Variable-Stiffness Distal Extension for Stable Blood Pump Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood pump assemblies face instability issues due to improper positioning, leading to potential damage to the heart and vasculature, and frequent repositioning disrupts patient care, necessitating a solution that stabilizes the pump while minimizing trauma.
Innovation Solution
A variable-stiffness distal extension with a continuous stiffness profile is introduced, featuring a decreasing outer diameter along the distal direction, providing a smooth transition from a stiffer proximal portion to a softer distal portion, allowing for stable positioning and maneuverability without damaging the vasculature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a distal extension with uniform stiffness is used, then the pump can be positioned in the ventricle, but the pump becomes unstable and requires frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The distal extension employs varying stiffness along its length, with a stiffer proximal section (higher modulus or thicker wall) for stability and a softer distal section (lower modulus or thinner wall) for navigation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the extension to simultaneously provide anchoring stability near the pump while remaining compliant for passage through vasculature.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal extension transitions from a static, uniform stiffness design to a dynamic, gradient stiffness design that adapts its mechanical response along its length. The varying stiffness profile allows different sections to perform different functions: the stiffer proximal portion resists bending to maintain position, while the softer distal portion flexes to accommodate vascular geometry changes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stiffer distal extension is used to stabilize the pump, then positioning stability improves, but trauma to the heart and vasculature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal extension employs varying stiffness along its length, with a stiffer proximal section (higher modulus or thicker wall) for stability and a softer distal section (lower modulus or thinner wall) for navigation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the extension to simultaneously provide anchoring stability near the pump while remaining compliant for passage through vasculature.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal extension's mechanical parameters (stiffness, wall thickness, outer diameter) are varied continuously or in steps along its length. The stiffness parameter decreases from proximal to distal, allowing the extension to provide necessary structural support near the pump while becoming progressively more compliant to minimize trauma during insertion and positioning.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a softer distal extension is used to reduce trauma, then vasculature damage decreases, but the pump becomes unstable and requires frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The distal extension employs varying stiffness along its length, with a stiffer proximal section (higher modulus or thicker wall) for stability and a softer distal section (lower modulus or thinner wall) for navigation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the extension to simultaneously provide anchoring stability near the pump while remaining compliant for passage through vasculature.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal extension is divided into multiple sections with different stiffness characteristics. The proximal section has higher stiffness for stability, while the distal section has lower stiffness for navigation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
4Ease of manufacture
If a step-wise stiffness profile is used with multiple sections, then manufacturing is simplified, but the stiffness transition is abrupt and may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The distal extension's mechanical parameters (stiffness, wall thickness, outer diameter) are varied continuously or in steps along its length. The stiffness parameter decreases from proximal to distal, allowing the extension to provide necessary structural support near the pump while becoming progressively more compliant to minimize trauma during insertion and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal extension employs varying stiffness along its length, with a stiffer proximal section (higher modulus or thicker wall) for stability and a softer distal section (lower modulus or thinner wall) for navigation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the extension to simultaneously provide anchoring stability near the pump while remaining compliant for passage through vasculature.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a blood pump system having a variable stiffness distal extension are disclosed. A variable stiffness distal extension may have at least one section of continuously varying stiffness, resulting in a stiffness profile that decreases in a distal direction along a length of the distal extension. The varying stiffness may be accomplished by varying one or more radial dimensions of the extension. For example, in some implementations, an outer diameter of a distal extension may decrease along at least a portion of a distal extension. The distal extension may include a lumen configured to receive a longitudinally extending element.