Implantable Blood Pump Backup Control for Communication Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical circulatory support systems, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs), face reliability issues due to their mechanical and electrical complexity, particularly in communication interrelations between components, which can lead to system failures during communication interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical circulatory support system with a controller that generates and transmits control signals, including performance parameters, and an implantable blood pump with a control unit that can operate based on backup parameters if external control signals are not received within a predetermined time, ensuring uninterrupted operation during communication loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pump components are integrated with the system controls in a single housing, then the system structure is simplified, but the reliability decreases during communication losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the implantable blood pump with its own independent control unit and the external system controller. The control unit is segmented from the main system controls, allowing it to operate autonomously during communication losses. This modular segmentation enables the pump to maintain operation continuity while the external controller provides overall system management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by pre-loading backup control parameters and autonomously executing them when communication with the external controller is lost. The system prepares alternative operational modes in advance, enabling the pump to switch to backup parameters without external intervention during communication failures.
2Reliability
If the pump components are separated from the system controls, then the reliability increases during communication losses, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the implantable blood pump with its own independent control unit and the external system controller. The control unit is segmented from the main system controls, allowing it to operate autonomously during communication losses. This modular segmentation enables the pump to maintain operation continuity while the external controller provides overall system management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs self-service by autonomously monitoring communication status and switching to backup parameters without external intervention. The system serves itself by detecting communication losses and autonomously executing pre-loaded backup control parameters, eliminating the need for continuous external control while maintaining operational reliability.
3Extent of automation
If the pump relies on external control signals, then the system control is centralized, but the reliability decreases during communication interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by pre-loading backup control parameters and autonomously executing them when communication with the external controller is lost. The system prepares alternative operational modes in advance, enabling the pump to switch to backup parameters without external intervention during communication failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors communication status with the external controller and provides feedback about system operational state. When communication losses are detected, the feedback mechanism triggers autonomous switching to backup parameters, ensuring continuous operation while maintaining centralized control architecture under normal conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for an adaptable blood pump are disclosed herein. The blood pump can be part of a mechanical circulatory support system that can include a system controller and the blood pump. The blood pump can include a rotary motor and a control unit that can communicate with the system controller. The blood pump can determine when communication with the system controller is established or has been lost. The blood pump can retrieve one or several back-up parameters when communication with the system controller has been lost, and can operate according to these back-up parameters.