Fig. 14 , Fig. 22 ).

[0125] On the proximal side of the end plate 24, a proximal magnetic unit 23.2 is arranged axially aligned with the distal magnetic unit 23.1 at a distance of approximately 0.5 to 8 mm, and preferably approximately 1 to 2 mm. The proximal annular magnetic unit 23.2 has four segments, analogous to the distal magnetic unit 23.1.

[0126] The magnet receptacle 26 is disc-shaped and has a central circular recess 26.1 on its distal side. Four magnet segments are bonded into the recess 26.1, analogous to the distal magnet unit 23.1, using two-component epoxy resin adhesive or cyanoacrylate adhesive (so).

[0127] The four segments of the distal and proximal magnet units 23.1, 23.2 can be configured as curved bar magnets, each exhibiting a different polarity at its end regions. The four segments can also be configured as four quarters of a curved ring magnet. Alternatively, the segments can be configured as short, axially aligned bar magnets arranged in a ring. More than four segments may also be provided. In the initial position, the two magnets are arranged such that a north and a south pole of the bar magnets of the two magnet units 23.1, 23.2 overlap and attract each other.

[0128] The four segments are arranged four times with their north and south poles alternately butted together, so that the segments of a magnet unit attract each other. The distal and proximal magnet units 23.1, 23.2 are arranged relative to each other such that complementary poles are positioned opposite one another. This causes the two magnet units to attract each other, allowing a torque to be transmitted, as the magnetic forces tend to maintain this complementary pole arrangement.

[0129] The central circular milling 26.1 has a diameter of approximately 16.5 mm and a depth of approximately 3 mm.

[0130] The magnet holder 26 is connected to a motor shaft 7.2 of the motor 7. The magnet holder 26 is rotatably arranged within a correspondingly shaped recess of the coupling flange 27 of the motor holder. Three dowel pins 27.1 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the annular web of the recess.

[0131] The clutch housing 19 is connected to the dowel pins 27.1 of the clutch flange 27 of the engine assembly via the L-shaped milled recesses 19.14 of the clutch housing 19.

[0132] The coupling flange 27 is attached to a distal end face 7.1.1 of the motor mount while maintaining axial symmetry. The motor mount 7.1 is a cuboid body with cooling fins 7.1.3 arranged on its side faces 7.1.2.

[0133] The motor mount 7.1 has a centrally located bore 7.1.4 in the axial direction. The motor shaft 7.2 passes through this bore 7.1.4. Furthermore, an axially aligned recess 7.1.5 is provided in which the motor 7 is arranged. The motor 7 is, for example, a standard electric motor from Faulhaber with a power output of 38 W at 30,000 rpm, or another suitable motor.

[0134] A cooling fan is arranged on one side surface 7.1.2 of the cuboid motor mount 7.1.

[0135] A cover tube 29 is arranged over the pump head 3 and a distal region of the proximal catheter shaft. The cover tube 29 has an inner diameter that, in the region of the pump head 3, corresponds to the outer diameter of the unexpanded pump housing. The outer diameter of the cover tube is approximately 3 mm.

[0136] The following describes the procedure for coupling with the magnetic coupling 9.

[0137] The two magnetic units 23.1, 23.2 are spatially separated from each other by the end plate 24 in the coupling housing 19. A frictional connection is formed by the magnetic attraction between the two magnetic units 23.1, 23.2. Opposite poles of the two magnetic units 23.1, 23.2 face each other, causing them to attract each other and forming a rotationally fixed frictional connection.

[0138] Furthermore, this presses the ball joint bearing receptacle 22.7 of the coupling element 22 onto the ball joint 24.6 of the end plate 24, forming the ball joint bearing 25. The ball joint bearing centers the axial movement of the drive shaft 4.

[0139] The arrangement of the two ring magnets 20.1, 20.2 of the magnetic ring bearing 20.3 ensures that the inner ring magnet 20.1 is guided radially at a constant distance within the outer ring magnet 20.2. In this way, the magnetic ring bearing 20.3, in conjunction with the ball joint bearing 25, centers and guides the rotationally symmetrical movement of the coupling element 22 or the drive shaft 4, thus preventing impacts or imbalance.

