Vascular Coupling Device Resilient Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular coupling devices for total artificial hearts (TAH) face challenges in providing a leak-proof, easy-to-connect, and flexible connection to the vascular system, which is essential for accommodating body movements without damaging the vascular system or disconnecting from the TAH, especially due to the limited availability of donor hearts and the need for a mechanical heart replacement.
Innovation Solution
The vascular coupling device features a tubular configuration with resilient coupling portions made from bio-compatible materials like polyethylene and polyurethane, vascular grafting material such as polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron), and a coupling system with docking ports and fastening means, allowing for a leak-proof and flexible connection to both systemic and pulmonary circuits, with the ability to accommodate different shapes and sizes for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid coupling device is used to connect the vascular system to the artificial heart, then the connection is stable and leak-proof, but the device cannot accommodate body movements without damaging the vascular system
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a flexible membrane structure that can deform elastically to accommodate body movements while maintaining a sealed connection. The membrane acts as a flexible barrier that prevents leakage while allowing the coupling device to move with the patient's body, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for leak-proof connection and flexibility for movement accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and position in response to body movements. The flexible membrane allows the device to dynamically adjust to changing anatomical conditions while maintaining the integrity of the vascular connection and preventing leakage.
2Reliability
If a complex coupling system is used to ensure leak-proof connection, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for connection and disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into modular components including a flexible membrane section, coupling elements, and connection interfaces. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a reliable leak-proof connection through the integrated membrane while enabling easy assembly and disconnection through the modular design, as each component can be independently connected or disconnected without affecting the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible material is used to accommodate body movements, then the adaptability is improved, but the strength to maintain leak-proof connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device utilizes composite material construction combining flexible polymers for the membrane portion with stronger reinforcing materials at critical connection points. This composite approach maintains the flexibility needed for body movement accommodation while providing sufficient structural strength to prevent leakage and maintain connection integrity under physiological conditions.
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
The device ensures a secure, leak-proof, and flexible connection between the vascular system and the artificial heart pumps, accommodating body movements and providing a reliable conduit for blood flow, thereby supporting the functionality of TAHs as a substitute for the natural heart.
Implementation Method 1
The first end of said first and second coupling elements comprises a resilient coupling portion
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular coupling device for connecting an artificial heart pump to the vascular system of a subject is disclosed. The artificial heart pump may form part of a total artificial heart (TAH). The vascular coupling device comprises a first and a second coupling element, each one of said first and second coupling elements has a first end comprising a resilient coupling portion, a second end comprising a vascular grafting material, and a tubular midsection is arranged between said first and second ends. The vascular coupling device further comprises a coupling plate comprising a first receptor and a second receptor configured and adapted for receiving said resilient coupling portions of the first and second coupling elements. The vascular coupling device further comprises a docking plate, comprising a first and a second docking port configured to be arranged to an inlet channel and an outlet channel of said artificial heart pump and one or more fastening means for connecting said coupling plate to the docking plate. A method for connecting the vascular coupling device to the vascular system of a subject is also disclosed.