Apparatus for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device and method for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for curing an adhesive connection of a medical device comprising a first housing shell (12) having a first abutment surface and a second housing shell (14) having a second abutment surface, an emitting device, a support portion for supporting the medical device, and a movement device (28). The movement device (28) is configured to move the first housing shell (12) and the second housing shell (14) relative to each other between a closed position and an open position. The first abutment surface of the first housing shell (12) abuts the second abutment surface of the second housing shell (14) in the closed position so that a curing space is formed by the first housing shell (12) and the second housing shell (14) in the closed position. The at least one support portion and the emitting device are disposed in the curing space in the closed position.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR CURING AN ADHESIVE CONNECTION OF AN ELONGATED MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CURING AN ADHESIVE CONNECTION OF AN ELONGATED MEDICAL DEVICE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device, preferably of a blood pump. The present invention further relates to a method for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device, preferably of a blood pump.

[0004] One example for an elongated medical device is a blood pump. Blood pumps of different types are known, such as axial blood pumps, centrifugal blood pumps or mixed type blood pumps, where the blood flow is caused by both axial and radial forces. Blood pumps may be inserted into a patient’s vessel such as the aorta by means of a catheter, or may be placed in the thoracic cavity. A blood pump typically comprises a multi-part pump housing having a blood flow outlet. The blood pump further comprises a blood flow inlet which is connected to the blood flow outlet by a passage. The passage may be formed by a cannula. Alternatively, the blood flow inlet may also be provided directly at the pump housing. In order to cause a blood flow along the passage from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet, an impeller is rotatably supported within the pump housing, with the impeller being provided with blades for conveying blood. The impeller is supported within the pump housing by means of at least one bearing. Further components, like PCBs or a drive unit are usually also disposed within the pump housing.

[0005] The individual components are usually attached to each other by adhesives and the curing process is accelerated by application of heat. Therefore, the (partly) assembled blood pump is placed in a curing oven for a curing period at a specific temperature e.g., at 60 °C for 2 hours. The ovens currently known are capable of receiving up to 10 charges of blood pumps, wherein a charge usually comprises of 10 blood pumps. Thus, up to 100 blood pumps can be cured simultaneously. However, due to the configuration of the production chain, the individual batches are not introduced simultaneously, but are introduced into the oven at different times. Opening the oven for removing a batch and introducing a new batch usually results in a temperature drop within the oven of up to 15 °C. This prolongs the curing time, as the oven needs to be heated up again. Furthermore, validation of the curing process is impaired, as it depends on the curing temperature and curing time.

[0006] In addition, the entire blood pump is placed in the oven so that all components are exposed to the curing temperature for the curing time. This leads to accelerated thermal ageing of all components and unnecessarily high energy consumption. In addition, the known ovens require a lot of space (approximately 3 m2per oven), which severely restricts the spatial mobility of production personnel in the cleanrooms and causes unnecessary walking distances. Furthermore, due to the large size of the oven and the to be heated volume, the energy consumption is elevated.

[0007] Hence, it is the object of the present invention to provide an ameliorated apparatus for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an ameliorated method for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect, an apparatus for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device comprises a first housing shell, a second housing shell, an emitting device, a movement device and at least one support portion for the elongated medical device. The elongated medical device may be a blood pump. The first housing shell may comprise a first abutment surface and the second housing shell may comprise a second abutment portion. The movement device may be configured to move the first housing shell and the second housing shell relative to each other between a closed position and an open position. The first abutment surface of the first housing shell may abut the second abutment surface of the second housing shell in the closed position so that a curing space is formed by the first housing shell and the second housing shell in the closed position. The at least one support portion and the emitting device are disposed in the curing space in the closed position.

[0010] This results in a very compact design of the apparatus, as the number of support portions may be chosen according to the needs e.g., only one support portion or even ten support portions. Thus, up to an entire batch of blood pumps may be cured within one apparatus, which does not occupy as much space as the known ovens. Further, due to the reduced volume of the curing space, the energy consumption is also significantly reduced.

[0011] In this regard, it is preferably that the volume of the curing space per support portion is between 8 cm3and 15 cm3, preferably between 9 cm3and 14 cm3, and even more preferably between 1 1 cm3and 13 cm3.

[0012] Preferably, the first housing shell is separate from the second housing shell. In other words, at least in the open position there is no physical contact between the first housing shell and the second housing shell of the apparatus. Thus, loading and unloading of the blood pump supported in the at least one support portion is therefore much easier.

