Physiological Control Algorithm for a Four Chamber Linear Motor Driven Mock Circulatory Model.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Medical Device Testing

Background:

• Mechanical cardiac assist devices (CADs) require rigorous in vitro evaluation before clinical use.
• Existing mock circulatory loops (MCLs) often lack the physiological accuracy needed for comprehensive device assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sophisticated four-chamber MCL capable of simulating personalized cardiac conditions.
• To create a physiologically accurate in vitro platform for evaluating CAD performance.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a personalized numerical elastance model to control ventricular contraction.
• Utilized linear motor-driven pistons to generate systemic and pulmonary blood flow.
• Modeled the Frank-Starling autoregulatory mechanism for both left and right ventricles.

Main Results:

• Successfully recreated personalized healthy heart and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) models.
• Achieved physiologically accurate pressures, volumes, and flows within the MCL.
• Demonstrated the simulation of interactions between left and right heart functions.

Conclusions:

• The developed MCL provides a valuable in vitro test environment for cardiac assist devices.
• This platform enables accurate simulation of complex cardiovascular dynamics and patient-specific conditions.
• The system has significant potential for advancing the development and testing of novel CADs.