Cardiovascular Emulator Pulsatile Flow for Organ Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures for blood processing and organ preservation face issues due to constant-pressure fluid flow, which can lead to undesirable side effects such as brain disorders, blood clot formation, and limited circulation, differing from the natural heart's flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A cardiovascular emulator system with a fluid circuit and diaphragm-type pressure regulators generating preselected pulsatile waveforms to mimic heart-like flow, including upstream and downstream waveform generators, sensors, and a central control unit to maintain optimal fluid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant-pressure flow is used to circulate blood or organ preservation fluid, then the flow is simple to generate using pumps, but it causes undesirable side effects including brain disorders, blood clot formation, and limited circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsatile flow instead of constant-pressure flow to circulate blood and organ preservation fluid. The system uses a waveform generator to create pressure waves that mimic natural heart function, with adjustable pulse rate, amplitude, and shape parameters. This periodic action eliminates the harmful effects of constant pressure while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control.
2Device complexity
If pump-only flow is used for organ preservation, then the system is simple, but gaseous, fibrinothrombocytic, and fat emboli form which are difficult to remove and can cause organ damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsatile flow generated by the waveform generator creates periodic pressure variations that prevent emboli formation. The changing pressure direction and magnitude during each pulse cycle prevent the accumulation and adhesion of gaseous, fibrinothrombocytic, and fat emboli to organ surfaces, eliminating this harmful effect while adding minimal complexity to the system.
3Ease of operation
If constant-pressure flow is used in bypass procedures, then the equipment is easy to operate, but circulation is limited especially in flow restrictive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsatile flow creates periodic pressure gradients that enhance circulation through flow restrictive areas. The alternating pressure phases promote fluid movement through narrow vessels and capillary beds more effectively than constant pressure, improving circulation efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through electronic waveform control.
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 system effectively reduces organ damage by simulating natural heart flow, minimizing emboli formation, and enhancing organ preservation and circulation, thereby extending the 'shelf life' of transplant organs and reducing complications during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the first reference pressure source comprises: (a) a first electropneumatic transducer coupled to the first pressure regulator; and (b) an electronic controller coupled to the first electropneumatic transducer and programmed to transmit a signal representative of the preselected waveform to the first electropneumatic transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
An organ support apparatus includes: (a) a fluid circuit defining upstream and downstream legs adapted to be connected to an organ to be supported; (b) a circulation pump connected to the fluid circuit for circulating a process fluid through the fluid circuit and the organ; and (c) a first waveform generator connected to the fluid circuit for impressing a preselected pressure waveform on the process fluid.