VAD Controller with Integrated Battery Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventricular assist devices (VADs) with extra-corporeal power and control components are cumbersome and prone to power interruptions due to the need for multiple batteries and power cables, limiting patient mobility and comfort, and risking fatal power or control signal failures from mechanical wear and connector failures.
Innovation Solution
An integrated extra-corporeal controller unit for VADs that combines rechargeable batteries and control circuitry in a single housing, eliminating power cables and using removable battery modules with integrated connectors for seamless power switching and backup power sources, including a transcutaneous energy transmission system for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate batteries and power cables are used to ensure continuous power supply, then power reliability is improved, but device complexity and patient mobility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple battery modules and control circuitry into a single integrated controller unit. The controller housing contains multiple battery modules (e.g., first and second batteries) that can be independently connected to the control circuitry, eliminating the need for separate power cables and external battery packs. This integration maintains power reliability through redundant power sources while reducing system complexity and improving patient mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller unit serves multiple functions: it houses control circuitry for VAD operation, contains multiple battery modules for power supply, and provides automatic switching between power sources. The integrated design allows the single controller to perform what previously required multiple separate components, thereby improving reliability without increasing complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple separate batteries are carried to ensure continuous operation, then power availability is improved, but patient comfort and mobility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple battery modules are integrated within a single controller housing, allowing the patient to carry one device instead of multiple separate batteries. The controller can automatically switch between battery modules to extend operational duration, and the integrated design significantly improves patient comfort by reducing the burden of carrying and managing multiple separate power sources.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power cables with connectors are used to connect batteries to controller, then power transmission is enabled, but mechanical wear and connector failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery modules are integrated within the controller housing, eliminating the need for external power cables and connectors. The battery modules can be directly connected to the control circuitry through internal connections, removing the mechanical wear and connector failure risks associated with external cables while maintaining reliable power transmission.
4Ease of repair
If batteries are frequently disconnected and reconnected for charging, then battery maintenance is enabled, but connector wear and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery modules are designed as separate, independently replaceable units within the controller. Each battery module can be individually removed and replaced without affecting the other batteries or requiring disconnection of power cables. This segmentation enables easy battery maintenance while eliminating the repeated connection and disconnection of external connectors, thereby reducing wear and failure risk.
Data Source
AI summary
An extra-corporeal controller unit for an implantable ventricular assist device (VAD) includes control circuitry integrated with a rechargeable power source without including any power cables between the control circuitry and the rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source includes two or more rechargeable batteries configured in respective battery modules. The battery modules are configured for removable installation in a housing of the controller unit. Mating power connectors are integrated in the battery modules and the housing. The mating connectors are configured to couple each battery to the control circuitry whenever the respective battery module containing the battery is installed in the housing. An energy storage unit may be permanently included in the controller unit and configured to remain fully charged and provide power to the VAD when the battery modules are removed.