Saccular Cavopulmonary Assist Device Power Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cavopulmonary assist devices for Fontan circulation are not self-powered and are not optimized to utilize the kinetic energy of a single ventricle, leading to inefficiencies in pulmonary circulation and limitations in clinical application.
Innovation Solution
A saccular cavopulmonary assist device with separate blood storage and power cavities, utilizing the natural contraction and relaxation of the heart to pump blood through the pulmonary artery, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing device volume and thrombosis risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If external power sources are used to drive cavopulmonary assist devices, then the device can provide sufficient power for pulmonary circulation, but the device complexity increases and clinical application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the heart's own kinetic energy and pressure changes to power the cavopulmonary assist device. The power cavity is connected to the ventricle cavity through a connecting tube, allowing the heart's natural contraction and relaxation to drive the blood storage cavity without requiring external power sources, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining sufficient power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power cavity as an intermediary between the heart and the blood storage cavity. This power cavity receives pressure changes from the ventricle cavity through the connecting tube and transmits them to the blood storage cavity, enabling efficient power transmission while isolating the blood pathway from direct mechanical connections.
2Volume of moving object
If separate power and blood storage cavities are used, then the device volume is reduced and thrombosis risk is minimized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into distinct functional cavities: a power cavity for receiving pressure changes from the heart, a blood storage cavity for holding blood, and connecting tubes for fluid communication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall device volume and minimizing thrombosis risk by separating power transmission from blood contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the connecting tube is positioned within the shell, and the power cavity and blood storage cavity are arranged in a compact configuration. The inner membrane separates the power cavity from the blood storage cavity while maintaining close proximity, creating a space-efficient nested arrangement that reduces device volume without excessive structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If the inflow tube passes through the power cavity, then the device structure is simplified, but the risk of thrombosis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the power transmission pathway from the blood flow pathway by introducing an inner membrane that divides the power cavity from the blood storage cavity. The inflow tube communicates with the blood storage cavity after passing through the inner membrane, ensuring that blood does not directly contact the power cavity where pressure changes occur, thereby reducing thrombosis risk while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 achieves efficient, pulsatile blood flow mimicking normal heart function, improving biventricular blood flow and reducing energy loss, promoting long-term survival and clinical applicability for patients with Fontan circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible first diaphragm is provided at one end of the connecting tube away from the power cavity to separate an inner cavity of the connecting tube from the aorta cavity, so as to transfer the pressure change of the aorta to the power cavity
Implementation Method 2
an inner membrane arranged in the shell to divide the inner space of the shell into the blood storage cavity and the power cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a saccular cavopulmonary assist device, including a shell, an inflow tube (6) and an outflow tube (4), wherein a blood storage cavity (A) and a power cavity (B) are arranged in the shell, and the power cavity (B) is used for providing contraction and relaxation power for the blood storage cavity (A); the inflow tube (6) is arranged at a position corresponding to the power cavity (B) on the shell, an outer end is used for communicating with the vena cava, and an inner end communicates with the blood storage cavity (A) after passing through the power cavity (B); the outflow tube (4) is arranged at a position corresponding to the blood storage cavity (A) on the shell, an outer end is used for communicating with the pulmonary artery, and an inner end communicates with the blood storage cavity (A). This device can assist the cavopulmonary circulation of the single ventricle, realize repeated blood drawing and pumping actions, provide the required power for the pulmonary circulation of the patient, and restore the biventricular blood flow in the human body; and because the arrangement of the inflow tube in the power cavity, the internal structure of this device is more compact, the overall shape is smaller, and the energy of the power cavity can be fully utilized.