Ventricular Assist Device Cuff Lock Assembly for Protected Seating

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventricular assist devices (VADs) face challenges in securing smaller blood pumps to heart tissue due to cuff locks prone to damage during improper seating, leading to increased replacement rates and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

A ventricular assist device with a coupling mechanism featuring a cuff lock assembly that includes a spring arm member and pivoting components, allowing secure attachment by accommodating proper seating and preventing damage through visual indicators and mechanical barriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the cuff lock is made smaller to accommodate reduced VAD footprint, then the device size is reduced, but the cuff lock becomes more prone to damage during lockout and repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVAD footprintVSAvoidcuff lock durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff lock assembly is divided into separate functional components: a cuff lock body, a cuff lock arm, and a spring arm member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the cuff lock body remains compact while the cuff lock arm provides the necessary structural length for engagement, and the spring arm member provides protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arm member acts as a protective element that engages with the cuff lock arm before damage can occur. When the cuff lock is in a lockout position or being repositioned, the spring arm member absorbs and distributes forces that would otherwise concentrate on and damage the cuff lock body or cuff lock arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the cuff lock radial travel length is increased to improve locking engagement, then the locking reliability is improved, but the cuff lock is more prone to bending moments and damage when retracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking engagementVSAvoidcuff lock resistance to bending

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff lock assembly is divided into separate functional components: a cuff lock body, a cuff lock arm, and a spring arm member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the cuff lock body remains compact while the cuff lock arm provides the necessary structural length for engagement, and the spring arm member provides protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arm member acts as a protective element that engages with the cuff lock arm before damage can occur. When the cuff lock is in a lockout position or being repositioned, the spring arm member absorbs and distributes forces that would otherwise concentrate on and damage the cuff lock body or cuff lock arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the cuff lock assembly is made more robust to prevent damage, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuff lock durabilityVSAvoidcuff lock assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff lock assembly is divided into separate functional components: a cuff lock body, a cuff lock arm, and a spring arm member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the cuff lock body remains compact while the cuff lock arm provides the necessary structural length for engagement, and the spring arm member provides protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring arm member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides a mechanical barrier to prevent excessive radial travel, acts as a protective cushion during lockout and repositioning, and maintains engagement with the cuff lock arm. This merging of protective functions into one element avoids the need for multiple separate protective mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances the durability and reliability of cuff lock attachments, reducing the need for pump replacements by ensuring correct seating and preventing damage during implantation procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The spring arm member includes flexible arms configured to engage the cuff lock arms in the locked or engaged position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250213848A1Ventricular Assist Device Cuff Locks and Methods of Use

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 TC1 LLC

AI summary

A ventricular assist device (VAD) includes an inlet cannula, a blood flow outlet, a blood pump assembly operable to pump blood from the inlet cannula to the blood flow outlet, and a coupling mechanism operable to secure the blood pump to a ventricular cuff attached to a heart. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling mechanism housing, a spring arm member attached to the coupling mechanism housing, and a cuff lock assembly including cuff lock arms slidably disposed within cuff lock passages defined by the coupling mechanism housing. The coupling mechanism is configured to accommodate repositioning of the cuff lock assembly from the retracted position to the engaged position when the blood pump is in the mounted configuration and block repositioning of the cuff lock assembly from the retracted position to the engaged position when the blood pump is not in the mounted configuration.