Catheter Pump Filter Membrane for Particle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical circulatory support devices for heart failure face challenges such as high risk of hemolysis, thrombosis, and patient discomfort due to high rotational speeds, and issues with fluid ingress damaging the pump components.
Innovation Solution
A catheter pump system with a fluid system and filter membranes to reduce particle contamination and protect against fluid ingress, featuring a motor assembly with a flow diverter and seals to prevent fluid contact with the motor, and an expandable impeller assembly for high flow rates with reduced risk of adverse events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the impeller rotates at higher speeds to increase flow rate, then the blood flow rate is improved, but the risk of hemolysis and thrombosis increases
Solution Approach 1:
A filter membrane is introduced as an intermediary component between the high-speed impeller and the blood flow path. The filter membrane captures and removes particles generated during high-speed rotation, preventing them from causing hemolysis or thrombosis while allowing the impeller to maintain high rotational speeds for adequate blood flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful particles generated during high-speed impeller rotation are extracted from the blood flow through the filter membrane. This removes the harmful factors (particles causing hemolysis and thrombosis) while preserving the beneficial function of high-flow rate pumping.
2Productivity
If the impeller rotates at higher speeds to increase flow rate, then the blood flow rate is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The filter membrane acts as a mediator that allows high-speed rotation to maintain flow rate while capturing particles that would otherwise cause vibration and noise, thereby improving patient comfort during high-performance operation.
3Temperature
If fluids enter the motor to cool it, then the motor temperature is reduced, but the motor and pump operation are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct fluid pathways: a first lumen for delivering cooling fluid to the motor and a second lumen for receiving pumped blood. This segmentation prevents mixing of cooling fluid with blood while maintaining both cooling function and pump operation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented lumens act as intermediaries that separate the cooling fluid flow from the blood flow, allowing the motor to be cooled without compromising pump operation or causing fluid contamination.
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 system achieves high blood flow rates with reduced risk of hemolysis and thrombosis, improved patient comfort, and enhanced pump performance by preventing fluid ingress and managing heat and particle generation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one filter membrane configured to reduce an amount of particles within the fluid of the fluid system
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter pump system is provided herein. The catheter pump system includes a catheter pump, a fluid system located within the catheter pump, and at least one filter membrane. The catheter pump has a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate body extending therebetween, and the elongate body defining at least an inner lumen. The fluid system is configured to pressurize the catheter pump with fluid. The at least one filter membrane is configured to reduce an amount of particles within the fluid of the fluid system.