Beat-to-beat prediction of left ventricular output during left ventricular bypass pumping

In order to estimate left-ventricular output from the pulse-pressure and pressure-flow relationship during left-ventricular-assist-device (LVAD) pumping, three methods were compared. The first method is based on the aortic compliance, while the second and third methods are based on the peripheral vascular resistance and the aortic impedance, respectively. Prior to clinical application, these methods were evaluated in a mock circulatory loop. The in vitro study revealed that in comparison to the electromagnetic flowmetering the second and third methods yielded higher correlation coefficients than the first method, indicating that they are more suitable for practical application during LVAD pumping.<>