[0140] The rotary motion transmitted from the motor 7 via the motor shaft 7.2 to the proximal magnet unit 23.2 is transferred to the distal magnet unit 23.1 via the force-fit connection between the magnet units 23.1, 23.2.

[0141] The motor shaft 7.2 rotates at a speed of approximately 20,000 to 40,000 rpm, and preferably approximately 32,000 to 35,000 rpm, which is transmitted to the drive shaft 4. At 32,000 rpm, the rotor 3.2 delivers a flow rate of approximately 2 to 2.5 l / min at a differential pressure of 60 mm Hg.

[0142] In the event of a blockage of rotor 3.2, the positive connection between motor 7 and drive shaft 4 must be disengaged to prevent the drive shaft 4 from "winding up" when the rotor is stationary. If the drive shaft 4 were to "wind up," the pump head 3 could change position and potentially damage the heart and / or the aorta or vein.

[0143] As soon as the rotor 3.2 locks, the drive shaft 4 twists or shortens, and the resistance at the distal magnet unit 23.1 increases. During operation, the magnetic fields between the proximal and distal magnet units 23.2, 23.1 do not completely overlap because the distal magnet unit 23.1 always lags slightly behind the proximal magnet unit 23.2. If the required torque at the distal magnet unit 23.1 increases, the north and south poles of the magnet units 23.1, 23.2 no longer overlap but repel each other. This causes the distal magnet unit 23.1 to be pushed distally by the proximal magnet unit 23.2. The magnetic connection between the two magnet units 23.1, 23.2 is severed. The drive shaft 4 immediately stops.

[0144] By displacing the coupling element 22 distally, the inner ring magnet 20.2 of the coupling element 22 is also displaced distally, and the north and south poles of the two ring magnets 20.1, 20.2 of the magnetic ring bearing 20.3 no longer overlap, but repel each other. This keeps the coupling 9 in the decoupled state and results in a permanent decoupling of the motor 7 and the drive shaft 4.

[0145] The magnetic ring bearing 20.3, or rather the magnetic connection between the two magnet units 23.1 and 23.2, limits the amount of transmissible torque. As soon as the set torque is exceeded, the two magnet units 23.1 and 23.2 separate. Due to the rapid rotation, the distal magnet unit 23.1 can no longer follow the proximal magnet unit 23.2 because the magnetic binding forces are no longer sufficient. As a result, the north and south poles no longer align, and the magnet units 23.1 and 23.2 repel each other. The connection between the magnet units 23.1 and 23.2 is broken, and the maximum transmissible torque is limited. The magnet units 23.1 and 23.2 are held in a decoupled state by the magnetic ring bearing 20.3 through the mutual repulsion of the ring magnets 20.1 and 20.2.

[0146] This state can be reversed by applying an external magnetic field. A magnet passed from distal to proximal along the coupling housing 19 can return the two magnet units 23.1, 23.2 to their coupled initial position.

[0147] According to the invention, the clutch housing 19 and the motor assembly 30 are spatially separated from each other. This makes it possible to lubricate the drive shaft 4 at approximately 5-10 ml / h via the pump arranged at the flushing bore 19.15, despite the high rotational speed, in order to minimize friction. It is also possible to introduce an infusion via the flushing bore 19.15, which also lubricates the drive shaft 4.

[0148] The small diameter of the drive shaft is advantageous at high speeds of approximately 32,000 rpm. With larger diameters, the circumferential speed would become too high, and friction could damage the drive shaft 4 or the adjacent components.

[0149] Due to the spatial separation provided by the end plate 24, it is possible to lubricate or seal the drive shaft 4. No known bearing through which a shaft passes would remain sealed and allow for smooth operation at this size and such speeds.

