Correlation between Myocardial Function and Electric Current Pulsatility of the Sputnik Left Ventricular Assist Device: In-Vitro Study

This study assesses the electric current parameters and reports on the analysis of the associated degree of myocardial function during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. An assumption is made that there is a correlation between cardiac output and the pulsatility index of the pump electric current. The experimental study is carried out using the ViVitro Pulse Duplicator System with Sputnik LVAD connected. Cardiac output and cardiac power output are used as a measure of myocardial function. Different heart rates (59, 73, 86 bpm) and pump speeds (7600-8400 rpm in 200 rpm steps) are investigated. In our methodology, ventricular stroke volumes in the range of 30-80 mL for each heart rate at a certain pump speed were used to simulate different levels of contractility. The correlation of the two measures of myocardial function and proposed pulsatility index was confirmed using different correlation coefficients (values >= 0.91). Linear and quadratic models for cardiac output and cardiac power output versus pulsatility index were obtained using regression analysis of measured data. Coefficients of determination for CO and CPO models were in the ranges of 0.914-0.982 and 0.817-0.993, respectively. Study findings suggest that appropriate interpretation of parameters could potentially serve as a valuable clinical tool to assess myocardial therapy using LVAD infrastructure.