Aortic Wave Reflection Control via Dynamic Pinching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cardiology fails to effectively manage wave dynamics in the vascular system, leading to increased cardiac workload and uneven blood flow distribution, particularly in conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy and congestive heart failure, due to the complexity of wave interaction processes and the static nature of existing wave reflection control methods.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic wave reflection system comprising biocompatible inelastic and pinching members strategically implanted along the aorta, with an actuator and control unit to adjust the frequency and amplitude of wave generation, allowing for selective control of wave reflections and blood flow distribution to various organs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wave reflection control methods are used to reduce cardiac workload, then cardiac workload is reduced, but blood flow distribution to various organs becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic pinching members that can actively adjust their compression force and timing to modulate wave reflections. Unlike static rings, these dynamic elements can change their mechanical properties in real-time to optimize both cardiac workload reduction and blood flow distribution to various organs simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including the timing, frequency, and amplitude of wave generation through controlled pinching actions. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize wave reflection patterns to reduce cardiac workload while maintaining appropriate blood flow distribution to different organ systems
2Reliability
If static rings are inserted to optimize wave reflection, then wave reflection is optimized, but the system lacks adaptability to changing cardiovascular conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static rings with dynamic pinching members that can actively adjust their mechanical properties. These dynamic elements can modify their compression characteristics in response to changing cardiovascular conditions, providing both reliable wave reflection optimization and adaptability to varying physiological states
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor cardiovascular conditions and adjust pinching member activation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain optimal wave reflection patterns while adapting to changing cardiac output, blood pressure, and organ perfusion requirements
3Productivity
If wave generation frequency and amplitude are increased to improve blood flow, then blood flow to organs increases, but cardiac workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of increased cardiac workload into a beneficial outcome by using externally applied pinching forces to generate waves that would otherwise require significant cardiac effort. The pinching members create constructive wave interference patterns that enhance blood flow while the heart operates at lower workload levels
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces cardiac workload while maintaining or increasing blood flow to critical organs by generating and controlling wave dynamics within the aorta, optimizing hemodynamic performance and reducing vascular impedance.
Implementation Method 1
Waves are generated in the aorta when the pulsatile flow enters the compliant aorta. These waves propagate and are reflected at numerous reflection sites in the vascular system.
Implementation Method 2
The pumping mechanism of the heart is pulsatile. Waves are generated in the aorta when the pulsatile flow enters the compliant aorta.
Implementation Method 3
A healthy cardiovascular system operates based on a delicate balance between its mechanical characteristics (contractility, compliance, preload, afterload) and the wave dynamics and hemodynamics of the vascular network.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to be at least partially implanted along an aorta includes an inelastic, static member and a pinching member. The pinching member is configured to receive an activation signal at an activation rate and in response to the activation signal, repeatedly compress the aorta at the second location at the activation rate to pump fluid within the aorta in a desired pumping direction. The system is configured to selectively control wave reflections in order to achieve both improved wave dynamics to reduce cardiac load and increased (or at least non-diminished) blood flow to targeted organs within the cardiovascular system.