VAD Connector Radial Locking Ring for Heart Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventricular assist device (VAD) connector systems face challenges in secure and easy attachment to the heart, often requiring complex screwing, suturing, or other difficult operations that complicate handling and increase the risk of complications during implantation and explantation.
Innovation Solution
A VAD connector system featuring a radially expandable locking ring that engages a latching lug on the connector, providing audible and tactile feedback during secure attachment without the need for additional fixation methods, allowing for easy axial insertion and rotational freedom, and featuring toothed portions for rotational fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screwing or suturing methods are used to secure the blood pump to the connector, then secure fastening is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult and complicated inside the body
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to be radially expandable and movable along the axial direction. During insertion, the locking ring moves axially to engage with the connector. During removal, the locking ring can be radially expanded to disengage from the connector, enabling easy extraction without screws or sutures inside the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring changes its radial dimension through expansion and contraction. In the contracted state, it has a smaller outer diameter for insertion. In the expanded state, it engages securely with the connector or can be easily removed, providing both secure fastening and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a locking ring is used to secure the blood pump, then secure attachment is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring integrates multiple functions: axial positioning, radial locking, and rotational fixation. The guiding gap structure combines the locking mechanism with the pump housing, eliminating the need for separate components. The flange-shaped portion merges the mounting interface with the pump structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring serves multiple purposes: it provides axial fixation when engaged in the guiding gap, enables rotational fixation through toothed portions, and allows for easy release when radially expanded. This single component replaces multiple separate fixation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the blood pump is fixed axially and rotationally, then secure positioning is achieved, but the ability to rotate and orient freely is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring transitions from a locked state (when radially contracted and engaged in the guiding gap) to an unlocked state (when radially expanded). In the locked state, axial and rotational positioning are secure. In the unlocked state, the pump can be freely rotated and oriented for proper alignment with blood vessels.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for connecting a blood pump to a heart, the system comprising: a blood pump for conveying blood, wherein the blood pump comprises a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, and between the first and the second tubular portion, there is a flange-shaped portion; and comprising a connector having a tubular connector portion extending in an axial direction between a distal end and a proximal end having a lumen for receiving the first tubular portion of the blood pump, and having a flange-shaped connector portion arranged at the distal end for fastening the connector to an organ.