Ventricular Assist Cannula Anchoring for Stable Cardiovascular Placement
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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, particularly in the inferior vena cava and pulmonary artery, to support heart function in cardiovascular impairments.
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, is designed to be inserted and deployed within the cardiovascular system, utilizing anchors that transition between retracted and deployed positions to secure the device in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump anchor and tip anchor are deployed to secure the ventricular assist device in place, then the reliability of device anchoring is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional anchoring components
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into two separate functional components: a pump anchor with extensions that engage the vessel wall to secure the pump, and a tip anchor at the cannula tip that provides distal anchoring. This segmentation allows each anchor to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide overall device stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump anchor extensions are configured to be received within corresponding recesses in the vessel wall, creating a nested anchoring structure. The tip anchor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula, nested within the vascular lumen, providing stable distal fixation without interfering with the pump anchor's proximal anchoring function.
2Ease of operation
If the cannula has a semi-rigid sigmoidal body configuration, then the ease of navigation through cardiovascular vessels is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula body is formed with a sigmoidal curved configuration rather than a straight rigid structure. This curvature allows the cannula to navigate the natural bends and turns of the cardiovascular vasculature system, improving ease of delivery and positioning while reducing trauma to the vessel walls during insertion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tip anchor has an inflatable body with expanded and contracted positions, then the adaptability of anchoring to different vessel sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip anchor incorporates an inflatable body that can dynamically change its volume and shape. In the contracted state, the anchor has a smaller profile for easier delivery and navigation. Upon inflation at the deployment site, the anchor expands to engage the vessel wall, adapting to different vessel diameters and providing secure anchoring. This dynamic transformation allows a single device design to accommodate varying anatomical conditions.
4Ease of operation
If the pump anchor has a spiral configuration, then the ease of deployment and anchoring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump anchor is configured in a spiral shape that allows it to be compressed into a compact form for delivery through the catheter. Upon deployment, the spiral configuration naturally unfolds and engages the vessel wall in a twisting motion, providing secure anchoring. The spiral geometry distributes the anchoring force around the pump device, enhancing stability while facilitating relatively simple deployment mechanics.
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 provides stable anchoring and efficient blood flow support, minimizing thrombus formation and friction, while allowing for easy deployment and retrieval, thus effectively assisting heart function during cardiovascular treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The tip anchor (28) may have 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.