[0150] The arrangement of the ball-end bearing 25 (plain bearing), the magnetic ring bearing 20.3 (non-contact, damping, and centering), and the axial plain bearing between the drive shaft 4 and the coupling housing 19 results in three stabilizing points. This allows the drive shaft 4 to transmit torque even during axial length changes (extension and contraction). A length change occurs, for example, when the pump head 3 is compressed. In this case, the rotor 3.2 is compressed, folded around the drive shaft, and clamped in the housing. The pump housing 3.1 extends proximally. The drive shaft 4 can move sufficiently to prevent it from being torn off the rotor 3.2. The displacement of the drive shaft 4 allows for changes in the length of the PU catheter shaft due to fluid absorption, temperature differences, and bending of the catheter shaft 8.2, which affects the length ratios between the drive shaft 4 and the catheter shaft 8.2. This mechanism is made possible by the sliding of the square rod 21 within the axial recess 22.1.

[0151] The pump head 3 is positioned in the left ventricle such that the outflow tube 18 is located approximately centrally at the junction of the aorta and the heart, i.e., in the region of the heart valve. The catheter device 1 is preferably designed to generate a specific pump pressure in the range of approximately 100 mmHg to 150 mmHg. When the heart is in systole, the catheter device pumps blood if the pressure generated by the heart is less than the pump pressure. This relieves the workload on a diseased heart. During diastole, an opposite pressure difference exists. If the pressure difference is greater than the pump pressure, the catheter device cannot pump blood. In this case, the outflow tube is compressed by the heart valve, thus sealing it. However, if the pressure difference is less than the pump pressure, some blood is pumped against the pressure difference.

[0152] Fig. 24Figure 1 shows the positioned catheter device 1 for left ventricular assist devices. The pump head 3 is located entirely within the left ventricle. The outflow tube extends through the heart valve.

[0153] To insert the catheter device, a cover tube 29 is first advanced into the left ventricle using a guide wire (Seldinger technique). The guide wire is then removed from the cover tube. The catheter device 1, with its compressed and cooled pump housing 3.1 and rotor 3.2, is inserted through the cover tube until the catheter device 1, with its pump head 3, reaches the left ventricle. The catheter is deployed by retracting the cover tube 29 along the fixed catheter shaft 8 until the tip of the cover tube 29 exposes the pump head 3.

[0154] To remove the system, the cover hose 29 is advanced to the shaft cap 10, whereby the rotor 3.2 and pump housing 3.1 are drawn into the cover hose 29 in a compressed state, after which the latter is extracted through the puncture point.

[0155] In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that a pump medium is pumped from proximal to distal, i.e., against the original conveying direction 5 ( Fig. 25II) To support the rotor 3.2 axially and absorb the bearing forces, the bearing disk 15 is arranged on the proximal side of the rotor 3.2. The distal conveying direction can be achieved either by reversing the direction of rotation compared to the embodiment above or by reversing the pitch of the rotor 3.2. The discharge hose 18 is arranged at the distal end of the pump section of the pump housing 19 and extends distally beyond the pump head. To stiffen the discharge hose 18, it can have a grid structure made of a shape-memory material, e.g., similar to that of the pump housing. The shaft cap 10 extends beyond the distal end of the discharge hose.

[0156] During operation, the pump medium flows through the outlet openings of the pump housing, which now serve as inlet, into the pump housing and enters the outflow tube 18 via the inlet opening of the pump housing, which now serves as outlet. The pump medium exits the catheter device 1 via the distal end of the outflow tube.

[0157] The embodiment described above can, for example, be intended for use in the right ventricle.

[0158] In a further embodiment, the catheter device according to the invention can also be designed such that pumping from distal to proximal and from proximal to distal is possible ( Fig. 25 III).

[0159] In this embodiment, bearing discs 15 are provided at the distal and proximal ends of the rotor 3.2. The discharge hose 18 is arranged at the distal end of the pump section 3.1.3 of the pump housing 3.1 and extends distally. For stiffening, the discharge hose 18 has a grid structure, e.g., similar to the pump housing. The grid structure is covered with a PU skin. The diameter of the discharge hose corresponds approximately to that of the expanded pump housing.

[0160] During operation, a pumped medium can enter or exit through the outlet openings of the pump housing. The pumped medium then enters the discharge tube, for example, via the outlet and inlet openings of the pump housing, and exits at the distal end of the discharge tube. In the reversed pumping direction, the flow through the catheter device is reversed. This means that the pumped medium enters the discharge tube at its distal end and flows through the inlet opening of the pump housing to the outlet openings of the pump housing. Thus, outflow via the pressure- and suction-stabilized discharge tube 18 is possible in both distal and proximal directions.

