Ventricular Assist Pumping Pouch for Pulsatile Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventricular assist devices either provide undesirable continuous flow or use high-speed rotating elements that damage red blood cells, while pulsatile flow devices are needed to supplement heart function without causing cell damage.
Innovation Solution
A ventricular assist device with a pumping pouch and a contraction element that provides pulsatile flow, synchronized with heart beats, using actuatable elements like electroactive polymers or shape memory alloys to squeeze blood out, without rotating parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a patient requires multiple types of fluid infusions (medications, nutrients, hydration), then the nutritional and therapeutic needs are met, but multiple separate infusion pumps and access sites are required, increasing procedural complexity and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump is designed with a multi-functional capability to deliver different types of fluids (medications, nutrients, hydration) through a single device. The system can be configured with different infusors and connectors to handle various fluid types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pumps while maintaining versatility in fluid administration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple infusion functions and fluid delivery capabilities into a single integrated pump system. By merging the functionality of multiple separate pumps into one device with a common control unit and interchangeable infusors, the system reduces the number of access sites and procedural steps while maintaining the ability to deliver diverse fluid therapies
2Productivity
If multiple access sites are used for different fluid infusions, then all required fluids can be administered simultaneously, but the risk of infection and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single venous access site is designed to support multiple fluid administration functions through the use of a port-a-cath or similar multi-lumen access device. This universal access point can simultaneously or sequentially receive different fluid types through separate lumens or by switching between infusors, thereby reducing the number of puncture sites and associated infection risks
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access sites and pumps are used, then comprehensive fluid therapy can be delivered, but training requirements and operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump system provides a unified control interface and standardized operation procedures for delivering all types of fluid therapies. The interchangeable infusors are designed with consistent connection mechanisms and control protocols, making the system easier to operate and reducing the training burden compared to managing multiple different pump systems with varying operational requirements
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2C~2E
Figure 2F~2H
AI summary
Ventricular assist devices configured to be placed in a ventricle of a heart are described. In one embodiment, a ventricular assist device may include a pumping pouch. The pumping pouch may have an opening. The pumping pouch may be flexible, and may define an internal volume configured to fill with blood in through the opening. The ventricular assist device may also include a contraction element coupled to the contraction pouch. The contraction element may be capable of squeezing at least a portion of the pumping pouch to force at least a portion of the blood out through the opening. The ventricular assist device may also include a frame coupled to the pumping pouch. The frame may be configured to be coupled to a wall of the heart.