Self-Driven Venous Blood Pump Using Aortic Turbine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cavopulmonary assist devices for patients with univentricular congenital heart defects require external power sources, leading to infection risks and mobility issues, and are not suitable for long-term use due to technical challenges in insertion and rotational power supply, particularly in Fontan circulation where high systemic venous pressure and low cardiac output cause severe complications.
Innovation Solution
A surgically implantable self-driven ventricle assist device using an aortic turbine to harness systemic blood flow from the left ventricle for rotational power, driving a venous pump at the TCPC intersection without an external power source, effectively alleviating systemic venous hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypotension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If external power sources are used for cavopulmonary assist devices, then the device can provide continuous blood flow support, but infection risks and mobility restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the patient's own systemic blood flow from the left ventricle through the aorta to drive the turbine, which in turn powers the venous pump. This self-powered mechanism eliminates external power sources and associated infection risks while providing continuous blood flow support
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the external electrical power system with a mechanical energy conversion system where kinetic energy from systemic blood flow is converted to rotational motion of the turbine, which then drives the pump through magnetic or mechanical coupling
2Duration of action of moving object
If external power sources are used for cavopulmonary assist devices, then the device can function continuously, but patient mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The self-powered design eliminates external power connections and control systems that would restrict patient movement, allowing full mobility while maintaining continuous operation through the body's own circulatory energy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the external power source and control system from the device, leaving only the passive turbine-pump mechanism that operates autonomously within the body without external dependencies
3Speed
If high systemic venous pressure is present in Fontan circulation, then blood can reach the lungs passively, but severe complications such as heart failure and thromboembolisms occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the pressure parameter in the venous circulation by actively pumping blood, reducing systemic venous pressure from high to normal levels while maintaining adequate pulmonary blood flow, thereby preventing complications
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine-pump system acts as an intermediary mechanism that modulates blood flow between the venous system and pulmonary arteries, providing controlled assistance that maintains optimal pressure and flow parameters
4Productivity
If low cardiac output is present in Fontan circulation, then oxygenated blood supply to the body is maintained, but pulmonary arterial pressure becomes too low causing inadequate blood flow to lungs
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the circulatory support function by placing the pump specifically at the TCPC intersection to address only the venous-to-pulmonary flow segment, leaving the oxygenated blood supply function to the single ventricle
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 provides sustained blood flow from the vena cava to pulmonary arteries, reducing systemic venous pressure and associated complications, offering a long-term solution compatible with univentricular physiology and enhancing patient mobility and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an aortic turbine that uses some systemic blood from the left ventricle as an energy source
Implementation Method 2
a venous pump that is coupled magnetically or mechanically to said turbine
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an implantable self-driven pump for use as a cavopulmonary assist device. The invention comprises an aortic turbine that uses some systemic blood from the left ventricle as an energy source and a venous pump that is coupled magnetically or mechanically to the turbine. The present invention more particularly relates to a cavopulmonary assist device (10) for a total cavopulmonary connection with superior vena cava-pulmonary artery anastomosis and inferior vena cava-pulmonary artery bridging via a conduit (9), said cavopulmonary assist device (10) comprising a pump unit (20) and a turbine unit (30) coupled by a shaft (401).