Thermistor-Embedded Intracardiac Pump for Native Cardiac Output Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in accurately measuring native cardiac output in patients with mechanical hemodynamic support, as they are unable to differentiate between native and mechanical cardiac output without discontinuing mechanical support, which poses risks to the patient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a thermistor embedded in an intravascular blood pump to measure total, mechanical, and native cardiac output, allowing for continuous monitoring while providing mechanical support, by calculating native cardiac output based on total cardiac output and pump flow output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If currently available technologies (Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, thermodilution) are used to measure cardiac output, then total cardiac output can be measured, but native cardiac output cannot be differentiated from mechanical cardiac output without discontinuing mechanical support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total cardiac output measurement into two distinct components: native cardiac output and mechanical cardiac output. By placing the flow sensor within the mechanical pump, the system separately measures mechanical pump flow and native heart flow, allowing differentiation without discontinuing mechanical support. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise measurement of native cardiac output while maintaining continuous mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow sensor as an intermediary element embedded within the mechanical pump system. This sensor acts as a mediator that directly measures both the mechanical pump flow and the native heart flow simultaneously, enabling differentiation of native cardiac output without requiring discontinuation of mechanical support. The intermediary sensor resolves the measurement precision versus ease of operation contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical support is temporarily discontinued to measure native cardiac output, then accurate native cardiac output measurement can be obtained, but patient safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement of native cardiac output while mechanical support remains continuously active. The embedded flow sensor allows simultaneous measurement of mechanical pump flow and native heart flow without interrupting the mechanical support, thereby maintaining both measurement accuracy and patient safety throughout the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pump system serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical circulatory support while simultaneously serving as the measurement platform for native cardiac output assessment. The embedded flow sensor allows the pump system to self-monitor native cardiac output without requiring external intervention or discontinuation of support, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and patient safety.
3Measurement precision
If multiple vascular access routes are obtained for thermodilution measurement, then cardiac output can be measured, but risk of vascular complications and infections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical pump system with the flow measurement capability by embedding the flow sensor within the pump. This combination eliminates the need for separate vascular access routes required by traditional thermodilution methods, as the sensor utilizes the existing pump circulation pathway. The merging resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate measurement while reducing vascular access points and associated risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pump system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a circulatory support device and as a measurement platform for native cardiac output assessment. The embedded flow sensor enables the pump to perform dual functions without requiring additional vascular access, thereby reducing the harmful factors of vascular complications and infections while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate and continuous measurement of native cardiac output, providing real-time information to clinicians, which aids in predicting patient response when mechanical circulatory support is removed and improves patient safety during weaning.
Implementation Method 1
a thermistor imbedded in an intravascular blood pump... The change in temperature of the blood being pumped from the left ventricle into the ascending aorta is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining native cardiac output of a heart while maintaining operation of an intracardiac blood pump includes determining a current drawn by the pump motor, a blood pressure within the ascending aorta, and a change in the blood temperature based on a thermodilution technique. An intracardiac blood pump positioned in the aorta includes at least one sensor for determining a motor current and blood pressure and a thermistor for determining the change in blood temperature after a precise fluid bolus has been introduced into the vasculature. A processor receives current, pressure, and temperature measurements, and calculates a pump flow output and a total cardiac output from which the native cardiac output is calculated. The native cardiac output and other clinically relevant variables derived from the measurements inform decisions related to continued therapeutic care, including increasing or decreasing cardiac assistance provided by the intracardiac pump.