Automated Cardiac Massage Device with Dynamic Compressive Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for open-chest cardiac massage are variable, require trained clinicians, and risk iatrogenic injury, lacking the reliability and control provided by automated devices used in closed-chest settings.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered device with dynamic compressive units and barometric pressure sensors that securely seat the heart, allowing for controlled and reproducible compression, with optional support spines and integration with cardioverter defibrillators for real-time pressure modulation and cardiac support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual open-chest cardiac massage is performed by a clinician, then the heart can be compressed to maintain perfusion, but the massage rate and pressure vary depending on the provider, and there is a risk of iatrogenic cardiac injury
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs cardiac massage automatically without requiring continuous clinician operation. The compressive units are actuated by a drive mechanism that cycles them automatically, allowing the device to serve itself once positioned around the heart, thereby eliminating variability and freeing clinician attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical compression by clinician hands is replaced with an automated mechanical system consisting of compressive units with expandable and compressive material actuated by a drive mechanism. This substitution provides consistent, reproducible compression forces without human variability.
2Reliability
If manual open-chest cardiac massage is performed, then perfusion can be maintained during cardiac arrest, but it requires a trained clinician whose complete attention and use of hands must be devoted to the act of open cardiac massage
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously maintains perfusion through automated cycling of the compressive units, freeing the clinician from continuous manual operation. Once the device is positioned and activated, it maintains perfusion independently, allowing the clinician to perform other critical resuscitation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions including cardiac compression, heart positioning via apex member, and potential defibrillation capabilities, providing comprehensive cardiac support in a single automated system that replaces multiple manual interventions.
3Reliability
If closed-chest automated compression devices are used, then compression quality and patient outcomes are improved, but they are designed for use in closed-chest settings where the heart remains enclosed within the intrathoracic cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is specifically designed for the open-chest environment with components tailored to this setting: compressive units that directly contact the exposed heart, an apex member that interfaces with the heart apex, and a structure that fits within the opened thoracic cavity. This local adaptation enables automated compression quality in the open-chest setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including expandable and compressive material in the compressive units that can adapt to heart movement and size variations, and a flexible apex member that modulates to accommodate different heart positions, providing versatility for open-chest applications.
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
Provides reliable, reproducible, and controlled automated cardiac massage, reducing variability and iatrogenic risk, enabling continuous perfusion and allowing clinicians to focus on other critical aspects during resuscitation.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism by which the inner layer expands and decompresses may be hydraulic, pneumatic
Implementation Method 2
Barometric pressure sensors may be incorporated on the inner layer of the compressive unit to measure the contraction (systolic) and filling (diastolic) pressure within the heart
Data Source
AI summary
An automated cardiac massage device has two dynamic, multilayered compressive units oriented to compress the heart using an outer, non-compliant layer which supports an inner layer made of expandable and compressive material configured to contract and expand to facilitate cardiac filling and ejection. The compressive units are attached to a flexible apex member which modulates the shape and position of the two compressive units to provide maximal apposition to the heart while the device remains in use. Barometric pressure sensors may be incorporated on the inner layer of the compressive unit to measure the systolic and filling diastolic pressure within the heart. A third, detachable, phalange arises from the flexible apex member to provide a third station of support for the heart should the configuration of the compressive units require an additional point of support to secure the heart within the apparatus.