Cardiac Output Support Apparatus with Segmented Expansion Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting cardiac output in myocardial infarction patients require invasive thoracotomy, imposing a heavy physical burden and risking complications such as blood clots and ischemia.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac output support apparatus featuring a flexible diaphragm with compression balloons positioned opposite the heart's atriums and ventricles, driven by gas pressure and fluid ejection/absorption mechanisms, allowing for reduced chest incision length and independent control of cardiac output and cycles based on arterial blood measurement and cardiac condition detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Percutaneous Cardiopulmonary Support device is attached via surgical operation, then blood flow can be resumed, but complications such as shortage of auxiliary flow rate, blood clots, and lower extremity ischemia are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the chest wall into multiple regions using separate expansion pockets (first expansion pocket for left ventricle, second expansion pocket for right ventricle) that can be independently controlled, allowing localized compression without requiring full chest opening and reducing systemic complications
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary confined structure with expansion pockets that mediates between the external compressor and the heart, distributing compression forces through the chest wall to avoid direct invasive contact and reduce complications
2Power
If open chest cardiac massage is performed, then high cardiac output effect is achieved, but considerable skills regarding power adjustment and cardiac output cycles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates independent control mechanisms for each expansion pocket that automatically adjust compression parameters, allowing the system to self-regulate cardiac output without requiring skilled manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses dynamically controllable expansion pockets with independent pressure control, enabling adaptive compression forces that automatically adjust to cardiac cycles without requiring manual skill intervention
3Ease of operation
If a confined structure surrounding the heart is used, then the heart can be compressed, but a thoracotomy is required to locate the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The confined structure is segmented into multiple independent expansion pockets that can be accessed through smaller incisions, eliminating the need for a single large thoracotomy while maintaining the ability to compress different heart regions
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from requiring a single large incision approach to multiple smaller incisions distributed across the chest wall, changing the spatial dimension of access to reduce overall trauma
4Force
If the outer shell is brought into close contact with the heart, then the heart can be compressed effectively, but the chest must be opened along the length equal to or longer than the width of the heart
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system is divided into multiple localized expansion pockets that can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing effective heart compression through several smaller access points rather than one large incision
Solution Approach 2:
Each expansion pocket provides localized compression force at specific heart regions, concentrating the necessary compression force in small areas rather than requiring widespread chest access
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
Significantly reduces the physical burden on patients by minimizing chest incision length and ensuring effective cardiac support without invasive surgery, preventing peripheral compression and maintaining optimal blood circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm whose size is set to fit an external shape of a lower heart part of a target person and which is composed of a flexible membrane that is responsive to a gas pressure; a first drive unit that is driven to press gas into the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of compression balloons which are pasted at specified positions of an inner wall surface of the diaphragm so that the compression balloons are positioned opposite atriums and ventricles of a heart, respectively; a second drive units that are driven to eject or absorb a fluid to or from the compression balloons
Data Source
AI summary
A first drive unit, in a state where a top end of a tubular joint is interposed into a chest of a target person and is located at a lower heart part, pushes a diaphragm out from the top end of the tubular joint while pressing a gas into the diaphragm, and simultaneously causes the diaphragm to start flexing to cover and wrap the lower heart part, and then stops pressing the gas into the diaphragm at a time point where compression balloons are positioned at atriums and ventricles of a heart, respectively; and second drive units support a pumping function of the heart by alternately repeating an ejecting operation to fill each of the compression balloons with a fluid and cause each compression balloon to expand and an absorbing operation to cause each compression balloon to discharge the fluid and contract.