Flexible Cannula Circulatory Support Device for Heart Valve Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circulatory support devices face challenges such as stress on heart valves due to device size, pressure differences between the left ventricle and aorta in case of motor failure, and the need for frequent repositioning due to device movement.
Innovation Solution
A circulatory support device featuring a flexible cannula with a compressible portion to accommodate heart valve closure, a pump assembly with an impeller driven by a motor, and expandable cages to secure the device in place, along with a helical tube for conductor placement, facilitating stable blood flow and device positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid circulatory support device is used, then structural strength is improved, but stress on the heart valve increases and the device requires frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible cannula made of compliant material that can be compressed by the heart valve during closure, replacing the traditional rigid structure. This flexible shell allows the valve to close naturally without excessive stress while maintaining device functionality for blood circulation support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system that adapts to the physiological movements of the heart valve. The compliant cannula dynamically deforms during valve closure and returns to its original shape, enabling continuous operation without repositioning.
2Power
If a large-sized circulatory support device is used, then pump capacity is improved, but stress on the heart valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cannula design allows the device to maintain a larger overall size for adequate pump capacity while the compliant portion at the valve interface can be compressed during closure, eliminating the direct relationship between device size and valve stress that exists with rigid structures.
3Reliability
If a circulatory support device is deployed, then circulatory support function is provided, but device movement occurs requiring repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cannula embeds within the valve tissue structure, creating a stable anchor point that prevents device movement. The compliance of the flexible material allows it to conform to and integrate with the surrounding tissue, improving positional stability while maintaining circulatory support function.
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 device effectively reduces stress on heart valves, mitigates pressure differences, and minimizes the need for repositioning, ensuring stable and continuous circulatory support.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller, driven to rotate by the motor, and configured to push blood toward the fluid outlet
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the flexible cannula is configured to be disposed through an aortic valve opening and is configured to be compressible such that the aortic valve can close on the at least the portion of the flexible cannula
Data Source
AI summary
A circulatory support device includes a flexible cannula having a fluid outlet at a proximal end, and a pump assembly disposed at a distal end of the flexible cannula. The pump assembly includes a pump housing having a fluid inlet defined therein, a motor disposed within a distal end of the housing, and an impeller, driven to rotate by the motor, and configured to push blood toward the fluid outlet. A method of deploying the device to a subject's heart using an insertion manifold that prevents a protective tube from advancing with the device into a delivery shaft, is also disclosed. Pushing the device into and then out of the shaft expands and secures a cage at a location in the vasculature.