Vascular Flow Simulation Using a Variable Valve Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices lack the capability to simulate a realistic vascular environment for testing and training in vascular interventional surgery, failing to accurately replicate blood flow parameters and conditions, which hinders equipment testing and operator proficiency.
Innovation Solution
A blood flow environment simulation device comprising a liquid reservoir, vascular simulation tube, pump, circulation tubes, and a variable valve inlet to simulate dynamic blood flow parameters, such as flow speed and pressure, without requiring complex heart movement simulation, along with optional features like blockages and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complicated device is designed to reproduce heart movement, then the simulation of blood flow parameters becomes more accurate, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a valve with variable inlet area to create a simplified copy of the heart's function. Instead of reproducing the actual heart movement mechanism, the invention copies the essential effect - changing blood flow parameters dynamically - through a controllable valve that adjusts inlet area to simulate systolic and diastolic phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the inlet area parameter of the valve to simulate different phases of heart movement. By varying the inlet area dynamically, the system reproduces the changing blood flow characteristics without needing to mechanically replicate heart motion, thus simplifying the device while maintaining simulation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a complicated device is designed to reproduce heart movement, then the simulation of blood flow parameters becomes more accurate, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a valve with variable inlet area to create a simplified copy of the heart's function. Instead of reproducing the actual heart movement mechanism, the invention copies the essential effect - changing blood flow parameters dynamically - through a controllable valve that adjusts inlet area to simulate systolic and diastolic phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a relatively simple valve mechanism that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to complex heart movement reproduction devices. The valve system provides the necessary simulation functionality without requiring expensive materials or complex manufacturing processes.
3Device complexity
If static blood flow parameters are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the simulation realism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static valve inlet from a fixed structure to a dynamic one that can change area. This allows the simulation of pulsatile blood flow characteristics by dynamically adjusting the inlet area, thereby improving simulation realism while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic changes in the valve inlet area to simulate the rhythmic nature of heartbeats. By applying periodic modulation to the inlet area, the system creates realistic pulsatile flow patterns that mimic actual blood flow conditions without requiring complex mechanical heart movement reproduction.
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
Provides a cost-effective and structurally simplified means to simulate real vascular environments, enhancing equipment testing and operator training by realistically mimicking blood flow conditions, improving technical proficiency and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for pumping liquid
Implementation Method 2
a valve located in the circulation path, having a valve inlet and a valve outlet, wherein the area of the valve inlet is variable to change the dynamic parameters of the fluid in the vascular simulation tube over time
Data Source
AI summary
A blood flow environment simulation device is disclosed, including: a liquid reservoir (1) for storing liquid; a vascular simulation tube (4); a pump (2) for pumping liquid; a plurality of circulation tubes (7, 11, 12), which form a liquid circulation path together with the vascular simulation tube; and a valve (6) located in the circulation path, having a valve inlet (17) and a valve outlet (18), wherein the area of the valve inlet (17) is variable to change the dynamic parameters of the fluid in the vascular simulation tube (4) over time. The present disclosure also relates to medical equipment that includes a blood flow environment simulation device as described.