Portable Programming Module for VAD Controller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventricular assist device (VAD) systems face challenges in being portable, lightweight, and user-friendly while preventing unauthorized adjustments, as they often require complex control panels or immobile base stations for pump speed adjustments, increasing size and weight or limiting patient mobility for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental blood flow system with an implantable device, a portable controller, and a dual power supply system including a battery and a portable programming module that allows for pump parameter adjustments, enabling wireless data transmission and battery charging, while ensuring secure operation through secure programming and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control panel or programming module is built into the portable controller worn by the patient, then pump parameter adjustments can be made at home, but the complexity, size and weight of the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the controller into two separate components: a portable programming module that can be carried by the patient for making parameter adjustments, and a larger base station that provides comprehensive programming capabilities and data management. This segmentation allows the portable unit to remain simple and lightweight while still enabling patient autonomy in pump parameter adjustments.
2Reliability
If an immobile base station control unit is used for programming purposes, then unauthorized personnel cannot adjust pump speed, but the patient must go to a doctor's office or hospital for any required adjustment of pump speed
Solution Approach 1:
The portable programming module serves as an intermediary device that enables secure pump parameter adjustments at home. It communicates with the implantable pump through telemetry and can be authenticated to ensure only authorized personnel can make changes. This intermediary solution maintains security while eliminating the need for patients to travel to medical facilities for routine adjustments.
3Weight of moving object
If the controller is made lightweight and small for portability, then patient mobility is improved, but the battery capacity and power supply capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple power sources: a rechargeable battery in the portable programming module for portability, and a larger battery or power adapter in the base station for extended operating duration. The portable module can be recharged from the base station, effectively merging the power capacities of both units to provide both lightness and long operating duration.
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 system provides a lightweight, portable, and secure means to control blood flow, allowing patients to manage their VAD settings independently while ensuring secure operation and extended battery life, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits for adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the power adaptor is coupled to the portable programming module and supplies power to the portable programming module, through the portable programming module and the first power inlet to the controller, and through the controller and the second power inlet to the battery, to thereby charge the battery with power supplied through the controller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A supplemental blood flow system (10, 10a-e) for assisting with blood circulation in a patient. The system includes a supplemental blood flow device (12) implantable in the patient and a controller (18) for directing electrical power to the supplemental blood flow device (12) and controlling the flow rate of blood through the device (12). The controller (18) includes first and second power inlets (38, 40) and a power outlet (41). The power outlet (41 ) is adapted to be coupled to an electrical line (20) leading to the supplemental blood flow device (12). A portable programming module (70) may be coupled to at least one of the first and second power inlets (38, 40) and operable to aiEow pump operating parameters stored in the controller (18) to be changed according to the needs of the patient.