Blood Pump System for Persistent Vessel Diameter Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for increasing the diameter of veins and arteries are limited, often involving mechanical dilation that can cause injury, and there is a need for a cost-effective system to permanently and persistently enlarge peripheral veins and arteries for vascular access in patients with conditions like CKD.
Innovation Solution
A blood pump system comprising a pump, conduits, a control unit, and a power source, which increases blood flow to elevate wall shear stress on the endothelium of veins or arteries, triggering a persistent enlargement of the vessel diameter through mechanical means and biological response pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If mechanical dilation methods are used to increase vessel diameter, then the vessel diameter can be increased, but the risk of vessel injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dilation systems with a blood pump system that uses controlled blood flow to apply mechanical stress to the vessel wall. The pump delivers blood at controlled rates through a catheter to the target vessel, creating sustained shear stress that promotes vessel enlargement without direct mechanical contact or forceful dilation, thereby reducing injury risk while achieving diameter increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of blood flow rate to control the mechanical stress applied to the vessel wall. By adjusting the blood flow rate through the catheter, the system can modulate the shear stress on the endothelium to promote vessel remodeling and diameter increase without exceeding safe thresholds that would cause injury
2Ease of operation
If traditional vascular access methods are used, then immediate access is achieved, but the vessels require adequate initial diameter which limits patient eligibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the blood pump system to enlarge the vessel diameter before establishing permanent vascular access. The pump is temporarily positioned in the target vessel and operated to increase its diameter over time, preparing the vessel for subsequent AVF creation or other access methods in patients who would otherwise be ineligible due to small vessel size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the patient's own blood flow, when controlled through the pump, to perform the vessel enlargement function. The system uses the patient's circulatory system to generate the mechanical stress needed for vessel remodeling, eliminating the need for external mechanical dilation devices or procedures
3Length of stationary object
If current vessel enlargement methods are used, then some diameter increase can be achieved, but the results are not persistent or permanent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by operating the blood pump continuously or over extended periods to deliver sustained controlled blood flow to the target vessel. This continuous application of shear stress promotes ongoing endothelial response and vessel remodeling, leading to persistent and permanent diameter increase rather than temporary effects
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 effectively and persistently increases the overall diameter and lumen diameter of veins and arteries, enhancing vascular access options for hemodialysis and other surgical procedures, while minimizing the risk of injury and being more cost-effective than existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
increases blood flow to elevate wall shear stress on the endothelium of veins or arteries
Data Source
AI summary
A blood pump system for persistently increasing the overall diameter and lumen diameter of peripheral veins and arteries by persistently increasing the speed of blood and the wall shear stress in a peripheral vein or artery for a period of time sufficient to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vessel is provided. The blood pump system includes a blood pump, blood conduit(s), a control system with optional sensors, and a power source. The pump system is configured to connect to the vascular system in a patient and pump blood at a desired rate and pulsatility. The pumping of blood is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired elevated blood speed, wall shear stress, and desired pulsatility in the target vessel to optimize the rate and extent of persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the target vessel.