Cardiac Assist Flow Control Using Native Output Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac assist devices lack the ability to continuously measure native cardiac output during recovery, leading to prolonged weaning processes and increased risks for patients, as they rely on static pump flow settings and subjective clinical assessments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with sensors implanted in patients to measure native volume and pressure of the heart, using admittance-based measurements to dynamically adjust pump speed and monitor heart performance, thereby enabling real-time feedback and automatic adjustment of cardiac assist device flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static pump flow settings are used for cardiac assist devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but patient recovery time is prolonged and weaning cannot be dynamically optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pump flow adjustment by continuously measuring native cardiac output and automatically modifying pump settings based on real-time heart function, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to optimize recovery speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor native volume and pressure, the processor analyzes this data to determine native cardiac output, and the pump automatically adjusts flow based on this feedback, enabling adaptive optimization of patient recovery
2Reliability
If continuous native cardiac output measurement is implemented, then weaning process is optimized and patient risks are reduced, but device complexity and measurement challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cardiac assist device performs self-monitoring by incorporating sensors that continuously measure native volume and pressure within the device itself, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment and enabling autonomous adjustment of pump parameters to ensure patient safety
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions including pumping, sensing, measuring, processing, and automatic control within a single system, allowing it to simultaneously provide mechanical support and monitor native heart function to optimize weaning while maintaining patient safety
3Measurement precision
If admittance-based measurements are used to measure native volume, then continuous real-time monitoring is achieved, but signal interference from pump operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the pumping function by using separate sensing electrodes and signal processing circuits that are electrically isolated from the pump motor, allowing admittance measurements to be taken without interference from pump-generated electrical signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary signal processing approach where the processor selectively filters and distinguishes between pump-generated signals and true cardiac admittance signals, enabling accurate measurement of native volume despite the presence of pump operation
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
Enables continuous, real-time measurement of native cardiac output, facilitating optimal weaning of cardiac assist devices and improving patient recovery by ensuring appropriate pump speed adjustments based on native heart function, reducing complications and hospital stays.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor(s) in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart
Implementation Method 2
The sensor(s) in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which monitors the heart based on impedance while the cardiac assist device is in operation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a heart of a patient having a cardiac assist device adapted to be implanted into the patient to assist the heart with pumping blood. The apparatus has a sensor adapted to be implanted into the patient. The sensor in communication with the cardiac assist device and the heart which measures native volume of the heart. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on admittance while the cardiac assist device. Alternatively, the sensor monitors the heart based on impedance.