Implantable LVAD Controller Cooling for Heat Pain Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable blood pump controllers generate heat, causing discomfort and potential pain due to increased power transfer, especially in the presence of thrombus, which can lead to thermal discomfort and pain for the patient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving temperature measurement of the internal controller, generating alerts to apply a heating pad on the neck or instructing the patient to seek medical attention if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, and utilizing an external controller for communication and alert generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power to the implantable blood pump is increased to treat thrombus, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but heat generation increases causing patient discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system that acts as a mediator between the heat-generating controller and the patient's body. The cooling catheter with thermocoagulation capability provides a thermal pathway to dissipate heat from the controller, preventing direct thermal transfer to surrounding tissues while maintaining the high power operation needed for thrombus treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of substances (such as phase change materials or fluid phase transitions in the cooling catheter) to absorb and transport heat away from the controller. This allows the system to manage thermal load through latent heat absorption during phase changes, enabling high power operation without excessive temperature rise.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring and cooling measures are implemented, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The controller combines temperature sensing, cooling control, and pump operation in a single integrated unit. The cooling catheter integrates both cooling and thermocoagulation capabilities, reducing the need for separate systems and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-regulating features where the controller automatically adjusts cooling based on temperature feedback from embedded sensors. The thermocoagulation capability can automatically seal vessels or stop bleeding without external intervention, allowing the device to monitor and respond to its own operational state and reduce external complexity.
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
Effectively reduces patient discomfort by thermally stimulating the neck to lower core temperature, minimizing thermal tissue damage and providing time to seek medical help, while maintaining safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a temperature of an internal controller with a temperature sensor coupled to the internal controller
Implementation Method 2
the alert instructs the patient to thermally stimulate the back of a neck of the body of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cooling a mammal with an implantable blood pump. The method includes measuring a temperature of an internal controller, the internal controller being in communication with the implantable blood pump. An alert is generated if the temperature of the internal controller exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. The internal controller and implantable blood pump may be implanted at different locations in the patient.