Electrocardiogram-synchronized Rotational Speed Modulation System Can Reduce the Recirculation Due to Aortic Insufficiency in LVAD Support

Abstract

Aortic Insufficiency (AI) is a worrisome problem in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. The reduced pressure in the left ventricle (LV) causes larger pressure difference on aortic valve, which can lead to increasing recirculation from LVAD to LV. We have previously developed Electrocardiogram(ECG)-Synchronized Rotational Speed Modulation System (ESRSM), which can change the rotational speed of LVAD synchronously to ECG cycle, thus enabling to change pump flow dynamically like pulsatile pump. We hypothesize that the enhance of the pulsatility can prevent the continuous larger pressure difference, resulting in reducing the LVAD-LV recirculation. The aim of this study was to reduce the recirculation by controlling the pressure difference using ESRSM in acute animal experiments.