The development of a control method for a total artificial heart using mixed venous oxygen saturation
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Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
M Nakamura1, T Masuzawa, E Tatsumi
1Department of Artificial Organs, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
For physiological control of a total artificial heart (TAH), applying mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2) as a parameter for TAH control is a promising approach regarding sensitivity to the recipient's oxygen demand and the practical possibility of continuous monitoring using near infrared rays through transparent blood pump housings. To develop a control method for the TAH using SVO2, the relationship between SVO2 and cardiac output (CO) was investigated in a normal calf, and a control algorithm was developed based on this correlation. Then the feasibility of this method (SVO2 mode) was evaluated in a calf implanted with a pneumatic TAH and compared with the fixed drive control mode (fixed mode) in which the drive parameters were unchanged. The calf performed a graded exercise test in both modes. The CO was effectively increased from 7.3 to 13.0 L/min in the SVO2 mode, and the capacity for exercise was augmented compared to the fixed mode. We conclude that this SVO2 mode is feasible and may be effectively applied in TAH control.
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