Automatic control systems for the artificial heart and ventricular assist device.

Automatic control systems for the artificial heart (AH) and ventricular assist device were developed using selected criteria of effectiveness, a mathematical model of regulation, and noninvasive measures of the hemodynamic parameters. The Sinus IS2 system was developed for control of the AH; its main component is a high-speed servomechanism that provides for the generation of pneumatic pulses. The servomechanism is controlled by automatic regulation with pressure feedback. Mean aortic pressure was used as the primary regulated hemodynamic parameter. The systems were tested using both a physical model and a physiologic experiment. Contractile insufficiency of the left ventricle was simulated in testing the control system for circulatory assistance. The studies demonstrate that automatic control systems function effectively by providing normal blood circulation in both the resting state and in certain transient processes occurring in a real, dynamic circulatory system.