Modular Heart Pump Insertion for Systolic and Diastolic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac assist devices are difficult to position minimally invasively due to their size and rigidity, often requiring open heart surgery, and fail to provide adequate assistance during both systole and diastole, with limited ability to adapt to scarred or complex pericardial areas.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cardiac assist device with flexible guides and an outer shell, reinforced by flexible guides, that applies dynamic strain forces to the heart during both systole and diastole, using minimally invasive techniques, and can be partially or fully encompass the heart based on its condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cardiac assist device is used, then it can provide structural support to the heart, but it requires open heart surgery for insertion and is difficult to position minimally invasively
Solution Approach 1:
The cardiac assist device is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be independently positioned and assembled. These segments form a modular framework that can be inserted through minimally invasive approaches and then configured to match the patient's heart geometry, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to adapt its shape and structure after insertion. The struts can be dynamically positioned and locked into place to provide optimal structural support, enabling minimally invasive insertion while maintaining the complexity needed for proper heart support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid cardiac assist device is used, then it can provide stable structural support, but it cannot adapt to scarred or complex pericardial areas
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses segmented struts that can be independently adjusted to navigate around scar tissue and adapt to complex pericardial anatomy. Each segment can be positioned to avoid obstructions while collectively providing the structural strength needed for heart support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the device can be configured with different properties - some areas more flexible to adapt to scarred regions, while other areas maintain rigidity for structural support. This local differentiation allows the device to simultaneously adapt to complex pericardial conditions and provide stable structural support.
3Ease of operation
If a non-collapsible cardiac assist device is used, then it can provide adequate structural support, but it requires enlarged surgical opening for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a collapsed, compact configuration during insertion to an expanded, structurally intact configuration after implantation. The struts are designed to maintain their structural integrity once deployed, providing the necessary strength while enabling minimally invasive insertion through their ability to collapse for passage through small incisions.
4Productivity
If a cardiac assist device applies forces only during systole, then it can assist heart emptying, but it fails to assist heart filling during diastole
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies forces in a periodic manner that synchronizes with the cardiac cycle, providing assistance during both systole (heart emptying) and diastole (heart filling). The struts are actuated at different times to match the natural rhythm of the heart, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the entire cardiac cycle and improving overall pumping productivity.
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 efficiently assists heart pumping by applying appropriate forces during both systole and diastole, adaptable to complex pericardial conditions, while minimizing invasive procedures and enabling real-time positioning assessment.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible guides 22 have a spring constant that enables the flexible guides 22 to be elastically displaced without permanent bending.
Implementation Method 2
A collapsible cardiac assist device with flexible guides and an outer shell, reinforced by flexible guides, that applies dynamic strain forces to the heart during both systole and diastole
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the installation and operation of a cardiac assist device. Flexible guides are advanced into a prepared space using minimally invasive techniques. A cardiac assist device is advanced into position in the pericardial area along the flexible guides. Once in position, the cardiac assist device is activated while still engaged with the flexible guides. The flexible guides provide structural integrity to the cardiac assist device needed in order for the cardiac assist device to function properly. The forces supplied to the heart by the cardiac assist device are affected by the presence of the flexible guides. The structure of the flexible guides, the position of the flexible guides, and the structure of the cardiac assist device are customized to supply the forces needed by a particular heart in order to assist the heart in pumping more efficiently.