Inflow Cannula Insertion Device With Inflatable Securing Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inserting cannulas into the heart to assist blood circulation, such as in cases of congestive heart failure, lack precision and cause trauma to heart tissue, and require complex surgical procedures, necessitating an improved insertion device that provides enhanced control and minimizes trauma.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an insertion device with a shaft and a distal tip, featuring a guidewire lumen and a pressurized fluid lumen, and an inflatable member that secures the cannula to the heart tissue, allowing for controlled insertion and minimization of tissue trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional cannula insertion methods are used, then the cannula can be inserted into the heart, but the insertion causes trauma to heart tissue and lacks precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion precisionVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is divided into multiple functional segments: a shaft for insertion, a tip for precise positioning, and an inflatable member for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the tip providing precision and the inflatable member providing secure attachment without excessive trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable member acts as an intermediary between the insertion device and the heart tissue. It provides a controlled interface that secures the cannula to the tissue through inflation, distributing the attachment force and reducing concentrated trauma compared to direct mechanical fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex surgical procedures are used for cannula insertion, then the cannula can be securely placed, but the surgical time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannula placement securityVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is pre-assembled with the cannula and inflatable member in a configured state, allowing the surgeon to insert a complete functional unit rather than assembling components during surgery. This preliminary configuration reduces surgical time while maintaining secure placement through the pre-positioned inflatable member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable member provides self-securing functionality through inflation, automatically attaching the cannula to the heart tissue without requiring complex manual suturing or mechanical fastening procedures. This self-service mechanism simplifies the surgical process and reduces operation time while ensuring reliable placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the insertion device is made more controllable, then the tip location precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetip location controlVSAvoidinsertion device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device exhibits local quality variations: the shaft provides rigid insertion, the tip provides precise positioning control, and the inflatable member provides localized securing. Each segment has optimized properties for its specific function, allowing precise tip location control without requiring the entire device to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables precise and minimally invasive insertion of cannulas into the heart, reducing surgical time and trauma, while allowing for secure engagement and easy removal, facilitating efficient blood flow assistance.

Implementation Method 1

A second one of the lumens is configured to receive a pressurized fluid therein... The inflatable member is movable between a first, deflated configuration and a second, inflated configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10518011B2Systems for establishing supplemental blood flow in the circulatory system

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A blood circulation assist system comprising an inflow cannula having a lumen and an insertion device configured to be received therein and to facilitate insertion of a portion of the inflow cannula into a heart chamber. The insertion device includes a shaft having distal and proximal end portions and a plurality of lumens. A first lumen is configured to receive a guidewire and a second lumen is configured to receive a pressurized fluid. A tip connected to the distal end portion of the shaft is configured for insertion into the heart chamber. The tip has a hollow interior communicating with the first shaft lumen. An inflatable member is coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft and includes a hollow interior in fluid communication with the second shaft lumen. The inflatable member is movable between deflated and inflated configurations for releasably securing the insertion device to the inflow cannula.