Axial Flow Volute for Implantable Circulatory Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) designed for intra-thoracic implantation face challenges when used extra-thoracically due to size and shape issues, leading to difficulties in implantation and potential tissue erosion, inflammation, and discomfort for patients.

Innovation Solution

The MCSD design includes an inner housing with a center post that increases in diameter downstream, an elongate housing portion with a taper, and a volute with an offset outlet port, allowing for a more compact and flexible device capable of handling higher flow rates and pressures while minimizing stress on the fluid, enabling extra-thoracic implantation with reduced invasive procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MCSDs are designed for intra-thoracic implantation with larger dimensions to provide higher pumping capacity, then pumping capacity is improved, but the device size and shape cause difficulties in extra-thoracic implantation and potential tissue erosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping capacityVSAvoidtissue erosion and inflammation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reconfigures the volute outlet orientation from a radial configuration to an axial configuration, aligning the outlet with the longitudinal axis of the pump. This dimensional reorientation allows the pump to maintain its intra-thoracic pumping capacity while adapting to extra-thoracic implantation by directing flow parallel to the body surface rather than perpendicular to it, thereby reducing tissue erosion risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the volute geometry parameters, specifically changing the outlet angle and position to create an axial flow pattern. This parameter change enables the same pump design to function effectively in extra-thoracic locations by altering the flow direction to be more parallel to the implantation surface, reducing mechanical stress on surrounding tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If MCSDs are designed with smaller dimensions for extra-thoracic implantation, then ease of implantation is improved, but pumping capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implantationVSAvoidpumping capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal pump design with an axial volute outlet that can be implanted in both intra-thoracic and extra-thoracic locations. The axial outlet configuration provides multi-functionality by allowing the same device to serve high-flow intra-thoracic applications while also adapting to extra-thoracic implantation, thereby eliminating the need for separate device designs for different implantation sites

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the volute outlet is oriented radially perpendicular to the pump axis, then flow redirection is effective, but the device shape creates implantation difficulties in extra-thoracic locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow redirection efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to implantation locations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional volute outlet orientation from radial (perpendicular to axis) to axial (parallel to axis). This inversion of the outlet configuration allows the pump to redirect flow effectively while adapting to extra-thoracic implantation geometry, where the axial orientation parallels the body surface rather than perpendicular to it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This design enables the implantation of larger MCSDs with intra-thoracic pumping capacity in extra-thoracic locations, reducing tissue stress and discomfort, and allowing for easier access and maintenance, while maintaining effective blood flow and pressure support.

Implementation Method 1

The coils provide a rotating magnetic field within the flow path. The rotor has a permanent magnetization that interacts with the rotating field so that the rotating field impels the rotor in rotation about the axis.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3393542B1Axial flow implantable mechanical circulatory support devices with outlet volute

Publication Date: 2023.01.25 HEARTWARE INC

Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A mechanical circulatory support device includes an inner housing having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow path there between. The flow path defines a longitudinal axis. A volute downstream of the outlet end has an outlet port. A rotor mounted within the inner housing upstream of the volute and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis is included. The volute includes an inner surface having a minimum radius immediately adjacent the rotor and a maximum radius at the outlet port that is larger than the minimum radius.