title: Numerical simulation of the influence of a left ventricular assist device on the cardiovascular system.
abstract: The PUCA (pulsatile catheter) pump is a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) capable of unloading the left ventricle (LV) and improving coronary flow by providing a counterpulsation effect. It consists of an extracorporeal located membrane pump, coupled to a transarterial catheter that enters the body via a superficial artery and ends in the LV. Blood is aspirated from the LV and pumped in the ascending aorta through the same catheter guided by a valve system. Timing and frequency of the PUCA pump influence its efficacy. To study the influence of several pump parameters a numerical model of the device and the circulatory system has been developed. Results of animal experiments were used to validate the model. Optimization studies resulted in a pump configuration with a stroke volume of 50 cc and pump:heart frequency mode of 1:2 that starts ejection at the beginning of diastole.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. G.J.Verkerke@med.rug.nl
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Verkerke
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Geertsema
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mihaylov
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Blanksma
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rakhorst
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000628:therapy*