Modular Holding Device for Mobile Heart-Lung Machine Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical perfusion systems for cardiovascular support are too large and cumbersome for safe transport in vehicles and aircraft, posing a risk to patients and crew during transport, especially under acceleration conditions, and are not readily available in rural hospitals.

Innovation Solution

A holding device for a mobile heart-lung machine with a base plate and interchangeable holders for components, including a gas bottle, drive unit, oxygenator, venous bladder trap, and hemofilter, designed for secure fastening in vehicles and aircraft, made of lightweight materials to minimize weight and maximize safety, with features for easy mounting and air bubble prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional perfusion systems are used, then cardiovascular support function is provided, but the systems are too large and unwieldy for safe transport in vehicles and aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of perfusion systemVSAvoidsafety during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The perfusion system is divided into separate modular components (pump unit, oxygenator, reservoir, gas bottles) that can be individually secured in dedicated holders on the base plate, allowing compact arrangement and safe fixation during transport while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from large horizontal floor-standing configurations to a compact vertical wall-mounted arrangement, utilizing vertical space in vehicles and aircraft to reduce the horizontal footprint and enable safe transport in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If traditional perfusion systems are used, then cardiovascular support is provided, but they pose safety risks under strong positive or negative accelerations in vehicles and aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different holders on the base plate are designed with specialized fastening mechanisms suited to specific components: clamping elements for cylindrical gas bottles, bayonet locks for quick connection of blood bags and oxygenators, and secure mounting for the pump unit, with heavier components positioned lower for optimal stability during acceleration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanisms incorporate quick-release and quick-connect features that allow rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure fixation during transport, enabling dynamic adaptation to different operational phases (transport vs. clinical use)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If miniaturized transportable systems are used, then transportability is improved, but availability in rural hospitals needs to be enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability dimensionVSAvoidhospital availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be installed in various settings (rural hospitals, urban hospitals, ambulances, aircraft), and the modular component system can be configured for different clinical needs (heart-lung support, kidney support, transport), making the system adaptable across diverse environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2635318B1Holding device for a mobile heart-lung machine
Publication Date: 2015.07.15 BORN FRANK
  • EP2635318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2635318B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2635318B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device for a mobile heart-lung machine, in particular for use in vehicles or aircrafts, which comprises a base plate (15) in which two slots (37) are arranged at a distance from each other. Said slots are used to receive securing means for securing the holding device to securing rails in an aircraft. A first holding element (17) for detachably securing a gas bottle, a second holding element (21) for detachably securing a drive element, and a third holding element (25) for securing an oxgenator are provided on the base plate (15).