COMPRESSABLE ENGINE IMPLANT ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING THE ENGINE

Description

[0001] The invention lies in the fields of mechanics and electrical engineering and is particularly advantageous in the area of ​​micromechanics. Applications in medical technology are especially beneficial.

[0002] When inserting devices into channel systems or to particularly difficult-to-access locations, problems often arise, as is also the case when implanting devices into a patient's body, because such devices must be brought to their target positions through the narrowest possible openings or channels, but once at the target position, they should have the greatest possible effect, partly through the largest possible dimensions.

[0003] In medical technology, a known procedure involves compressing the relevant devices before inserting them into the patient's body and to their target location, inserting them in their compressed state, and then expanding them. This has already been used for expandable catheter pumps for cardiac support and also for implantable stents. In non-medical applications, for example, inspection carts can be sent through pipes that can also be expanded upon reaching larger cavities, or from which suitable tools or sensors can be extended.

[0004] In the medical field, implantable expandable devices are currently driven by external motors via flexible shafts. For example, in blood pumps for cardiac support, a pump rotor is connected to an external motor via a flexible shaft running through a hollow catheter within a blood vessel, using a sheath. Such transmission systems, for instance, in the form of flexible shafts, are subject to very high demands, as they must transmit high rotational speeds over extended periods without significant wear and often under less than optimal lubrication conditions. It would therefore be advantageous to eliminate the need for such transmission systems.

[0005] Document US 2013 / 138205 A1 discloses a ventricular support device comprising a stent for placement in a coronary artery, wherein the stent is arranged to have an open configuration defining a flow path, a rotor sized to fit within the stent and arranged for percutaneous placement in the flow path, the rotor comprising a surface arranged around a central section and angled with respect to the flow path, and having a first plurality of magnets.

[0006] Document US 6 018 208 A describes an articulated motor-stator assembly for use in a pump. This assembly has features that allow the motor stator to be reused when other parts of the pump are disposed of.

[0007] Document EP 2 218 469 A1 relates to a housing for a functional element, in particular for use in the body's own vessels in the medical field, the housing wall of which has a flexible, expandable membrane with several shaped bodies attached to it that support the membrane in its expanded state.

[0008] US 2010 / 076247 A1 shows a kit for a permanent ventricular assist device that can be permanently implanted into a patient's circulatory system.

[0009] In light of the prior art, the present invention is therefore based on the objective of designing a motor in such a way that it can also be transported through narrow channels.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the invention according to claim 1. Claim 1 relates to a motor according to the invention, and dependent claims 2 to 7 describe advantageous embodiments of the invention. Claim 8 relates to an implantation arrangement, and claims 9 and 10 relate to a method for positioning a motor according to the invention.

[0011] The motor according to the invention has a stator and a rotor that can be driven about an axial direction, wherein, to solve the problem of these, at least the stator, which has a current-bearing winding arrangement, is radially compressible and expandable.

[0012] In the context of this application, radial compressibility is understood to mean that the diameter of the element in question, relative to the axis of rotation of the motor, is at least partially reducible. This can include all methods of uniform diameter reduction, where a cylindrical body changes only its diameter without otherwise altering its shape. However, radial compressibility can also refer to diameter reductions of the stator and / or rotor in only one axis, achieved, for example, by flattening the element or, if the element (stator and / or rotor) is composed of different circular disks, by tilting the disks relative to the axis of rotation. In the latter case, the diameter is reduced in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, while remaining constant in the direction perpendicular to that first direction.

[0013] Such compressible stators with a current-carrying winding arrangement are not known in the prior art. According to the invention, the winding arrangement itself can be radially compressible. Such a winding arrangement can be compressed before being inserted into a channel, thereby reducing the overall diameter of the motor, particularly when the stator determines the outer diameter of the motor. For example, the stator can be designed to coaxially surround the rotor in the operating state. In this case, radial compression of the stator is equivalent to radial compression of the motor. The stator can also be surrounded by a housing, which can, for example, be elastic and then compressible and expandable with the stator. The housing can, for example, consist essentially of an elastic film stretched over the stator.However, it is also possible that the motor can function without a housing.

