Improvement of the hydrodynamic response of a ventricular assist device: a false auricle solution

We propose a new design of the auricular cannula in ventricular assist devices (VADs), consisting of a collapsible large cannula with a capacity approximately equal to the ejection volume of the VAD. The device works as a false auricle and filters the negative pressure that occurs during diastole. We show that the use of this type of cannula improves the hydrodynamic efficiency and the stability of the working conditions. Moreover, during chronic implantation in sheep, hemolysis stays well below pathological levels. These improvements result in much better controllability of the whole VAD.