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Design Improvements of the HIA–VAD Based on Animal Experiments
Author(s) -
EILERS R.,
HARBOTT P.,
REUL H.,
RAKHORST G.,
RAU G.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
artificial organs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1525-1594
pISSN - 0160-564X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1594.1994.tb03362.x
Subject(s) - computer science , biomedical engineering , ventricular assist device , engineering , medicine , cardiology , heart failure
Since 1990, development of the Helmholtz–Institute at Aachen ventricular assist device (HIA–VAD) was mainly based on animal tests performed at the University of Groningen. Although various in vitro tests had been performed previously, animal testing resulted in significant improvements of the HIA–VAD with regard to hemodynamics and pump handling. The most important design improvement was a new trileaflet polyurethane valve, which was designed as a blood–pump valve with an emphasis on opening behavior and flow resistance. Excellent hydrodynamic performance and sufficient durability of this new valve were confirmed by various in vitro tests. Further design and manufacturing improvements resulted in a completely transparent pump, which can be easily deaired and optically controlled. Final pump design was evaluated during subsequent animal tests, and the results are very promising in view of an efficient cardiac support system. Key Words: Ventricular assist devices–Development–Design–In vitro test–FEM analysis.