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Computaional Study on the Influence of Variable-Speed Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assiste Device (CF-LVAD) on the Cardiovascular System in End-Stage Heart Failure.
Softwares/Platforms Used:
MATLAB
Pyhton
FEniCS
Tecplot 360
Workflow:
Completed 0-D lumped parametric modeling of the CVS with variable speed CF-LVAD.
Working on 3-D modeling of the CVS with variable speed CF-LVAD.
Description:
Heart failure results in the heart's inability to supply enough blood to the body. To meet physiological demand a pump is attached in parallel to the Ventricle called Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). The VAD that is of continuous flow type and supports the left ventricle is called Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device (CF-LVAD). Our focus is to study the effect of a CF-LVAD on the cardiovascular system when VAD's speed varies automatically with the heart rate. For that, the cardiovascular system is modeled as an electric circuit. Voltage represents pressure which is the driving force of blood circulation. Vascular resistances and compliances are represented by resistors and capacitors respectively.
CVS Without a VAD
CVS With a VAD
During physical labor the body needs more blood supply per unit time than in resting. As a result, the heart rate increses. In our thesis we are focusing on the performance and effect of a variable speed CF-LVAD, which should vary its output according to the physiological demand. Therefore, the first step was to include heart rate variation in the simulation. The plot on the right shows an idealized version of how heart rate varies during physical labor. This plot is for a healthy person undergoing intense physical activity such as running, working out etc. As it is highly unusual for a heart failure patient to do such activity this curve was modified to meet the conditions of such a patient.
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