A novel flow waveform partitioning method based on the HeartCon and its clinical application

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are vital for end-stage heart failure.
• Accurate assessment of cardiac function is critical for managing patients with LVADs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the HeartCon flow waveform's correspondence with the cardiac cycle.
• To introduce a novel electrocardiogram (ECG)-guided partitioning method for HeartCon LVADs.
• To compare the accuracy of HeartCon partitioning with existing methods.

Main Methods:

• Animal experiments utilizing the controlled variable method.
• Systematic investigation of varying rotational speeds, heart rates, and blood pressures.
• Comparison of HeartCon partitioning accuracy against echocardiography and the HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD)-based method.

Main Results:

• The proposed HeartCon partitioning method achieved high accuracy in ejection fraction (EF) assessment (absolute relative errors <5%).
• HeartCon partitioning significantly outperformed HVAD-based partitioning (absolute relative errors >40%).
• Diastolic phase proportion was consistently <58% and shortened with increased heart rate, pump speed, and decreased blood pressure.

Conclusions:

• The novel ECG-guided HeartCon partitioning method offers a reliable approach for EF assessment.
• The findings provide a theoretical basis for clinical use of the HeartCon pump.
• This method enables enhanced real-time monitoring of patient physiological conditions via flow waveforms.