A sophisticated electromechanical ventricular simulator for ventricular assist system testing

With the advent of chronically implanted left ventricular assist systems, new adaptive control algorithms are being developed to allow automatic device control under a variety of hemodynamic conditions. An electromechanical pump is described that accurately mimics ventricular function. A pusher-plate sac pump with tri-leaflet valves is coupled to a high-speed linear motor. Pump chamber volume and pressure are constrained to follow the time-varying elastance model of ventricular function by use of a microprocessor feedback loop.