Abstract
Although the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an effective method of treating the severe heart failure, some people require a biventricular assist during the early phase. As common ventricular assist devices consist of a pulsatile pump, control methods for the biventricular assist device (BVAD) with continuous flow pumps are rarely reported. Using 5 piglets, we set a BVAD with continuous flow pumps via left thoracotomy. Global ischemia was induced for 30min by clamping the base of the ascending aorta. After unclamping the aorta, the analysis of pumping performance was evaluated every an hour for over 6 h reperfusion. To detect ventricular collapse without any specific sensor, we calculated the index of current amplitude (ICA) from motor current waveforms and simultaneous mean current values, and applied these data when controlling the BVAD. The RVAD speed was determined by setting the target LVAD flow and target ICA value. Using the LVAD target ICA value, we could set the RVAD flow rate to match cardiac function. Using the known pump flow or the pump-flow estimation can be one method of controlling BVAD with continuous flow pumps.