[0013] The first housing shell may comprise at least one first cut-out portion. The second housing shell may comprise at least one second cut-out portion. In the closed position, the first cut-out portion and the second cut-out portion may form a first passage portion. The first passage portion may be configured to allow penetration of at least a part of an elongated medical device supported in the support portion through the first passage portion from the curing space into an environment surrounding the apparatus. The first housing shell may comprise at least one third cut-out portion. The second housing shell may comprise at least one fourth cut-out portion. In the closed position, the third cut-out portion and the fourth cut-out portion may form a second passage portion. The second passage portion may be configured to allow penetration of at least a part of an elongated medical device supported in the support portion through the second passage portion from the curing space into an environment surrounding the apparatus. Thus, not the entire blood pump is disposed within the curing space, but only a limited part of the blood pump, which thus allows to apply the curing process to only that portions of the blood pump which contain adhesives to be cured. This reduces the thermal stress for those components or parts of the blood pump which do not need to undergo the curing process.

[0014] Preferably, the number of first passage portions and second passage portions formed in the closed position corresponds to the number of support portions. Preferably, the apparatus comprises one to ten support portions, preferably six support portions.

[0015] Preferably, the first cut-out portion and the third cut-out portion are provided on opposite sides of the first housing shell. Preferably, the second cut-out portion and the fourth cut-out portion are provided on opposite sides of the second housing shell.

[0016] The first cut-out portion may be adapted to the shape of an elongated medical device. The second cutout portion may be adapted to the shape of an elongated medical device. The first cut-out portion preferably has a semicircular shape and the second cut-out portion preferably has a semicircular shape. Thus, the first passage portion formed in the closed position by the first cut-out portion and the second cut-out portion may have a circular shape.

[0017] The third cut-out portion may be adapted to the shape of an elongated medical device. The fourth cutout portion may be adapted to the shape of an elongated medical device. The third cut-out portion preferably has a semicircular shape and the fourth cut-out portion preferably has a semicircular shape. Thus, the second passage portion formed in the closed position by the third cut-out portion and the fourth cut-out portion may have a circular shape.

[0018] The first housing shell may comprise a first sealing member sealing the first cut-out portion. The second housing shell may comprise a second sealing member sealing the second cut-out portion. The first sealing member may be a first sealing lip and may comprise at least one first incision. Each first incision may extend radially relative to the first cut-out portion. The second sealing member may be a second sealing lip and may comprise at least one second incision. Each second incision may extend radially relative to the second cut-out portion. The first housing shell may comprise a third sealing member sealing the third cut-out portion. The second housing shell may comprise a fourth sealing member sealing the fourth cut-out portion. The third sealing member may be a third sealing lip and may comprise at least one third incision. Each third incision may extend radially relative to the third cut-out portion. The fourth sealing member may be a fourth sealing lip and may comprise at least one fourth incision. Each fourth incision may extend radially relative to the fourth cut-out portion.

[0019] In other words, each first incision, each second incision, each third incision and each fourth incision may extend in parallel to a movement direction of the first housing shell and the second housing shell between the open position and the closed position. Preferably, the first sealing member is at least partially composed of silicone. Preferably, the second sealing member is at least partially composed of silicone. Preferably, the third sealing member is at least partially composed of silicone. Preferably, the fourth sealing member is at least partially composed of silicone.

[0020] Each first incision may extend in parallel to each second incision and / or third incision and / or fourth incision. Each second incision may extend in parallel to each first incision and / or third incision and / or fourth incision. Each third incision may extend in parallel to each first incision and / or second incision and / or fourth incision. Each fourth incision may extend in parallel to each first incision and / or second incision and / orthird incision.

[0021] The apparatus may comprise a base member, wherein at least one of the first housing shell and the second housing shell may be movable relative to the base member via the movement device. Preferably, both of the first housing shell and the second housing shell are movable relative to the base member via the movement device.

[0022] The movement device may comprise a first actuator with a first extendable and retractable rod. The first actuator may be fixed to the base member and the first rod may be fixed to the first housing shell. The first actuator may be a linear actuator e.g., a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, an electrohydraulic actuator, an electropneumatic actuator or an electromechanical actuator.

[0023] The movement device may comprise a second actuator with a second extendable and retractable rod. The second actuator may be fixed to the base member and the second rod may be fixed to the second housing shell. The second actuator may be a linear actuator e.g., a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, an electrohydraulic actuator, an electropneumatic actuator or an electromechanical actuator.

[0024] The emitting device may be a heat emitting device or a radiation emitting device. The emitting device may comprise a first emitter disposed in the first housing shell. The emitting device may comprise a second emitter disposed in the second housing shell. The first emitter may be a first silicone heater and the second emitter may be a second silicone heater. This allows for an efficient and effective heating and maintenance of the necessary curing temperature within the curing space. The apparatus may comprise a sensor arrangement and a control unit. The sensor arrangement may be configured to monitor at least one parameter prevailing within the curing space during operation of the apparatus. The control unit may be configured to control the emitting device based on the at least one parameter monitored by the sensor arrangement. The control unit may be configured to control the movement device based on the at least one parameter monitored by the sensor arrangement. The at least one parameter monitored by the sensor arrangement may be a temperature.

