Updating a VAD system without stopping the pump
A remote controller updating system for an implantable blood pump including an implantable blood pump, an implantable controller coupled to the implantable blood pump, and a pump driveline including a data network connection in communication with the implantable controller. The system may also include a pump connector coupled to the pump driveline, a remote controller couplable to the implantable blood pump, and a system update assembly including a system update connector couplable to the pump connector and a power source coupled to the system update connector.
1. A remote controller updating system for an implantable blood pump comprising:
an implantable blood pump;
an implantable controller coupled to the implantable blood pump;
a pump driveline including a data network connection in communication with the implantable controller;
a pump connector coupled to and extending along a portion of the pump driveline;
a remote controller couplable to the pump connector, the data network connection of the pump driveline having a bi-directional communication pathway between the implantable controller and the remote controller; and
a system update assembly including a system update connector couplable to the pump connector and a power source coupled to the system update connector, the power source being configured to supply power to the implantable blood pump when the remote controller is in an update mode.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the implantable blood pump includes an operative mode and the remote controller includes the update mode, the update mode being actuatable when the system update assembly is coupled to the pump connector.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the update mode includes one of a group consisting of a system installation and a remote controller exchange configuration.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the implantable controller includes a processor configured to control an operation of the implantable blood pump.
5. The system of claim 4 , further comprising a second remote controller exchangeable with the remote controller, the remote controller and the second remote controller each including a remote power source being coupled thereto.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller connector couplable to the pump connector.
7. The system of claim 6 , further comprising a controller driveline having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, the distal portion being coupled to the remote controller and the proximal portion being coupled to the controller connector.
8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the pump connector includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion, the first receiving portion sized to receive the controller connector and the second receiving portion sized to receive the system update connector.
9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the pump connector and the system update connector are coupled to each other using a magnetic force.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the implantable blood pump includes a motor and the implantable controller is configured to control the motor.
11. A remote controller updating system for an implantable blood pump comprising:
an implantable blood pump including a housing having a motor therein;
an implantable controller disposed within the housing for controlling the motor;
a pump driveline coupled to the implantable blood pump, the pump driveline including a data network connection in communication with the implantable controller;
a pump connector coupled to and extending a long a portion of the pump driveline;
a remote controller couplable to the pump connector, the data network connection of the pump driveline having a bi-directional communication pathway between the implantable controller and the remote controller; and
a system update assembly including a system update connector directly couplable to the pump connector and a power source coupled to the system update connector, the power source being configured to supply power to the implantable blood pump when the remote controller is in an update mode.