Implantable Blood Pump Integrated Controller Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventricular assist devices (VADs) require multiple leads in the percutaneous cable for power and control signals, increasing the risk of infection and reducing reliability due to exposure to electromagnetic interference and wear, while also being bulky and inefficient with external placement of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
Integration of power electronics and controller circuitry within the implantable blood pump, utilizing miniaturized IC chips and wireless communication to reduce the number of leads in the percutaneous cable, with power and communication signals transmitted through a minimal number of leads or wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power electronics and controller are placed outside the blood pump, then the pump structure is simpler, but the number of leads in the percutaneous cable increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power electronics and controller directly into the blood pump housing, merging previously separate external components with the pump assembly. This integration eliminates the need for additional leads in the percutaneous cable while maintaining functional independence of each subsystem, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple leads are used in the percutaneous cable, then power and control signals can be transmitted, but the risk of infection increases and the cable becomes more vulnerable to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal transmission functions into a minimized lead configuration by integrating power electronics and controller within the pump. This merging approach reduces the number of discrete leads required in the percutaneous cable, thereby minimizing infection risks and reducing vulnerability to wear and mechanical damage while maintaining full control and power transmission capabilities.
3Temperature
If electronic components are placed outside the body, then cooling is easier, but temperature shifts are significant and electromagnetic interference affects the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermal management intermediaries such as heat sinks and thermal coupling mechanisms integrated within the pump housing to facilitate heat dissipation from the embedded electronic components. This intermediary approach enables effective cooling while keeping the electronics protected inside the body, simultaneously addressing thermal management requirements and electromagnetic compatibility concerns.
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 solution reduces the risk of infection, improves system reliability, and enhances electromagnetic compatibility by minimizing the number of leads and internalizing electronic components, allowing for a more compact and efficient VAD with reduced exposure to external interference.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic suspension system is used to stabilize one or more degrees of freedom of the rotor. The electric current then flows into the windings in the magnetic bearing to create magnetic force on the rotor.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable blood pump includes motor control circuitry and power electronics circuitry integrated within the implantable pump body. The motor control circuitry and power electronics circuitry is configured to energize and control motor windings to rotate the pump rotor and impeller. Additional control circuitry and power electronics circuitry may be integrated within the pump housing to energize and control magnetic bearings of a magnetic levitation pump. A percutaneous cable coupled between the implantable blood pump and an extracorporeal monitor includes a reduced number of leads to provide power and control signals to the implantable blood pump. Wireless communication between the extracorporeal monitor and the integrated power electronics and control circuitry facilitates the use of a percutaneous cable with as few as two leads for providing power to the implantable pump.