[0014] If the stator coaxially surrounds the rotor, the compression possibilities of the stator are severely limited by the inner rotor. Further compression of the stator is advantageously possible, for example, ifThe rotor and stator are axially displaceable relative to each other between a first position, in which the stator is radially compressible, and a second position, in which the stator is radially expanded. In this case, to compress the stator, the rotor can first be axially pushed out of it, and then the stator can be compressed, for example, down to the outer diameter of the rotor. Afterward, the stator and rotor can be pushed axially one behind the other through a channel to the desired position. If the rotor itself is not compressible, further compression of the stator below the outer diameter of the rotor is not provided for or possible in some embodiments.

[0015] Once the stator and rotor have reached their target position, the stator can be expanded again or expand automatically, and the rotor can be pulled axially into the stator.

[0016] The radial expansion of the stator can also occur by moving or pulling the rotor into the stator, thereby radially expanding the stator during this movement. For this purpose, the rotor can be designed with a conical shape, at least in certain sections.

[0017] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the rotor is radially compressible. If the rotor is also radially compressible, then in one embodiment the rotor can remain in the stator and both can be radially compressed together; alternatively, it is also conceivable to displace the rotor out of the stator and compress both radially independently of each other.

[0018] For example, the rotor may be designed to have a plurality of magnets, which can be referred to as magnetic elements, and which are reversibly movable relative to each other, particularly in the axial direction. The rotor may, for instance, have permanent magnets or electromagnets with a ferromagnetic core, each of which shall be referred to as a magnetic element. Such magnets may each be divided into magnetic segments such that individual segments of a magnet are displaceable relative to each other in order to reduce the diameter of the rotor by decreasing the dimensions of the magnets in the radial direction.

[0019] For example, at least one magnet can consist of wedge-shaped segments that can be moved together and apart axially, occupying less space radially when moved apart than when compressed. However, a division in various other planes is also possible, with displacements of the individual segments of a magnet conceivable in the circumferential direction of the rotor and / or in the radial direction of the motor. The segments of a magnet can also be referred to as magnetic elements, so that the term "magnetic elements" encompasses both the segments of a magnet and entire magnets.

[0020] It is important that the described movements of the magnets or segments of magnets lead to a reduction in diameter, are reversible, and can be easily reversed for a subsequent expansion of the rotor.

[0021] To enable the simplest possible radial compression of a stator, the winding arrangement is designed to include at least one partial winding that is reversibly deformable. For example, such partial windings can be elastic and may contain elastic conductors that allow temporary deformation of the partial winding. This deformation can be either elastic or plastic.

[0022] The winding arrangement is designed to have at least two partial windings that are reversibly displaceable relative to each other. Such partial windings can, for example, be unencapsulated or encapsulated in a rigid or elastic potting material and, during radial compression of the stator, be slid over one another in a shingle-like fashion, particularly in the circumferential direction of the stator. However, pivoting or rotating partial windings is also conceivable, provided the rotor has been removed from the stator.

[0023] To improve the deformability of the winding arrangement, it can be provided, for example, that the winding arrangement has at least one partial winding encased in an elastic material. For instance, a partial winding can be encased in an elastomer, such as a silicone elastomer or a rubber material. Larger parts of the winding arrangement, or even the entire winding arrangement, can also be encased in such an elastic material.

[0024] To increase efficiency, the elastic matrix can be provided with a ferromagnetic filler, especially on the outside.

[0025] If individual parts of the winding arrangement are potted separately, elastic deformability can also be combined with displacement, for example if the partial windings have elastic conductors and / or are potted in an elastic material.

[0026] For example, the winding arrangement may also be designed to include conductors made at least partially of a shape-memory alloy. In this case, a partial winding or the entire winding arrangement can assume a desired shape and size, for example, by selectively setting a target temperature at the destination. In medical applications, the alloy can be formulated so that when the winding arrangement reaches a patient's body temperature, it assumes the desired shape.

