Collapsible Intra-lumen Cardiac Assist Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circulatory assistance devices do not efficiently mimic the natural function of the heart, lacking the efficiency of natural cardiac motion in displacing blood volume.
Innovation Solution
An intra-lumen cardiac assist device with a chamber that alternately collapses and expands to vary its internal volume, mimicking the heart's movement by using a deformable support structure and actuation system to direct fluid flow through a narrow outlet opening, thereby providing circulatory assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a displacement device is used to dispose residual blood volume from the heart lumen, then blood can be displaced from the chamber, but the device does not provide the efficiency of natural cardiac motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating an artificial chamber that replicates the geometry and motion characteristics of a natural heart chamber. The deformable wall with its specific curvature and collapse pattern copies the physiological behavior of cardiac muscle, enabling the device to mimic natural cardiac motion while maintaining high blood displacement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the internal volume of the chamber through controlled deformation of its wall. The chamber transitions between expanded and collapsed states, changing volume parameters to create the pumping action that efficiently displaces blood while replicating natural cardiac function.
2Strength
If a stiff wall strengthening portion is used to engage the heart wall, then structural support is provided, but the device loses the flexibility needed for natural cardiac motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing structural support only where needed - the stiff wall strengthening portion is positioned to engage the heart wall and provide anchoring, while the majority of the chamber wall remains deformable. This localized approach maintains both structural integrity and the flexibility required for natural cardiac motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the chamber wall into distinct functional zones: a stiffened portion for structural support and engagement with the heart wall, and a deformable portion for volume change and blood pumping. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
3Productivity
If an inflatable dynamic member is used to assist pumping action, then circulatory assistance is provided, but the device cannot efficiently mimic natural cardiac motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using a deformable chamber wall that can dynamically change shape and volume. This flexible structure allows the chamber to collapse and expand in a manner that closely replicates natural cardiac motion, providing efficient blood pumping while maintaining physiological fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a chamber with a deformable wall that can dynamically adjust its volume and shape in response to pressure changes. The wall transitions between different states of expansion and collapse, enabling the device to provide circulatory assistance while efficiently mimicking the dynamic nature of natural cardiac motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A heart support device for circulatory assistance is disclosed. The device (2) comprises a chamber body (4) comprising an outer wall and defining an internal volume (Vx) configured to receive a volume of fluid. The chamber body (4) comprises an outlet opening (8) at its proximal end (4a), the outlet opening (8) being in fluid communication with an exterior volume in which the chamber body (4) is disposed. The outer wall of the chamber body (4) is configured to alternately collapse and expand between a first configuration in which the internal volume Vx=V1 and a second configuration in which the internal volume Vx=V2, wherein Vi is larger than V2, and thereby pump the fluid through the outlet opening (8). The cross-sectional internal diameter of the outlet opening (8) is less than a maximum cross-sectional internal diameter of the chamber body (4).