Robust control of LVAD based on the sub-regional modeling of the heart

Abstract. Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) have received renewed interest as a bridge-to-transplantation as well as a bridge-to-recovery device. Ironically, reports of malfunction and complications have hindered the growth of this device. In particular, the main concern is LVAD's susceptibility to excessive backlash and suction as a result of ows that are either too low or high, respectively. This study utilizes a wellestablished physiological model of the cardiovascular system as a reliable platform to study a proposed adaptive robust controller for a rotary motor based LVAD which overcomes such shortcomings. Proposed controller performance is evaluated by comparing simulated natural heart model with LVAD assisted diseased heart in various states, extending from 60 to 130 beats per minute (bpm). Simulation results of the proposed LVAD controller show that for heart rate of 75 bpm, systolic and diastolic blood pressures are 112 18 mmHg and 7316 mmHg, respectively. Furthermore, for the light exercise condition of 130 bpm, systolic and diastolic blood pressures increase to 155 19 mmHg and 96 14 mmHg, respectively. These results closely match natural heart clinical measurements, conrming proposed LVAD model and its adaptive robust controller to be a possible solution to current issues confronting the LVAD drives.