[0027] To ensure repeated compression and expansion and a reproducible sequence of compression and expansion movements in the case of a winding arrangement consisting of several movable partial windings, it can be advantageous, for example, to provide that the winding arrangement has defined bending and / or kinking zones between the movable elements. Such bending and / or kinking zones can be realized in the form of soft and / or flexible conductor sections, for example by providing stranded conductor sections or by using particularly thin conductor sections.

[0028] In order to enable the displacement of the rotor and stator relative to each other in the desired position from a distance in a motor of the type described above, the invention advantageously provides a connecting element extending away from the motor, by means of which the rotor and stator can be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction. The connecting element can be designed as a typical manipulation element, for example in the form of a Bowden cable or similar, wherein different parts of the connecting element can be connected to the stator on the one hand and the rotor on the other.

[0029] The connecting element allows for a relative displacement of the stator and rotor, and thus enables the rotor to be drawn into the stator in the desired position, whereby either the stator has already been expanded beforehand or the stator is radially expanded by drawing the rotor into the stator.

[0030] The invention further relates to an implantation arrangement comprising a hollow catheter and a stator and rotor arranged in a compressed form within it. Within such an implantation arrangement, the radially compressible motor can be easily inserted into a hollow catheter, with the motor typically being contained within the hollow catheter in its compressed form. The hollow catheter can then be introduced, for example, via a sheath into a patient's blood vessel, advanced through the vessel, and advanced to a desired position, such as an aortic arch, a heart valve, or a ventricle. The hollow catheter can then be withdrawn, pushing the motor out and expanding it radially, either during or immediately after the withdrawal.

[0031] The invention relates not only to a motor of the type described above and to an implantation arrangement, but also to a method for positioning a motor of the type described, wherein the stator and the rotor are moved through a channel to a target position, wherein at least the stator is radially compressed, and that at least the stator is then radially expanded.

[0032] An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that, after moving the stator and rotor to the target position, the stator and rotor are moved relative to each other in the axial direction.

[0033] The invention further relates to a pump according to claims 11-14. An advantage here is that the motor and the pump are highly integrated. This makes it possible to

[0034] To manufacture pumps in a particularly small form; in particular, it is advantageous that pumps with a very small radial diameter can be transported to a place of use and then expanded radially there to provide the actual pumping performance.

[0035] One embodiment provides that the rotor is connected to a pump rotor, the pump rotor having blades for conveying fluids. For example, the pump rotor can be mounted on or radially encompass the actual magnetic rotor; however, it is also possible that they are connected in another way, for example, that the magnetic rotor is cast / embedded in the pump rotor.

[0036] Another embodiment provides that the pump rotor is located at least partially inside the stator during operation. This results in a radial layering during operation, proceeding from the radial outer edge to the center as follows: 1. stator, 2. pump rotor, 3. magnetic rotor. In special designs where the pump rotor and the magnetic rotor are connected, this may differ.

[0037] An advantageous embodiment provides that the pump rotor is radially compressible, in particular that the pump rotor is radially elastically compressible. One variant provides that primarily the blades of the pump rotor are elastically compressible and, for example, bear against the hub of the pump rotor.

[0038] Various versions of the pump according to the invention are possible, and all versions of the motors according to the present invention can also be used for the pump. are.

