Microcomputer based automatic controls for the artificial heart

To imitate the effects of both neural and intrinsic control mechanisms of the natural heart, a microprocessor based control system is being developed to dynamically adjust the cardiac output of a total artificial heart. The control system consists of two units: 1) the P-wave controller and 2) the drive-line pressure controller. The system receives the P-wave signal, stroke volume of the previous cycle and systemic pressures as measured variables and determines the heart rate, systolic and diastolic time intervals, pneumatic drive pressures and vacuums.