Minimally Invasive LVAD Installation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional full sternotomy for installing left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) results in significant post-operative pain and long recovery times, and complicates subsequent heart transplants due to adhesions and scar tissue formation.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive LVAD installation system utilizing a curved hook, valve insertion tool with gimbaled clamp jaws, and pushing tool to facilitate the placement of a VAD pump through a small thoracotomy, allowing for the attachment of the pump to the heart without the need for a full sternotomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If full sternotomy is used for LVAD installation, then ease of operation is improved, but patient recovery time and post-operative pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into two distinct methods: full sternotomy for complex cases requiring extensive exposure, and minimally invasive thoracotomy for standard cases. The patent provides specific surgical instruments and techniques tailored to each approach, allowing the surgical team to select the appropriate level of invasiveness based on patient needs and surgical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surgical access parameter from full sternotomy (complete sternum division) to minimally invasive thoracotomy (small intercostal incision). This parameter change reduces tissue disruption, decreases post-operative pain, and accelerates recovery while still providing adequate access for LVAD implantation through careful instrument selection and surgical technique.
2Ease of operation
If full sternotomy is used for LVAD installation, then ease of operation is improved, but post-operative pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into two distinct methods: full sternotomy for complex cases requiring extensive exposure, and minimally invasive thoracotomy for standard cases. The patent provides specific surgical instruments and techniques tailored to each approach, allowing the surgical team to select the appropriate level of invasiveness based on patient needs and surgical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surgical access parameter from full sternotomy (complete sternum division) to minimally invasive thoracotomy (small intercostal incision). This parameter change reduces tissue disruption, decreases post-operative pain, and accelerates recovery while still providing adequate access for LVAD implantation through careful instrument selection and surgical technique.
3Ease of operation
If full sternotomy is used for LVAD installation, then ease of operation is improved, but future heart transplant procedures are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical approach is segmented into two distinct methods: full sternotomy for complex cases requiring extensive exposure, and minimally invasive thoracotomy for standard cases. The patent provides specific surgical instruments and techniques tailored to each approach, allowing the surgical team to select the appropriate level of invasiveness based on patient needs and surgical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the LVAD implantation through minimally invasive thoracotomy before a potential future heart transplant. This preliminary minimally invasive approach avoids creating extensive adhesions and scar tissue that would complicate subsequent transplant surgery, preserving the surgical field for future intervention if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive VAD installation system includes a curved hook having another hook at its distal end. The installation system also has a valve insertion tool having a gimbaled set of clamp jaws configured for releasably holding the inflow tube of a VAD pump. The installation system further has a pushing tool having a distal opening configured to pass over a tube.