Ventricular Assist Device Two-Point Anchoring System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ventricular assist systems face challenges in securely implanting fluid regulation devices within the heart due to the limited space and structural constraints, which can lead to heart tissue trauma and potential lethal complications from pressure exerted on anatomical walls during minimally invasive transcatheter procedures.

Innovation Solution

A two-point anchoring system is employed to secure an intracorporeal device across at least two anatomical walls of the heart, distributing pressure and reducing the risk of trauma by using a connector that stabilizes the device across the atrial septum and the aortic wall, thereby minimizing strain on individual walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fluid regulation device is implanted using a single anchoring point, then the implantation process is simpler, but the pressure exerted on the anatomical wall increases, causing tissue trauma and potential dislodgment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplantation simplicityVSAvoidheart tissue trauma
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is divided into multiple independent anchoring points (at least two) distributed across different anatomical walls or structures. This segmentation allows the device to distribute mechanical stress across multiple locations rather than concentrating it at a single point, reducing tissue trauma while maintaining secure implantation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different anchoring points are positioned at specific anatomical locations with different mechanical properties. The connector element is designed to engage with local anatomical structures (such as the atrial septum and aortic wall) that can provide appropriate support and distribution of forces, adapting to the local tissue characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the size of the fluid regulation device is increased to improve pumping efficiency, then the device can move more blood, but more pressure is exerted on the anatomical walls, compromising their integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid pumping efficiencyVSAvoidanatomical wall pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes the third dimension by extending across multiple anatomical walls and structures rather than being confined to a single plane or location. This spatial distribution allows a larger device to be anchored in a way that spreads pressure across multiple surfaces, enabling improved pumping efficiency without compromising wall integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a connector element is used to maintain contact between anatomical walls, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical wall contact stabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it anchors the device to the anatomical structure, maintains contact between walls, distributes mechanical forces, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11253694B2Ventricular assist device and method
Publication Date: 2022.02.22 NUHEART
  • US11253694B2 patent drawing
  • US11253694B2 patent drawing
  • US11253694B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An intracorporeal device is provided for supporting heart function of a patient. The intracorporeal device is configured to be secured across at least two anatomical walls of the heart. The intracorporeal device is configured to be secured to one or more anatomical walls by a connector. The connector is arranged to be positioned across one or more anatomical walls.