Flanged Heart Tissue Blocker for Blood Pump Inlet Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implanted heart devices, such as ventricular assist devices, face complications due to heart tissue or thrombus being drawn into the inlet element, which can block blood flow and cause other issues.
Innovation Solution
A flange member with a radially constricted and expanded configuration, along with a retaining element, is used to protect heart tissue by securing the inlet element of a blood pump, preventing tissue or thrombus from entering and reducing the risk of complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mounting ring is used to secure the inlet element to the heart wall, then the inlet element is fixed in position, but heart tissue or thrombus may be drawn into the inlet element causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
A flange member is introduced as an intermediary component between the inlet element and the heart wall. This flange member includes a retaining element that creates a barrier preventing heart tissue and thrombus from being drawn into the inlet element, while still allowing the inlet element to be securely mounted to the heart wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange member extends radially outward from the inlet element in a direction perpendicular to the blood flow path. This dimensional extension creates a protective barrier that intercepts tissue before it can be drawn into the inlet element, adding a spatial dimension to the protection mechanism.
2Strength
If the mounting ring is tightened to secure the MCSD to the heart, then the device is firmly attached, but tissue may be compressed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: a mounting ring for securement, a flange member for tissue protection, and a retaining element for preventing tissue ingestion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the others, enabling strong attachment while protecting tissue from compression and damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If a separate surgical tool is used to core a hole in the heart, then precise positioning is achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flange member is designed to be integrated with the inlet element assembly, combining multiple functions (mounting, protection, and tissue retention) into a single integrated component structure. This reduces the number of separate surgical steps and tools needed, while maintaining precise positioning capability through the unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for protecting heart tissue from an implanted inlet element of a blood pump. The apparatus includes a flange member having a first radially constricted configuration and a second radially expanded configuration, the flange member being biased in its second radially expanded configuration. The flange member defines an opening there through sized to receiving the inlet element of the blood pump. A retaining element extending from the flange member is included, the retaining element being flexible and sized to be disposed about at least a portion of the inlet element.