[0025] The first housing shell may be at least partially composed of a plastic material. The first housing shell may at least partially be made by additive manufacturing, preferably 3D printing. The second housing shell may be at least partially composed of a plastic material. The second housing shell may at least partially be made by additive manufacturing, preferably 3D printing.

[0026] According to a second aspect, a method for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device is provided. The elongated medical device may be a blood pump. The method may be performed with an apparatus according to the first aspect as described above and may comprise the following steps: placing at least one elongated medical device in the at least one support portion, moving the first housing shell and the second housing shell relative to each other into the closed position so that the at least one elongated medical device is at least partially disposed within the curing space, activating the emitting device for a curing period, and moving the first housing shell and the second housing shell relative to each other into the open position after the curing period.

[0027] It has to be noted that moving the first housing shell and the second housing shell relative to each other may comprise a movement of both housing shells or of only one housing shell relative to the other housing shell.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one elongated medical device is only partially disposed within the curing space. For instance, a blood pump to be cured may comprise a cannula attached to the pump housing, with the cannula at least partially protruding out of the curing space through the passage portion. Thus, the curing process is not applied to a portion of the cannula and components attached to the cannula on an end opposite to the pump housing e.g., the blood flow inlet and a pigtail. Hence, those parts of the blood pump are not exposed to heat and thus do not suffer thermal stress.

[0029] Preferably, the curing period is a predetermined curing period. Preferably, the curing period starts to run after the curing space is heated to a predetermined curing temperature e.g., 60 °C ± 5 °C. The curing period may be 80 min to 120 min and may preferably be 100 min. Preferably, the first housing shell and the second housing shell are maintained in the closed position by continuous operation of the movement device. In other words, there is no separate locking mechanism that locks the first housing shell and the second housing shell to each other in the closed position. Rather, the movement device is used to maintain the closed position. If the movement device comprises for instance two pneumatic cylinders, the pressure is maintained in the closed position so that first abutment surface of the first housing shell and the second abutment surface of the second housing shell are pressed onto each other. This reduces the number of parts of the apparatus.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, reference is made to the drawings. The scope of the disclosure is not limited, however, to the specific embodiments disclosed in the drawings.

[0032] In the drawings:

[0033] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus with six support portions and six medical devices supported in the support portions;

[0034] Fig. 2 is a first side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

[0035] Fig. 3 is a top view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

[0036] Fig. 4 is a second side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

[0037] Fig. 5 is a cross section along the line A-A shown in Fig. 4;

[0038] Fig. 6 is a cross section along the line B-B shown in Fig. 5;

[0039] Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 without elongated medical devices;

[0040] Fig. 8 is a first side view of the apparatus of claim 1 without medical devices in an open position;

[0041] Fig. 9 is a top view of the apparatus of Fig. 8;

[0042] Fig, 10 is a cross section along the line C-C shown in Fig. 8;

[0043] Fig. 11 is a second side view of the apparatus of Fig. 8; and

[0044] Fig. 12 is a cross section along the line D-D shown in Fig. 11 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0046] To provide an overall understanding of the systems, methods, and devices described herein, certain illustrative examples will be described. Although various examples may describe intravascular blood pumps, it will be understood that the improvements of the present technology may also be adapted and applied to other types of medical devices such as electrophysiology study and catheter ablation devices, angioplasty and stenting devices, angiographic catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, central venous catheters, midline catheters, peripheral catheters, inferior vena cava filters, abdominal aortic aneurysm therapy devices, thrombectomy devices, TAVR delivery systems, cardiac therapy and cardiac assist devices, including balloon pumps, cardiac assist devices implanted using a surgical incision, and any other venous or arterial based introduced catheters and devices. As is known, intravascular blood pumps can be introduced into a patient, either surgically or percutaneously, to deliver blood from one location in the heart or circulatory system to another location in the heart or circulatory system. For example, when deployed in the left ventricle, an intravascular blood pump can pump blood from the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta. When deployed in the right ventricle, an intravascular blood pump can pump blood from the inferior vena cava into the pulmonary artery.

[0047] For lucidity reasons, identical elements within one Figure are only labeled one with a reference sign.

