Heart Closing Device with Integrated Sensors and Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current closing devices for heart openings lack integrated sensors and actuators to monitor and respond to physiological parameters, limiting their functionality in managing cardiac health post-pump removal.

Innovation Solution

A closing device with a ring that can be fastened to heart tissue, featuring a closing element with integrated sensors for pressure and voltage signal detection, and actuators for energy transmission, connected to monitoring or control devices via wired or wireless communication, and an energy storage element for powering these components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a closing device is used to close the opening in the heart, then the opening is sealed and cardiac function is supported, but the device lacks integrated sensors and actuators to monitor and respond to physiological parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (closing element, sensors for pressure and voltage detection, actuators for energy transmission, and communication interfaces) into a single integrated closing device. This merging approach enables the device to simultaneously perform mechanical closing, physiological monitoring, and therapeutic intervention functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced versatility and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing device is designed as a multi-functional universal platform that can perform various functions: mechanical closing of the opening, pressure monitoring, electrical signal detection, energy transmission for cardiac stimulation, and wireless communication. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple separate devices, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If sensors and actuators are integrated into the closing element, then continuous monitoring and real-time intervention are enabled, but the device requires energy storage and power management components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an energy storage element that is pre-charged before use, enabling continuous operation of sensors and actuators without requiring external power sources during implantation. This preliminary energy storage approach ensures reliable continuous monitoring and intervention capabilities while minimizing the need for complex power management during the critical post-implantation period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the closing element is inserted into the ring opening to close the heart opening, then the opening is sealed, but additional components require sufficient space and proper positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the closing element is inserted into the ring opening, and additional components (sensors, actuators, electronics) are integrated within or around the closing element itself. This nesting approach minimizes the overall device volume by utilizing the existing structural space rather than adding separate external components, thereby maintaining reliable sealing function while constraining device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables continuous monitoring of heart pressures and electrical signals, allowing for real-time data processing and potential interventions, such as energy pulses to the cardiac muscle, enhancing post-pump management and cardiac health monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

designed for detecting a time-dependent pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

at least one sensor integrated into the closing element is designed for detecting a time-dependent voltage signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage signal detection:

Implementation Method 3

at least one actuator integrated into the closing element is designed for acting with an energy pulse on the cardiac muscle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11793502B2Closing device for an opening in the heart of a patient

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 BERLIN HEART GMBH

AI summary

A closing device is provided for an opening in the heart of a patient, the closing device comprising a ring, which can be fastened to the body tissue of the heart in the region of the opening. The ring has a ring opening. The closing device further comprises a closing element, which can be inserted into the ring opening in order to close the ring opening. Furthermore, the closing element can have at least two integrated sensors. The elements provided in or on the closing element can be connected to and can interact with monitoring and control devices in different ways.