Magnetic Phase Detection for Ventricular Assist Blood-Flow Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventricular assist devices face challenges in maintaining efficient blood flow and accurately measuring physiological parameters, particularly in patients with failing hearts, which can lead to hemodynamic instability during procedures like percutaneous coronary interventions.

Innovation Solution

A ventricular assist device with an impeller design featuring helical elongate elements, an axial structure, and an elastomeric film, coupled with magnetic phase detection to measure physiological parameters, ensuring continuous blood flow and accurate parameter determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic phase detection is used to measure physiological parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological parameter measurementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic markers as intermediaries to enable non-invasive measurement of physiological parameters. The markers are placed on the impeller and detected by external magnetic sensors, allowing the system to measure parameters like blood flow and pressure without direct contact with the blood or complex internal sensors within the implantable device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with magnetic field-based detection. Instead of using mechanical pressure sensors or flow meters within the implantable device, the system uses magnetic phase detection to infer physiological parameters, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the impeller uses helical elongate elements with elastomeric film, then blood flow continuity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow continuityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic impeller blades with elastomeric film that can flex and adapt during rotation. The helical elongate elements are designed to deform elastically, allowing the blades to maintain optimal shape during operation while accommodating manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic design enables continuous blood flow without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction combining helical elongate elements (likely metal or rigid material) with elastomeric film. This composite approach allows the rigid structure to provide structural integrity while the elastomeric component provides flexibility and blood-compatible surfaces, achieving both flow continuity and manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If the ventricular assist device is used in patients with failing hearts, then cardiac output is maintained, but hemodynamic stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecardiac outputVSAvoidhemodynamic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements magnetic phase detection to provide real-time feedback on physiological parameters such as blood flow and pressure. This feedback enables the control system to adjust impeller speed and operation dynamically, maintaining stable hemodynamics by responding to changing patient conditions rather than operating at fixed settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic field parameters (phase, amplitude) as indicators of physiological state. By monitoring changes in these magnetic parameters, the system can detect and respond to hemodynamic changes, adjusting operation to maintain stability while preserving cardiac output function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 continuous blood flow and precise physiological parameter measurement, stabilizing cardiac function and facilitating safer interventions by approximating native cardiac output.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic phase detection to measure physiological parameters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic phase detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

impeller design featuring helical elongate elements... ensuring continuous blood flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Data Source

PatentUS12440665B2Magnetic phase detection

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 MAGENTA MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

Apparatus and methods are described including a ventricular assist device that includes an impeller configured to be placed inside a left ventricle of a subject. A driving magnet is coupled to a motor and is rotated by the motor. A driven magnet is magnetically coupled to the driving magnet and is rotated by the driving magnet. A drive cable extends from the driven magnet and imparts rotational motion from the driven magnet to the impeller. A set of sensors is configured to detect a magnetic phase difference between the driven magnet and the driving magnet. A computer processor receives the detected magnetic phase difference and determines a physiological parameter of the subject, at least partially in response thereto. Other applications are also described.