Single-Tube Heart Pump Pressurization With Valve-Switched Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heart pumps require multiple tubes for supplying both positive and negative fluid pressures, which occupy valuable surgical space and interfere with other instruments during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A single pressure tube system with a valve assembly that controls fluid flow to provide both positive and negative pressures, allowing the heart pump to be installed, operated, and removed using a single tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tubes are used for supplying positive and negative fluid pressures, then both suction and pressure functions can be provided, but the tubes occupy valuable surgical space and interfere with other instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid pressure supply functions (suction and positive pressure) into a single tube system. The single tube is capable of delivering both negative pressure (suction) and positive pressure (inflation) sequentially, eliminating the need for separate suction tube and pressure tubes, thereby reducing surgical space occupation and interference with other instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tube is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply suction pressure during insertion, maintain adhesion during operation, and deliver positive pressure for membrane inflation. This multi-functional design allows one tube to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized tubes, resolving the space constraint while maintaining full functional capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tubes are used for supplying positive and negative fluid pressures, then both suction and pressure functions can be provided, but the tubes flex and move during the operation affecting other instruments
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple tube functions into a single tube, the system reduces the number of independent moving elements. The single tube can be more effectively stabilized and controlled, reducing flexing and movement during operation compared to multiple separate tubes that would each independently move and interfere with instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional single tube design allows for centralized control and stabilization mechanisms. The tube maintains stable position through controlled adhesion phases and can be secured more effectively since it serves multiple purposes, reducing unwanted movement and improving stability during the surgical procedure.
3Area of stationary object
If a single tube is used for both suction and pressure, then surgical space is reduced and tube movement is minimized, but complex valve control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve assembly as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the single tube. This valve assembly selectively directs fluid pressure (suction or positive pressure) to the tube based on operational phase requirements. The valve acts as a mediator that manages the complexity of switching between different pressure modes, enabling the single tube to perform multiple functions without requiring complex external control systems.
4Ease of operation
If a single tube is used for both suction and pressure, then interference with other instruments is reduced, but precise pressure switching control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly serves as an intermediary that automates pressure switching based on predefined operational phases. During insertion, the valve directs suction pressure; during operation, it switches to positive pressure for membrane inflation. This intermediary control mechanism handles the complexity of pressure switching, allowing the surgical system to maintain ease of operation while achieving precise automated pressure control.
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 system reduces surgical space requirements and minimizes tube movement, enhancing the usability of minimally invasive procedures by maintaining stable fluid pressures and adhesion to the heart.
Implementation Method 1
varying positive fluid pressures must be supplied to control the forces being applied to the heart by the inflatable membranes
Implementation Method 2
The suction tube maintains a negative pressure between the heart and the cup-structure of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid controlled system for a cardiac assist device and its method of operation. The cardiac assist device has a cup assembly with a receptacle area. The cup assembly has at least one inflatable membrane that expands into the receptacle area. A single pressure tube connects the cup assembly to a fluid pump. A valve assembly is incorporated into the cardiac assist device. The valve assembly includes at least one valve that controls fluid flow between the inflatable membranes and the pressure tube and/or fluid flow between the receptacle area and the pressure tube. The valve assembly controls fluid flow to advance the cup assembly onto the heart, to maintain the cup assembly in an operable position, to operate the cup assembly, and to remove the cup assembly.