COMPRESSIBLE AND EXPANDABLE BLADE FOR A FLUID PUMP

Abstract

The invention relates to a compressible and expandable blade for the rotor of a fluid pump having at least two lamellae which are disposed adjacently, are pivotable respectively relative to an axis of rotation of the rotor and moveable relative to each other, and abut against each other in the expanded state of the blade such that they form together a continuous blade surface.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A compressible and expandable rotor for a fluid pump, the rotor comprising: a plurality of individual rotor segments, each individual rotor segment including a hub segment and at least one lamella extending from the hub segment, wherein each hub segment is attachable to at least one axially adjacent hub segment such that the hub segments of the plurality of individual rotor segments form a rotor shaft and, when the rotor is in an expanded state, the lamellae of the plurality of individual rotor segments form a continuous rotor blade.

22. The rotor of claim 21, wherein the rotor is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending along the rotor shaft.

23. The rotor of claim 22, wherein, when the rotor is rotated in a first direction about the axis of rotation, the rotor is expanded to the expanded state under fluid counter-pressure.

24. The rotor of claim 23, wherein the continuous rotor blade is configured to convey fluid in a conveying direction when the rotor is rotated in the first direction.

25. The rotor of claim 24, wherein the conveying direction extends from a distal end of the rotor to a proximal end of the rotor.

26. The rotor of claim 21, wherein each lamella is pivotable relative to an axis of rotation of the rotor to enable the rotor to compress and expand.

27. The rotor of claim 21, wherein, when the rotor is in the expanded state, adjacent lamellae are configured to abut against each other to form the continuous blade surface.

28. The rotor of claim 27, wherein, when the rotor is in the expanded state, adjacent lamellae are configured to overlap with each other in at least a portion of each adjacent lamella.

29. The rotor of claim 21, wherein the continuous rotor blade extends helically about the rotor hub.

30. The rotor of claim 21, wherein each hub segment includes at least one engaging element that is configured to engage at least one receiving element of an axially adjacent hub segment.

31. The rotor of claim 30, wherein the at least one engaging element is a raised portion of the hub segment.

32. The rotor of claim 30, wherein the at least one receiving element is a depression in the hub segment.

33. The rotor of claim 21, wherein each hub segment has an annular shape.

34. The rotor of claim 21, wherein adjacently attached hub segments are not rotatable relative to each other.

35. The rotor of claim 21, wherein the at least one lamella of each individual rotor segment comprises a first lamella and a second lamella that each extend from the hub segment.

36. The rotor of claim 35, wherein the first lamella and second lamella attach to and extend from opposite sides of the hub segment.

37. The rotor of claim 36, wherein, when the rotor is in the expanded state, the first lamellas of the plurality of individual rotor segments form a first continuous rotor blade and the second lamellas of the plurality of individual rotor segments form a second continuous rotor blade.

38. The rotor of claim 37, wherein the first and second continuous rotor blades extend helically about the rotor shaft.

39. A pump assembly comprising: a catheter; a compressible and expandable rotor disposed at a distal portion of the catheter, the rotor comprising a plurality of individual rotor segments, each individual rotor segment including a hub segment and at least one lamella extending from the hub segment, wherein each hub segment is attachable to at least one axially adjacent hub segment such that the hub segments of the plurality of individual rotor segments form a rotor shaft and, when the rotor is in an expanded state, the lamellae of the plurality of individual rotor segments form a continuous rotor blade; and a compressible and expandable pump housing surrounding the rotor.

40. The pump assembly of claim 39, further comprising a motor configured to rotate the rotor about an axis of rotation.

41. The pump assembly of claim 39, wherein, when the rotor is rotated in a first direction about an axis of rotation, the rotor is expanded to the expanded state under fluid counter-pressure.

42. The pump assembly of claim 39, further comprising a sheath, the catheter extending through the sheath.

43. The pump assembly of claim 42, wherein the sheath is configured to compress the pump housing and the rotor to a compressed state when the pump housing is pulled into the sheath.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The invention is shown and subsequently described in the following in a drawing with reference to an embodiment.

