Coherence function between sympathetic neurogram and arterial pulse wave in animal with total artificial heart

To assess the influence of the total artificial heart replacement on autonomic nervous system, sympathetic neurogram was analyzed by power spectrum and coherence function. Two pneumatically driven sac-type ventricular assist devices were implanted as biventricular bypass (BVB) in adult mongrel dogs. After the BVB pumping, natural heart was electrically fibrillated to constitute the BVB type TAH model. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded using the bipolar electrode attached to the left renal sympathetic nerve. RSNA was amplified and integrated by the use of R-C integrator. Power spectra of the RSNA and the values of squared coherence between the arterial pressure waveform and the RSNA were calculated by the computer system. In animal with TAH, coherence at the cardiac rhythm frequency was decreased, and coherence at the TAH pumping rhythm frequency was increased. These results indicate that the arterial pulse wave which was observed in TAH animal contributed to sympathetic neurogram.