In Vitro Assessment of the Apico Aortic Blood Pump: Anatomical Positioning, Hydrodynamic Performance, Hemolysis Studies, and Analysis in a Hybrid Cardiovascular Simulator

Abstract

The Apico Aortic Blood Pump (AABP) is a centrifugal continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with ceramic bearings. The device is in the initial development phase and is being designed to be attached directly to the left ventricular apex by introducing an inlet cannula. This paper reports results from in vitro experiments. In order to evaluate implantation procedures and device dimensioning, in vitro experiments included an anatomic positioning study for the analysis of surgical implantation procedure and device dimensions and positioning that was performed using the body of a pig. The results revealed no damage caused by the device, and the surgical implantation procedure was considered feasible. Hydrodynamic performance curves were obtained to verify the applicability of the device as an LVAD, showing adequate performance. Mechanical blood trauma was analyzed through 6-h hemolysis tests, with total pressure head of 100 mm Hg and flow of 5 L/min. Mean normalized index of hemolysis was 0.009 g/100 L (±0.002 g/100 L). Studies using a hybrid cardiovascular simulator were conducted for three types of circulatory conditions: normal healthy conditions, concentric hypertrophic heart failure (CHHF), and CHHF with AABP assistance. Analysis of cardiovascular parameters under those three conditions demonstrated that when the AABP was assisting the system, parameters under CHHF conditions went back to normal healthy values, indicating the AABP's effectiveness as CHHF therapy. Our preliminary results indicate that it is feasible to use the AABP as a LVAD. The next steps include long-term in vivo experiments.

In vitro evaluation of multi‐objective physiological control of the centrifugal blood pump

“…This LVAD was designed to be attached directly to the left ventricular apex and connected to the aorta through an outlet cannula. 30 Centrifugal blood pumps allow: operation at lower speed motor (approximately 2000 rpm) than axial pumps (approximately 10 000 rpm); lower rates of hemolysis, that is, less damage to blood elements; anatomically compatible dimensions and reach the estimated service life of more than 2 years of mechanical support, as bridge to transplant. Measured hemolysis mean normalized index in the AABP was 0.009 g/100 L (±0.002 g/100 L).…”

“…Measured hemolysis mean normalized index in the AABP was 0.009 g/100 L (±0.002 g/100 L). [30][31][32] Figure 1 shows the AABP's hydrodynamic performance. Figure 2 shows the AABP's electrical performance.…”

“…AABP was evaluated in in vitro tests, showing satisfactory results for circulatory assistance. 30 AABP is composed of continuous-flow centrifugal blood pump, brushless direct current motor (BLDC-pump actuator) that electromagnetically couples with the pump rotor, electronic controller to drive BLDC motor, and a battery system or electrical source (10 W, approximately). A future step of this project includes multiple acute and chronic tests in vivo.…”

Apical aortic blood pump preclinical assessment for long‐term use: Durability test and stator topology to reduce wear in the bearing system

“…The initial concept of AABP development has been included several studies. In 2012, Silva et al 1,2 presented AABP's concept validation through in vitro tests including impeller geometry and hydrodynamic performance optimization, hemolysis assessment, anatomical positioning, and analysis in a cardiovascular simulator. Those studies indicated a satisfactory device performance for its use as a LVAD.…”

A strategy for designing of customized electromechanical actuators of blood pumps

“…The assembled dynamometer measured torque and mechanical power to validate numerical simulations and analytical calculation. [25][26][27][28][29] Figure 7 shows the experimental setup.…”