Adaptive control of left ventricular bypass assist devices

This paper presents a computer-based adaptive control system for left ventricular bypass assist devices consisting of air driven diaphragm pumps. The system provides for 1) synchronization of pumping with ECG signals and 2) control of atrial pressure at desired levels. The system design includes an adaptive control algorithm which is a self-tuning PID-controller based on pole placement. The performance of the system has been demonstrated by in vitro experiments_ on a mock circulatory system. When there is an increase in atrial pressure, the system responds with an increase in stroke volume. Following major changes in the circulatory system, the control algorithm retunes itself and restores the system to the desired state.