[0161] The embodiment described above can be used, for example, for drainage or for filling hollow organs or spaces.

[0162] The direction of conveyance can be reversed either by reversing the direction of rotation of the rotor or by reversing the pitch of the rotor.

[0163] The invention is described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment in which the magnetic units each comprise four curved bar magnets, each positioned with opposite poles facing each other. Within the scope of the invention, the magnetic units can also be configured such that the north and south poles of the magnetic units are aligned axially, with the poles located on the axially distal and proximal surfaces, respectively. The magnets are arranged in a ring shape, as in the previous exemplary embodiments.

[0164] By aligning the north and south poles of the magnets in this way, the two magnet units attract each other with higher magnetic forces. This makes it possible to transmit a higher torque via the clutch.

[0165] Such a coupling can be used, for example, to drive a milling head instead of a rotor. With such a micro-milling device, kidney stones or bones, for example, can be milled using minimally invasive techniques.

[0166] The number of magnets can, in principle, be varied as desired.

[0167] The radial compressibility of the components allows for a puncture diameter that is acceptable for percutaneous implantation using the Seldinger technique, due to the very small diameter of the catheter device (approximately 3 mm). However, by expanding the rotor to a diameter of approximately 15 mm, it is still possible to achieve very high flow rates.

[0168] Expandable catheter pumps (e.g., US 4,753,221) are known from the prior art and feature a propeller with several rigid pump blades. These blades are arranged to pivot. Because the blades are rigid, they cannot be made arbitrarily wide, as this would make the catheter too thick when folded. Therefore, the pumping capacity is limited.

[0169] The rotor according to WO 99 / 44651 features an elastic band to connect the ends of a nitinol helix to a rotational axis. This elastic connection results in the helix not being perfectly centered. Consequently, vibrations occur during pumping, making higher speeds or flow rates impossible.

[0170] The rotor's frame structure, with its limiting frame and rotor struts as described in catheter device 1, makes the rotor more stable, foldable, and expandable to virtually any diameter. Because the rotor can be designed to be almost arbitrarily long in the longitudinal direction, its radial extent is freely selectable. This allows for the achievement of any desired, particularly very high, flow rates, and makes it possible to individually adjust the flow rate for each application.

[0171] The rotor pitch can also be varied as desired. The rotor can be designed with one or more rotor blades, the rotor blades having a quarter, half, full, or any number of wraps around the drive shaft. This means that the rotor according to the invention can be varied as desired in its size, shape, and pitch and can therefore be used for a wide variety of applications.

[0172] Further designs of catheter devices, first through fifteenth, are described below. These are part of the disclosure of the present application but do not define the subject matter of the present invention. The subject matter of the present invention is defined solely by the claims following this description.

[0173] A first embodiment relates to a catheter device comprising a drive shaft, a rotor connected to the drive shaft, and a pump head arranged at a distal end of the catheter device. The pump head includes an expandable and compressible pump housing, the pump housing having a distal connecting section, and a shaft cap at the distal end of the pump head, the shaft cap comprising an atraumatic sphere, as well as a distal catheter shaft section forming a straight and flexible connection between the shaft cap and the distal connecting section of the pump housing, the distal catheter shaft section being aligned coaxially with the drive shaft.

[0174] A second design relates to a catheter device in which, as a variant of the first design, the shaft cap has a through-bore arranged transversely to the delivery direction of the catheter device at its distal end in the connection area to the atraumatic ball, and an axial bore extending from the proximal end of the shaft cap to the atraumatic ball, so that a communicating passage is formed from the through-bore to the proximal end of the shaft cap.

[0175] A third design relates to a catheter device which, as a variant of the first or second design, includes a distal connecting sleeve having a proximal and a distal area, wherein the distal connecting sleeve is located at the proximal end of the shaft and is aligned coaxially with the shaft.

[0176] A fourth design concerns a catheter device in which, as a variant of the third design, the proximal area of ​​the distal connecting socket is connected to the distal connecting section of the pump housing.

