Catheter Pump Sheath Interface for Flexible-Rigid Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical circulatory support devices, such as intra-aortic balloon pumps and rotary blood pumps, face challenges in providing reliable and efficient percutaneous delivery due to the need for robust connections between motor and impeller components, especially under dynamic loads, and require a compact form factor for minimally-invasive deployment.
Innovation Solution
A catheter pump assembly with a flexible proximal body and a rigid distal segment secured by a robust mechanical interface, featuring a tubular interface with transverse channels and mechanical interfaces, including a deflectable member and welds, to ensure secure coupling and high performance under dynamic loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible catheter body is used to allow free movement and percutaneous delivery, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but connection reliability and mechanical strength deteriorate under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter body is constructed as a flexible assembly with a flexible proximal body and a distal body that can move relative to each other, allowing the pump components to move freely while maintaining connection reliability through a robust mechanical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter body is divided into separate segments (flexible proximal body and distal body) that can move independently, with a mechanical interface that maintains reliable connection while permitting necessary movement under dynamic loads
2Reliability
If a robust mechanical interface is implemented to secure connections under dynamic loads, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing controlled movement between catheter segments while maintaining secure connection, reducing complexity compared to a fully rigid robust interface
3Ease of operation
If a compact form factor is used for percutaneous delivery, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface features a distal portion of the flexible proximal body that fits within or engages with the distal body, creating a nested arrangement that maintains compact dimensions while providing secure connection
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 assembly allows for high flow rates and reliable operation up to 30,000 RPM, with secure connections that prevent damage and disconnection, facilitating percutaneous delivery and deployment in emergency medicine and non-surgical settings.
Implementation Method 1
The distal portion of the flexible proximal body can be fitted with a device or structure providing an interface that mechanically engages the flexible proximal body and that can be directly joined, e.g. welded, to a structure to which a load is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A method of coupling components of a catheter pump assembly includes providing an elongate polymeric tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, and also providing a metallic tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The method further includes positioning a mechanical interface having a first interface zone and a second interface zone such that the first interface zone is disposed over a portion of the elongate polymeric tubular body adjacent to the distal end thereof. The method also includes flowing the polymer into the first interface zone, whereby the elongate polymeric tubular body becomes joined with the first interface zone of the mechanical interface, and coupling the metallic tubular body with the second interface zone of the mechanical interface.