[0048] Figs. 1 to 12 depict various views of an apparatus 10 for curing an adhesive connection of at least one elongated medical device 100. Figs. 1 to 6 depict views with elongated medical devices 100 being supported by the apparatus 10 while Figs. 8 to 12 depict views of the apparatus 10 without elongated medical devices 100, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0049] In this exemplary embodiment, the elongated medical device 100 is a blood pump. As shown in Fig. 1 to 6, the apparatus 10 is configured to cure adhesive connections of six blood pumps 100 in total, but this is merely exemplary. The apparatus 10 may also be configured to cure more or less than six blood pumps 100. Each blood pump 100 comprises a blood pump housing 102 having a blood flow outlet, a cannula 104 attached to one end of the blood pump housing 102 and a catheter 110 attached to the other end of the blood pump housing 102. A blood flow inlet 106 and a pigtail 108 are attached to the cannula 104. As shown, the apparatus comprises a first housing shell 12 and a second housing shell 14. The first housing shell 12 is separate from the second housing shell 14 i.e., it is not hinged or connected to the second housing shell 14. The first housing shell 12 comprises an inner part 12a, an outer part 12c and an insulator 12b disposed between the inner part 12a and the outer part 12c, see Figs. 5 to 7, 10 and 12. The outer part 12c is composed of a plastic material and is made by additive manufacturing such as 3D printing. The inner part 12a is made of a material having low thermal conductivity. The inner part 12a may also be composed of a plastic material and may also be made by additive manufacturing such as 3D printing. The second housing shell 14 also comprises an inner part 14a, an outer part 14c and an insulator 14b disposed between the inner part 14a and the outer part 14c, see Figs. 5 to 7, 10 and 12. The outer part 14c is composed of a plastic material and is made by additive manufacturing such as 3D printing. The inner part 14a is made of a material having low thermal conductivity. The inner part 14a may also be composed of a plastic material and may also be made by additive manufacturing such as 3D printing.

[0050] The first housing shell 12 comprises a first abutment surface 16, see for instance Fig. 7. In this exemplary embodiment, the first abutment surface 16 is formed on a sealing member disposed on a respective surface of the inner part 12a of the first housing shell 12. Of course, the first abutment surface 16 may also be provided directly on the inner part 12a of the first housing shell 12. The sealing member comprising the first abutment surface 16 is made of silicone, but may also be made of any other suitable sealing material. As shown in Fig. 7, the second housing shell 14 comprises a second abutment surface 18. In this exemplary embodiment, the second abutment surface 18 is formed on a sealing member disposed on a respective surface of the inner part 14a of the second housing shell 14. Of course, the second abutment surface 18 may also be provided directly on the inner part 14a of the second housing shell 14. The sealing member comprising the second abutment surface 18 is made of silicone, but may also be made of any other suitable sealing material.

[0051] The first housing shell 12 and the second housing shell 14 are movable relative to each other via a movement device 28. The movement device 28 comprises a first actuator 30 supported on a first leg 74 of a base member 38. In this exemplary embodiment, the first actuator 30 is a pneumatic cylinder comprising a first extendable and retractable rod 32. The first rod 32 is fixed to the first housing shell 12 so that extension and retraction of the first rod 32 moves the first housing shell 12 in a linear path relative to the first leg 74 or base member 38 respectively. As shown in e.g., Fig. 6, the first rod 32 comprises of a main rod and two guiding rods, but other embodiments are equally possible. The movement device 28 further comprises a second actuator 34 supported on a second leg 76 of the base member 38. The second actuator 34 is configured identical to the first actuator 30. In this exemplary embodiment the second actuator is accordingly a pneumatic cylinder comprising a second extendable and retractable rod 36. The second rod 36 is fixed to the second housing shell 14 so that extension and retraction of the second rod 36 moves the second housing shell 14 in a linear path relative to the second leg 76 or base member 38 respectively. Thus, the first housing shell 12 and the second housing shell 14 can be moved relative to each other between a closed position (shown in Figs. 1 to 6) and an open position (shown in Figs. 8 to12) via the first actuator 30 and the second actuator 34. Movement of the first housing shell 12 and the second housing shell 14 may be induced manually e.g., by pressing one or more buttons, or by a control unit (not shown). In the closed position, the first abutment surface 16 of the first housing shell 12 abuts the second abutment surface 18 of the second housing shell 14 so as to form a curing space 40. As will be described in more detail below, the blood pumps 100 to be cured are supported in support portions 26 disposed within the curing space 40. In this exemplary embodiment, the closed position is maintained by continuous operation of the first actuator 30 and the second actuator 34. In this exemplary embodiment, the curing space 40 has a volume per support portion 26 between 8 cm3and 15 cm3, preferably between 9 cm3and 14 cm3, and even more preferably between 11 cm3and 13 cm3. In this particular embodiment, the volume of the curing space is approximately 670 cm3with six support portions 26.

[0052] The first housing shell 12 further comprises at least one first cut-out portion 42 and at least one third cut out portion 46. In this exemplary embodiment, the first housing shell 12 comprises a total of six first cut-out portions 42 and six third cut-out portions 46. The number of first and third cut-out portions 42, 46 corresponds to the number of blood pumps 100 to be cured simultaneously. As shown in e.g., Fig. 7, the first cut-out portions 42 are formed in the inner part 12a and the outer part 12c of the first housing shell 12 on an upper surface thereof. The third cut-out portions 46 are formed in the inner part 12a and the outer part 12c of the first housing shell 12 on a lower surface thereof opposite to the first cut-out portions 42. The first cut-out portions 42 and the third cut-out portions 46 are adapted to the shape of the blood pumps 100. Hence, each first cut-out portion 42 and each third cut-out portion 46 has a semicircular shape.

