Expandable Distal Region for Intravascular Pump Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary LVAD devices face limitations in collapsing and expanding to achieve atraumatic intravascular translation and positioning, with the collapsing and expanding process being restricted by the integrated motor, and they do not optimize blood flow through the inflow region distal to the impeller, which can lead to thrombosis and hemolysis.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an expandable region located distal to the impeller assembly, allowing the housing diameter to remain constant during delivery and rotation, with a flexible non-expandable region surrounding the impeller and an expandable region that can expand to optimize blood flow, using materials like Nitinol or polymers that facilitate expansion and collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the housing diameter is reduced to facilitate intravascular delivery, then the delivery profile is improved, but the blood flow optimization capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates an expandable region that can dynamically change its diameter. During delivery, the housing maintains a smaller diameter profile to facilitate intravascular translation. Upon deployment, the expandable region expands to a larger diameter to optimize blood flow and reduce thrombosis and hemolysis risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into distinct regions: a non-expandable proximal region surrounding the impeller assembly and an expandable distal region. This segmentation allows the proximal region to maintain a constant diameter for stable impeller operation while the distal region expands to optimize blood flow in the inflow area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is made flexible to enable expansion and collapse, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a non-expandable proximal region that provides structural stability for the impeller assembly and an expandable distal region that provides adaptability for blood flow optimization. Each region has distinct mechanical properties suited to its function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the housing have different mechanical properties. The proximal region maintains constant diameter and rigid structure for stable impeller operation, while the distal region has flexible, expandable properties to optimize blood flow. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall stability and local adaptability.
3Productivity
If the expandable region is added distal to the impeller, then the blood flow optimization is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into functional segments: a non-expandable proximal region containing the impeller assembly and an expandable distal region. This segmentation adds blood flow optimization capability while keeping the increase in complexity localized to only the distal region, not the entire device.
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
This configuration enables a lower delivery profile, reduces the risk of thrombosis and hemolysis, and improves blood flow efficiency by maintaining a constant impeller housing diameter, allowing for atraumatic positioning and effective blood pumping.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable region that can expand to optimize blood flow, using materials like Nitinol or polymers that facilitate expansion and collapse
Implementation Method 2
a flexible non-expandable region surrounding the impeller and an expandable region that can expand to optimize blood flow
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention provides an intravascular blood pump comprising an expandable and collapsible region distal to a pump assembly. In some embodiments, the expandable and collapsible region may comprise expandable and collapsible proximal and/or distal transition sections adjacent a central expandable and collapsible region. Support structure, e.g., an expandable and collapsible stent may comprise at least a part of the expandable and collapsible region. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the housing comprises the expandable and collapsible region, wherein an inversion of the distal housing results in a collapsed configuration and eversion of the distal housing results in an expanded configuration.