[0039] The invention is illustrated below with reference to exemplary embodiments in various figures and subsequently described. Fig. 1 shows a motor with a rotor and a stator in a schematic representation in a longitudinal section, Fig. 2 shows the motor made of Figure 1in a compressed form, with the stator and rotor pulled axially apart, Fig. 3 schematically in an unwound form, individual wires of the winding arrangement with a length reserve in the form of a spiral or meandering path, Fig. 4a a representation of a winding arrangement seen in axial view, compressed in the spiral shape of the conductor on the left part of the figure, expanded on the right, Fig. 4b a winding arrangement seen in axial direction, compressed in the meandering shape of the conductor on the left part of the figure, radially expanded on the right part, Fig. 5 in a three-dimensional view a winding arrangement with a plurality of partial windings which, in the unwound state, essentially have a rhombic or trapezoidal shape, Fig. 6 schematically in a three-dimensional view the path of a single turn of a partial winding from the Figure 5Fig. 7 schematically shows the arrangement of different partial windings relative to each other in an axial view around the circumference of the winding arrangement in the radially expanded state; Fig. 8 shows the arrangement of partial windings made of Figure 7 In the radially compressed state, Fig. 9 schematically shows a longitudinal section through a motor with a stator and a rotor, wherein the rotor is encapsulated; in the assembled, expanded state, Fig. 10 shows the motor made of Figure 9 in the compressed, axially stretched state, Fig. 11 a stator and a rotor arranged axially one behind the other, the stator being radially compressed and both having a manipulation device, Fig. 12 a cross-section through a stator whose winding arrangement is divided circumferentially into four partial windings, Fig. 13 a compressed state of the stator made of Figure 12, in which the partial windings are mechanically folded radially inwards by radial pressure, Fig. 14 a representation of the stator from the Figures 12 and 13 in a further compressed state, Fig. 15 schematically shows a rotor with two magnets in the axial direction, Fig. 16 a side view of a radially compressible magnet of a rotor divided into segments, Fig. 17 a representation of a stator with a winding arrangement divisible in the axial direction, Fig. 18 a representation of a stator with a rotor arranged therein and a compressible pump rotor arranged on the rotor in the expanded state, Fig. 19 a representation of the device made of Fig. 18 in the compressed state as well as Fig. 20 a representation of a stator with a pump rotor axially pulled out of it in a side view.

[0040] In Figure 1The diagram schematically depicts a longitudinal section of a stator 2 and a rotor 1 of an electric motor. Further parts and details have been omitted for clarity. The stator has a schematically indicated cylindrical winding arrangement, which may consist of one or more partial windings. The rotor 1 has at least one permanent magnet and a hub connected to a shaft 3. The magnetic poles of the rotor 1, or its magnet(s), can be driven in the magnetic field of the stator 2. The shaft 3 is typically rotatably mounted at one or more points in plain or ball bearings. The bearings may, for example, be rigidly connected to the stator 2 or to a housing (not shown) of the stator or the entire motor. Figure 1 It is evident that the stator, which concentrically and coaxially surrounds the rotor 1, has a diameter D in the radially expanded state shown there,

[0041] Figure 2 shows the already in Figure 1 The depicted elements of a motor, namely a rotor 1 and a winding arrangement of a stator 2, are shown, wherein the rotor and stator are pulled apart in the axial direction 4. In this state, the stator and rotor do not overlap axially. The stator is radially compressed overall to a diameter d, which is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the rotor 1, by radial compression of the winding arrangement.

[0042] It thus becomes clear that, due to the divisibility of the motor and the displacement of the stator relative to the rotor, the stator is radially compressible once the rotor has been removed from it.

[0043] Independently and additionally, the rotor can also be radially compressible. In this case, the stator and rotor can be radially compressed together in their assembled state, or they can be axially displaced relative to each other and radially compressed separately. In the latter case, it is advantageous, but not necessary, that both elements, i.e., both the stator and the rotor, are compressible to approximately the same outer diameter.

[0044] Figure 3 The upper section shows a first conductor 5 of a winding arrangement of a motor according to the invention in a compressed state, wherein the conductor runs in a spiral shape. If a winding arrangement or partial winding is formed from this spirally running conductor, it can be radially expanded by stretching the winding wire 5 and later radially compressed again. In the lower section of the Figure 3A conductor 6 is shown which, in the compressed state, has a meandering shape that can be stretched when transitioning to an expanded state.

