Biphasic Cardiac Support Device Using Pneumatic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for heart failure, particularly diastolic heart failure, lack effective mechanical devices to address the mechanical stimuli crucial for heart growth and remodeling, leading to inadequate management of both systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
A biphasic and dynamic diastolic recoil device with intrinsic pneumatic attachment to the exterior surface of the heart, capable of adjusting support and assist mechanisms to promote normal cardiac strain patterns, reduce aberrant growth, and enhance ventricular filling, while minimizing invasiveness and complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical support devices are applied to the heart surface, then cardiac assist and diastolic recoil are improved, but the risk of infection and thrombosis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible membrane or thin shell structure that conforms to the heart surface, minimizing foreign body surface area and reducing thrombogenicity while maintaining mechanical support function. The flexible nature allows close adaptation to cardiac contours without requiring extensive fixation elements that would increase infection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic actuation systems that can be controlled through fluid pressure, allowing for adjustable support forces without direct mechanical connections to the heart tissue. This reduces the number of penetration points and potential infection pathways while maintaining effective cardiac assist.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the device provides continuous support, then cardiac function is maintained, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates through periodic cycles of inflation and deflation synchronized with the cardiac cycle, providing continuous support through repeated action rather than constant mechanical engagement. This reduces structural complexity by utilizing simple pneumatic/hydraulic cycles instead of complex continuous mechanical actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors and control systems that automatically adjust support levels based on real-time cardiac function monitoring, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous adaptive support.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device is made minimally invasive, then patient recovery is improved, but the effectiveness of cardiac support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular segments or sections that can be implanted separately through minimally invasive approaches, with each segment providing localized support. This segmentation allows for easier implantation while maintaining overall support effectiveness through the combined action of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where components are contained within one another, allowing for compact delivery through small incisions and subsequent deployment to full functional size within the cardiac space, achieving both minimally invasive implantation and effective cardiac support.
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 device effectively addresses both systolic and diastolic heart failure by promoting restorative cardiac remodeling, reducing dyskinesis, and enhancing cardiac output, with adjustable support to accommodate changing heart conditions and minimize risks of infection and thrombosis.
Implementation Method 1
The device of present invention has intrinsic pneumatic attachment to the exterior surface of the heart
Implementation Method 2
one or more structural elements in contact with the first biocompatible film, the second biocompatible film or both to store elastic energy during heart contraction and release energy during heart filling
Data Source
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Figure 5A~6B
AI summary
The present invention provides a direct cardiac contact device adapted to be implanted in a patient suffering from congestive heart failure and related cardiac pathologies, said cardiac device having means for providing ventricular assist, ventricular support and diastolic recoil, or for providing ventricular support and diastolic recoil only.