Implantable Closed-Pump Heart Compression for Long-Term Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac compression methods, both manual and automatic, are inadequate for long-term heart failure treatment due to mechanical wear and lack of durable components, and there is a need for a reliable implantable device that can provide sustained assistance to the heart.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device with a closed pump system using wireless energy to transfer force between reservoirs, operated by a motor, and fixed to the patient's sternum, ribs, or vertebrae, exerting external force on the heart muscle to improve pump function, with adjustable components made of durable materials like ceramic or carbon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If manual or automatic chest compression devices are used, then acute heart failure can be alleviated, but long-term treatment is not possible due to mechanical wear and lack of durable components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical compression devices with an implantable device that uses a motor-driven piston system. The motor (powered wirelessly or via battery) drives the piston to compress the heart, eliminating the need for manual or external mechanical compressors. This substitution enables long-term operation while maintaining reliability through controlled mechanical action within a sealed implantable chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a motor unit for power generation, a piston for mechanical compression, and a sealed chamber for containing the compression force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the motor for durability, the piston for effective compression, and the chamber for protecting against mechanical wear. The modular design facilitates long-term operation while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the heart help device has few moving parts to reduce wear, then durability is improved, but the complexity of controlling and operating the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that automatically detect heart function status and trigger the motor to provide compression only when needed. The system self-regulates based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring heart rate, compression effectiveness, and patient condition. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining high reliability through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor heart function and device performance, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system adjusts motor operation accordingly, providing compression only when the heart requires assistance. This feedback mechanism simplifies control by using automatic regulation rather than complex manual intervention, while maintaining reliability through continuous monitoring and adaptive operation.
3Reliability
If the device uses durable materials like ceramic or carbon for moving parts, then mechanical wear is reduced, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction, combining durable materials such as ceramic or carbon with compatible polymers and metals to create multi-layered components. For example, the piston may have a ceramic coating on its compression surface for wear resistance, while the body is made of a durable polymer or metal alloy. This composite approach provides the necessary durability while improving manufacturability by allowing each material to be optimized for its specific function and assembled using standard manufacturing techniques.
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 device provides long-term heart assistance by reducing mechanical wear and offering adjustable force application, improving heart function through external compression, and can be controlled wirelessly or manually, supporting the heart's pumping mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A first reservoir (141) having a first volume and at least one movable wall portion (144), for varying said first volume, A second reservoir (140) being in fluid connection with said first reservoir (141), wherein the implantable pump device is adapted to allow free flow of fluid between said first reservoir (141) and said second reservoir (140), and wherein the first reservoir (141), the second reservoir (140) and the fluid connection (142) forms a fully implantable closed pump device. The fully implantable closed pump device is adapted to transfer force from said first reservoir (141) to said second reservoir (140).
Implementation Method 2
an implantable operating device directly or indirectly driven by wireless energy for operating at least one movable wall portion to displace the fluid between the first and second reservoir, thereby affecting said heart muscle from the outside thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an implantable device for improving the pump function of the heart of a human patient by applying an external force on the heart muscle. The implantable device comprises at least one implantable pump device comprising: A fluid, A first reservoir having a first volume and at least one movable wall portion, for varying said first volume, and A second reservoir being in fluid connection with said first reservoir. Wherein said implantable pump device is adapted to allow free flow of fluid between said first reservoir and said second reservoir, and wherein said first reservoir, said second reservoir and said fluid connection forms a fully implantable closed pump device, and wherein said fully implantable closed pump device is adapted to transfer force from said first reservoir to said second reservoir.