Implantable Wireless Blood Pump Connection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac assist systems with implantable blood pumps face issues such as susceptibility to infection at the point of transcutaneous line passage, low efficiency in energy transmission, and complexity due to the need for precise coil placement and implanted batteries.
Innovation Solution
A connection system with implantable wireless connection units that transmit energy and data without external conductors, using inductive or capacitive coupling, and a mechanical connection mechanism to ensure reliable positioning and efficient energy transfer, eliminating the need for implanted batteries and reducing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transcutaneous line is used to connect the blood pump to external control and energy units, then data and energy can be transmitted, but the point of passage through the skin becomes susceptible to infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic transcutaneous line from the system by implementing a fully implantable connection system where both connection units are positioned inside the patient's body, eliminating the external passage point that causes infections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical connection means as an intermediary between the two implantable connection units, enabling reliable electrical and data connections without requiring external skin penetration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If TET systems with implanted and extracorporeal coils are used for contactless energy transmission, then points of passage are avoided, but transmission efficiency is low causing high tissue heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extracorporeal coil from the system and replaces it with a second implantable connection unit, eliminating the inefficient transcutaneous energy transmission path and associated tissue heating problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the inductive coupling mechanism with direct mechanical and electrical connections between implantable units, achieving superior energy transmission efficiency without thermal losses
3Reliability
If TET systems use implanted and extracorporeal coils for energy transmission, then no transcutaneous line is needed, but precise placement of coils is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical connection means as a mediator that physically guides and secures the precise alignment of electrical contacts between the two implantable connection units, eliminating the need for precise coil placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic field-based inductive coupling with direct mechanical electrical connections, where physical contact ensures reliable energy and data transmission without positioning sensitivity
4Ease of repair
If implantable plug connectors are used to mitigate infection risks, then only short cable portions need replacement upon infection, but production and sealing are technically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into two separable implantable connection units that can be independently manufactured and implanted, allowing modular replacement without requiring complex plug connector assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a mechanical connection means as an intermediary that provides simple, reliable coupling between the two connection units, avoiding the complexity of sealed plug connectors while enabling easy replacement
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 achieves high efficiency in energy transmission with reduced tissue stress and simplified replacement of components, minimizing surgical intervention and avoiding complications like corrosion and short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the first connection unit and the second connection unit can be wirelessly coupled to each other for wireless transmission of energy and/or data
Implementation Method 2
using inductive or capacitive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a connection system for transmitting energy and/or data from and/or to an implantable blood pump. The proposed connection system comprises a first connection unit, which can be or is connected to the blood pump, and a second connection unit, which can be or is connected to a control and/or energy unit. In particular, the first connection unit can be connected to the blood pump by means of an implantable line. The second connection unit can be connected to the control and/or energy unit by means of a transcutaneous line. The first connection unit and the second connection unit can be wirelessly coupled to each other for wireless transmission of energy and/or data. Furthermore, the first connection unit and the second connection unit are implantable, so that both the first connection unit and the second connection unit are designed for use within the body of a patient.