Implantable Blood Pump Power Supply With Redundant Energy Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventricular assist devices (VADs) face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to bulky and cumbersome power systems, which can compromise patient safety by risking insufficient power supply.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a redundant power pathway system with an implantable power supply that includes multiple energy storage components and a voltage converter, allowing for parallel and series configurations, along with a non-implantable charger for transcutaneous energy transfer, to enhance power efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a VAD is connected to batteries or power grid via external power systems, then reliable power supply is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from external power systems and places it within the implantable device through integrated capacitors. This allows the device to store sufficient energy internally, eliminating the need for bulky external batteries while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device incorporates multiple functions including power storage, power management, and pump operation control within a single integrated system. The controller manages both the DC-DC converter for voltage regulation and the capacitive energy storage, reducing the need for separate external power management components.
2Power
If traditional power transfer methods are used, then power delivery is achieved, but energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional inductive or electromagnetic power transfer mechanisms with direct capacitive coupling through a DC-DC converter. This solid-state power transfer method eliminates energy losses associated with magnetic field generation and induction, achieving superior energy efficiency while maintaining adequate power delivery to the implantable pump.
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 system improves power transfer efficiency and reliability, ensuring consistent operation of implantable blood pumps, reducing the risk of power failure and enhancing patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter that can convert from a first voltage to a second voltage
Implementation Method 2
an implantable power supply that includes multiple energy storage components
Implementation Method 3
a non-implantable charger that can supply electrical power to the implantable power supply, for example via transcutaneous energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for a mechanical circulatory support system are disclosed herein. An implantable power supply can be part of a mechanical circulatory support system. The implantable power supply can include one or several energy storage components, a power source, a voltage converter, and an output bus. Power can be provided to the voltage converter from one or both of the power source and the first energy storage component. The voltage converter can convert the voltage of the power from a first voltage to a second voltage and can power the output bus.