[0045] In Figure 4a The left part schematically depicts a spiral conductor 5 in its compressed state, which is also schematically represented in its compressed state as a circular ring symbolizing a winding arrangement. The right part of the Figure 4a The axial view shows an expanded form of the stator, in which the winding conductor(s) are stretched and, accordingly, the winding arrangement and / or the partial windings are also expanded. The stator exhibits in the right part of the Figure 4a the enlarged diameter D, while in the compressed, in the left half of the Figure 4a The depicted state has the reduced diameter d.

[0046] In Figure 4bA compressed conductor 6 in a meandering shape is shown, which, viewed axially, is laid in an annular form representing a winding arrangement of a stator. The arrangement has the compressed outer diameter d. In the right part of the Figure 4b The same stator is shown in the radially expanded state, with the winding conductor(s) stretched, or at least stretched further than in the compressed state.

[0047] The transition between the compressed and expanded state of the stator can occur, for example, through the application of a force, by compressing the stator into a compressed shape through external radial pressure, and by elastically expanding it again on its own when the external radial compression force is removed.

[0048] Conversely, it can also be provided that the stator has a reduced diameter without external force and is expandable by force.

[0049] As a further alternative, the winding arrangement can be designed with conductors made of so-called shape-memory alloys, which, for example, change their shape under temperature fluctuations and exhibit reproducible shapes within defined temperature ranges. Such shape-memory alloys can be, for example, NiTi (nickel-titanium; Nitinol), NiTiCu (nickel-titanium-copper), CuZn (copper-zinc), CuZnAl (copper-zinc-aluminum), CuAlNi (copper-aluminum-nickel), FeNiAl (iron-nickel-aluminum), or FeMnSi (iron-manganese-silicon). These alloys are also referred to as hyperelastic alloys.

[0050] In addition to the described properties of the winding arrangement, the entire winding arrangement or individual partial windings can also be encapsulated in an elastic material, such as a silicone elastomer or rubber, which is itself elastically deformable. Alternatively, the winding arrangement may not be encapsulated at all, or it may be encapsulated in an inelastic material, with individual partial windings being encapsulated separately and the partial windings, along with their respective encapsulating material, remaining movable relative to one another. Such configurations will be discussed in more detail below.

[0051] Figure 5The figure shows a perspective view of an essentially hollow cylindrical winding arrangement consisting of multiple partial windings. Each partial winding comprises several turns of a conductor and has two electrical connections for voltage and current supply. The entire winding arrangement can also be represented as connecting conductors or electrical terminals.

[0052] Each partial winding of the depicted winding arrangement exhibits, in the unwound state, one The winding arrangement has a rhomboid shape. The individual partial windings overlap each other in the circumferential direction of the winding arrangement. The individual partial windings 7, 8 of the winding arrangement consist of Figure 5 They have electrical connections 9, 10 for supplying current to the stator winding arrangement.

[0053] In Figure 6A single partial winding 7, symbolized by a single turn of a winding conductor, is shown and designated with the reference numeral 11. The partial winding 11 has two electrical terminals 12, 13 for supplying current. Figure 6 The diagram schematically depicts a hollow cylinder, around whose circumference the partially cylindrical partial windings are distributed overlapping and offset from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0054] In Figure 7 In an axial view, several partial windings 7, 8 of a winding arrangement are schematically shown. Each partial winding 7, 8 has a radially outer part 7a and a radially inner part 7b, the radially inner part being covered by the radially outer part of the following partial winding 8. This results in a tile-like interlocking of the partial windings along the circumference of the stator.

[0055] If the partial windings are movable relative to each other, they can be pushed further over one another in a shingle-like fashion, thereby reducing the diameter of the overall arrangement as well as the circumference of the winding arrangement. An example of a compressed state of such a compression movement is shown in Figure 8 The figure shows two partial windings 7, 8 being pushed over each other in such a way that they completely overlap each other in the circumferential direction of the winding arrangement. This sliding of the individual partial windings is conceivable with unencapsulated partial windings as well as with encapsulated partial windings. If the individual partial windings are encapsulated separately, it is advantageous if the encapsulating material allows two bodies consisting of it to slide easily against each other.

