VAD Controller Reserve Battery Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventricular assist devices (VADs) require multiple external power sources for safe operation, which can be cumbersome and unreliable, especially when the primary power source fails or is depleted, leading to potential disruptions in blood flow.
Innovation Solution
A controller housing with a reserve battery is provided externally, connected to the VAD via a percutaneous cable, allowing seamless operation of the device when primary power sources, such as external batteries or AC mains, become inadequate, reducing the number of external packages the patient needs to manage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple external power sources are used to ensure safe operation of VAD, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the controller and reserve battery into a single integrated controller housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate external battery packs and reduces the number of external packages the patient must manage, while still providing redundant power capability through the integrated reserve battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller housing serves multiple functions: it houses the control electronics, contains the reserve battery for redundant power, and provides the interface with the VAD pump. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system configuration.
2Reliability
If multiple external power sources are used to ensure safe operation of VAD, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the reserve battery into the controller housing, the system eliminates the need for patients to manually manage multiple external power sources. The integrated design automatically provides redundant power capability without requiring patient intervention in power source selection or switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external batteries are used to power the VAD controller and pump, then portability is improved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller and reserve battery are merged into a single housing unit that interfaces with the VAD pump through a percutaneous cable. This integration reduces the total number of external packages the patient must carry, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining portability.
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
This configuration ensures continuous blood flow by providing a redundant power source, reducing the risk of device failure due to power source errors and allowing patients to operate with a single external power source, enhancing mobility and reducing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a controller housing having a reserve battery therein for powering the ventricular assist device when the primary power source provides inadequate power
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed apparatus and methods for providing a reserve power source for a ventricular assist device. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a primary power source for powering the device, and a controller housing having a reserve battery for powering the device when the primary power source provides inadequate power, and the controller housing configured for use externally of the patient with a percutaneous cable to the device. In another embodiment, a method includes powering the device with a primary power source, monitoring power provided to the device, powering the device when the power is monitored as inadequate to the device with a reserve power source disposed within a controller housing, the device disposed subcutaneously within a patient, the controller housing disposed externally of the patient, and the device and the controller housing connected by a percutaneous cable. Other embodiments are also disclosed.