Left atrial assist device function at various heart rates using a mock circulation loop

We are developing a new left atrial assist device (LAAD) for patients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study aimed to assess the hemodynamic effects of the LAAD under both normal heart conditions and various diastolic heart failure (DHF) conditions using a mock circulatory loop. A continuous-flow pump that simulates LAAD, was placed between the left atrial (LA) reservoir and a pneumatic ventricle that simulated a native left ventricle on a pulsatile mock loop. Normal heart (NH) and mild, moderate, and severe DHF conditions were simulated by adjusting the diastolic drive pressures of the pneumatic ventricle. With the LAAD running at 3200 rpm, data were collected at 60, 80, and 120 bpm of the pneumatic ventricle. Cardiac output (CO), mean aortic pressure (AoP), and mean LA pressure (LAP) were compared to evaluate the LAAD performance. With LAAD support, the CO and AoP rose to a sufficient level at all heart rates and DHF conditions (CO; 3.4–3.8 L/min, AoP; 90–105 mm Hg). Each difference in the CO and the AoP among various heart rates was minuscule compared with non-pump support. The LAP decreased from 21–23 to 17–19 mm Hg in all DHF conditions (difference not significant). Furthermore, hemodynamic parameters improved for all DHF conditions, independent of heart rate. The LAAD can provide adequate flow to maintain the circulation status at various heart rates in an in vitro mock circulatory loop.