Elastomeric Heart Cuff Strain Profiling to Improve Pump Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the proper dynamic strain profile for elastomeric constructs, such as heart cuffs, are challenging, especially when testing in an unloaded condition to ensure accurate material strain characteristics for biologic applications.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine the ideal material dynamic strain characteristics for elastomeric constructs by assessing the strain dynamics in a test platform, allowing for reproduction and validation of material characteristics before biologic use, and customizing heart pump systems to match the specific needs of a deficient heart.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an elastomeric construct is applied to transfer forces to the heart, then pump function is improved, but tissue trauma may occur due to unfavorable strain dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump functionVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying material properties (elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, density) to match the dynamic strain profile of healthy heart tissue. This involves adjusting the elastomeric construct's mechanical parameters so that during systole and diastole, the strain characteristics (magnitude, direction, timing) closely resemble normal cardiac tissue behavior, thereby improving pump function while avoiding tissue trauma through favorable strain dynamics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by creating an elastomeric construct with time-varying strain characteristics that adapt to the cardiac cycle. The material is designed to exhibit different strain responses during systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation), with the strain profile dynamically changing to match the physiological demands of each phase, thus transferring forces effectively without causing tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If strain gauges or imaging scans are used to measure the dynamic strain profile, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain profile measurementVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a simplified physical model or representation of the heart's strain profile that can be measured and analyzed without requiring complex in vivo instrumentation. This involves using surrogate models, computational simulations, or simplified mechanical analogs that replicate the essential strain characteristics, thereby obtaining accurate strain profile data while avoiding the complexity and cost of direct measurement systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the elastomeric construct is customized to match the specific strain profile of a deficient heart, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by customizing specific regions or zones of the elastomeric construct to match the local strain profile characteristics of the deficient heart. Different portions of the construct may have different material properties (varying elastic modulus, thickness, or composition) tailored to the specific anatomical and functional needs of different cardiac regions, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness while managing manufacturing complexity through modular or zoned design approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach enables the development of elastomeric constructs that can effectively transfer mechanical forces to the heart, optimizing pump function while avoiding tissue trauma, and facilitating recovery in both normal and diseased heart states.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric construct with the proper dynamic strain profile for a given application within the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12263332B2Material characteristics ideal for providing either partial or total mechanical support to the failing or arrested heart and method for developing ideal characteristics for underlying cardiac disorders

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 LIFEBRIDGE TECH LLC

AI summary

A system and method for determining the proper dynamic strain profile of an elastomeric construct. The strain characteristics of a deficient heart are determined and compared to the normal strain characteristics of a healthy heart. A construct having elastomeric elements is provided that can expand along multiple axes. In an unloaded condition remote from the deficient heart, the elastomeric elements are pressurized to determine the pressure differential being experienced. Furthermore, optimal strain characteristics are calculated along a first axis and a second axis as a function of the pressure differential. The first optimal strain characteristic and the second optimal strain characteristic are used to estimate the dynamic strain characteristics that will be applied to the heart. The dynamic strain characteristics are compared to the optimal strain characteristics required by the heart to determine if the construct is proper using an automated drive.