[0053] A first sealing member 54 in form of a first sealing lip is disposed between the inner part 12a and the outer part 12c of the first housing shell 12. The first sealing lip 54 is formed from a flat rectangular silicone mat and it seals the first cut-out portions 42. The first sealing lip 54 comprises a total of six first incisions 62. One first incision 62 is assigned to each first cut-out portion 42 and extends radially relative to the first cut-out portion 42 i.e., in parallel to a movement direction of the first housing shell 12 between the open position and the closed position.

[0054] A third sealing member 58 in form of a third sealing lip is disposed between the inner part 12a and the outer part 12c of the first housing shell 12. The third sealing lip 58 is formed from a flat rectangular silicone mat and it seals the third cut-out portions 46. The third sealing lip 58 comprises a total of six third incisions 66. One third incision 66 is assigned to each third cut-out portion 46 and extends radially relative to the third cut-out portions 46 i.e., in parallel to the movement direction of the first housing shell 12 between the open position and the closed position and thus also in parallel to the first incisions 62. The second housing shell 14 further comprises at least one second cut-out portion 44 and at least one fourth cut out portion 48. In this exemplary embodiment, the second housing shell 14 comprises a total of six second cut-out portions 44 and six fourth cut-out portions 48. The number of second and fourth cut-out portions 44, 48 corresponds to the number of blood pumps 100 to be cured simultaneously. As shown in e.g., Fig. 7, the second cut-out portions 44 are formed in the inner part 14a and the outer part 14c of the second housing shell 14 on an upper surface thereof. The fourth cut-out portions 48 are formed in the inner part 14a and the outer part 14c of the second housing shell 14 on a lower surface thereof opposite to the second cut-out portions 44. The second cut-out portions 44 and the fourth cut-out portions 48 are adapted to the shape of the blood pumps 100. Hence, each second cutout portion 44 and each fourth cut-out portion 48 has a semicircular shape.

[0055] A second sealing member 56 in form of a second sealing lip is disposed between the inner part 14a and the outer part 14c of the second housing shell 14. The second sealing lip 56 is formed from a flat rectangular silicone mat and it seals the second cut-out portions 44. The second sealing lip 56 comprises a total of six second incisions 64. One second incision 64 is assigned to each second cutout portion 44 and extends radially relative to the second cut-out portion 44 i.e., in parallel to a movement direction of the second housing shell 14 between the open position and the closed position and thus also in parallel to the first incisions 62 and the third incisions 66.

[0056] A fourth sealing member 60 in form of a fourth sealing lip is disposed between the inner part 14a and the outer part 14c of the second housing shell 14. The fourth sealing lip 60 is formed from a flat rectangular silicone mat and it seals the fourth cut-out portions 48. The fourth sealing lip 60 comprises a total of six fourth incisions 68. One fourth incision 68 is assigned to each fourth cut-out portion 48 and extends radially relative to the second cut-out portions 46 i.e., in parallel to the movement direction of the first housing shell 12 between the open position and the closed position and thus also in parallel to the first incisions 62, second incisions 64 and third incisions 66.

[0057] In the closed position of the first housing shell 12 and the second housing shell 14, first passage portions 50 are formed by the first cut-out portions 42 and the second cut-out portions 44. In particular, one first passage portion 50 is formed by one first cut-out portion 42 and one second cut-out portion 44. As shown e.g., in Fig. 1 each first passage portion 50 has a circular shape and extends from an environment surrounding the oven 10 into the curing space 40. Further, each first passage portion 50 is sealed by the first sealing lip 54 and the second sealing lip 56. Each first incision 62 lies on a straight line with one second incisions 64.

[0058] Furthermore, second passage portions 52 are formed by the third cut-out portions 46 and the fourth cut-out portions 48 in the closed position of the first housing shell 12 and the second housing shell 14. In particular, one second passage portion 52 is formed by one third cut-out portion 46 and one fourth cut-out portion 48. Each second passage portion 52 has a circular shape and extends from the environment surrounding the oven 10 into the curing space 40. Further, each second passage portion 52 is sealed by the third sealing lip 58 and the fourth sealing lip 60. Each third incision 66 lies on a straight line with one fourth incisions 68.

[0059] The apparatus 10 further comprises an emitting device 20 for the curing process. The emitting device may be any suitable device emitting heat or radiation depending on the type of adhesive used to fix the individual components of the blood pump 10 to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the emitting device 20 is a heat emitting device and it comprises a first emitter 22 disposed in the first housing shell 12 and a second emitter 24 disposed in the second housing shell 14. In this embodiment, the first emitter 22 is a first silicone heater and the second emitter 24 is a second silicone heater. As shown in Fig. 7, the first silicone heater 22 is fixed to the inner part 12a of the first housing shell 12 by a first intermediate member 22a. The second silicone heater 24 is fixed to the inner part 14a of the second housing shell 14 by a second intermediate member 24a. In the closed position of the first housing shell 12 and the second housing shell 14, the first silicone heater 22 and the second silicone heater 24 are disposed in the curing space 40.

