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In vitro evaluation of automatic control performance of a total artificial heart with changes in pump orientation
K Fukamachi1, H Harasaki, A L Massiello
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Total artificial heart (TAH) pump orientation changes with patient posture, affecting filling. The Cleveland Clinic-Nimbus (CC-N) TAH maintains proper function and preload sensitivity across different body positions, ensuring reliable performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Devices
- Artificial Organs
Background:
- Total artificial heart (TAH) pump orientation varies with human posture (upright, supine, prone), impacting filling characteristics.
- The Cleveland Clinic-Nimbus (CC-N) TAH utilizes a left master alternate control mode with Frank-Starling-like preload sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the CC-N TAH's functional integrity and preload sensitivity under simulated postural changes.
- To determine if gravity-induced effects on pump filling compromise TAH performance in supine and prone positions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mock circulatory loop to simulate human supine (right pump up) and prone (left pump up) positions.
- Assessed preload sensitivity curves of the CC-N TAH in these simulated postural conditions.
Main Results:
- Slight increases in right and left preload sensitivity were observed when the respective pumps were oriented upwards.
- Despite gravity effects on pump filling, preload sensitivity remained within physiological ranges.
- The automatic control of the CC-N TAH demonstrated proper function without significant postural effects.
Conclusions:
- The CC-N TAH exhibits robust performance and maintains appropriate preload sensitivity irrespective of patient posture.
- Postural variations do not significantly impede the automatic control or physiological function of the CC-N TAH.