Flexoelectric Broadband Photo-Detectors and Electrical Energy Generators

Technology

This technology aims to enhance methods of quantifying cardiac output (CO) by utilizing a mechanical circulatory support device implanted within the patient’s vasculature, capable of measuring hemodynamic parameters. Implanted within the left ventricle, the heart pump introduces controlled perturbations to the vascular system, determining crucial cardiac parameters including stroke volume, vascular resistance/compliance, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and native cardiac output. These metrics of cardiac performance are utilized to calibrate, control, and administer therapeutic regimens via mechanical circulatory support for the heart.

The heart pump system can be embedded partially or fully within the heart, externally, partly outside the vascular system, or in any other appropriate location within the patient's vasculature. Pumps are inserted via a sheath and maneuvered to the aortic arch to access the heart ventricles. Intrabeat "pinging" and CO sensors, resembling elongated catheter bodies, measure variations in hemodynamic parameters between heartbeats. This data is transmitted to the embedded controller system within the heart pump, responsible for adjusting the pump's performance. In certain implementations, the controller system may include an external display screen, presenting the current status of heart health. By monitoring hemodynamic parameters at various time points, the device can adapt the pump function to compensate for CO fluctuations. This innovation introduces novel methods of monitoring and treating cardiac dysfunctions based on individual patient hemodynamic parameters.

Problem Addressed

Clinicians have historically faced challenges in accurately quantifying cardiac output (CO), relying on indirect measurements such as intracardiac/intravascular pressures using pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) to estimate cardiac output, which may lack precision. Traditional screening methods are often inadequate for effectively quantifying a patient's cardiac output or determining the necessary level and duration of cardiac support required. Measuring cardiac function parameters is crucial, particularly in patients with cardiac dysfunctions, yet can be challenging during recovery from interventions or other cardiac care procedures.

Advantages

• Adjusts the pump function based on the patient’s fluctuating CO 

• Direct manner of quantifying and regulating cardiac output that is more accurate than previous methods 

• Constantly monitors hemodynamic parameters and adjusts heart pump function to improve patient heart health