Disposable Purging Device for Air Bubble Removal in Blood Pump Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting cannulae to cardiac circulatory support devices are complex and inefficient, particularly in purging air bubbles and preventing air entry during surgical procedures, which can lead to serious complications such as air embolisms.
Innovation Solution
A disposable purging device (DIP) is introduced, which connects cannulae to cardiac circulatory support devices, allowing for the expulsion of air bubbles and preventing air entry by using a device body with a semi-closed flexible ring and an external conduit for air outlet, facilitating the connection and purging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used to connect cannulae to cardiac circulatory support devices, then the connection process is complex and time-consuming, but air bubbles may be trapped in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with integrated air vent channels and sealing mechanisms before the connection is made. The air vent pathways are built into the connector structure, allowing air to be automatically directed outward during the connection process, eliminating the need for separate purging equipment or complex manual air removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between the cannulae and the cardiac circulatory support device. It includes integrated air vent channels that serve as intermediary pathways to redirect air bubbles away from the closed circulatory system during the connection process, preventing air embolisms without requiring additional purging devices.
2Productivity
If the connection process is simplified, then the connection time is reduced, but air bubbles may enter the circulatory system
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs the air venting function automatically as part of the connection process itself. When cannulae are inserted into the connector, the air vent channels automatically direct any trapped air outward through the connector's external structure, eliminating the need for separate air removal steps and enabling rapid connection without increasing air embolism risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The air venting function is extracted from the main circulatory system and integrated into the connector structure. The air vent channels provide dedicated pathways that separate air removal from the blood flow path, allowing air to be extracted and vented externally while blood continues to flow safely through the closed system.
3Reliability
If traditional purging methods are used, then air bubbles can be removed, but the process requires additional equipment and time
Solution Approach 1:
The air venting function is merged with the connection function in a single integrated connector component. The connector simultaneously performs both the mechanical connection of cannulae to the device and the air venting operations through its integrated channels and sealing mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate purging equipment and reducing the overall time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical connection, sealing, and air venting capabilities. This universal connector handles multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices, including the cannula connection, fluid sealing, and air bubble redirection, all within a single component.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device ("VAD") or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The apparatus and the method prevent air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.