Magnetic Bellows Driver for Non-Invasive Cardiac Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac assist devices require transcutaneous drivelines that increase the risk of infection, necessitating a non-invasive transdermal powering solution for implantable cardiac assist and support devices.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic bellows type device with an external magnetic driver using concentric magnets and magnetic force permeable materials, allowing for non-invasive powering and operation of implantable cardiac assist devices without breaking the skin barrier, featuring adjustable passive support and active assist components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transcutaneous drivelines are used to power implantable cardiac assist devices, then the devices can be powered and operated, but the risk of infection increases due to skin barrier disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transcutaneous driveline system with a magnetic coupling system. The external magnetic driver and internal magnetic bellows create a non-contact mechanical transmission mechanism that eliminates skin penetration while still delivering the necessary mechanical energy to power the implantable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer energy across the skin barrier. The magnetic coupling system uses magnetic flux as the mediator to transmit power from the external driver to the internal bellows without direct physical contact or skin disruption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic bellows device with external driver is used for non-invasive powering, then the skin barrier is preserved and infection risk reduced, but the device complexity increases due to concentric magnets and magnetic force permeable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the internal magnetic bellows is positioned within the implantable device, and the external magnetic driver is positioned outside the body. The concentric arrangement of magnets within the bellows structure creates a compact nested design that reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic bellows structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the power transmission mechanism, the structural support for the implantable device, and the interface for magnetic coupling with the external driver. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic bellows device is used for cardiac assist, then the therapy is customizable and heart size can be reduced gradually, but the device requires precise control mechanisms for active assist and passive support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that can adjust the magnetic coupling strength and bellows actuation frequency based on real-time cardiac conditions. The external magnetic driver can be programmed to provide varying levels of active assist and passive support, allowing customization of therapy intensity and duration to match patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor cardiac performance parameters and automatically adjust the magnetic bellows actuation accordingly. This closed-loop control enables precise regulation of the assist level while simplifying the user interface, as the system self-adjusts based on measured physiological parameters.
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 solution provides a minimally invasive, non-obligatory, and non-blood contacting cardiac support and assist system that reduces the risk of infection and coagulation, enabling gradual heart size reduction and improved cardiac output, with customizable therapy and reduced trauma.
Implementation Method 1
an extracorporeal (outside the body) magnetic type driver can thus pull the deep plate toward the proximal plate that is just below the skin surface
Implementation Method 2
utilize permanent magnets on the proximal plate with an external magnetic device that repels the magnets, thus pushing the proximal plate away from the skin
Implementation Method 3
the magnets or the magnetic coils are separated from each other by one or more layers of a magnetic force permeable material
Implementation Method 4
a bellows made of an elastomeric membrane comprising one or more hoop stays connecting the two plates of the bellows
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention an implantable, sub-cutaneous, bellows-like device with one plate proximal (or superficial) to the skin surface and the other plate distal (or deep) to the skin surface having a component of a pneumatic/hydraulic driver for an implantable medical device such as a cardiac assist, cardiac support, or combined cardiac assist and support device and inducible magnet material on the distal plate of the bellows that can be magnetically drawn towards the proximal plate by the action of a magnet outside the body to contract the bellows or pressurize the fluid in the bellows.