Dual-Pump Pediatric VAD Flow Switching for Growth-Adaptable Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices for pediatric patients with heart failure are limited in number and size, leading to off-design usage of adult devices, which can cause complications such as hemolysis, thrombosis, and neurological impairment, and lack a solution that supports patients from childhood through adolescence.

Innovation Solution

A dual-pump mechanical circulatory support device with an axial and centrifugal pump configuration, activated by a flexible mechanism, providing adjustable support through a single device that grows with the patient, using magnetic suspension to reduce blood damage and thrombosis risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adult VAD devices are used in pediatric patients, then device availability is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to hemolysis, thrombosis, and neurological impairment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice availabilityVSAvoidhemolysis and thrombosis risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pediatric VAD is divided into two separate pumps (first axial flow pump and second centrifugal pump) that can operate independently or in combination, allowing each pump to be optimized for specific flow rate ranges and patient age groups, thereby eliminating the need to use adult devices off-label

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-pump system provides multiple operational modes (first pump only, second pump only, or both pumps in series) to accommodate different pediatric patient sizes and flow requirements, making the device universally applicable across the entire pediatric population from infancy through adolescence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single fixed-size VAD device is used, then device simplicity is improved, but long-term support capability deteriorates as patients grow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidlong-term support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The VAD system incorporates variable configuration capability where the two pumps can be connected in series or operated independently based on patient growth and flow requirements, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to changing cardiovascular demands throughout childhood and adolescence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The smaller first axial flow pump is positioned within the housing of the larger second centrifugal pump, creating a nested configuration that allows both pumps to coexist in a compact arrangement while providing scalable flow capacity as patients grow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If pump speed is increased to meet growing cardiovascular demands, then flow capacity is improved, but blood damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow capacityVSAvoidblood damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The total flow requirement is divided between two pumps operating in series, allowing each pump to operate at lower, safer speeds while collectively delivering the required flow capacity, thereby reducing hemolysis and thrombosis risk compared to a single high-speed pump

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different pump configurations (first pump only, second pump only, or both in series) and adjusting individual pump speeds to match patient growth and cardiovascular demands while maintaining safe operating ranges for each pump

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 offers long-term support across the pediatric age range, reducing hemolysis and thrombosis risk while adjusting to growing cardiovascular demands, with compact size and effective pressure and flow capacity.

Implementation Method 1

the actuation mechanism includes flexible hosing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible hosing:

Implementation Method 2

using magnetic suspension to reduce blood damage and thrombosis risk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic suspension: Maglev

Data Source

PatentUS20260054053A1Series Multi-Blood Pump with Dual Activation for Pediatric Patients with Heart Failure

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 DREXEL UNIV

AI summary

A mechanical circulatory support device is provided that includes a housing containing separate first and second pumps, each pump having an inlet, an outlet, and an impeller. The device also includes an actuation mechanism within the housing and is movable from a first position to a second position to divert blood flow within the housing to one of the pumps or to bypass blood flow relative to one of the pumps within the housing. In the first position, the actuation mechanism directs blood flow exiting the first pump into a bypass passage so that blood flow bypasses the second pump, and in the second position, the actuation mechanism directs blood flow exiting the first pump into the inlet of the second pump. The first pump is an axial flow pump and the second pump is a centrifugal pump, and the actuation mechanism includes flexible hosing.