Expandable Tip for Percutaneous Circulatory Support Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Percutaneous circulatory support devices, such as blood pumps, face challenges including trauma to vasculature or cardiac tissue and oscillation/migration, leading to decreased performance due to their design and delivery within the heart.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an expandable element, such as a balloon, capable of inflation and deflation, positioned near the distal portion of the cannula to provide an atraumatic tip, allowing for enhanced trackability and reduced risk of damage during navigation through the vasculature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a percutaneous circulatory support device is delivered through the vasculature, then the device can provide circulatory support, but the device may cause trauma to the vasculature or cardiac tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable element acts as an intermediary between the cannula and the vasculature/cardiac tissue. It provides a smooth transition surface that reduces trauma while allowing the cannula to maintain its structural function for blood flow delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable element is positioned at the distal tip of the cannula before delivery, providing cushioning protection to the vasculature and cardiac tissue from the outset during the delivery process through the aorta and into the left ventricle.
2Ease of operation
If the cannula has a small diameter for percutaneous delivery, then the device can be delivered through the vasculature, but the device may oscillate and migrate resulting in decreased performance
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable element transitions from a compressed state during delivery to an expanded state at the destination, dynamically changing its dimensions to provide stability while maintaining deliverability through the vasculature.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable element increases the effective diameter of the cannula tip in the radial dimension after delivery, providing stability and preventing oscillation without compromising the ability to deliver through narrow vasculature in the longitudinal dimension.
3Ease of operation
If the distal tip of the cannula is sharp for easy navigation, then the device can be advanced through the vasculature, but the device may cause trauma to cardiac tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable element is positioned at the distal tip before delivery, providing cushioning protection to the vasculature and cardiac tissue from the outset during the delivery process through the aorta and into the left ventricle.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable element acts as a flexible protective shell at the distal tip, providing a smooth, compliant surface that reduces trauma to cardiac tissue while allowing the cannula to maintain its structural integrity for navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
A percutaneous circulatory support device includes a housing, an impeller disposed within the housing and being rotatable relative to the housing, a cannula coupled to the housing, the cannula extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the cannula positioned opposite the proximal end, an expandable element arranged near the distal portion of the cannula, the expandable element capable of inflation and deflation, and wherein the expandable element is configured for providing an atraumatic portion at the distal portion of the cannula.