Modeling, characterization and test of a pediatric ventricular assist device

Abstract

This paper presents a 0D model for the pulsatile pediatric Ventricular Assist Device (pVAD), as well as its characterization and test results obtained by using an experimental hydraulic system that provides operational conditions close to the physiological conditions observed in pediatric patients. The measurements of the physical quantities used in characterization of the pVAD have been obtained by using the LabVIEW platform. The air chamber pressure signal is used to model the pneumatic actuation system behaviour, whereas the pressure-volume relationship inside the blood chamber is applied to model the pVAD compliance. The set of test and validation results demonstrated the correctness of the proposed model.