Engineering Perspectives for Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

Abstract

The design and development of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices involves interaction with the native circulation and engineering fundamentals such as converting electrical energy to hydraulic energy and stabilization by negative feedback. Pump type determines output characteristics, and among continuous flow pumps, the relationships between pressure head and motor power and flow rate offer clinical insight, such as sensorless flow estimation and ventricular suction detection. Pump and equipment design considerations affect efficiency and hemocompatibility; development practices enable transferring such medical devices to patients.