VAD Connector Plug for Reversible Heart Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ventricular assist device (VAD) connectors require surgical intervention for installation and removal, causing trauma to the heart and potential healing issues, with no straightforward method to reestablish VAD functionality if the heart's condition deteriorates after VAD removal.

Innovation Solution

A plug designed to fill and securely engage the VAD connector's opening, allowing for VAD removal and later reinstallation without re-surgerical intervention, using a clamp mechanism and O-ring seal to maintain a leak-proof seal and mechanical lock within the connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the VAD is removed from the heart, then the heart trauma is reduced and healing is promoted, but the VAD connector opening cannot be sealed and reinstallation is not feasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheart traumaVSAvoidVAD reinstallation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into three separate components: the VAD connector (remains on heart), the VAD (removable), and the sealable plug (fills connector opening). This segmentation allows the connector to stay implanted while the VAD can be removed and reinstalled by simply replacing the plug, solving both the trauma reduction and reinstallation capability needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plug acts as an intermediary component between the VAD connector and the VAD. It seals the connector opening when the VAD is removed and can be easily replaced to allow VAD reinstallation, thus mediating between the need to seal the opening and the need for future reinstallation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If surgical intervention is performed for VAD installation and removal, then the VAD can be properly connected and disconnected, but repeated surgical openings cause additional heart trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVAD installation and removalVSAvoidheart trauma from repeated surgery

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The VAD connector is pre-installed on the heart during the initial surgery, creating a permanent sealed opening. This preliminary action eliminates the need for future surgical openings, as the VAD can be installed or removed by simply placing or removing the plug through the existing opening, thus reducing repeated heart trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the VAD connector opening is left open after VAD removal, then the connector remains accessible for future VAD reinstallation, but blood leakage occurs from the heart opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuture VAD reinstallation accessVSAvoidblood leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug is designed as a disposable, simple component that can be easily inserted and removed. It provides temporary sealing of the connector opening when the VAD is not in use, preventing blood leakage while maintaining easy access for future VAD reinstallation by simply replacing the plug.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS7942805B2VAD connector plug

Publication Date: 2011.05.17 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A plug which may be positioned in place of a Ventricular Assist Device (“VAD”) within a VAD connector mounted to the heart. The VAD connector may have at least one VAD-engaging feature and may define an opening. The plug may have a body adapted to fill the opening of the VAD connector and may engage the VAD connector. The plug may be installed in place of a VAD when the heart heals, and then removed and replaced by a VAD if the patient's condition deteriorates.