Sternal Fixation Structure for Implantable Heart Assist Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable mechanical heart compression devices face significant strain due to the high number of heart beats, necessitating a sturdy and secure fixation method to alleviate the mechanical load on the heart.
Innovation Solution
An implantable heart help device with fixating members, such as plates and screws, secured to the sternum using ceramic, stainless steel, or titanium materials, and adjustable mechanisms like coils and magnets to apply external force on the heart muscle, supported by motors and pressurized fluid systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an implantable mechanical heart compression device is used to assist a failing heart, then the pump function is improved, but the mechanical strain on the heart increases due to the weight of the device and its components
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a heart contacting organ for applying compression force, a drive unit for generating motion, and a fixating member for securing to the sternum. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the fixating member bearing the mechanical load rather than the heart itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixating member acts as an intermediary structure that transfers the mechanical load from the heart help device to the sternum bone. This mediator prevents direct mechanical strain on the heart while still allowing the device to perform its pumping assistance function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device is secured to the sternum using strong fixation materials, then the fixation stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is extracted from the main device body and implemented as a separate fixating member. This allows the fixation mechanism to be optimized for stability while keeping the main device structure relatively simple. The fixating member can be removed or adjusted independently if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixating member is designed with specific local properties suitable for bone fixation, such as contact with the sternum cortex and appropriate mechanical strength. This localized optimization provides stable fixation without requiring complex structures throughout the entire device.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable heart help method for implantation in a human patient is provided. The device comprising a fixating member adapted to fixate said device to a part of the human body comprising bone. A method of fixating an implantable heart help device in a human patient is provided. The method comprises the steps of: cutting the skin of said human patient, dissecting an area of the body comprising bone, and fixating said implantable heart help device to said part of the body comprising bone.