Helical Pericardial Anchor for Cardiac Assist Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring systems for intrapericardial ventricular assist devices face challenges in securely fixing the balloon cannula without risking lung injury, and they do not allow for easy exchange of the balloon cannula.
Innovation Solution
A spiral pericardial anchor system comprising an elongated stainless-steel tube with a spiral coil and a disc, where the spiral coil is rotated to anchor the device in the pericardium, minimizing lung risk and allowing for balloon cannula exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braided sheath anchor system is used to stabilize the balloon cannula, then anchoring reliability is improved, but the risk of lung injury increases due to the long sheath length required for expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is segmented into a short braided sheath portion and a long rigid tube portion. Only the short distal section of the braided sheath (approximately 3-5 mm) is required to exit the pericardial sac for expansion, while the majority of the anchor length resides within the pericardial space, minimizing the risk of lung perforation while maintaining anchoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid tube serves as an intermediary structure that guides the braided sheath into position and provides structural support during deployment. The rigid tube allows the system to achieve the necessary length for stable anchoring without requiring an equally long exposed braided sheath, thereby reducing lung injury risk.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the entire braided sheath must exit the pericardial sac for anchor expansion, then anchoring stability is improved, but the complexity of the placement procedure increases and lung injury risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is divided into functional segments: a short expandable braided sheath for stability, a long rigid tube for guidance and structural support, and a delivery catheter system. This segmentation allows the braided sheath to remain mostly within the pericardial sac while still achieving stable anchoring through expansion of the short distal portion.
3Reliability
If a traditional anchor system is used, then initial anchoring is achieved, but balloon cannula exchange becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid tube component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during initial anchoring, acts as a permanent rail or guide for subsequent balloon cannula exchanges, and facilitates quick repositioning of replacement balloons. This multi-functionality enables rapid balloon exchange without requiring removal and reinsertion of the anchor itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A pericardial anchor for positioning a cardiac assist system over a patient's heart beneath the patient's sternum and ribs includes a tubular shaft, a pericardial anchor, and a removable handle. The tubular shaft has a guidewire lumen therethrough. The pericardial anchor is positioned at a distal end of the tubular shaft, and the removable handle is positioned at a proximal end of the tubular shaft. The pericardial anchor is typically a helical anchor that can be implanted to anchor in the patient's pericardium by rotation of the handle. The tubular shaft receives and anchors a cardiac assist system over the patient's heart beneath the patient's sternum and ribs after the handle is removed.