Catheter Pump Filter Membrane for Particle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical circulatory support devices for heart failure, such as rotary blood pumps, face challenges with high rotational speeds leading to hemolysis, thrombosis, patient discomfort, and fluid ingress, which complicates their minimally-invasive deployment and performance.
Innovation Solution
A catheter pump system with a fluid system and filter membranes to reduce particle ingress and maintain fluid flow, featuring a motor assembly with a stator and rotor configuration, and a guidewire guide tube for minimally-invasive insertion, while preventing fluid entry into the motor and maintaining high blood flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the impeller rotates at higher speeds to increase flow rate, then the flow rate is improved, but the risk of hemolysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rotational speed parameter from high (>15,000 RPM) to low (<3,000 RPM) while maintaining adequate flow rate through alternative design features, thereby reducing hemolysis risk caused by high-speed rotation
2Productivity
If the impeller rotates at higher speeds to increase flow rate, then the flow rate is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the rotational speed parameter from high (>15,000 RPM) to low (<3,000 RPM), which directly decreases vibration and noise levels while maintaining adequate blood flow through optimized pump design
3Productivity
If the driveshaft rotates at high speeds to maintain flow rate, then the flow rate is preserved, but friction increases causing particles to enter the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the driveshaft rotational speed from high (>15,000 RPM) to low (<3,000 RPM), which decreases friction between the driveshaft and surrounding fluid, thereby reducing particle generation and the risk of thrombosis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the driveshaft component entirely by implementing a direct-drive motor design where the motor rotates the impeller directly without an intermediate driveshaft, eliminating the source of friction-induced particle generation
4Temperature
If the motor is exposed to fluid for cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but fluid may enter the motor and damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a semipermeable membrane as a selective barrier that allows heat transfer from the motor to the surrounding fluid while preventing fluid ingress into the motor, thus maintaining both heat dissipation and motor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The semipermeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the motor and the fluid, enabling thermal energy transfer while blocking fluid molecules from reaching and damaging the motor components
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 catheter pump system effectively supports heart function with reduced risk of adverse events, improved performance, and enhanced patient comfort by minimizing hemolysis and thrombosis risks, while ensuring reliable fluid flow and motor operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one filter membrane configured to reduce an amount of particles within the fluid of the fluid system and preserve fluid flow within 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 includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate body extending therebetween, and the elongate body defines 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 and preserve fluid flow within the fluid system.