[0060] Furthermore, a sensor arrangement is provided which comprises a first temperature sensor 70 and a second temperature sensor 72. The first temperature sensor 70 and the second temperature sensor 72 are configured to monitor the temperature prevailing within the curing space 40. Based on the monitored temperature data, the control unit controls the emitting device 20.

[0061] For curing an adhesive connection of the blood pumps 100, the blood pumps 100 are placed in the support portions 26 and the first housing shell 12 and the second housing shell 14 are moved into the closed position. In the closed position, only a part of each of the blood pumps 100 is disposed in the curing space 40, namely that part that contains the adhesive connection to be cured. Other parts of the blood pumps 100 extend from the curing space 40 through the first passage portions 50 and the second passage portions 52 into the environment surrounding the oven 10. In doing so, the respective parts of the blood pumps 100 slightly displace the first sealing lip 54 and the second sealing lip 56 which is facilitated by the respective first incisions 62 and second incisions 64. Accordingly, the third sealing lip 58 and the fourth sealing lip 60 are also slightly displaced by those parts of the blood pumps 100 extending through the second passage portion 52. This displacement is facilitated by the third incisions 66 and fourth incisions 68. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the cannulas 104 extend through the first passage portions 50 and the catheters 110 extend through the second passage portions 52. Hence, the blood pump housings 102 are disposed in the curing space.

[0062] The curing process is then started in that the control unit activates the first silicone heater 22 and the second silicone heater 24 so that the curing space 40 is heated to the desired temperature e.g., of 60 °C. As soon as the desired temperature is reached, the blood pumps 100 are cured for a predetermined curing period e.g., of 120 min. After lapse of the curing period, the curing of the adhesive connections of the blood pumps 100 is finished and the first housing shell 12 and the second housing shell 14 are moved to the open position and the cured blood pumps 100 are removed from the support portions so that the next batch of blood pumps 100 can be cured by the oven 10.

[0063] EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS

[0064] As already described, the technology described herein may be implemented in various ways. In that regard, the foregoing disclosure is intended to include, but not be limited to, the systems, methods, and combinations and sub-combinations thereof that are set forth in the following exemplary implementations. Preferred embodiments are described in the following paragraphs:

[0065] A1 Apparatus for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device, preferably of a blood pump, comprising: a first housing shell having a first abutment surface and a second housing shell having a second abutment surface, an emitting device, at least one support portion for supporting an elongated medical device, and a movement device, wherein the movement device is configured to move the first housing shell and the second housing shell relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, wherein the first abutment surface of the first housing shell abuts the second abutment surface of the second housing shell in the closed position so that a curing space is formed by the first housing shell and the second housing shell in the closed position, and wherein the at least one support portion and the emitting device are disposed in the curing space in the closed position.

[0066] A2 Apparatus according to paragraph A1 , wherein the first housing shell is separate from the second housing shell.

[0067] A3 Apparatus according to paragraph A1 or A2, wherein a volume of the curing space per support portion is between 8 cm3and 15 cm3, preferably between 9 cm3and 14 cm3, and even more preferably between 11 cm3and 13 cm3.

[0068] A4 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the first housing shell comprises at least one first cut-out portion and the second housing shell comprises at least one second cut-out portion.

[0069] A5 Apparatus according to paragraph A4, wherein, in the closed position, the first cut-out portion and the second cut-out portion form a first passage portion. A6 Apparatus according to paragraph A5, wherein the first passage portion is configured to allow penetration of at least a part of an elongated medical device supported in the at least one support portion through the first passage portion from the curing space into an environment surrounding the apparatus.

[0070] A7 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A4 to A6, wherein the first housing shell comprises at least one third cut-out portion and the second housing shell comprises at least one fourth cut-out portion, wherein the third cut-out portion is opposite the first cut-out portion and wherein the fourth cut-out portion is opposite the second cut out- portion.

[0071] A8 Apparatus according to paragraph A7, wherein, in the closed position, the third cut-out portion and the fourth cut-out portion form a second passage portion.

[0072] A9 Apparatus according to paragraph A8, wherein the second passage portion is configured to allow penetration of at least a part of an elongated medical device supported in the at least one support portion through the second passage portion from the curing space into an environment surrounding the apparatus.

[0073] A10 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A4 to A9, wherein the first cutout portion and / or the second cut-out portion and / or the third cut-out portion and / or the fourth cut-out portion are adapted to the shape of an elongated medical device.

[0074] A11 Apparatus according to paragraph A10, wherein the first cut-out portion has a semicircular shape and / or wherein the second cut-out portion has a semicircular shape and / or wherein the third cut-out portion has a semicircular shape and / or wherein the fourth cut-out portion has a semicircular shape.

