Ventricular Assist Cannula Anchoring to Minimize Thrombus Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventricular assist systems face challenges in efficiently and effectively deploying and anchoring devices within the cardiovascular system to support heart function, particularly in the right ventricle, while minimizing thrombus formation and ensuring stable positioning.
Innovation Solution
A ventricular assist device with a cannula, pump anchor, and tip anchor, featuring a semi-rigid sigmoidal body and inflatable tip, along with a guidewire and sheath, allows for precise placement and anchoring within the inferior vena cava and pulmonary artery, utilizing a deployable pump anchor and tip anchor to stabilize the device and maintain fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ventricular assist device is deployed within the cardiovascular system to provide mechanical circulatory support, then stable positioning and effective blood flow are achieved, but the risk of thrombus formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump anchor includes a porous structure that allows blood flow through the anchor body, reducing blood stasis and minimizing thrombus formation while maintaining stable anchoring in the inferior vena cava
Solution Approach 2:
The tip anchor utilizes an inflatable balloon that can be expanded to engage with the pulmonary artery wall, providing secure positioning while allowing controlled fluid dynamics to prevent thrombus accumulation
2Reliability
If deployable anchors are used to stabilize the ventricular assist device, then reliable anchoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into two separate components: a pump anchor for securing the pump body in the inferior vena cava and a tip anchor for securing the cannula tip in the pulmonary artery, allowing independent deployment and simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The pump anchor is deployed first to establish stable positioning of the pump, followed by deployment of the tip anchor to secure the cannula tip, creating a staged anchoring process that simplifies the deployment sequence
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 system provides stable mechanical circulatory support for up to 30 days, minimizing thrombus formation and ensuring effective blood flow between the inferior vena cava and pulmonary artery, with flexible deployment and anchoring mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the tip anchor may include an inflatable body that has an expanded position and a contracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A ventricular assist system including a cannula that defines a lumen and includes a first end and a second end. The second end of the cannula includes a tip that defines an opening, and a pump operably is coupled to the first end of the cannula. A pump anchor is operably coupled to the pump. The pump anchor has a retracted position and a deployed position. A tip anchor is operably coupled to the second end of the cannula proximate the tip. A sheath is selectively disposed around the cannula, and a guidewire disposed within the lumen of the cannula.