Blood pump flow rate control method and apparatus utilizing multiple sensors
US6422990B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2360/44
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flow rate control method and apparatus for a blood pump is provided wherein multiple sensors are utilized to measure physical dimensions of a ventricle to calculate either a cross sectional area or a volume of the ventricle during distention and contraction. The multiple sensors are positioned at spaced locations around the ventricle, and may be attached to or imbedded in the ventricle. The sensors may be in the same plane for determining a cross sectional area or in different planes for determining a volume. The area or volume is generally proportional to a corresponding area or volume of the ventricle such that the calculated area or volume is indicative of distention and contraction of the volume. The area or volume is utilized to control the blood pump flow rate to avoid overly distending or contracting the ventricle and for operating the flow rate in a pulsatile manner to closely approximate the natural pumping action of the heart.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.