Development of a Novel Heart Rate Synchronized Pulsatile Left Ventricular Assist Device

The left ventricular assist device (LVADs) have been used as either a bridge to transplant or destination therapy for end stage heart failure. The continuous-flow models have been used with multiple complications. This project applied electromagnetically driven pump to the development of a heart-rate synchronized pulsatile LVAD. A control system was developed based on LabVIEW programming platform. The LabVIEW program receives pulse signals by DAQ device and then output the signal to control the coil of the pump by DAQ device. Under the action of the magnetic effect of electric current, thus the magnetic piston inside the pump is pushed back and forth. The program not only receives pulse signals but also synchronizes the pump and pulsation. The researchers used heart mock to test the flow situation of water. According to the current situation, the pump can affect the water flow. Currently, the experiment enters the stage that cooperates with Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. In addition, the circuit is miniaturized and the connector is used for experimental convenience in the hospital in the future.