[0075] A12 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A4 to A11 , wherein the first housing shell comprises a first sealing member sealing the first cut-out portion and / or wherein the second housing shell comprises a second sealing member sealing the second cut-out portion and / or wherein the first housing shell comprises a third sealing member sealing the third cut-out portion and / or wherein the second housing shell comprises a fourth sealing member sealing the fourth cut-out portion.

[0076] A13 Apparatus according to paragraph A6, wherein the first sealing member is a first sealing lip and preferably comprises at least one first incision, each first incision extending radially relative to the first cut-out portion, and / or herein the second sealing member is a second sealing lip and preferably comprises at least one second incision, each second incision extending radially relative to the second cut-out portion, and / or wherein the third sealing member is a third sealing lip and preferably comprises at least one third incision, each third incision extending radially relative to the third cut-out portion and / or wherein the fourth sealing member is a fourth sealing lip and preferably comprises at least one fourth incision, each fourth incision extending radially relative to the third cut-out portion.

[0077] A14 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A13, wherein the apparatus comprises a base member, wherein at least one of the first housing shell and the second housing shell is movable relative to the base member via the movement device.

[0078] A15 Apparatus according to paragraph A14, wherein the movement device comprises a first actuator with a first extendable and retractable rod.

[0079] A16 Apparatus according to paragraph A15, wherein the first actuator is fixed to the base member.

[0080] A17 Apparatus according to paragraph A15 or A16, wherein the first rod is fixed to the first housing shell.

[0081] A18 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A15 to A17, wherein the first actuator is a pneumatic cylinder.

[0082] A19 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A14 to A18, wherein the movement device comprises a second actuator with a second extendable and retractable rod.

[0083] A20 Apparatus according to paragraph A19, wherein the second actuator is fixed to the base member.

[0084] A21 Apparatus according to paragraph A19 or A20, wherein the second rod is fixed to the second housing shell.

[0085] A22 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A19 to A21 , wherein the second actuator is a pneumatic cylinder.

[0086] A23 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A22, wherein the emitting device is a heat emitting device or a radiation emitting device. A24 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A23, wherein the emitting device comprises a first emitter disposed in the first housing shell and / or a second emitter disposed in the second housing shell.

[0087] A25 Apparatus according to paragraph A24, wherein the first emitter is a first silicone heater.

[0088] A26 Apparatus according to paragraph A24 or A25, wherein the second emitter is a second silicone heater.

[0089] A27 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A26, wherein the apparatus further comprises a sensor arrangement and a control unit, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to monitor at least one parameter prevailing within the curing space during operation of the apparatus, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the emitting device and / or the movement device based on the at least one parameter monitored by the sensor arrangement.

[0090] A28 Apparatus according to paragraph A27, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises at least one temperature sensor.

[0091] B1 Method for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device, preferably a blood pump, with an apparatus according to any one the preceding paragraphs A1 to A27, wherein the method comprises the following steps: placing at least one elongated medical device in the at least one support portion, moving the first housing shell and the second housing shell relative to each other into the closed position so that the at least one elongated medical device is at least partially disposed within the curing space , activating the emitting device for a curing period, and moving the first housing shell and the second housing shell relative to each other into the open position after the curing period.

[0092] B2 Method according to paragraph B1 , wherein the elongated medical device is only partially disposed within the curing space.

[0093] B3 Method according to paragraph B1 or B2, wherein the curing period is a predetermined curing period.

[0094] B4 Method according to any one of the preceding paragraphs B1 to B3, wherein the first housing shell and the second housing shell are maintained in the closed position by continuous operation of the movement device. As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. The terms „at least partially” or “partially” as used herein mean both partial and entirely or complete respectively. Furthermore, terms like “first” or “second” do not imply a specific order, but are only intended to allow for linguistic differentiation between the elements.

