Sternal Fixation of Implantable Heart-Assist Devices for Long-Term Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac compression devices for heart failure are not suitable for long-term use due to high mechanical strain on the heart, and there is a need for a sturdy and secure fixation method for implantable heart help devices to alleviate this strain.
Innovation Solution
An implantable heart help device with fixating members, such as plates and screws, is secured to the sternum using ceramic, stainless steel, or titanium materials, allowing for adjustable positioning and external force application on the heart muscle through mechanisms like rotating members, pistons, and fluid reservoirs, powered by wireless energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If external cardiac compression devices are used, then acute heart failure can be alleviated, but they cannot be used for long-term treatment due to high mechanical strain on the heart
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent components: a fixation member attached to the sternum, a separate compression element that contacts the heart, and connecting structures. This segmentation allows the compression function to be isolated from the fixation system, reducing overall mechanical strain while maintaining effective heart compression for long-term treatment.
2Duration of action of moving object
If an implantable heart help device is provided, then long-term heart support is achieved, but the device creates significant weight and mechanical load on the heart
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member attached to the sternum acts as a counterweight system, bearing the weight of the pump device, driving members, and control logic. This transfers the mechanical load from the heart to the skeletal structure, enabling long-term support without excessive weight burden on the heart itself.
3Weight of moving object
If the heart help device is securely fixated to the sternum, then the heart is alleviated from device weight, but the fixation structure increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (fixation member with plates and screws) distinct from the pump and control systems. This modular extraction simplifies the overall device architecture by assigning specific functions to separate elements, reducing the complexity burden on the main heart assistance mechanism.
4Reliability
If multiple fixating members are used to secure the device, then fixation reliability is improved, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation members are designed with pre-configured attachment points and geometries that align with standard sternum anatomy. The plates and screws are prepared in advance with optimal positioning features, allowing surgeons to quickly secure the device with multiple fixation points without complex intraoperative adjustments, thus improving reliability while maintaining surgical ease.
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.