Cannula Conical Tip and Valve Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cannulas do not effectively manage fluid velocity and perfusion distribution, particularly in arterial applications, leading to inefficiencies in blood flow and potential supply issues for lower extremities during cardiac systole.

Innovation Solution

A cannula design featuring a conically tapered tip with a reduction in inner diameter, accompanied by lateral holes and a valve mechanism, which adjusts flow distribution between the cannula center and lateral holes based on pressure changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the cannula has a uniform diameter throughout its length, then the manufacturing is simple, but the fluid velocity cannot be effectively reduced at the tip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid velocity at tipVSAvoidcannula structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula features a caliber constriction (reduced inner diameter section) located at a specific position between the tip and lateral holes, creating a localized change in flow characteristics. This local modification reduces fluid velocity at the tip without requiring complex changes to the entire cannula structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and velocity control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If all blood flow is directed through the cannula center to the tip, then the tip receives adequate perfusion, but the lower extremities suffer from insufficient blood supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood flow to lower extremitiesVSAvoidblood supply during cardiac systole
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula divides blood flow into two separate paths: flow through the center to the tip, and flow through lateral holes to the lower extremities. The caliber constriction positioned between the lateral holes and tip creates a flow distribution mechanism that ensures both pathways receive adequate blood supply, resolving the contradiction between tip perfusion and lower extremity blood flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The caliber constriction acts as an intermediary element that regulates and distributes flow between the two pathways. By positioning the reduced diameter section between the lateral holes and the tip, it mediates the flow distribution to ensure both the tip and lower extremities receive appropriate blood supply during cardiac systole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cannula lacks a valve mechanism, then the structure remains simple, but flow distribution cannot be adjusted based on pressure changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow distribution adjustmentVSAvoidvalve mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula incorporates a dynamic valve mechanism with flaps that respond to pressure changes. The valve allows flow distribution to be automatically adjusted based on prevailing pressure conditions, enabling the cannula to adapt to varying physiological conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design reduces fluid velocity at the tip, enhances perfusion of lower extremities by redirecting flow through lateral holes, and maintains effective blood supply during cardiac systole by adjusting the valve accordingly.

Implementation Method 1

the caliber constriction (10) between two cannula sections (3, 2) with different diameters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCaliber constriction:

Implementation Method 2

leads to a jet stream at the cannula tip, in the short insertion length or in the reduced diameter cannula area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet stream:

Implementation Method 3

The stronger flow during pump acceleration causes the valve to open. The ratio of relative valve opening to volume flow can be adjusted by positioning and designing the valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven valve operation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

at least one flap has a spring mechanism. This spring mechanism can be achieved by a spring or by the material selection and design of the flaps

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 5

the arrangement of such holes in the cannula ensures perfusion of the lower extremities and reduces afterload

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPerfusion:

Data Source

PatentEP3285845B1Cannula
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 XENIOS AG
  • EP3285845B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP3285845B1 patent drawingFigure 9~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a cannula comprising a tip and an outlet, said cannula having a reduction in the internal diameter, which reduction is designed as a conically tapering tip the end of which has a length that is shorter than the internal diameter of the adjoining portion of the cannula.