Feedback control design for an elastance-based mock circulatory system

A state-feedback controller was designed to mimic the Starling response of the heart in a mock circulatory system (MCS). Reference volume trajectory of the mock ventricle was determined by the maximum ventricular elastance (E/sub max/), end-systolic ventricular pressure, and left atrial pressure. The controller drives a voice coil actuator (VCA) to follow the reference volume, and thus generates the desired chamber pressure, by using position and speed feedbacks. The nonlinear load applied to the VCA was compensated for by using the chamber pressure measurement to improve the controller response. The controller was tested in computer simulation by changing the load conditions and E/sub max/ of the MCS. The MCS along with the controller was able to reproduce the human heart function from healthy to sick conditions. This control algorithm is to be implemented in a digital signal processor to control the MCS for left ventricular assist device testing.