Heart Inlet Cannula Stabilization for Blood Pump Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coupling an inlet flow cannula to the left ventricle or left atrium for blood pump assistance are invasive, costly, and can cause tissue collapse or kinking, leading to poor efficiency and clot formation due to the delicate anatomy and low pressure in these areas.
Innovation Solution
A tubular member with a support member that transitions between configurations to securely attach to the heart tissue, minimizing movement and deformation, and maintaining continuous contact to prevent clotting and improve blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inlet flow cannula is placed in the left ventricle, then the pumping function can be assisted effectively, but major surgery is required which damages the heart or surrounding tissue and can result in patient death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the left atrium as an intermediary structure to access the pumping function indirectly. Instead of directly cannulating the left ventricle (which causes major surgical damage), the inlet flow cannula is positioned in the left atrium, which has thinner walls and lower surgical risk, while still achieving effective blood flow assistance through the ventricle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the surgical approach by separating the cannulation site (left atrium) from the target pumping chamber (left ventricle). This allows the inlet flow cannula to be positioned in a more accessible location with thinner walls, reducing surgical complexity and risk while maintaining pumping effectiveness
2Device complexity
If the inlet flow cannula is placed in the left atrium, then surgical complexity and risk are reduced, but the thin walls and low pressure can cause tissue collapse into the atrium, obstructing the cannula and kinking veins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the inlet flow cannula to engage with the left atrial wall in a manner that provides structural support. The cannula's positioning and design create a cushioning effect that prevents the thin atrial wall from collapsing inward during the low-pressure filling phase, maintaining cannula patency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the inlet flow cannula with specific engagement features that interact with the local anatomy of the left atrium. The cannula is positioned to engage the atrial wall at specific locations where it can provide localized support to prevent collapse, while maintaining flexibility elsewhere in the structure
3Productivity
If the inlet flow cannula draws blood through the left ventricle, then pumping assistance is provided, but negative pressure causes the ventricular wall to collapse, obstructing the cannula and veins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the left atrium as an intermediary to avoid direct negative pressure application to the left ventricular wall. By positioning the inlet flow cannula in the left atrium, the negative pressure is applied to the atrial wall (which has lower structural integrity but is less critical) rather than the ventricular wall, preventing ventricular collapse and cannula obstruction while maintaining blood flow productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a tubular member defining a lumen and a channel, and a support member. The tubular member has a connection portion configured to be coupled to an organ wall. An outer edge of the connection portion is configured to contact a first portion of an inner surface of the wall when the connection portion is in an expanded configuration such that an interior volume of the organ is in fluid communication with the lumen. The support member is movably disposed within the channel and is configured to minimize movement of the wall relative to the tubular member. An end portion of the support member is disposed within the channel when the support member is in a first configuration. The end portion of the support member configured to contact a second portion of the inner surface of the wall when the support member is in a second configuration.