Modular Implantable Fluid Pump System for Minimally Invasive Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable fluid pumping systems for cardiac support require complete explantation for component replacement, leading to potential heart valve irritation and irreversible damage during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular implantable fluid pumping system with intracardiac and extracardiac modules, allowing for minimally invasive implantation and component replacement without dislocating intracardially implanted components, using a fastening module with suction-assisted temporary attachment and biocompatible adhesive for secure fixation to the myocardium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a complete explantation is performed for component replacement, then the pump can be replaced, but heart valves and intracardiac regions are irritated and potential damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable fluid pump system is divided into modular components: an intracardiac module that remains implanted and an extracardiac pump module that can be replaced independently. This segmentation allows the pump to be replaced without removing the intracardiac components, thereby avoiding irritation to heart valves and intracardiac regions while still enabling component replacement.
2Ease of operation
If minimally invasive implantation is used, then surgical stress is reduced, but component replacement becomes complex requiring complete explantation
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the implantation site (intracardiac module) from the pump component (extracardiac module), allowing minimally invasive implantation of the intracardiac module while enabling straightforward replacement of the extracardiac pump module through the same minimally invasive access, thus maintaining ease of operation for both implantation and repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The intracardiac module acts as an intermediary that remains permanently implanted and provides the connection interface between the heart and the replaceable pump module. This intermediary structure enables the pump to be replaced without affecting the intracardiac components, resolving the contradiction between minimally invasive implantation and ease of component replacement.
3Ease of operation
If the pump is fully intracardially implanted, then mobility is maintained, but component replacement requires dislocation of intracardiac components
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pump into an intracardiac module that maintains mobility within the heart and an extracardiac pump module that houses the motor and pumping mechanism. This segmentation allows the intracardiac module to remain mobile and functional while the extracardiac pump module can be replaced independently through minimally invasive procedures without dislocating the intracardiac components.
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
Enables patient-friendly minimally invasive implantation and allows for individual component replacement without irritating heart valves or intracardiac regions, reducing surgical stress and minimizing tissue irritation.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening module (2, 2'), in particular a suction cup for temporary attachment to the myocardium in a suction-assisted manner
Implementation Method 2
biocompatible adhesive for secure fixation to the myocardium
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable fluid pump system is disclosed for supporting or initiating flow inside a hollow organ through which fluid circulates, in particular the heart. The fluid pump system comprises an intracardiac module, which includes two separate fluid channels, each of which possesses an intracardiac fluid channel opening and, located opposite the latter, an extracardiac fluid channel opening, a fastening module, which provides a joining contour for purposes of joining onto the intracardiac module in a fluid-tight manner, and a fastening structure for purposes of intracorporeal fastening onto the hollow organ, and a pump module, which can be mounted in a releasable manner directly or indirectly onto the intracardiac module, and can be attached in a fluid-tight manner to the extracardiac fluid channel openings in order to produce a fluid-tight connection of both fluid channels.