ABSTRACT

Abstract

Introduction

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps: Managing Blood Circulation

The Magnetic Pump Alternative

Conclusion

Future Scope

References

ABSTRACT

A host of factors, including illnesses, can lead to abnormalities in human bodily fluid functions. A temporary (or in some cases, even permanent) augmentation is required to maintain the requisite fluidic body functions via external circulatory support devices. Specifically, in the case of the blood circulation system, the problem becomes more complex because -

I. The cyclic frequency is high (80 to 200 bpm).
II. Augmentation needs to be in synchronization with the actual beat to be effective.
III. Augmentation must act within a few milliseconds of a trigger signal to stay synchronized.

Most mechanical displacement-based pumps cannot operate at such high frequencies with effective response times unless the motion is periodic.

As a result, existing ventricular assistance devices and intra-aortic balloon pumps use pressurized pneumatic systems to trigger an augmentation event with a quick response time. However, such systems suffer from using inconvenient and elaborate external apparatus. These consist of a pneumatic reservoir and a pump circuit, which act as the prime mover to push helium into a balloon-based augmentation device. This device is placed suitably in the body to provide timely augmentation to the blood flow. However, it makes the systems bulky and difficult to move, and special care is required when the patient needs to be transported. Oddly, a simple function such as augmentation through pressurized helium gas requires excessive bulky paraphernalia support. It becomes necessary because of the lack of a simple electro-mechanical system that can deliver quick augmentation with low inertia when triggered.

There is a need for a more compact and portable system for blood circulation in the body, to enable convenient portability. It will allow quick augmentation without the need for excessive paraphernalia like pneumatic reservoirs and pumps. This necessitates the development of a low-inertia, high-throughput, compact, and quick-response system to provide augmentation so that more practical portability can be afforded.

This paper covers the development of a compact, low-inertia, high-throughput electromagnetic pump with a quick response time so that helium can be directly pumped in to the catheter for timely augmentation. The target is to afford a much more compact, lightweight, and efficient augmentation system to deliver synchronized augmentation at the same or better rate than the elaborate pneumatic systems. It will also make the devices portable and improve the quality of life for the end-user.

The proposed magnetic pump is a pressure augmentation device that leverages a novel, low-inertia, and quick response time pump design based on electromagnetic actuation. It represents a significant step in providing trigger-based augmentation of fluid flow in the body, with specific applications to the cardiac cycle, at a much lower form factor and cost. Alternate working fluids extracted directly from surrounding air to negate the need for a unique fluid reservoir can also be explored and exploited when the product is developed.

The proposed magnetic pump is a pressure augmentation device that leverages a novel, low-inertia, and quick response time pump design, based on electromagnetic actuation. It represents a significant step in providing trigger-based augmentation of fluid flow in the body, with specific applications to cardiac cycle, at much lower form factor and cost. Alternate working fluids that can be extracted directly from surrounding air (to negate the need for a special fluid reservoir) can also be explored and exploited during development of the product.