ECMO Cannulation Simulator With Pulsatile Vascular Access Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

There are no effective techniques or simulations for medical professionals to learn how to properly insert cannulas percutaneously for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) procedures, as the procedure for initiating ECMO is not well understood, and accessing arteries and veins is challenging due to lack of visual clues and proximity issues.

Innovation Solution

A simulator is developed to approximate patient vasculature, incorporating pulsatile conduits and obstructions to mimic the experience of accessing arteries and veins, allowing for training with ultrasound guidance and tactile feedback to locate access points accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct visual access to arteries and veins is provided in training models, then ease of operation is improved, but realism is worsened because actual clinical procedures lack visual clues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessing vasculatureVSAvoidrealism of training simulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a realistic copy of human skin tissue that obscures visual access to underlying vasculature, forcing trainees to rely on tactile feedback and ultrasound guidance rather than direct visualization. This copying approach maintains anatomical accuracy while replicating the challenges of actual clinical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces visual detection methods with tactile detection methods by incorporating pulsatile flow mechanisms that allow trainees to locate vessels through touch. This substitution mirrors clinical practice where visual clues are limited and tactile feedback from pulse detection is essential

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If pulsatile flow is added to simulate arterial characteristics, then realism is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of vasculature simulationVSAvoidcomplexity of simulator system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates periodic pulsatile flow into the vascular simulation to replicate the natural rhythm of arterial blood flow. This periodic action creates realistic tactile feedback that helps trainees distinguish arteries from veins and locate access points through pulse detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the simulation system into separate functional modules: pulsatile flow generation, fluid circulation, ultrasound integration, and tactile feedback mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system realism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If ultrasound guidance integration is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of access point locationVSAvoidcomplexity of simulator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ultrasound technology as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the trainee and the underlying vasculature. The ultrasound system provides real-time imaging guidance for cannula insertion while the simulator integrates this technology seamlessly into the training workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the simulator to serve multiple functions: tactile feedback from pulsatile flow, visual guidance from ultrasound imaging, and hands-on practice with cannula insertion. This multi-functionality consolidates several training modalities into a single comprehensive training system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simulator provides a realistic training environment for ECMO procedures, enabling medical professionals to practice cannula insertion with improved accuracy and confidence by simulating the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the human body.

Implementation Method 1

The pump may be configured to supply pulsatile flow to the first conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulsatile flow:

Implementation Method 2

The obstruction may be configured to permit indirect visualization of the conduits through ultrasound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound transmission: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS20260004682A1Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation simulator

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 ECMO PRN LLC

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments include systems and methods for simulating a medical procedure. The simulator may approximate a portion of the body including the vasculature for providing simulation of accessing the vasculature in the medical procedure. The simulator may therefore include any combination of pump(s), conduit(s), reservoir(s), valve(s), body material, coverings, etc.