Evaluation of New Left Ventricular Assist Device for Transapical Insertion Using Virtual Mock Loop Model

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess a new pump s performance and function by using a virtual mock loop (VML) system for device characterization and mapping. Methods We are developing a novel miniaturized left ventricle assist device (LVAD) configured for transapical insertion (Perfusions Solutions Inc., South Euclid, OH). The results of pump testing in the laboratory, such as pressure-flow performance curves, were used for the analysis of its function as an LVAD. The VML system was programmed to mimic various types of heart failure and provide hemodynamic pressure values before and after activation of LVAD. The circulatory conditions of the VML system were systolic heart failure (SHF), diastolic HF (DHF), and both systolic and diastolic HF (BHF). Results Before and after pump activation with SHF condition and with a pump speed of 14000 RPM, aortic pressure (AoP) increased from 71/50 to 99/97 mm Hg, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) changed from 44/36 to 44/33 mm Hg, mean left atrium pressure (mLAP) decreased from 25 to 18 mm Hg, mean right atrium pressure (mRAP) increased from 7 to 10 mm Hg; with DHF, AoP changed from 116/81 to 129/113 mm Hg, PAP was 45/34 to 45/31 mm Hg, mLAP was 18 to 15 mm Hg, mRAP was 10 to 12 mm Hg; with BHF, AoP was 65/46 to 98/96 mm Hg, PAP was 44/36 to 45/33 mm Hg, mLAP was 26 to 19 mm Hg, mRAP was 7 to 10 mm Hg. (Figure A; pressure-volume curve with BHF, B; pressure curve with BHF without LVAD, 14000 RPM and 16000 RPM of the pump speed) Conclusion Due to the test results from the VML system, the new LVAD for transapical insertion could have the ability enough to ease symptoms of the patients with various types of heart failure based on results from VML system.