Multi-Balloon Aortic Counterpulsation for Low Cardiac Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) suffer from excessively low cardiac output, limiting their effectiveness in providing adequate blood supply to patients.
Innovation Solution
A multi-balloon outside aortic counterpulsation device with IABP balloons disposed in vitro, utilizing a dual-channel in vivo catheter with a diaphragm to achieve simultaneous inflation and deflation, enhancing cardiac output by up to 5 L/min.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single intra-aortic balloon is used in the descending aorta, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but the cardiac output is excessively low (0.5-1 L per minute)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single balloon system into multiple balloons (typically 2-10 balloons) arranged in parallel within the balloon cavity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher cardiac output (up to 5 L/min or more) by having multiple balloons inflate and deflate simultaneously, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple through the use of a shared catheter and control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple IABP balloons are placed inside a common balloon cavity, which is in turn contained within the catheter. The balloons are arranged in parallel and connected to a shared inflation/deflation system, creating a multi-level nested configuration that increases functional capacity without proportionally increasing external device complexity
2Productivity
If multiple balloons are arranged in parallel in the balloon cavity, then the cardiac output is maximized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the balloon cavity as a universal container that can accommodate multiple balloons of varying sizes and configurations. The shared catheter and control system serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, fluid transport, and coordinated control for all balloons simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each balloon
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual balloon systems into a single integrated unit by placing them in parallel within a common balloon cavity connected to a shared catheter. The inflation and deflation mechanisms are combined into a single system that controls all balloons simultaneously, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high cardiac output capability
3Productivity
If the balloon cavity volume increases to accommodate multiple balloons, then the cardiac output increases, but the space occupied in the aorta increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single large-volume balloon configuration to a multi-balloon parallel arrangement. By distributing the total volume across multiple smaller balloons arranged in parallel, the system achieves the same or greater cardiac output while reducing the maximum cross-sectional area occupied at any given point, allowing better integration within the aortic anatomy
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 doubles cardiac output, maintains compatibility with existing IABPs, reduces turbulence, and prevents blockages, ensuring effective systemic blood supply with minimal adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
quickly retracting and emptying the balloon during systole can induce 'cavitation' to reduce the left ventricular afterload
Implementation Method 2
Inflating the intra-aortic balloon during diastole can increase the diastolic blood pressure and thus the blood flow in the coronary artery
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a multi-balloon outside aortic counterpulsation device, including an in vivo catheter, a balloon cavity, and IABP balloons disposed in the balloon cavity, wherein an end of each of the IABP balloons extends out of the balloon cavity for connection with a controller. A side wall of an inner end of the in vivo catheter is provided with several through holes, and an outer end of the in vivo catheter is in airtight connection with a first interface of the balloon cavity; and a plurality of the IABP balloons arranged in parallel are included in the balloon cavity, each of the IABP balloons extends out of the balloon cavity through a seal valve, and the plurality of IABP balloons implements inflation and deflation actions at the same time, wherein when the plurality of IABP balloons implements deflation at the same time, blood is drawn into the balloon cavity, and when the plurality of IABP balloons implements inflation at the same time, the blood inside the balloon cavity is pushed back into a body, allowing for the flow of blood. According to the present invention, the inflation and deflation actions of the external balloons allow for extrusion and drawing of the blood inside the balloon cavity, and the in vitro balloon cavity can accommodate more balloons to achieve the technical effect of doubling the cardiac output, thereby meeting the patient need for systemic blood supply.