Blood Pump Controller Power Saving Mode Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical circulatory support systems, such as implantable blood pumps, face challenges in sustaining operation duration during low power conditions, which can compromise patient safety and the reliability of portable power sources.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a controller to identify power source status and transition from pulsatile pumping to constant speed operation when low power conditions are detected, conserving power and extending the operation duration of implantable blood pumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pulsatile pumping operation is used, then patient safety and circulation effectiveness are improved, but power consumption increases and operation duration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between pulsatile pumping mode and constant speed mode based on power source status. The controller monitors power availability and adjusts the pumping mode in real-time, allowing the blood pump to operate in high-performance pulsatile mode when power is abundant and switch to power-saving constant speed mode when power is limited, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the blood pump by transitioning between different pumping modes. When power source status indicates low power availability, the system changes from pulsatile pumping parameters (variable speed, high flow variation) to constant speed parameters (fixed speed, steady flow), thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate circulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If pulsatile pumping operation is used, then circulation effectiveness is improved, but operation duration during low power conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecirculation effectivenessVSAvoidoperation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic mode switching to adapt to power availability. During sufficient power conditions, the pump operates in pulsatile mode for optimal circulation effectiveness. When power becomes limited, the system dynamically transitions to constant speed mode, extending operation duration while maintaining adequate blood flow to meet patient needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes periodic pulsatile action when power is available, creating artificial pulse waves that enhance circulation effectiveness. When power is limited, the system switches to continuous constant speed operation, eliminating the periodic variations and maintaining a steady, power-efficient blood flow that extends battery life and operation duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If constant speed operation is used, then power consumption is reduced, but circulation effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcirculation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses constant speed operation as a temporary, power-saving state that is acceptable for extended periods when power is limited. While not as effective as pulsatile mode for circulation, it provides adequate blood flow at reduced power consumption, allowing the system to survive on limited power until recharging or power source replacement can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention dynamically selects the appropriate pumping mode based on power availability. Constant speed mode is not permanently detrimental to circulation effectiveness because the system transitions back to pulsatile mode when power is restored. The controller continuously monitors power source status and switches modes accordingly, ensuring circulation effectiveness is optimized when power permits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3131596B1Methods and systems for controlling a blood pump
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 TC1 LLC
  • EP3131596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3131596B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3131596B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to ventricular assist device power monitoring and conservation. In some embodiments, a pump controller may transition the pump to operate in a power-saving operational mode when a power source and/or a power source condition indicate a need to conserve power. In some embodiments, when the power source is an emergency battery and when the emergency battery has powered the pump for an extended period of time, the controller may signal the pump to operate in the power saving- operational mode. In some embodiments, when a low power hazard condition is triggered by signals from one or more external power sources, the controller may signal the pump to transition to the power-saving operational mode if the condition lasts for an extended period of time. In some embodiments, the controller may trigger the power-saving mode when the emergency backup battery is below a voltage threshold.