Cardiac Assist Device with Segmented Chambers and Pressure Accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heart support devices lack the precision and adaptability to effectively simulate the natural pumping movement of the heart and provide individualized support to damaged sections, often relying on simpler control systems and flexible cuffs that do not provide targeted pressure.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac assist device with multiple inflatable and deflatable chambers connected in parallel, each with its own inflow and outflow valves, a pressure accumulator, and a pump system that allows for independent control of chamber filling and emptying, enabling precise simulation of the heart's pumping movement and adaptation to different stress situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple independently controllable chambers with individual inflow valves are used, then the precision of heart support and ability to simulate natural pumping movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support component is divided into multiple adjacent inflatable chambers (first, second, third, and fourth chambers) that can be controlled independently. Each chamber has its own inflow valve arrangement, allowing separate control of inflation and deflation timing. This segmentation enables precise simulation of natural heart pumping movements by addressing different regions of the heart with customized pressure profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the inflation and deflation timing of individual chambers to simulate the complex, varying pumping movements of the heart under different stress conditions. The controller modifies pressure curves and timing sequences in real-time based on detected heart conditions, making the support adaptive rather than static.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a pressure accumulator is introduced in the fluid circuit, then pressure drops are prevented and pump operation at lower power is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure accumulator is pre-filled with pressurized fluid before the pump operates. This preliminary storage of pressurized fluid allows the pump to draw from the accumulator during periods when chamber inflation is not needed, enabling the pump to operate at lower power levels during these periods while maintaining sufficient pressure for rapid chamber inflation when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual inflow valves are assigned to each chamber for independent control, then the adaptability to different stress situations and damaged sections is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each chamber is equipped with its own inflow valve arrangement, enabling localized control of pressure application to specific regions of the heart. This allows the system to adapt to different stress situations and damaged sections by selectively inflating and deflating specific chambers with customized timing sequences, rather than applying uniform pressure to all chambers simultaneously.
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 device provides precise and individualized support to the heart, simulating natural pumping movements and adapting to various stress conditions, while minimizing energy consumption and preventing pressure drops, thus enhancing heart function and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
At least one pressure accumulator, into which the pump feeds pressurized fluid, is arranged on the inflow side between the pump and the chambers
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of upstream inflow valves are arranged between the pump and the chambers
Implementation Method 3
the pump feeds pressurized fluid into the pressure accumulator... the pump can be operated continuously at lower power
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cardiac assistance device having a supporting component (14) which surrounds the heart and on the inside of which a plurality of adjacent inflatable and deflatable chambers (126, 226, 326) are provided, via which an inside wall can be displaced inward, the chambers (126, 226, 326) having a fluidic connection to at least one pump (80) via lines. A plurality of supply valves on the supply side are arranged between the pump (80) and the chambers (126, 226, 326). At least individual chambers (126, 226, 326) or groups of chambers (126, 226, 326) are assigned dedicated supply valves, in order to drive the chambers (126, 226, 326) independently individually or in groups.