[0049] There are thereby shown:

[0050] FIG. 1 schematically in a three-dimensional view, a rotor shaft and also a blade,

[0051] FIG. 2 schematically, a part of a blade with a plurality of lamellae,

[0052] FIG. 3 a rotor shaft in cross-section with a lamella in two positions,

[0053] FIG. 4 a rotor shaft in cross-section with two lamellae in respectively two positions,

[0054] FIG. 5 a view of a rotor shaft with four lamellae,

[0055] FIG. 6 a view of a rotor shaft with two configurations of lamellae,

[0056] FIG. 7 a view of a rotor shaft with two configurations of lamellae and also

[0057] FIG. 8 a schematic representation of a heart catheter pump with a rotor and blades in a ventricle,

[0058] FIGS. 9 to 12 show schematic 3-dimensional illustrations of overlapping lamellae.

[0059] FIGS. 13a to 13l an embodiment of the blades according to the invention, these blades consisting of lamellae of adjacently-situated rotor segments,

[0060] FIGS. 14a to 14d embodiments of a blade in which a lamella body is inserted into a spiral incision of a shell body, and also

[0061] FIGS. 15a and 15b a further embodiment of a blade which is constructed from rotor segments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a rotor shaft 1 having a blade 2 which is composed of individual, schematically indicated lamellae 3, 4, 5. The individual lamellae are mounted pivotably respectively by their feet 3a, 4a, 5a on the rotor shaft 1, the feet of the lamellae together extending around the rotor shaft 1 in a spiral.

[0063] In this way, a helical structure of a blade is produced, which effects an axial conveyance of a liquid in the direction of the arrow 6 during rotation about the rotor shaft 1.

[0064] The particular embodiment of the blade according to the invention emerges in more detail from FIG. 2. In a first position, the lamellae 3, 4, 5 are represented there in the deployed, expanded shape of the blade, the adjacent lamellae abutting closely against each other by their longitudinal sides and hence forming a surface which is smooth and sealed for the flowing fluid.

[0065] In the position which is illustrated in broken lines and designated with 7, the individual lamellae are folded a little far onto the rotor shaft 1, it being totally important for the deformability of the blade that the individual lamellae 3, 4, 5 are moveable relative to each other, in particular are displaceable in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, folding of the corresponding surface is unnecessary but the individual lamellae can be folded quite far towards the rotor shaft, as is represented in the further position 8 of the lamellae.

[0066] As a result, the blade can be extensively compressed, i.e., can be reduced with respect to the radius, relative to the rotor shaft 1 or the longitudinal axis 1a thereof.

[0067] No noteworthy elastic counterforces are thereby produced either so that the rotor can be compressed practically without force if this is required for example for introduction or removal of a corresponding fluid pump from a naturally occurring body vessel.

[0068] In FIG. 2, if pivotability of the individual lamellae in the longitudinal direction of the rotor shaft 1 in the plane of the rotor shaft axis is indicated, then the invention is not however restricted hereto. FIG. 3 shows pivotability of a lamella 3 in the azimuthal direction, as indicated by the arrow 9.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a further variant of such an embodiment, webs 10, 11 being provided on the rotor shaft and the lamellae 3, 4 being mounted pivotably on the webs 10, 11 which extend around the rotor shaft 1 in a spiral. The pivoted positions are represented respectively in broken lines in FIG. 4.

[0070] It becomes clear that the pivoting of the lamellae in the position illustrated respectively in broken lines leads to compression of the rotor. For example, compression of the rotor can be caused by a rotational operation of the rotor in a direction opposite to the operating direction. The deployment of the rotor takes place correspondingly by rotation in the operating direction.

[0071] Basically, the individual lamellae can also be mounted on transverse spars of the rotor shaft 1 and extend in the deployed state parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotor shaft. It is important that they can be collapsed correspondingly individually in order to reduce the diameter of the rotor.

[0072] In FIG. 5, a plan view on four lamellae 12, 13, 14, 15 is shown schematically, said lamellae having respectively, in cross-section, a rectangular and hollow configuration in order to produce greater longitudinal rigidity of the individual lamellae. The objective thereby is that, despite the rigidity of the individual lamellae, the blade in total can be collapsed easily.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows two configurations of lamellae, on the left side respectively lamellae 16, 17 which have an overlapping lip 18, 19 being illustrated, adjacent lamellae respectively forming a seal on the overlapping lip 18, 19 of the adjacent lamella, on the one hand, and being supported, on the other hand. As a result, rigidity of the blade in total is produced so that the blade withstands an increased fluid counter-pressure during operation.