[0095] List of reference signs

[0096] 10 apparatus / oven

[0097] 12 first housing shell

[0098] 12a inner part of first housing shell

[0099] 12b insulator of first housing shell

[0100] 12c outer part of first housing shell

[0101] 14 second housing shell

[0102] 14a inner part of second housing shell

[0103] 14b insulator of second housing shell

[0104] 14c outer part of second housing shell

[0105] 16 first abutment surface

[0106] 18 second abutment surface

[0107] 20 emitting device

[0108] 22 first emitter / first silicone heater

[0109] 22a intermediate member of first emitter

[0110] 24 second emitter / second silicone heater

[0111] 24a intermediate member of second emitter

[0112] 26 support portion

[0113] 28 movement device

[0114] 30 first actuator / first pneumatic cylinder

[0115] 32 first rod

[0116] 34 second actuator / second pneumatic cylinder

[0117] 36 second rod

[0118] 38 base member

[0119] 40 curing space

[0120] 42 first cut-out portion

[0121] 44 second cut-out portion

[0122] 46 third cut-out portion

[0123] 48 fourth cut-out portion

[0124] 50 first passage portion

[0125] 52 second passage portion

[0126] 54 first sealing member / first sealing lip

[0127] 56 second sealing member / second sealing lip

[0128] 58 third sealing member / third sealing lip

[0129] 60 fourth sealing member / fourth sealing lip

[0130] 62 first incision 4 second incision 6 third incision

[0131] 68 fourth incision

[0132] 70 first temperature sensor

[0133] 72 second temperature sensor

[0134] 74 first leg

[0135] 76 second leg

[0136] 100 elongated medical device / blood pump

[0137] 102 blood pump housing

[0138] 104 cannula

[0139] 106 blood flow inlet

[0140] 108 pigtail

[0141] 11 10 catheter

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Apparatus (10) for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device (100), preferably of a blood pump, comprising: a first housing shell (12) having a first abutment surface (16) and a second housing shell (14) having a second abutment surface (18), an emitting device (20), at least one support portion (26) for supporting an elongated medical device (100), and a movement device (28), wherein the movement device (28) is configured to move the first housing shell (12) and the second housing shell (14) relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, wherein the first abutment surface (16) of the first housing shell (14) abuts the second abutment surface (18) of the second housing shell (14) in the closed position so that a curing space (40) is formed by the first housing shell (12) and the second housing shell (14) in the closed position, and wherein the at least one support portion (26) and the emitting device (20) are disposed in the curing space (40) in the closed position.

2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the first housing shell (12) is separate from the second housing shell (14).

3. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a volume of the curing space (40) per support portion (26) is between 8 cm3and 15 cm3, preferably between 9 cm3and 14 cm3, and even more preferably between 1 1 cm3and 13 cm3.

4. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing shell (12) comprises at least one first cut-out portion (42) and the second housing shell (14) comprises at least one second cut-out portion (44), wherein, in the closed position, the first cut-out portion (42) and the second cut-out portion (44) form a first passage portion (50), wherein the first passage portion (50) is configured to allow penetration of at least a part of an elongated medical device (100) supported in the at least one support portion (26) through the first passage portion (50) from the curing space (40) into an environment surrounding the apparatus (10).

5. Apparatus (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first cut-out portion (42) and / or the second cut-out portion (44) are adapted to the shape of an elongated medical device (100), wherein the first cut-out portion (42) preferably has a semicircular shape and / or wherein the second cut-out portion (44) preferably has a semicircular shape.

6. Apparatus (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first housing shell (12) comprises a first sealing member (54) sealing the first cutout portion (42) and / or wherein the second housing shell (14) comprises a second sealing member (56) sealing the second cut-out portion (44).

7. Apparatus (10) according to claim 6, wherein the first sealing member (54) is a first sealing lip and preferably comprises at least one first incision (62), each first incision (62) extending radially relative to the first cut-out portion (42), and / or wherein the second sealing member (56) is a second sealing lip and preferably comprises at least one second incision (64), each second incision (64) extending radially relative to the second cut-out portion.

8. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a base member (38), wherein at least one of the first housing shell (12) and the second housing shell (14) is movable relative to the base member (38) via the movement device (28).

9. Apparatus (10) according to claim 8, wherein the movement device (28) comprises a first actuator (30) with a first extendable and retractable rod (32), wherein the first actuator (30) is fixed to the base member (38) and wherein the first rod (32) is fixed to the first housing shell (12), wherein the first actuator (30) preferably is a pneumatic cylinder.

10. Apparatus (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the movement device (28) comprises a second actuator (34) with a second extendable and retractable rod (36), wherein the second actuator (34) is fixed to the base member (38) and wherein the second rod (36) is fixed to the second housing shell (14), wherein the second actuator (34) preferably is a pneumatic cylinder.

11. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emitting device (20) is a heat emitting device or a radiation emitting device.

12. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the emitting device (20) comprises a first emitter (22) disposed in the first housing shell (12) and / or a second emitter (24) disposed in the second housing shell (14), wherein the first emitter (22) preferably is a first silicone heater and wherein the second emitter (24) preferably is a second silicone heater.

13. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (10) further comprises a sensor arrangement (70, 72) and a control unit, wherein the sensor arrangement (70, 72) is configured to monitor at least one parameter prevailing within the curing space (40) during operation of the apparatus (10), and wherein the control unit is configured to control the emitting device (20) and / or the movement device (28) based on the at least one parameter monitored by the sensor arrangement (70, 72).

14. Method for curing an adhesive connection of an elongated medical device (100), preferably a blood pump, with an apparatus (10) according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: placing at least one elongated medical device (100) in the at least one support portion (26), moving the first housing shell (12) and the second housing shell (14) relative to each other into the closed position so that the at least one elongated medical device (100) is at least partially disposed within the curing space (40), preferably only partially disposed within the curing space (40), activating the emitting device (20) for a curing period, and moving the first housing shell (12) and the second housing shell (14) relative to each other into the open position after the curing period.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the first housing shell (12) and the second housing shell (14) are maintained in the closed position by continuous operation of the movement device (28).

Images