Description
Cardiac assist devices help to treat ventricular failure. However, the lack of information about the amount of blood pumped by the device, which is hard to measure in clinical environment, hinders the appropriate selection of work parameters and control system automation. The aim of the research project is modelling of cardiac assist devices working in the apex of the heart – artery configuration. Complex models will estimate the value of the flow generated by the device. Another objective of the project is to develop control algorithms for the assist devices which will improve safety and comfort of the assist.
Summary of project results
The aim of the research project was modelling of ventricular assist devices (VADs) for the purposes of control algorithms development. The models had to estimate the value of the flow generated by the VADs which is hard or impossible to be measured in clinical environment and simultaneously is highly important for the selection of the control parameters of the device. The second part of the project concerned development of the control algorithms for the VADs allowing for realization of set flow rate in the changing work conditions. This was intentional to improve safety and comfort of the heart assist. In order to project implementation, identification tests of the pumps were conducted with the use of the hybrid simulator of the cardiovascular system. The significant changes in the simulator software have been developed to ensure the simulation of VADs connection in the apex of the heart - artery configuration. Based on the obtained results, the mathematical model of the blood flow generated by the pulsatile VAD was developed. The value of the blood flow is estimated solely on the measurements provided in the control-supply unit. For the rotary VAD, the dedicated measurement system was developed and the identification experiments were conducted. The device model which estimates the value of the generated flow based on the measurements performed in the control unit was developed. Next the pulsatile VAD automatic control algorithms were development. Two solutions were proposed and implemented to select control parameters ensuring work with complete filling and emptying of the blood chamber and provide work with a set output value. Also, the automatic control system for the continuous flow VAD was developed to provide work with the set value of generated flow rate. The options of pulsatile variations of the pump rotary speed and ventricle suction detection were developed and tested. All project aims were achieved. The models of the VADs and their control algorithms were developed and in the future can be used to improve safety and comfort of the assist. Project realization strengthened the competence and output of female researcher in technical science. Two scientific journal publications were published and one more submitted. Two conferences were attended and the submission for the third one was accepted which is in line with the planned outcomes. Obtaining results substitute the foundations for future scientific activity of the female principal Investigator.
Summary of bilateral results