[0074] On the right side of FIG. 6, three lamellae 20, 21, 22 are illustrated, each of the lamellae having a web 20a, 21a, 22a extending in the radial direction of the rotor shaft 1.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows, on left side of the plan view on the rotor shaft 1, three lamellae 23, 24, 25 which have, on one side 26, a convex protuberance and, on the other side 27, a concave depression in order that adjacent lamellae engage one in the other and thus can be mutually supported relative to an azimuthal pivoting position.

[0076] Lamellae 28, 29 are illustrated on the right side of FIG. 7, each of the lamellae having, on their longitudinal sides, a concave and a convex protuberance with a round cross-section. This design has the advantage that adjacent lamellae are rotatable about their longitudinal axis in a mutually restricted manner.

[0077] Basically, the individual lamellae can be mounted on the rotor shaft 1 either by means of a pivoting articulation or have a bendable or flexible configuration in their foot region such that they are pivotable in any case as a whole relative to the rotor shaft. The individual lamellae can also be glued by their foot ends respectively individually on a flexible strip or can be mounted on the latter in a different way, the strip with the lamellae being able as a whole to be mounted on the rotor. As a result of the flexibility of the strip, the pivotability of the individual lamellae can then be ensured.

[0078] In FIG. 8, the use of a fluid pump with a blade according to the invention is represented schematically, the pump 30 being positioned in a ventricle 31 and, as indicated by the arrows 32, sucks in blood which is conveyed into a vessel 33, as is shown by the arrows 34. The pump 30 is mounted on a catheter 35, through which a shaft 1 illustrated only in the region of the pump 30 extends centrally and is actuated rotationally by means of a motor 36. The shaft moves a rotor 37 which has a blade, illustrated merely schematically.

[0079] The pump 30 in the expanded state has a diameter which can be possibly also be greater, in the extreme case, than the inner diameter of the vessel 33. For this purpose, the impeller is expanded fully. However, it can also be compressed in order to introduce or remove the pump 30, the individual lamellae, as illustrated above, being able to be folded against the rotor shaft 1 and, at the same time, the housing of the pump 30 being correspondingly collapsed. For this purpose, this housing can for example consist of a membrane which is deployed by a frame or by the fluid pressure produced in the pump 30.

[0080] FIG. 9 shows three flat lamellae which overlap at their longitudinal sides and can have for example a burr-like connection in their overlapping region.

[0081] FIG. 10 shows lamellae which have edges angled by 90 degrees along their longitudinal sides respectively and with which they hook one into the other, whilst a variant, in FIG. 11, is illustrated with an angle of less than 90 degrees which likewise allows fixing of the lamellae relative to each other.

[0082] FIG. 12 finally represents a variant with a curved edge which serves for the same purpose of mutual fixing.

[0083] FIG. 13a shows a rotor segment 40 which consists of a hub segment 46 and also a lamella 43 connected thereto in one part. The rotor segment is produced from a pipe material, the hub segment 46 essentially still having the diameter of the pipe (of concern hereby is also a ring closed in regions) and the lamella being bent therefrom. For this purpose, the lamella is cut out firstly in its original form by means of a laser beam and subsequently plastic deformability on a molded body is achieved in which the deformation state shown in FIG. 13a is produced. Subsequently, the result is also an etching treatment and for other surface treatment of the lamellae. In order to produce a final blade (see FIG. 13c) , a plurality of rotor segments are then disposed axially relative to each other.

[0084] Also, an individual lamella can hereby be covered with a plastic material or metal foil/membrane or also can be sprayed-around and/or molded in order to achieve a greater surface.

[0085] FIG. 13b shows another ‘view of the rotor segment 40, it can be seen here how tension relieving slots 54 are shown in the foot region of the lamella 43.

[0086] It can be seen that the rotor segment shown in FIG. 13a/13b has a closed annular shape in the lower region of the hub segment. In addition, it can be seen that the rotor segment connects the hub segment and also the lamella in one part.

[0087] FIG. 13d shows a further embodiment of a rotor segment which is cut from a pipe material and is not yet completely finished, in the case of which rotor segment the lamellae 43, 43a are not yet spread out. Here also, tension-relieving slots 54 can however already be seen, in particular also form-fitting elements 47 in the form of raised portions can be seen, which can engage in corresponding depressions of axially adjacent rotor segments in order hence to fix the position of the lamellae (later radially spread out).

