MCSD Vibration Analysis for Pump Thrombosis Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) like LVADs face challenges in early detection of pump thrombosis and malfunctions, leading to potential complications such as stroke and death, as current technologies struggle to consistently detect higher order frequencies indicative of these conditions.

Innovation Solution

The use of a triaxial accelerometer and machine learning models to analyze high-frequency harmonic signals from MCSDs, enabling early detection of pump thrombosis by identifying changes in relative amplitudes of higher order harmonics, and integrating this technology into MCSD designs for real-time monitoring and alert systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional detection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for detecting higher order frequencies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precision of higher order frequenciesVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/acoustic detection methods with a triaxial accelerometer-based electronic sensing system. The accelerometer captures high-frequency vibrations that are then processed through computational algorithms, enabling precise detection of higher order frequencies without requiring complex mechanical detection apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional acoustic signals to high-frequency vibration signals captured by the accelerometer. By sampling at very high frequencies and analyzing the frequency spectrum, the system can detect subtle changes in higher order harmonics that indicate pump thrombosis, achieving improved measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If early detection of pump thrombosis is achieved, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-monitoring of the pump device by continuously analyzing its own vibration characteristics. The accelerometer and processing system work together to automatically detect abnormal conditions without requiring external intervention, allowing the device to monitor its own operational status and alert users to potential thrombosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback about the pump's operational status by analyzing vibration patterns in real-time. When higher order harmonics indicate potential thrombosis, the system generates alerts that provide immediate feedback to users, enabling timely intervention to prevent serious complications and improve patient safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If high frequency sampling is used, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal resolutionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses very high frequency sampling rates to capture the complete vibration spectrum, including higher order harmonics that are critical for detecting pump thrombosis. While this requires more energy than conventional sampling, the accelerated processing algorithms efficiently analyze only the relevant frequency components, balancing energy consumption with the need for high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach allows for consistent and accurate detection of pump thrombosis and other malfunctions, enabling timely intervention and reducing the risk of serious complications, thereby improving patient health and safety.

Implementation Method 1

A triaxial accelerometer or surface hydrophone and signal acquisition software with a very high sampling rate can detect higher frequency harmonic signals consistently and reproducibly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The disclosed technology can provide for using a triaxial accelerometer to obtain high resolution high frequency recordings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric Effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240366929A1Detecting operational conditions of mechanical circulatory support devices

Publication Date: 2024.11.07 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

Described herein are systems and methods for assessing a condition of a mechanical circulatory support device (MCSD). The systems and methods can be used for early detection of device malfunction. The system can include a sensing subsystem that can obtain from one or more sensors signals indicative of at least one of vibrations or acoustics of the MCSD in operation in the mammal. The system can also include a computing subsystem. The computing subsystem can receive the signals indicative of at least one of the vibrations or the acoustics of the MCSD in operation in the mammal. process the signals to identify at least one harmonic in the signals, and evaluate the condition of the MCSD using the at least one harmonic identified in the signals indicative of at least one of the vibrations or the acoustics of the MCSD in operation in the mammal.