VAD Controller Handover for Uninterrupted Blood Pump Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable blood pump controllers require replacement or software upgrades, which can disrupt blood circulation support due to disconnection from the VAD.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secondary controller that synchronizes with the primary controller's motor drive signals to maintain uninterrupted operation, and a method for seamless software upgrades by transferring software between memory sections while continuing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the VAD controller is disconnected for replacement or software upgrade, then the controller can be maintained or upgraded, but blood circulation support is temporarily interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A secondary controller is pre-configured and trained to synchronize with the primary controller's motor drive signals before any disconnection occurs. The secondary controller learns the frequency and phase characteristics in advance, so when the primary controller is disconnected for replacement or software upgrade, the blood pump continues operating without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary controller acts as an intermediary between the primary controller and the blood pump motor. It receives and synchronizes with the motor drive signals from the primary controller, then independently drives the motor when the primary controller is disconnected, ensuring continuous blood circulation support during controller maintenance.
2Productivity
If a secondary controller is added to maintain uninterrupted operation, then blood circulation support continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary controller is configured to copy and synchronize with the motor drive signals from the primary controller. It replicates the frequency and phase characteristics by analyzing the electrical signals, allowing it to independently drive the motor without requiring a complete duplicate control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary controller dynamically adjusts its output parameters (frequency and phase) by synchronizing with the primary controller's motor drive signals. It detects these electrical parameters and modifies its own output to match, enabling seamless takeover when the primary controller is disconnected.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an implantable blood pump including connecting the implantable blood pump to a primary controller, the primary controller being configured to operate the implantable blood pump, and a secondary controller. The secondary controller synchronizes its own motor drive signals to a frequency and phase of the primary controller's motor drive signals, without actively contributing power to the implantable blood pump. An imminent or actual disconnection event is detected in which the primary controller is disconnected from the implantable blood pump. Uninterrupted operation of the implantable blood pump is continued with the secondary controller.