Cannulation Simulation Apparatus with Peristaltic Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in providing realistic simulation for cannulation activities, particularly for medical procedures like ECMO, due to difficulties in replicating blood flow and vascular responses effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a pliable surface structure with a tube and a fluid tank simulates blood vessels, allowing for the insertion of a cannula and the simulation of blood flow through the use of a peristaltic pump, which generates pulsatile flow to mimic human vascular responses, and can be connected to an external ECMO pump for realistic training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple static model is used for simulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the realism of blood flow simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a peristaltic pump to generate periodic pulsatile flow that mimics natural blood flow patterns. The pump creates rhythmic contractions and relaxations that produce physiological pulse waves, transforming a static fluid system into a dynamically realistic blood flow simulation without requiring complex mechanical heart models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical heart-lung machine components with a simplified peristaltic pumping system. The mechanical rollers of the peristaltic pump substitute for complex piston-based or diaphragm-based pumping mechanisms, achieving realistic pulsatile flow with fewer moving parts and lower complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a detailed anatomical model is used to replicate blood vessels, then the simulation accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible silicone rubber tubing to simulate blood vessels. These flexible tubes can be easily manipulated, compressed, and accessed by trainees, while still providing realistic vessel-like characteristics such as compliance and collapsibility. The flexibility allows for easy cannula insertion and manipulation without requiring complex rigid anatomical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation apparatus divides the vascular system into discrete, accessible segments of tubing that can be independently manipulated. Each tube segment represents a separate vessel that can be accessed, cannulated, and controlled independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining anatomical realism in the flow dynamics
3Reliability
If pulsatile flow is generated to mimic heart function, then the blood flow simulation realism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical heart-lung machine pumping systems with a peristaltic pump that uses rotating rollers to compress and advance fluid through tubing. This substitution achieves pulsatile flow generation with a simpler, more reliable mechanism that has fewer moving parts, lower maintenance requirements, and reduced overall system complexity while maintaining realistic blood flow characteristics
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
Facilitates realistic simulation of cannulation procedures, including pulsatile flow and ECMO processes, enhancing training accuracy by replicating human vascular responses and blood flow dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a peristaltic pump, which generates pulsatile flow to mimic human vascular responses
Implementation Method 2
Blood flow in the tube below the inner surface of the pliable surface structure is simulated by pumping fluid from the tank, through the tube and back into the tank
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods and/or apparatuses that may facilitate simulation for various cannulation activities. As may be implemented consistent with one or more embodiments herein, an apparatus includes a pliable surface structure having an inner surface and an outer surface, a tube adjacent the inner surface, and a tank configured to hold fluid and to receive fluid exiting from the tube. The tube and pliable surface structure simulate a blood vessel below the inner surface of the pliable surface structure. The tank operates with the tube and the pliable surface to receive a cannula passed through the pliable surface, into the tube and extending into the tank, and facilitates simulated blood flow in the tube below the inner surface of the pliable surface structure via fluid pumped from the tank, through the tube and back into the tank.