3D Printed Heart Model With Elastic Compression Sac
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printed heart models are static and do not accurately simulate the changes in ventricular volumes during systole and diastole, failing to account for the dynamic nature of ventricular geometry and its impact on the valvular apparatus and papillary muscles.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printed heart model with a systolic delimiting cage and an elastic compression sac is integrated into a fluid-filled pulsatile flow loop system, where the sac is inflated and deflated to simulate the contraction and expansion of the ventricle, mimicking the physiological changes during cardiac cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a static 3D printed heart model is used, then the model structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot simulate the dynamic changes in ventricular volumes during systole and diastole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static 3D printed heart model into a dynamic system by introducing a compression sac that can change volume. The sac is inflated and deflated to simulate ventricular contraction and relaxation, enabling the model to replicate the dynamic volume changes that occur during cardiac cycles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a compression sac connected to a fluid reservoir system to simulate ventricular pressure changes. By controlling fluid flow into and out of the sac, the system replicates the pressure-volume relationships of the heart during systole and diastole, adding functional dynamics without requiring complex mechanical actuation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If fluid is directionally pushed through the static model, then fluid flow can be demonstrated, but it does not account for changes in ventricular geometry affecting valvular apparatus and papillary muscles
Solution Approach 1:
The compression sac dynamically changes volume to replicate ventricular geometry changes during the cardiac cycle. This enables realistic interaction with the valvular apparatus and papillary muscles, as these structures respond naturally to the volume changes, improving the reliability of the simulation without requiring active control mechanisms for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the valvular apparatus and papillary muscles to respond passively to the volume changes induced by the compression sac. The anatomical structures self-adjust based on the simulated ventricular geometry changes, eliminating the need for complex active control systems while maintaining physiological accuracy.
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 solution allows for a more realistic simulation of cardiac function, enabling the simulation of blood flow through the heart model that accurately replicates systolic and diastolic phases, improving the representation of ventricular contractility and valvular dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
A pulsatile flow pump, connected through external tubes and valves, can serve as a hydrodynamic driver for inflow and outflow into and out of the compression sac. It can push a solution through a tubing system to distend the compression sac.
Implementation Method 2
an elastic compression sac positioned between the systolic delimiting cage and the ventricular wall of the printed anatomical model
Implementation Method 3
A pulsatile flow pump, connected through external tubes and valves, can serve as a hydrodynamic driver for inflow and outflow into and out of the compression sac.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a 3D printed heart model with simulated cardiac stroke volumes. It involves an inner membrane conforming to the shape of the inner lining of the ventricle. This results in the creation of a compression pouch with a potential space (compression sac) bordered by the inner surface of the simulated ventricle and the outer surface of the inner membrane. The inner membrane also defines a neo-ventricular chamber that is in contact with blood simulating fluid. A pulsatile flow pump can serve as a hydrodynamic driver for inflow and outflow into and out of the compression sac. This can exert a concentric force that compresses the inner sac and displaces the simulated blood residing in the neo ventricular cavity simulating systole. The fluid can then return back from the compression sac to the pump allowing the neo-ventricle to distend to accommodate returning simulated blood from the atrium simulating diastole.