System and method for implanting left ventricular assist devices
Inventors
Holm, Mikayle Ashlyn • Ramirez, David Alfonso • Iaizzo, Paul Anthony • Shaffer, Andrew W. • Prisco, Anthony Robert
Assignees
University of Minnesota System
Publication Number
US-12343086-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Expiration Date
2041-09-30
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A system and method for implanting heart assist devices. A model of a heart of a patient is formed based on images taken of the cardiothoracic cavity of the patient. A point is selected for insertion of the heart assist device based on the model. A graft location is selected on the aorta and a graft length for the graft is determined as a function of the implant location and the selected graft location.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for implanting left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) by forming a model of a patient's heart based on images of the cardiothoracic cavity. This model includes representation of the mitral valve annulus and facilitates selection of an insertion point for the heart assist device within an apical region. It also enables determination of a graft location on the aorta and calculates graft length as a function of the implant and graft locations.
The problem addressed is that LVAD implantation is complex and prone to complications due to variability in patient anatomy and surgical estimation of graft length. Improper graft length can cause kinking or pressure on the right ventricle, leading to obstruction, clotting, turbulence, and other complications. The conventional surgical method involves estimating graft length by external measurement, which is often inaccurate and can result in adverse events.
The disclosed methods use pre-procedural or intra-procedural imaging such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy to create patient-specific three-dimensional models. These models allow precise identification of optimal implant zones by analyzing vectors normal to the mitral valve annulus and myocardium. The approach improves reliability by calculating graft length along a path around the heart and optimizing graft attachment location and bevel angle on the aorta to minimize blood flow turbulence. The system supports robotic surgery control and provides surgeons with detailed pre-operative planning information to reduce complications and enhance reproducibility of LVAD implantation.
Claims Coverage
The claims include four independent claims covering methods and systems for planning implantation of heart assist devices with specific image-based modeling and computation steps.
Method for planning LVAD implant location based on model vectors
Accessing cardiothoracic images, forming a heart model including mitral valve annulus, determining a normal vector to the mitral valve annulus, calculating dot products with myocardium normal vectors, selecting an insertion point in the apical region based on these dot products, presenting it on a display, and controlling a robot for implantation accordingly.
Method for determining LVAD graft length and graft location
Accessing images, forming a heart model, determining normal vector to the mitral valve annulus, calculating dot products of myocardium vectors, selecting implant location, choosing graft location on the aorta, calculating graft length as a function of implant and graft locations, displaying the implant location and graft length, and controlling robotic implantation accordingly.
System for selecting LVAD insertion point based on image-derived heart model
Memory and processors accessing cardiothoracic images, forming a heart model including mitral valve annulus, determining a normal vector to the annulus, identifying apical region, calculating myocardium normal vectors and dot products, selecting insertion point based on dot products, displaying insertion point on the model, and controlling a robot to implant the device accordingly.
System for planning LVAD implantation including graft length calculation
Memory and processors accessing cardiothoracic images, forming a heart model, determining a normal vector to mitral valve annulus, calculating myocardium vectors and dot products, selecting insertion point, selecting graft location on the aorta, calculating graft length from those points, displaying insertion point and graft length, and controlling a robot for implantation.
The inventive features focus on leveraging image-based heart modeling and vector analysis to optimize LVAD implant location, graft attachment site, graft length, and robotic surgical implantation, thus improving precision and reducing complications.
Stated Advantages
Provides a more reliable and reproducible method for LVAD implantation by utilizing patient-specific imaging and modeling.
Reduces complications related to graft length mismatch such as kinking, obstruction, turbulence, and pressure on the right ventricle.
Improves surgical planning by enabling precise selection of implant location and graft attachment, thereby minimizing adverse events.
Supports robotic surgery control to enhance accuracy and consistency of implantation.
Documented Applications
Determining optimal implantation location and graft length for left ventricular assist devices in patients with end-stage heart failure.
Planning and guiding robotic LVAD implantation surgery.
Modeling graft attachment on the aorta and blood vessels to minimize turbulence in blood flow.
Use in other cardiac procedures requiring device insertion through the LV apex such as mitral valve replacements and chordal repairs.
Reuse and repositioning of grafts for newer LVAD models during replacement surgeries.
Interested in licensing this patent?