Processes for vad controller exchange and firmware upgrade with uninterrupted circulatory support
AssigneeHeartWare, Inc.
InventorMark S. Egler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of operating an implantable blood pump including connecting the implantable blood pump to a primary controller, the primary controller being configured to operate the implantable blood pump, and a secondary controller. The secondary controller synchronizes its own motor drive signals to a frequency and phase of the primary controller's motor drive signals, without actively contributing power to the implantable blood pump. An imminent or actual disconnection event is detected in which the primary controller is disconnected from the implantable blood pump. Uninterrupted operation of the implantable blood pump is continued with the secondary controller.
Claims15
A method of operating an implantable blood pump, comprising:
- connecting the implantable blood pump to a primary controller, the primary controller being configured to operate the implantable blood pump, and a secondary controller,
- the secondary controller synchronizing its own motor drive signals to a frequency and phase of the primary controller's motor drive signals, without actively contributing power to the implantable blood pump;
- detecting an imminent or actual disconnection event in which the primary controller is disconnected from the implantable blood pump;
- and
- continuing uninterrupted operation of the implantable blood pump with the secondary controller.
A control system for an implantable blood pump, comprising:
- a primary controller in communication with the implantable blood pump;
- and
- a secondary controller in communication with the implantable blood pump the secondary controller having processing circuitry configured to:
- synchronize with a frequency and phase of motor drive signals from the primary controller,
- detect an imminent or actual disconnection event in which the primary controller is disconnected from the implantable blood pump, and
- maintain operation of the implantable blood pump when the primary controller is disconnected from the implantable blood pump.
11-14. (canceled)
A controller for an implantable blood pump, the controller comprising:
- a memory;
- and
- processing circuitry configured to:
- transfer upgraded software into a section of the memory while continuing to operate the implantable blood pump with current software in a different section of the memory than the upgraded software;
- transfer operation of the implantable blood pump from the current software to the upgraded software, the upgraded software being configured to determine a frequency and phase of motor drive signals from the implantable blood pump;
- and
- continue uninterrupted operation of the implantable blood pump with the upgraded software.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.