Implantable Heart Pump Controller Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) with rotary pumps provide durable support but compromise on physiological flow, leading to complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, aortic incompetence, and limited cardiac unloading due to non-physiologic pulseless continuous blood flow, which affects patient quality of life and increases medical costs.
Innovation Solution
An implantable ventricular assist device controller that synchronizes physiological flow with the cardiac cycle, using an ultra-compact microcontroller connected to a heart pump, capable of wireless communication and power transfer, to adjust pump speed based on EKG signals, enabling pulsatile flow that mimics natural heart function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary pumps with single moving part are used, then durability is improved, but physiological flow is compromised leading to pulseless continuous blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a pulsatile flow pattern through the rotary pump. The controller modulates the pump operation to create periodic flow variations that mimic natural cardiac pulsations, transforming the continuous non-physiologic flow into a pulsatile physiologic flow while maintaining the durability benefits of the rotary pump design
2Ease of operation
If transcutaneous driveline is used for power and control, then pump operation is enabled, but driveline-associated infections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful transcutaneous driveline from the system by implementing wireless power and control technologies. The pump is powered inductively through electromagnetic coupling and controlled via wireless communication, completely eliminating the percutaneous connection that serves as an infection pathway while maintaining full operational capability
3Device complexity
If continuous flow is provided, then pump simplicity is maintained, but cardiac unloading is limited and gastrointestinal bleeding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump flow characteristics variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the pump speed and flow pattern in response to physiological conditions, enabling the system to switch between continuous and pulsatile flow modes, and adjust cardiac unloading levels to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding while maintaining operational simplicity
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 controller improves patient outcomes by reducing complications, enhancing cardiac recovery, and increasing the efficiency of blood flow, achieving a 17.54% to 35.49% improvement in flow rate and power efficiency compared to existing systems, while minimizing driveline-related infections and improving quality of life.
Implementation Method 1
The controller further comprises a receiver resonator for wireless energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for control of ventricular assist devices. The invention includes an implantable controller that is operatively programmed to direct physiological flow through a ventricular assist device that is substantially synchronized to the cardiac cycle of the subject. The implantable controller is also communicatively connected to an external control unit, such that the implantable controller can transmit data to the external control unit, and instructions can be sent from the external control unit to the implantable controller.