System structure and control properties of cardiovascular regulation: Significance for the artificial heart

Abstract

The first goal of implantation of an artificial heart is preservation of life. In spite the many problems involved, a second goal should be kept in mind: The utmost restoration of physiological blood pressure control and of blood volume control, two interacting systems. Technical control systems have to be developed and evaluated using this reference. Physiological blood pressure control takes place on a lower (inner) level and a higher central level. The paper analyses the system structure and the control properties. Automatic (technical) control of the artificial heart is not always regarded as necessary, and if so, put into reality on the inner level. First approaches are on the way to implement both control levels. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.