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Updated: May 20, 2026
08:49
Use of Two Intracorporeal Ventricular Assist Devices As a Total Artificial Heart
Published on: May 11, 2018
Increasing the transmitted flow pulse in a rotary left ventricular assist device.
Nicholas Richard Gaddum1, John F Fraser, Daniel Lee Timms
1Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. nickgaddum@gmail.com
Artificial Organs
|August 1, 2012
Summary
Optimizing rotary pump geometry in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) enhances flow pulsatility monitoring. This improves preload estimation for better physiological control of heart failure support.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Devices
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are crucial for end-stage heart failure, requiring advanced control for physiological support.
- Sensorless LVAD control needs better monitoring of ventricular preload to mimic natural heart function.
- Flow pulse transmission through the pump is a potential surrogate for preload, but optimization is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify geometric parameters of rotary pumps that increase flow pulse transmission.
- To demonstrate enhanced flow pulse transmission in vitro using optimized pump geometries.
- To improve observability of LVAD preload for advanced device control.
Main Methods:
- Investigated sensitivity of pump performance gradient to geometric parameters (blade angles, heights, clearance, channel areas).
- Analyzed pressure head, flow, and efficiency against design principles.
- In vitro testing of pumps with 'flat' and 'steep' performance curves to measure transmitted flow pulsatility.
Main Results:
- Outlet blade angle of 90°, inlet blade angle of 25-45°, and large throat area create a 'flatter' pump performance curve.
- Pumps with flatter curves exhibited 68% higher transmitted flow pulsatility at 5 L/min compared to steep curves.
- Specific geometric selections significantly enhance flow pulse transmission.
Conclusions:
- Careful selection of rotary pump geometry can substantially increase flow pulse transmission.
- This enhanced transmission improves the observability of LVAD preload and ventricular blood volume.
- Optimized pump geometry is key for advancing sensorless LVAD control strategies.
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