[0088] A rotor with a blade 42 according to the invention is shown in detail again in FIG. 13d. The preferred conveying direction of the rotor is hereby characterized by the right-side rotational arrow, it consequently results that the flow pressure side 51 and the (opposite side of the lamellae) is the flow suction side 52. Here a plurality of rotor segments 40 is disposed axially adjacently by their respective hub segments 46. There is consequently produced also a stepping of the adjacent lamellae 43, 44, 45 which are disposed on a rotor shaft 41. This rotor shown in FIG. 13d can be part of a fluid pump shown in FIG. 8, in particular an intraventricular catheter pump. This is a catheter pump for introduction into human vessels, the rotor with a blade being disposed in the distal end region of the catheter pump and the pump having a conveying direction for conveying body fluid from distal to proximal and the blade having a flow pressure side 51 (see above) and a flow suction side 52.

[0089] It can be readily seen in FIG. 13d that, on the flow pressure side 51, the proximal region of the distal lamella 44 covers the distal region of the proximal lamella 43. The result consequently is formation of a closed blade, at least in the radial outer region of the lamellae. The lamellae are hereby configured “in the shape of an ice hockey stick”. Consequently, a very good overlap in the relevant flow region is produced, in addition good collapsibility. Finally, even with a high fluid counterpressure, only a small flow loss results due to the above-mentioned orientation of the stepping of the lamellae.

[0090] In addition, it is shown in FIG. 13d that application of the lamellae 43, 44, 45 in a compressed state is effected essentially by deflecting the lamellae in the direction of the flow pressure (see arrow 53). This arrow is shown once in the distal and once in the proximal region of the rotor. The “ice hockey stick-shaped” design of the lamellae offers the advantage in addition that, when inserting into a lock situated proximally of the rotor, a low-force and entanglement-free insertion of the rotor is produced.

[0091] FIG. 13e shows a further embodiment of a rotor according to the invention in which two blades 42 and 42a are provided. The rotor shown in FIG. 13e is a combination of a plurality of rotor segments according to FIG. 13c.

[0092] FIG. 13f shows a combination of three rotor segments 40 which form parts of a rotor shaft 41, also three hub segments are hereby disposed in succession, a common blade 42 is produced.

[0093] FIG. 13g shows a simple embodiment of a rotor segment 40 with two lamellae protruding radially therefrom. FIGS. 13h shows further embodiments of rotors according to the invention. FIGS. 13i and 13j again show the rotor segment shown in FIG. 13c, here once again the tension-relieving slots 54 and also the form-fitting end serving for the form-fit being shown even better with 47 (raised portion) and also 48 (concavity).

[0094] FIG. 13k shows a blade 42 on a rotor shaft 41, FIG. 13l shows two photographs in which, in the left picture, a blade 42 made of a plurality of lamellae is drawn into an insertion lock 55, the rotor shaft 41 can be seen on the right side. In the right-side picture, the blade 42 is completely inserted in the insertion lock 55.

[0095] FIG. 14a shows a further embodiment of a rotor in which a hub body 50 has two spiral slots (see FIG. 14b) into which a lamella body 49 (see FIG. 14c) is inserted. The view of a flat material from which the lamella body 49 is cut by means of a laser can be seen in FIG. 14d. For clarification, a possible spraying-around/covering of a lamella is also shown once again in FIGS. 14d and/or 15a (with cross hatching). The cross hatching can, in another embodiment, be understood that the entire cross-hatched area is made of flat material.

[0096] In FIGS. 15a and 15b, a further embodiment of a blade is shown. A lamella basic body 49 is hereby cut from a flat material, connection struts being provided between individual rotor segments. In that the individual rotor segments are tilted out of the surface plane and recombined with each other; a helical structure is then produced automatically. This functions for example in such a manner that, according to FIG. 15a, the rotor segment disposed on the left side is rotated out of the plane and placed on the next element from the left (and so on for the other rotor elements) such that the openings of the hub segment overlap each other. If these hub segments are then disposed on a common rotor shaft, a helical arrangement of the lamellae 42, 43, 44 is produced automatically. The lamellae may, in a subsequent forming process, be rotated in respect of their longitudinal axis in order to achieve overlapping of the lamellae.