Characterization and work optimization of skeletal muscle as a VAD power source.

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Powering a ventricular assist device (VAD) with skeletal muscle in a linear configuration will require the understanding of basic muscle mechanics and efficient use of available power. Accordingly, a mathematical model incorporating aspects of the Hill equation has been developed. This model relates whole muscle length, force, velocity, and time during cyclic contraction to investigate coupling with a hydraulically actuated VAD. Parameters of the model have been determined from in vivo isometric and isotonic measurements of electrically stimulated pig latissimus dorsi with the humerus insertion reattached to a hydraulic loading system. The in vivo results show an exponential passive force-length relationship and active isometric forces increasing from 2 to 8 kgf over a 5 cm change in length. The maximum shortening velocity extrapolated from isotonic data in 85 cm/sec. With the experimentally determined parameters, the model system of differential equations was optimized computationally. Predicted maximum cycle work and corresponding muscle force are nonlinear functions of contraction duration; an increase in duration yields little improvement in work output for longer contraction times. The model helps clarify VAD system design parameters for optimal muscle coupling; for example, the model predicts that operating at maximum instantaneous power does not optimize stroke work.