[0056] Figure 9Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of a motor with a radially expanded stator 2 and a rotor 1, which has an encapsulation 14 in the form of a hollow cylinder that surrounds the rotor's magnetic body and also supports, for example, the bearings 15 and 16. The rotor shaft 3 is mounted with low friction in the bearings 15 and 16, which can be designed as plain or ball bearings. The diameter of the overall motor assembly is shown in Figure 1. Figure 9 The dimension in the expanded, assembled and operational state is indicated by D.

[0057] In contrast, in Figure 10The same motor with the same elements, namely a rotor encapsulated within an enclosure 14 and a stator 2 with a winding arrangement, is shown in a compressed state, wherein the stator 2 is axially displaced relative to the rotor 1 to such an extent that the rotor is located outside the stator. The stator 2 is then radially compressible up to the outer diameter of the rotor 1, independently of the rotor 1.

[0058] Figure 11Figure 1 shows a motor design with a rotor 1' and a stator 2', depicted in a compressed, axially separated position. The rotor 1' has an enclosure in which the rotor's magnet assembly, supported by two bearings, can rotate. The rotor enclosure has a conical taper 17 and a connection to a continuous manipulation element 18, which is attached to the enclosure or to a bearing and allows axial relative movement of the rotor with respect to the stator 2'. Simultaneously, the stator 2' is connected to a second manipulation element 19, for example, in the form of a tube or hose, through which the manipulation element 18 may, for example, be guided.From a remote location, the manipulation elements 18, 19, which together form a connecting element to the motor, can be actuated together to perform a relative movement of the stator and rotor against each other and, for example, to radially widen the stator by inserting the encapsulation of the rotor 1' into the winding arrangement of the stator 2'.

[0059] Figure 12 Figure 1 shows a special winding arrangement consisting of four separate partial windings 20, 21, 22, 23, each separately encased in an elastic material. Each of these partial windings has a partially hollow cylindrical shape, and the partial windings can be assembled with their encased bodies to form a complete hollow cylinder.

[0060] If a radial force is exerted on the winding arrangement from the outside, the resulting constellation is as shown in Figure 13is shown, with the individual potting elements and partial windings folding radially inwards. The individual potting elements of the partial windings can be movably connected to each other, for example, by film hinges. In the Figure 13 In the depicted state, the winding arrangement already occupies significantly less space in the radial direction than in the Figure 12 the form shown. With further radial compression, the individual partial windings are compressed further radially inwards, which is additionally made possible by the deformation of the potting compound. At full compression, the following results: Figure 14 The depicted shape can automatically return to its original state when the radially inward-acting compression forces cease. Figure 12The depicted shape can be expandable, with the restoring forces being applied, for example, by the elastically deformed potting elements, but also by the winding conductors themselves or by both together. If the individual partial windings are not potted, a corresponding reversible deformation of the winding conductors can also occur within each partial winding.

[0061] Figure 15 Figure 1 shows two mutually perpendicular magnets 24 and 25 in an axial direction, which can be driven in the magnetic field of the winding arrangement. The magnets 24 and 25 are rigidly connected to the shaft 3 of the rotor.

[0062] In Figure 16The division of a magnet 24 along surface 26 is shown, creating two segments 24a and 24b of the magnet 24, each forming a magnetic element. In the solid line shown, the magnet 24 has the shape of a cuboid. The dashed line shows the configuration in which segment 24a is displaced along surface 26 relative to segment 24b in the axial direction 4. This results in an axial elongation of the magnet 24 and a radial compression from diameter D to diameter d, as shown in Figure 16 as shown in the right-hand section. The rotor design shown also allows it to be radially compressible, so that the motor can either in the in the assembled state by joint compression of stator and rotor, or in the axially separated state also by radial compression of the stator alone.

