Ventricular Assist Device Cannula with Integrated Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventricular assist devices face challenges in effectively managing cardiac output and timing, leading to potential heart damage and reduced survival rates due to inadequate measurement and control of blood flow, as well as the need for separate electrodes for defibrillation and pacemaking, which increases complexity and risk of malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A ventricular assist device cannula with integrated electrodes that allow for direct electric stimulus application to the heart and blood vessels, enabling simultaneous operation with defibrillators and pacemakers, while also measuring impedance to optimize blood flow and control heart timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate electrodes are used for defibrillation and pacemaking, then the functions can be performed, but the device complexity and risk of malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines defibrillation electrodes and pacemaker electrodes into a single integrated electrode system. The cannula includes first and second defibrillation electrodes positioned at different locations, along with pacing electrodes, all integrated into the same structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrode systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both defibrillation and pacemaking functions in one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electrode system serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can perform defibrillation through the first and second defibrillation electrodes, pacemaking through the pacing electrodes, and cardiac output measurement through impedance detection between electrodes. This multi-functional design allows a single electrode system to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized electrodes for each function.
2Productivity
If the ventricular assist device supplies excessive blood flow, then the heart assistance effect is improved, but arteries or heart tissues may be narrowed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates impedance detection between electrodes to measure cardiac output in real-time. The system uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the blood flow supply amount, ensuring it remains within optimal ranges. When impedance changes indicate excessive flow, the system can reduce pump speed or adjust positioning, preventing tissue damage while maintaining effective heart assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventricular assist device employs dynamic control of blood flow based on real-time impedance measurements and cardiac output assessment. The pump speed, cannula positioning, and electrode configuration can be adjusted dynamically to match the patient's physiological needs, preventing both under-assistance and over-assistance conditions that could cause tissue damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ventricular assist device cannot measure cardiac ejection amount and total blood circulation, then the device structure remains simple, but optimal control according to physiological condition cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system serves dual purposes: it provides electrical stimulation for defibrillation and pacemaking, while simultaneously functioning as an impedance detection system for measuring cardiac output and blood circulation. This multi-functional design enables physiological monitoring and adaptive control without requiring separate dedicated measurement devices, thus improving adaptability while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The same electrodes that deliver electrical therapy also measure cardiac output through impedance detection. The system uses its own structural components (the electrodes) to perform measurement functions, eliminating the need for entirely separate measurement instrumentation and enabling self-monitoring capabilities.
4Reliability
If a separate external defibrillator is used, then defibrillation can be performed, but malfunction and damage of the ventricular assist device may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The defibrillation function is merged into the ventricular assist device itself through integrated defibrillation electrodes. This eliminates the need for separate external defibrillators that could cause malfunction or damage. The integrated system ensures defibrillation energy is delivered through the same controlled pathway used for normal operation, reducing the risk of device damage while maintaining reliable defibrillation capability.
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 solution enhances patient survival rates by minimizing device malfunctions, allowing for efficient defibrillation and pacemaking, and optimizing blood flow to prevent heart damage, while reducing the need for separate electrodes and improving the control of cardiac output and timing.
Implementation Method 1
electrodes connected with the connecting tube and contacting the incision of the body tissue to transfer an electric signal to the body tissue
Implementation Method 2
measuring impedance to optimize blood flow and control heart timing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a ventricular assist device cannula, and more particularly, a ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes, including: a connecting tube connecting an incision of a body tissue and a ventricular assist device so that blood can flow; and electrodes connected with the connecting tube and contacting the incision of the body tissue to transfer an electric signal to the body tissue. The ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has effects as follows. First, a bio-signal of a patient wearing the ventricular assist device through the electrode attached to the conduit can be easily measured without a separate electrode implant and an electric stimulus can also be measured. Second, since the electric stimulus can be directly applied to a cardiac muscle, it is possible to improve stability and efficiency of an electric treatment such as a cardiac pacemaking, a ventricular defibrillation, and the like of the patient wearing the ventricular assist device.