Unlocking the box: basic requirements for an ideal ventricular assist device controller. (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Medvedev, Alexander L.; Karimov, Jamshid H.; Kuban, Barry D.; Horvath, David J.; Moazami, Nader; Fukamachi, Kiyotaka
• Is Part Of: Expert review of medical devices. Volume 14:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 400
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Electronic controller -- electric power supplies -- ventricular assist devices -- heart failure -- mechanical circulatory system -- Pumps, heart-assist; Medical instruments and apparatus -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2017.1318059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-4440

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : A modern ventricular assist device (VAD) system comprises an implantable rotary blood pump and external components located outside the patient's body: a wearable controller connected to the pump via a percutaneous cable, wearable rechargeable batteries, battery charger, alternating- and direct-current power supplies, and a hospital device to control and monitor the system. If the blood pump is the 'heart' of a VAD system, the controller is its 'brain.' The controller drives the pump's electrical motor; varies the pump speed or flow based on user commands or feedback signals; collects, processes, and stores data; performs self-diagnostics; transmits to and receives data from other system components, i.e., hospital monitor and batteries; and provides various types of user interface – audible, visual, and tactile. Areas covered : Here we describe the essential functions and basic design of the VAD external controller and give our views on the future of this technology. Expert commentary : Controllers for VAD systems are crucial to their successful operation. The current clinically available system comprises an external power supply and patient-friendly controller unit. Future controller solutions may enable remote hospital monitoring, more intuitive system interface, and the potential to use a single controller to automatically control a biventricular assist device configuration.