[0177] A fifth design concerns a catheter device in which, as a variant of the third or fourth design, the shaft piece is fixed in the distal area of ​​the distal connecting socket.

[0178] A sixth design concerns a catheter device in which, as a variant of one of the third to fifth designs, the diameter of the distal area of ​​the distal connecting sleeve is larger than the diameter of the proximal area of ​​the distal connecting sleeve.

[0179] A seventh design concerns a catheter device in which, as a variant of one of the first to sixth designs, the shaft piece is tubular and the diameter of the ball is larger than the diameter of the shaft piece.

[0180] An eighth design concerns a catheter device in which, as a variant of one of the first to seventh designs, the atraumatic sphere has a diameter of approximately 3.2 mm.

[0181] A ninth design concerns a catheter device in which, as a variant of one of the first to eighth designs, the shaft is made of plastic.

[0182] A tenth embodiment comprises a blood pump, a catheter device as described above for the first to ninth embodiments; and a motor that is connectable to the drive shaft and is located at the proximal end of the catheter device.

[0183] An eleventh design relates to a blood pump, in which, as a variant of the tenth design, the drive shaft has a distal section, a proximal section which extends to a coupling, and a pump section, wherein the rotor is connected to the pump section of the drive shaft.

[0184] A twelfth design concerns a blood pump in which, as a variant of the tenth or eleventh design, the drive shaft has a proximal shaft guard and a distal shaft guard.

[0185] A thirteenth design concerns a blood pump in which, as a variant of one of the tenth to twelfth designs, the drive shaft is made of several wires wound around a core.

[0186] A fourteenth design concerns a blood pump in which, as a variant of one of the tenth to thirteenth designs, the drive shaft has a diameter in the range of 0.3 mm and 1 mm.

[0187] A fifteenth design concerns a blood pump in which, as a variant of one of the tenth to fourteenth designs, the drive shaft has a guide spiral. Reference symbol list 1 catheter device 7.1.2 side surface 2 distal end 7.1.3 Cooling fins 3 Pump head 7.1.4 Drilling 3.1 Pump housing 7.1.5 Exclusion 3.1.1 distal connecting segment 7.2 Motor shaft 3.1.2 Intake section 8. Catheterization 3.1.3 Pump section 8.1 distal catheter shaft section 3.1.4 outlet section 8.2 proximal catheter shaft piece 3.1.5 proximal connecting section 9. coupling 3.1.6 Lattice structure 10. butt plate 3.1.7 Openings 10.1 Bullet 3.1.7.1 small diamond 10.2 cylindrical section 3.1.7.2 large diamond 10.3 through hole 3.1.7.3 medium-sized diamond 10.4 axial bore 3.1.8 PU covering on the pump housing 10.5 Level 12.1 distal connecting bushing 3.2 rotor 12.2 proximal connection socket 3.2.1 framework structure 13.1 distal wave protection 3.2.2 Boundary frame 13.2 proximal wave protection 3.2.3 Rotor struts 14 Leadership spiral 3.2.4 Rings 15 bearing disc 4. drive shaft 15.1 through hole 4.1 distal section of the drive shaft 16 Spacers 17 distal rotor bearing 4.2 Pump section of the drive shaft 18 drain hose 18.1 outlet opening 4.3 proximal section of the drive shaft 19 Clutch housing 19.1 distal cylindrical section 5. Direction of flow 6. proximal end 19.2 conically widening section 7. Motor 19.3 second cylindrical section 7.1 Motor mount 19.4 proximal cylindrical section 7.1.1 Front 19.5 Catheter insertion section 22.3 disc-shaped section 22.4 Paragraph 19.6 Guide spiral intake section 22.5 Magnetic recording 22.6 Ball joint bearing mount 19.7 Drive shaft passage section 23.1 distal magnetic unit 23.2 proximal magnetic unit 19.8 fourth drilling section 24 End disc 19.9 Storage section 24.1 Drilling 19.10 distal coupling section 24.2 Thickenings 19.11 proximal coupling section 24.3 through hole 19.12 Paragraph 24.4 hemispherical milled-out recess 19.13 Threaded hole 24.5 Centering pin 19.14 L-shaped milled-out 24.6 ball head 19.15 jetting 25 ball joint bearing 20.1 outer ring magnet 26 Magnetic recording 20.2 inner ring magnet 26.1 milled recess 20.3 Magnetic ring bearing 27 Coupling flange 21 Square bar 27.1 Dowel pins 21.1 Exclusion 28 22 Coupling element 29 Cover tube 22.1 Exclusion 30 Engine arrangement 22.2 cylindrical section

