A new Fuzzy Controlled extracorporeal circulation system. first results of an in-vitro investigation

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) systems are routinely used during different procedures in cardiac surgery. The ECC used in this experiment was designed to ensure organ perfusion in an emergency situation. While the patient suffers from cardiogenic shock the novel semi-automated-priming extracorporeal circulatory support system (Lifebridge B2T) enables stabilization in or transportation to a clinic. The focus of this research is the development of an adaptive and robust control system that regulates perfusion based on online data that reflects the current hemodynamic situation of the patient. Using a hydraulic blood circuit model the Fuzzy Controller was tested with a set of four different scenarios: low-, high pressure, with and without simulation of a beating heart. The result showed a good response regulating the centrifugal pump speed of the ECC in such manner that the desired pressure of 70 mmHg was reached after x sec.