Implantable Heart Support With Sternum-Anchored Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cardiac compression devices for heart failure are not suitable for long-term use due to mechanical strain and lack of secure fixation, which exacerbates the strain on the heart.

Innovation Solution

An implantable heart help device with sturdy fixation to the sternum using plates and screws, and a mechanism to exert external force on the heart muscle, utilizing movable parts and energy sources for continuous assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If external chest compression devices are used for heart failure treatment, then acute heart failure can be alleviated, but they cannot be used for long-term treatment due to mechanical strain and lack of secure fixation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of treatmentVSAvoidfixation security

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a compression element that contacts the heart, a transmission mechanism, and a fixation system attached to the sternum. This segmentation allows the fixation system to be optimized independently for long-term stability while the compression element focuses on therapeutic function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation members (plates and screws) are pre-designed and pre-positioned to attach to the sternum before the compression function is activated. This preliminary fixation establishes a stable base that prevents mechanical strain from compromising long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If mechanical heart compression devices are implanted, then long-term heart failure treatment becomes possible, but the device weight and complexity increase mechanical strain on the heart

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of treatmentVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is anchored to the sternum, which serves as a counterweight and stable support structure. This external anchoring point bears the device weight, preventing the full burden from being placed on the heart and surrounding tissues, thereby reducing mechanical strain during long-term operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces heavy traditional mechanical fixation systems with a streamlined plate-and-screw attachment system that leverages the sternum's structural strength. This substitution reduces overall device weight while maintaining secure long-term fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the heart help device is securely fixated to the sternum, then mechanical strain on the heart is reduced, but the complexity of implantation procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidimplantation procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation plates are designed with multiple attachment points and universal compatibility with standard sternum anatomy, allowing the same component to serve both fixation and positioning functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall implantation procedure while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If continuous external force is applied to improve pump function, then heart function improves, but mechanical strain on surrounding tissues increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheart pump functionVSAvoidmechanical strain on tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system acts as an intermediary between the compression mechanism and the sternum, distributing mechanical forces across a larger area of the sternum and surrounding tissues. This intermediary structure prevents concentrated stress points, allowing continuous force application to improve pump function while minimizing harmful mechanical strain on any single tissue region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12409327B2Heart help device, system, and method

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 FORSELL PETER

AI summary

The present invention relates to an implantable heart help device for assisting the pump function of the heart by exerting an external force on the heart. The device is provided with a first fixating member adapted to be fixate the device to a part of the human body comprising bone, a heart pump device having a surface adapted to contact and exert an external force on the heart, a second fixating member in contact with the heart pump device. The second fixating member is displaceable in relation to the first fixating member for changing the position of the surface of the heart pump device, to allow the surface of the heart pump device to contact and exert the external force on at least two different positions on the heart.