Intracardiac Blood Pump Capacitive Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of an intracardiac blood pump within a patient often rely on imaging, which may not be readily available in all situations, such as in the intensive care unit, and require direct visualization of the pump relative to cardiac structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of capacitive sensors arranged proximate to the cannula of the blood pump to detect capacitive signals, which are then used to infer the position of the intracardiac blood pump within the patient's anatomy, allowing for indirect determination of the pump's position without the need for imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging methods are used to determine pump position, then direct visualization of pump relative to cardiac structures is achieved, but imaging may not be readily available in all situations and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imaging-based position determination with capacitive sensing. Capacitive sensors detect changes in capacitance signals based on the proximity of the pump to cardiac structures, eliminating the need for imaging equipment and enabling position determination in any clinical setting including intensive care units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitive sensors as an intermediary between the pump and the detection system. These sensors mounted on the pump housing detect capacitive coupling with adjacent cardiac structures, providing indirect but reliable position information without requiring direct visualization or external imaging equipment.
2Measurement precision
If imaging is required for position determination, then accurate placement can be achieved, but it complicates the system and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex imaging systems with simple capacitive sensors integrated into the pump housing. The sensors automatically detect position through capacitive coupling with cardiac structures, providing accurate placement information without requiring operators to manage or interpret imaging studies.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system performs self-position-monitoring through integrated capacitive sensors. The sensors continuously detect capacitive signals from adjacent cardiac structures, and the controller automatically processes these signals to determine pump position, eliminating the need for external imaging equipment or complex operational procedures.
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
This method enables accurate and reliable determination of the intracardiac blood pump's position, facilitating proper placement and repositioning of the pump, even in situations where imaging is not available, thereby improving patient care and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitive sensor associated with the cannula... sense a capacitive signal... determine a position of the intracardiac blood pump based on the capacitive signal
Implementation Method 2
a signal generator configured to impart an electromagnetic field surrounding the capacitive material
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining a position of an intracardiac blood pump in a patient are described. The method includes receiving from at least one capacitive sensor associated with a cannula of the intracardiac blood pump, at least one capacitive signal, determining a position of the intracardiac blood pump in the patient based, at least in part, on the at least one capacitive signal, and providing an indication of the position of the intracardiac blood pump on a user interface of the circulatory support device.