Simulation of motor current waveform as an index for aortic valve open-close condition during ventricular support

Monitoring of aortic valve (AV) opening and closure during heart pump support by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is crucial in preventing adverse events such as thrombus formation near the AV. In preventing adverse events such as thrombus formation near the AV. In this paper, simulations of LVAD motor current waveform were undertaken to evaluate its suitability for ascertaining aortic valve status. A two-dimensional fluid-structure interaction finite-element model is presented to predict AV closure during LVAD outflow, useful in the development of a pump speed controller.