Hemodynamic evaluation of pulsatile-flow generating device in left ventricular assist devices

Objective: to investigate the efficiency of a device that generates pulsatile flow during constant-speed axial-flow pump operation for use in left ventricular assist devices. Materials and methods. The flow-generating device, hereinafter referred as «pulsator», consists variable hydraulic resistance made form hull. A tube elastic biocompatible material featuring an inner diameter 11 mm is installed inside it. In systolic phase ventricle, due pressure, fully opened, minimizing blood ejection. diastolic phase, suction action operating constant revolutions, partially closes, creating additional flow, which leads reduced aortic pressure. Comparative assessment pulsating non-pulsating modes was carried out on hydrodynamic stand simulated cardiovascular system. following indices were calculated: arterial pressure pulsation (Ip), in-pump (AQ), energy equivalent (EEP) surplus hemodynamic (SHE). Results . When comparing continuous mode, index, SHE index increased by 2.13 ± 0.2, 3.2 2.7 0.15 times, respectively, while EER remained unchanged.