Implantable Heart Pump Signal Processing for Transcutaneous Line Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable heart pumps require a large number of wires for power and data transmission, increasing the risk of infection and mechanical failure due to the large cross-section of the transcutaneous cable, and limiting the number of sensors that can be connected.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing device is implanted directly with the heart pump to preprocess sensor signals, allowing for transmission via a transcutaneous or percutaneous line, reducing the number of wires needed and providing a backup wireless transmission path for increased reliability, with a switching module to bypass faulty components and ensure critical signals are transmitted directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of wires are used for power and data transmission, then the heart pump can be controlled and monitored, but the risk of infection and mechanical failure increases due to the large cross-section of the transcutaneous cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate wires for power supply and data transmission into a single integrated transcutaneous cable. The control device outside the body integrates multiple communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, ADC) and power transmission functions into one unified interface, reducing the number of separate wires needed while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transcutaneous cable is designed with multi-functionality to handle both power supply and multiple data transmission protocols simultaneously. The control device provides universal communication capabilities through a single interface that can switch between different communication modes as needed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated wires for each function.
2Reliability
If a large number of wires are used for power and data transmission, then the heart pump can be controlled and monitored, but the likelihood of mechanical failure increases due to the large cross-section of the transcutaneous cable
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate wires are merged into a single integrated transcutaneous cable with consolidated connectors, reducing the mechanical stress and failure points associated with multiple separate connections. The unified cable design minimizes the overall cross-section while maintaining all necessary transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes redundant communication paths and error correction mechanisms that are prepared in advance. If one transmission path fails, the system can switch to alternative protocols or methods, providing a buffer against mechanical failures before they compromise the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are connected to the heart pump, then more data can be collected, but the number of wires and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates universal communication interfaces that can handle multiple sensor types and data formats through a single connection. The integrated system provides multi-protocol support (SPI, I2C, UART, ADC) that allows various sensors to be connected and communicated with through the same transcutaneous cable, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between multiple sensors and the external monitoring system. It consolidates data from multiple sensors, processes the information, and transmits it through a single unified interface, reducing the complexity of direct connections between each sensor and external systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are connected to the heart pump, then more data can be collected, but the calibration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-calibration capabilities where the control device automatically adjusts and optimizes sensor readings without requiring manual calibration for each sensor. The integrated processing unit performs automatic calibration routines that simplify the setup process and reduce the complexity associated with multiple sensor connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A heart pump device may be provided with an implantable heart pump, which has at least one sensor, wherein at least one of the sensors is a sensor for a rotor of the heart pump, and with a control device, which is connected to the heart pump by means of a transcutaneous line, characterized by a signal processing device, which on the one hand is connected by means of the transcutaneous line to the control device, and which on the other hand is connected to at least one sensor of the heart pump and transmits signals of at least one sensor via the transcutaneous line to the control unit. The signal processing device may be for a pre-processing of the sensor data for more efficient transmission via the transcutaneous line.