Claims

1. A catheter device comprising a drive shaft (4), a rotor (3.2) configured to be compressible and self-expandable for pumping blood, which is connected to the drive shaft (4), a pump housing configured to be compressible and expandable, which surrounds the rotor, characterized in that a distal rotor bearing (17) is provided distal to the rotor (3.2), and wherein a distal shaft protector (13.1) is provided, which surrounds the drive shaft (4) to center and support it.

2. Catheter device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distal rotor bearing (17) comprises a bearing disc (15) and a distal end spacer sleeve (16) of the rotor (3.2), both of which are arranged on the drive shaft (4).

3. Catheter device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a proximal rotor bearing is provided.

4. Catheter device according to claim 3, characterized in that the proximal rotor bearing comprises a bearing disc (15) and a proximal end spacer sleeve (16) of the rotor (3.2), both of which are arranged on the drive shaft (4).

5. Catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the drive shaft (4) is configured to be flexible and is received by through-holes in the bearing discs (15) with virtually no play.

6. Catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a tubular catheter shaft (8) is provided and the drive shaft (4) is surrounded by the catheter shaft (8), wherein the catheter shaft (8) extends from a proximal end region to a distal end region of the catheter device (1), wherein the catheter shaft (8) comprises a distal and a proximal catheter shaft section (8.1, 8.2).

7. Catheter device according to claim 6, characterized in that a distal shaft protector 13.1 and / or a proximal shaft protector 13.2 is arranged in the axial direction within the distal and proximal catheter shaft sections 8.1, 8.2.

8. Catheter device according to claim 7, characterized in that the bearing disc 15 is arranged on the drive shaft 4 in such a way that it receives the proximal end of the distal shaft protector 13.1 and limits it in the direction of transport 5.

9. Catheter device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a clearance is formed between the distal shaft protector 13.1 and the drive shaft 4, and a clearance is formed between the drive shaft and the bearing disc, which is provided for drawing in blood or serum to lubricate the distal rotor bearing 17.

10. Catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotor (3.2) comprises a frame structure (3.2.1) formed from a helical boundary frame (3.2.2) and rotor struts (3.2.3) extending inwards from the boundary frame (3.2.2) towards the drive shaft (4), and the rotor struts (3.2.3) are secured to the drive shaft (4) at their ends remote from the boundary frame (3.2.2), and an elastic covering extends between the boundary frame (3.2.2) and the drive shaft (4), wherein the frame structure (3.2.1) is formed from an elastic material such that the rotor (3.2) unfolds autonomously following an imposed compression.

11. Catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pump housing (3.1) surrounds the rotor (3.2) with a tubular pump section (3.1.3), wherein the pump housing is formed from a mesh whose openings, at least in the region of the pump section (3.1.3), are closed by means of an elastic covering, and wherein the mesh of the pump housing (3.1) is formed from a shape-memory material.

12. Catheter device according to claim 11, characterized in that the pump housing (3.1) comprises a distal connection section (3.1.1), a conical suction section (3.1.2), the pump section (3.1.3), a conical outlet section (3.1.4) and a proximal connection section (3.1.5).

13. Catheter device according to claim 12, characterized in that the mesh has larger mesh openings in the conical sections (3.1.1, 3.1.2) than in the remaining sections, wherein the mesh openings in the conical sections (3.1.1, 3.1.2) are open.

14. Catheter device according to claim 11, characterized in that the pump housing comprises, at the connecting sections, the tubular shaft protector (13.1, 13.2) in which the drive shaft (4) is rotatably mounted.

15. Catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the catheter device is an implantable blood pump for placement in the left ventricle.