Aortic Connector Geometry for Consistent Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical circulatory support systems, such as ventricular assist devices, face challenges in consistency and predictability due to inconsistencies in implantation and changes in blood flow, which can lead to thrombus formation, necessitating improved connectors and implantation methods for interfacing with the patient's natural vasculature.
Innovation Solution
An anastomosis connector device with a tubular connector and a support member that provides a stable, consistent path for blood flow, featuring a planar portion for attachment to the aorta, allowing for precise angle and diameter selection to minimize thrombus formation and facilitate easier implantation through mechanical coupling features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anastomosis techniques are used to attach graft tube to aorta, then implantation can be performed, but flow resistance becomes inconsistent and thrombus formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing connectors with predetermined angles (e.g., 45 degrees) and diameters that optimize blood flow characteristics. The connector geometry parameters are specifically designed to maintain consistent flow resistance and prevent stagnation, thereby reducing thrombus formation risk while improving reliability of the anastomosis region.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between the graft tube and the aorta. It provides a standardized interface that ensures consistent flow characteristics and reduces variability in the anastomosis region, thereby improving flow resistance consistency and reducing thrombus formation risk.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional anastomosis techniques are used, then implantation can be performed, but implantation consistency and predictability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are pre-formed with predetermined angles and geometric configurations before implantation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the connector is implanted, the desired flow characteristics and alignment are achieved without requiring complex intraoperative adjustments, thereby improving implantation consistency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By providing connectors with standardized predetermined parameters (angles, diameters, lengths), the patent enables consistent implantation results across different patients and surgeons. The standardized parameters reduce variability in implantation outcomes while simplifying the surgical procedure.
3Productivity
If graft tube diameter is reduced for better pump integration, then pump efficiency improves, but flow stability in anastomosis region becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The connector provides a standardized transition zone with optimized geometry parameters that stabilize blood flow even when the graft tube diameter is reduced. The predetermined angle and diameter of the connector create a smooth flow transition that prevents turbulence and stagnation, maintaining flow stability while allowing smaller, more efficient pumps to be used.
Data Source
AI summary
Connectors and related methods for fluidly coupling a blood pump with an aorta facilitate implantation of the blood pump. A method of fluidly coupling a blood pump with an aorta includes positioning a connector device defining a passageway extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening. The connector device includes a support member surrounding the distal opening. The support member is interfaced with a wall of the aorta so that the distal opening is at a desired location of an inlet opening in the aorta. The support member is attached to the aorta around the distal opening so as to form a fluid seal and stabilize the connector device. A slit is incised in the wall of the aorta to form the inlet opening in the aorta. A proximal opening of the tubular connector is fluidly coupled with an outflow graft tube of the blood pump.