Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Using Air and Vascular Stopper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraaortic balloon pumps are cumbersome due to the need for external equipment like helium tanks and compressors, and require invasive procedures for replacement, as they are prone to occlusion and tissue accumulation, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of infection.

Innovation Solution

The system uses ordinary air as the pumping medium, eliminating the need for helium tanks and compressors, and incorporates a vascular interface with a stopper to prevent tissue accumulation, allowing for easier balloon replacement without removing the graft, thus reducing the need for invasive surgeries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If helium is used as the pumping medium, then the balloon pump can operate effectively, but external equipment including helium tanks and compressors is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping effectivenessVSAvoidexternal equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the helium tank and compressor from the system by switching to air as the pumping medium. Air is naturally available in the environment, eliminating the need for external helium storage and compression equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining pumping effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes ambient air from the environment as the pumping medium, allowing the balloon pump to self-service without requiring external helium supply infrastructure. The air intake system automatically draws in environmental air for balloon inflation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the balloon pump is used for extended periods, then counterpulsation therapy is maintained, but tissue accumulation and occlusion occur requiring invasive replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy durationVSAvoidtissue accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is pre-installed in the graft before balloon pump insertion. This preliminary action prevents tissue accumulation and occlusion from occurring in the first place, allowing extended therapy duration without invasive replacement procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper provides preliminary anti-action against tissue accumulation and occlusion by physically blocking the pathway where tissues would otherwise accumulate. This preventive measure eliminates the need for invasive surgical intervention during balloon pump replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a thin drive line is used, then the artery is not occluded, but the system requires low-viscosity helium to maintain effective pumping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveartery occlusionVSAvoidpumping medium viscosity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the pumping medium from low-viscosity helium to air, which has higher viscosity. This parameter change is made possible by using a larger diameter drive line that prevents artery occlusion, thereby allowing the use of air instead of helium

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2490729B1Intra-aortic balloon pump and driver

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 NUPULSECV INC

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AI summary

Devices and methods are disclosed for implanting, positioning, removing, replacing and operating intra-aortic balloon pumps.