[0063] The motor can thus be compressed for transport to its point of use; for example, it can be designed to be implantable as a drive unit for a blood pump and moved through a blood vessel in a compressed state within a patient's body to its point of use. There, the motor can be expanded, just like a blood pump, and in its expanded state, the motor can generate the necessary torque or power to drive a pump.

[0064] Figure 17Figure 1 shows a design variant, which as such does not fall under claim 1, in which the winding arrangement is divided into several partial windings 27, 28, each of which is annular and axially connected in series to form a hollow cylindrical winding arrangement. If the annular partial windings are tilted in such an arrangement, the cross-section of the winding assembly becomes elliptical, but its diameter is compressed along an axis 29 compared to the untilted arrangement. The diameter remains the same along the axis 30 perpendicular to this axis. Nevertheless, tilting may result in a shape that is more advantageous for positioning the motor. The tilting can be reversed at any time after the motor has been positioned.

[0065] Fig. 18 shows a device consisting of a stator according to Fig. 7with the windings 7, 8 already described there. A magnetic rotor 1" is located in this stator, to which a radially compressible pump rotor 29 is connected in such a way that it can rotate about the same axis together with the rotor 1". In the exemplary embodiment, the pump rotor is made of an elastic, preferably hyperelastic, plastic, which allows the pump rotor 29 to fold up when the stator is compressed and to expand elastically or hyperelastically back to its original shape when the stator is expanded.

[0066] In Fig. 19 The diagram shows schematically how the stator is structured analogously. Fig. 8 compressed, whereby the pump rotor 29 also assumes a compressed form. In this process, the blades of the pump rotor fold around the axis of the rotor and lie flat against the hub of the pump rotor.

[0067] In principle, the device can also be designed such that the rotor 1" moves axially together with the pump rotor 29. Fig. 20 can be pulled out of the stator. This arranges the pump rotor 29 and the stator axially one behind the other. In this state, the stator and the pump rotor can be compressed together, which is an advantage over the design in Fig. 19 a further reduction of the compressed diameter is possible.

[0068] The pump rotor can, in principle, be designed in very different ways. Besides the one described in the Figures 18 and 19In addition to the variant made of elastic or hyperelastic plastic, various other variants are known from the prior art, for example from US 4,753,221; US ​​5,749,855; US 7,393,181; US ​​2009 / 0062597 A1; EP 2047873 A1; US ​​2011 / 0275884 A1; EP 2229965 A1; WO 2010 149393 A1; EP 2299119 A1; EP 2338540 A1; EP 2338541 A1; EP 2363157; EP 2407185 A1; EP 2407187 A1; EP 2407186 A1.

[0069] The claimed invention is defined in claims 1-14. The following aspects disclosed in the original application may be helpful for understanding the invention.

[0070] A first aspect helpful for understanding the invention relates to a motor with a stator 2, 2' and a rotor 1, 1' driven about an axial direction 4, wherein at least one of these, in particular the stator, which has a current-carrying winding arrangement 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, is radially compressible and expandable. Rotor 1, 1' and stator 2, 2' can be displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction 4 between a first position in which the stator 2, 2' is radially compressible and a second position in which the stator is radially expanded. The rotor 1, 1' can be radially compressible. The rotor 1, 1' can have a plurality of magnetic elements 24, 24a, 24b, 25, which are reversibly movable relative to each other, in particular in the axial direction 4. The winding arrangement 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 can have at least one partial winding 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 which is reversibly deformable.The winding arrangement 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 can have at least two partial windings 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 that are reversibly displaceable relative to each other. The partial windings can be slid over one another in a shingle-like fashion. The winding arrangement 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 can have at least one partial winding encased in an elastic material. Different partial windings 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 of the winding arrangement can be encased in separate, mutually movable sub-bodies. The winding arrangement 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 can include conductors 5, 6 that are at least partially made of a shape-memory alloy. The winding arrangement 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 can have defined bending and / or kinking zones between elements that are movable relative to each other.A connecting element 18, 19 can extend away from the motor and by means of which rotor 1, 1' and stator 2, 2' can be displaced relative to each other in axial direction 4.

