Simulation of Atrial Wall Suction in a Continuous Flow Total Artificial Heart Model

An existing mathematical model of the cardiovascular system was modified by replacing the ventricles of the natural heart with two rotary blood pumps to investigate the problem of atrial wall suction in a continuous flow total artificial heart system and provide preliminary data for the implementation of an anti-suction control algorithm with quicker response. The responses of left atrial pressure to changes in right pump output were investigated through computer simulations using the modified model. The results were then compared with actual data from a prior acute animal experiment with a healthy mature goat performed to obtain data on pulmonary circulation dynamics and to determine the conditions that lead to atrial wall suction. The simulation results showed significant agreement with the animal experiment data with regards to left atrial pressure response to changes in right pump speed. Atrial wall suction was also successfully simulated using this model