Modular Intraluminal Pump Coupling for Low-Profile Hemodynamic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices face challenges with large cross-sectional sizes, supraphysiological shear stresses, and electrical wires or cables that hinder blood flow and cause complications such as stroke and tissue ischemia, particularly in long-term medical indications.
Innovation Solution
An assemblable pump system comprising a first and second pump that can intraluminally assemble via a pump-to-pump coupling, utilizing drivelines for power transmission and manipulation to minimize vascular interference and reduce complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If MCS devices are made with small cross-sectional size to fit blood vessels, then vascular access site complications are reduced, but hemodynamic support capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into multiple modular pump units that can be connected in series along the driveline. Each pump unit contributes to the overall hemodynamic support, allowing the system to achieve sufficient power output while maintaining a small individual cross-sectional profile that fits within blood vessels.
2Power
If MCS devices operate at high speeds to provide sufficient blood outflow, then hemodynamic support is improved, but supraphysiological shear stresses cause blood damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hemodynamic support function is distributed across multiple pump units operating in series. Each pump unit operates at lower rotational speeds to generate appropriate blood flow, avoiding the supraphysiological shear stresses that occur when a single pump operates at very high speeds. The cumulative effect of multiple pumps achieves the required total blood outflow.
3Power
If electrical wires or cables are used to power MCS devices, then hemodynamic support is enabled, but blood flow is hindered causing tissue ischemia
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional electrical wiring with a mechanical driveline-based power transmission approach. The driveline serves dual functions: mechanical drive transmission to the pump impellers and electrical power/conduit for control signals. This integration eliminates separate electrical wires that would obstruct blood flow, as the driveline is positioned in the outflow path where it causes minimal interference compared to in-line electrical cables.
Data Source
AI summary
An assemblable pump system includes a first pump and a second pump that has a driveline. The second pump is configured to intraluminally assemble to the first pump via a pump-to-pump coupling between the second pump and the first pump. The driveline is further configured to intraluminally move the second pump to intraluminally assemble the second pump and the first pump together. The assemblable pump system is implantable and explantable in vivo by related methods.