Implantable LVAD Power Source Selection Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable blood pumps require efficient power management to switch between internal batteries and transcutaneous energy transfer systems (TETS) to ensure continuous operation, as existing systems lack a systematic approach to select the optimal power source based on battery capacity and TETS availability.

Innovation Solution

A method and control circuitry for managing multiple power sources in implantable blood pumps, which dynamically switch between internal battery power and TETS power based on predetermined thresholds, battery reserve levels, and operational requirements, ensuring the pump operates with the most suitable power source available.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the implantable blood pump operates with both internal battery power and TETS power simultaneously, then the reliability of continuous operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for power management control circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different power sources (internal battery and TETS) based on real-time conditions such as battery capacity levels and TETS availability. The control circuitry continuously monitors system state and adjusts power source selection to maintain reliable operation while adapting to changing conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity through dynamic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If the system prioritizes using TETS power to extend battery life, then the duration of battery operation is improved, but the reliability may worsen if TETS power is unavailable or insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operational durationVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains the internal battery as a reserve power source even when TETS power is available, effectively creating a cushion against potential TETS failure or insufficiency. By preserving battery capacity rather than depleting it completely, the system ensures that reliable operation can continue if TETS becomes unavailable, thus resolving the contradiction between extending battery duration and maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the system performs battery learning cycles to optimize power management, then the efficiency of power usage is improved, but the productivity of the system decreases due to time spent in learning mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower usage efficiencyVSAvoidsystem operational productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Battery learning cycles are performed periodically rather than continuously, allowing the system to optimize power management efficiency at scheduled intervals while maintaining productivity during normal operation. This periodic approach balances the need for efficient power usage with the requirement for continuous system productivity, resolving the contradiction by implementing optimization actions at appropriate intervals rather than constantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11452860B2Power source selection for a fully implantable LVAD system
Publication Date: 2022.09.27 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • US11452860B2 patent drawing
  • US11452860B2 patent drawing
  • US11452860B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of managing multiple power sources for an implantable blood pump includes operating the implantable blood pump with both power from an internal battery, the internal battery being disposed within an implantable controller and in communication with the implantable blood pump, and with transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS) power in communication with the implantable blood pump, if TETS power is available.