[0071] Another aspect that is helpful for understanding the invention relates to an implantation arrangement with a hollow catheter and a motor arranged in a compressed manner therein according to the first aspect.

[0072] A further aspect helpful for understanding the invention relates to a method for positioning a motor according to the first aspect, wherein the stator 2, 2' and the rotor 1, 1' are moved through a channel to a target position, wherein at least the stator is radially compressed, and wherein at least the stator is then radially expanded. After moving the stator 2, 2' and rotor 1, 1' to the target position, the stator and the rotor can be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction 4.

[0073] Another aspect helpful for understanding the invention relates to a pump, in particular a blood pump, comprising a motor with a stator 2, 2' and a rotor 1, 1' driven about an axial direction 4, wherein at least one of these, in particular the stator, which has a current-carrying winding arrangement 7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, is radially compressible and expandable. The rotor of the pump can be connected to a pump rotor, the pump rotor having blades for conveying fluids. The pump rotor can be located at least partially within the stator during operation. The pump rotor can be radially compressible. The pump rotor can be radially elastically compressible. The pump rotor can be arranged in a motor according to the first aspect.

Claims

1. A motor comprising a stator (2, 2') and a rotor (1, 1') which can be driven about an axial direction (4), wherein of these, at least the stator, which has a winding arrangement (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) to which current can be applied, is radially compressible and expandable, characterized in that the winding arrangement (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) has at least two partial windings (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) which are reversibly displaceable relative to one another, wherein the winding arrangement (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) has at least one partial winding (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) which is reversibly deformable.

2. The motor according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotor (1, 1') and stator (2, 2') are displaceable relative to one another in the axial direction (4) between a first position, in which the stator (2, 2') is radially compressible, and a second position, in which the stator is radially expanded.

3. The motor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotor (1, 1') is compressible in the radial direction and or in that the rotor (1, 1') has a plurality of magnetic elements (24, 24a, 24b, 25) which are reversibly movable relative to one another, in particular in the axial direction (4).

4. The motor according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the partial windings can be pushed over one another in a shingle-like manner.

5. The motor according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the winding arrangement (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) comprises at least one partial winding potted in an elastic material and / or different partial windings (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) of the winding arrangement are potted in separate partial bodies that can move relative to each other.

6. The motor according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the winding arrangement (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) comprises conductors (5, 6) made at least partially of a memory alloy and / or the winding arrangement (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) has defined bending and / or buckling areas between elements that can be moved relative to one another.

7. The motor according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized by a connecting element (18, 19), which extends away from the motor and can be used to displace the rotor (1, 1') and the stator (2, 2') relative to one another in the axial direction (4).

8. An implantation arrangement comprising a hollow catheter and a motor according to claim 1 or one of the following, arranged therein in a compressed manner.

9. A method for positioning a motor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the stator (2, 2') and the rotor (1, 1') are moved through a channel to a target position, wherein at least the stator is radially compressed, and that thereafter at least the stator is radially expanded.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, after the stator (2, 2') and the rotor (1, 1') have been moved to the target position, the stator and the rotor are displaced relative to one another in the axial direction (4).

11. A pump, in particular a blood pump, including a motor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a stator (2, 2') and a rotor (1, 1') which can be driven about an axial direction (4), wherein of these, at least the stator, which has a winding arrangement (7, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28) to which current can be applied, is radially compressible and expandable.

12. The pump according to claim 11, characterized in that the rotor is connected to a pump rotor, wherein the pump rotor has blades for conveying fluids, wherein the pump rotor is preferably located at least partially inside the stator in the operating state.

13. The pump according to claim 12, characterized in that the pump rotor is radially compressible, in particular radially elastically compressible.

14. A pump with a compressible pumping rotor, wherein the pump rotor is arranged in a motor according to claims 1 to 7.