Implantable Cardiac Output Sensor for Residual Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining cardiac output in patients with implanted cardiac assist systems primarily measure pump volume flow and lack the capability to account for residual cardiac output, especially in minimally invasive and fully implanted systems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support structure with a sensor device that can be anchored in a blood vessel using a stent-like anchoring structure, equipped with sensors for measuring both pump volume flow and residual cardiac output, utilizing thermal anemometry, laser Doppler velocimetry, or ultrasonic elements, and a control device for processing sensor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cardiac assist system is implanted using minimally invasive methods, then the ease of operation and patient recovery are improved, but the ability to accurately measure total cardiac output (including residual cardiac output) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement capabilities (pump volume flow measurement and residual cardiac output measurement) into a single integrated sensor device that is implanted with the cardiac assist system. This merging allows the device to measure both the blood flow generated by the cardiac assist system and the residual cardiac output through the aortic valve, providing total cardiac output measurement without requiring separate measurement systems that would complicate the implantation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both pump volume flow measurement and residual cardiac output measurement through a single implantable unit. The device can detect blood flow characteristics using multiple sensing modalities (such as thermal anemometry or ultrasonic measurement) to simultaneously capture different components of cardiac output, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the implantation process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to measure both pump volume flow and residual cardiac output, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor device that can simultaneously measure pump volume flow and residual cardiac output. By combining the sensing elements, signal processing circuits, and data fusion algorithms into one unified device, the patent achieves comprehensive cardiac output measurement without proportionally increasing device complexity. The single device architecture allows for coordinated operation of multiple sensors and streamlined data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple sensors and processes them to determine total cardiac output. This intermediary component coordinates the data from different sensing modalities, performs necessary calculations, and integrates the measurements in a systematic way, reducing the overall system complexity by providing a centralized processing hub rather than requiring complex direct integration of all sensing functions.
3Reliability
If a support structure with anchoring capability is added to the sensor device, then the reliability of the implant is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure with anchoring capability directly into the sensor device housing, creating a unified implantable unit. The support structure serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical support for the sensor elements and incorporates anchoring features (such as barbs or expansion elements) that secure the entire device in the aorta. This integration eliminates the need for separate anchoring components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical framework for mounting sensors and as an anchoring mechanism for securing the device in the blood vessel. By making the support structure universally functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated anchoring components, thereby reducing device structural complexity while ensuring reliable implant retention.
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 accurate determination of total cardiac output by measuring both pump volume flow and residual cardiac output, facilitating continuous monitoring in minimally invasive and fully implanted cardiac assist systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device can sense the blood stream, for example by means of thermal anemometry
Implementation Method 2
The sensor device can sense the blood stream, for example by means of thermal anemometry or by means of laser Doppler velocimetry
Implementation Method 3
The sensor device can sense the blood stream, for example by means of thermal anemometry or by means of laser Doppler velocimetry or by means of an ultrasonic element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (105) for determining a cardiac output for a cardiac assist system (100), wherein the device (105) comprises a support structure (115) and a sensor device (120). The support structure (115) comprises at least one brace (125) and a connection section (130) for connecting the device (105) to an element (110, 112) of the cardiac assist system (100). The at least one brace (125) is connected to the connection section (130) and can be folded away from the element (110, 112). The sensor device (120) is coupled to the at least one brace (125) and configured to sense a blood stream.