Assisted Circulation Controlled by Electronic Computation

Electronic digital and analog computer techniques have recently been utilized in a unique mathematical model design approach for a myocardial augmentation system. This system incorporates solid-state circuitry in a special purpose computer design for conversion of physiological input data to pump actuator commands which precisely withdraw arterial blood prior to and during systole and subsequently replace the same volume at a time following the closure of the aortic valve. The resultant computer-automated pump has been demonstrated to significantly reduce aortic pressure during the heart systolic phase and to subsequently provide adequate perfusion pressure during the early cardiac diastolic phase. A description of this system and typical clinical application is discussed as well as laboratory results.